Five ideas for getting on the water in Portsmouth this summer - boat trips in the Solent

There are plenty of opportunities to explore Portsmouth from the sea this summer.

Tour Portsmouth Harbour

Solent Cruises – the Portsmouth Harbour Tour. This tour, perfect for those interested in the Royal Navy, allows passengers to cruise around the naval base to view both retired and current warships. The tour lasts around 50 minutes, and sails daily from Gunwharf Quays and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The cruises are normally hourly between 11am and 4pm, costing £15 for adults, £13 seniors, and £10 for children aged from five to 14. Those aged four and under go free, and there are also family and annual passes to be purchased.

To find out more see here https://www.solentcruises.co.uk/boat-trips/

A trip back in time

Portsmouth Historic Quarter is holding the ‘Boathouse 4 Event’ this July, which will provide boat trips and experiences. You will not only see a close-up sighting of their historic vessels on the pontoon but be able experience two of them first-hand.

The High Speed Launch 102 was built in 1936, and when on this boat’s trip you will accelerate up to 46 miles per hour for £65 per person. The PHQ is also providing tours around the harbour on the F8, which are free for under-16s.

This family friendly journey takes a slower pace of around 13 miles per hour, and the 30 minutes trip on this boat costs £12 for an adult. This event will take place on July 11 and 12, however visits to the harbour on the F8 will remain free for under-16s until the end of August.

To find out more, click here.

Start spotting wildlife

Hayling Boat Trips provides journeys which allow partakers to travel on a natural harbour sheltered from the open sea. The harbour waters create a natural border between Hayling Island and the Sussex coast, and within this harbour a broad range of wildlife can be found.

Due to the protection from the open sea, which is provided by the harbour, it creates an ideal location for seals to make a home. After departing from Northney Marina, these seal watching tours are an hour and a half long, and in this time, observers can watch them relaxing in their home environment. This costs £29.50 for adults, £27.50 for OAPs, £16 for under-sixteens and is free of charge for children under three.

To find out more, click this link

Travel by steam

As well as the ordinary range of journeys and experiences run throughout the summer, during July the Steamship Shieldhall has added two additional sailings to her programme. On July 18, the Jazz cruise will see Chris Dean, musician and leader of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, perform on board with his quartet. This cruise will enjoy live jazz alongside the views of Southampton water and the Solent. It will take place between 3.30pm and 7pm and will cost £58 for an adult ticket (with child and family tickets available).

On July 25, guests will be able to watch the return of the Clipper Race to Portsmouth after 11 months at sea. The ship will provide a unique vantage of one of the hardest endurance challenges’ emotional conclusion. Furthermore, following the end of the Clipper Race, guests will be able to enjoy the first day of the high-speed racing off Portsmouth. The cruise taking place on July 25 will cost £75 for an adult ticket, as well as the opportunity to buy children and family tickets.

To find out more, click this link: https://ss-shieldhall.co.uk/

Go out with Wetwheels

Wetwheels provides unique opportunities for disabled or disadvantaged people of all ages to enjoy a trip on the water. In the Solent, the organization runs a variety of different trips, including the ‘Captain’s Classic.’

This trip allows bookings for either half days or full days, and during this period of time, those on the boats will be able to experience a large number of interesting and exciting sites in Portsmouth Harbour.

The high-speed voyage in the Solent allows participants to take the helm and enjoy the thrills of driving. Once the boating expedition has ended, the trip ends with the option of free entry to the Spinnaker Tower.

To find out more, see here.