Frequent Questions

Please find below answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to contact us.

Dapdune Wharf is a National Trust property. Entry is free of charge though if you are not currently a member of National Trust there are parking charges for non-members and pay-by-phone machines to pay by card.

We are lucky enough to operate from the historic Dapdune Wharf in the centre of Guildford. To find us please use postcode GU1 4RR. Our boats run from the slipway, once you have parked please follow the signage to find us.

Where possible we have carefully selected our boats to be suitable in all weathers - we do operate in England after all!

The self drive launches have full length canopies to keep you covered and dry in the event of a shower.
Our pedal boats by their nature are uncovered - we still operate in light rain and recommend you bring suitable clothing. In the event of heavy weather or if it is not deemed safe for you to go out we will of course aim to rebook or offer a refund.

Please note all our operations are subject to river and weather conditions - if we are forced to cancel your booking on safety grounds we will rebook or fully refund your trip.

Our modern self drive fleet have been specially selected to be as simple and safe to operate as possible. No previous experience or licence is required, we'll give you a full briefing on how the boat works and the safety equipment onboard before you go.

All boats must have a designated skipper over the age of 21 who will be responsible for the boat and passengers while you are out. A security deposit in the form of card details will be required and a waiver agreed to at the time of booking to ensure that you are fully insured.

We have a full range of buoyancy aids available on site. These are compulsory for children aged 12 or under and non-swimmers on all boats.

Suitably sized buoyancy aids will be provided for all other passengers upon request.

Please note it is the parents responsibility to ensure that buoyancy aids are worn by children for the full duration of your trip.

We welcome dogs aboard our self drive boats as long as the dog is happy! Please ensure they are clean when boarding as any additional cleaning required would be chargeable from your deposit.

Due to the exposed mechanics unfortunately the Pedal Powered boat is not suitable for dogs.

Comfortable outdoor clothing is recommended for all vessels.

The river is an exposed environment and it can often feel cooler than other areas on any given day - it is advisable to bring an extra layer or two to stay warm, particularly if there is a breeze.

Any payment received will be refunded providing 2 weeks written notice of cancellation be given by the Customer.

The Customer will be liable for any balance of the Boat Hire and the cost of any goods or services reserved on the Customers behalf should cancellation, for any reason whatsoever, take place during the 2 weeks prior to the date reserved unless the vessel and all services reserved are re-booked.

In the event that it is necessary for The Company to cancel the booking a full refund or rebooking will be given.

In the near future we would love to offer a wheelchair accessible boat though some infrastructure improvements are needed before we are able to do so.

At present we are able to offer the following advice, if you have any further queries please do contact us and we'll be happy to help.

  • Self drive electric launches require two (large) steps down in to the boat which will lean a little as weight is applied.
  • The Pedal Boat requires good mobility to be able to safely board as the smaller size means it will move more as weight is applied. These boats would not be recommended for those with limited mobility.