Family Boating Holidays On The Norfolk Broads

Boating Trust & Safety — what we actually do

We meet the Broads Authority hire-boat licensing requirements, including holding a current British Marine Quality Accredited Boatyard (QAB) certificate (details available on request).

What QAB means for you

QAB accreditation covers safety, legal compliance, customer service and the quality of the hire-boat handover — so you know what “good” looks like before you book.

First time? You’ll get a proper handover and time on the water before you set off.

Your handover includes an in-water trial so you can practise steering and mooring before you leave.

The fun stuff — what your family will actually do

• Paddleboards, canoes & rowing dinghies — bring your own or hire locally
• Fishing — brilliant on the Broads; remember an Environment Agency rod licence and the river close season (15 Mar–15 Jun)
• Wildlife & National Trust type days out — big skies, kingfishers, marsh harriers and easy moorings near nature trails
• Ice-cream boats — in season you might even spot an ice-cream boat — give a wave and see if you get lucky
• Evenings on deck — star-gazing, card games and riverside pubs

If you’re new, we’ll help you start gently on the northern rivers — tides and currents are stronger as you get closer to Great Yarmouth/Breydon, we suggest staying north of Acle Bridge for your first holiday unless you’ve got an RYA cert in your back pocket.

Practical holiday boating comfort — not camping

All our holiday cruisers have onboard heating, plus a toilet and shower — so you’re not “camping on water” unless you want to be. Cabins are proper beds, kitchens are functional and there’s comfy inside seating for wet days.

Tech, pets & small print (the bits that matter)

• Boosted onboard Wi-Fi is available on all our Elite Fleet boats and many others (signal depends on network coverage and may not be continuous). It’s great for browsing and streaming, not for guaranteed business calls
• Pets: Up to 3 pets are welcome on all of our boats — your booking terms will confirm the pet limit for your chosen boat and any charges or offers. We can fit dog lifejackets at reception (refundable deposit applies)
• Fuel: Fuel is paid as a deposit up front and then worked out from actual use when you return — if you use less than the deposit, we refund the difference; if you use more, you pay the extra. Most customers receive a refund
• Moorings: There’s a big network of 24-hour moorings, village staithes and pub moorings — some are free, some charge, and popular spots fill up in peak weeks. We’ll plan your route so you know where to expect fees and busier stops

Quick fleet note

We run family-friendly cruisers (4–8+ berths) and an Elite Fleet for families who want a little extra comfort and kit. Choose a boat with dual steering, bow-thruster or extra deck space if you have paddles, bikes or pets.

See our Elite Fleet of Luxury Boats

Checkout all our family boats & prices shown below