The summer is here and what better way of enjoying the sunshine than with a boat trip. While most of us wait until we're on holiday to do this, with so many coastal areas and rivers in Wales there are plenty of opportunities for us to take to the water whenever we have some spare time.
So whether you love the thrill of riding the waves or prefer a more leisurely cruise along the river, here are some places where you can hire a boat for a day out with your family and friends that you'll always remember. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
READ MORE: Summer 2022 in Wales: 40 things to do with the family during the holiday
1. Seawake Anglesey Boat Trips
Explore the beautiful coastline of Anglesey and the Menai Straits on one of these powerboat trips. Charter one of the speed boats for your own tailor-made cruise, whether that's for friends, family, work colleagues, or even a wedding party.
You can decide with the skipper where you want to go - from a day on a secluded beach or exploring an area of the coastline you've never seen before. They can take a maximum of 12 people on each boat and there's a small fleet to enable even larger groups to share the experience.
Different sized boats and different tours vary in cost with trips starting from £65 per person. You can book your trip here.
2. Gower Coast Adventures
Gower Coast Adventures has been running wildlife boat trips along the Gower Coast for over 13 years and you can hire the 12-capacity boat with an experienced skipper and crew for a trip tailored to your needs.
One of the most popular ready-made tours is the two-hour trip from Oxwich to Worms Head which offers the most impressive views of Gower and the best opportunities for spotting wildlife which includes seals, dolphins, and sea birds.
Tours cost £54 for adults and £30 for children. You can book the whole boat for up to 12 passengers for £540. You can book here.
3. Aquabus
Available to hire from Aquabus is the hospitality boat Seren-y-Bae which suits all needs from birthday to hen parties to corporate events. The Seren-y-Bae seats up to 57 people and the trip offers great views of Cardiff Bay and rivers Taff and Ely.
The panoramic windows all around the boat mean no one has to miss out on the fab view. Booking times are very flexible so you can enjoy your trip whenever you feel like it. Book your tickets here.
4. Beacon Park Boats
There are two different electric boats for hire - an eight-seater and a six-seater - for a day on the canal in the Brecon Beacons. The environmentally-friendly boats have very quiet engines and are simple to drive. No experience is necessary as those hiring the boats will be given tuition before setting off.
Dogs are also welcome on board and you can also hire a cycle boat, canoe, or paddle boards. Prices start at £90 for the eight-seater and £70 for the six-seater. You can book your tickets here.
5. Swansea Community Boat - Copper Jack
The Swansea Community Boat 'Copper Jack' will take you on a trip up the historic River Tawe - and it is available for private hire.
The trip includes an audio-visual presentation pointing out the remains of 'Copperopolis', the industrial heart of industrial Swansea which was once the centre of worldwide copper production.
There is also ample opportunity to view the rich variety of wildlife along the riverbank as you pass slowly by. Refreshments and snacks are available on the trip and the boat is also licenced to sell alcohol. You can book your tickets here.
6. RibRide Adventure Boat Tours
Another powerboat company based in north Wales, RibRide Adventure Boats Tours caters to individuals or groups of any age from four years old. Your private charter can be as short and sweet as an hour-long cruise, taking you to your own places in your own time.
Those with a head for adventure can circumnavigate the isle of Anglesey, explore caves and headlands, get up close and personal with the sea wildlife, and zip across the open sea at a pace. Not for the faint-hearted - and pack your waterproofs too! Prices start at £30 for adults. Book your ticket here.
7. Cambrian Cruisers
Enjoy a boating holiday on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Cambrian Cruisers has a selection of canal boats for hire so you can enjoy a tranquil holiday on the waterways.
A team member will join you for a short cruise before you set off properly to show you the ropes, although there is 24-hour assistance if needed. You can book here.
8. Llangollen Wharf
Operating along the gorgeous Shropshire Union Canal Llangollen Branch is the boat hire company Llangollen Wharf. You can hire a self-drive narrowboat and enjoy the stunning views of the canal.
The narrowboats can hold up to ten people and has heating, hot and cold water, and a flushing toilet. Prices start at £140 per day to hire the boat. Book your tickets here.
9. Red Line Boats
Red Line Boats, available from Goytre Wharf in the Brecon Beacons, have boats available to hire for the day. You can hire the boats for up to six hours and the different boats sit between four and 12 people.
The boats are self-drive and tuition about how to use the boat is included in the price. One of the routes you can take includes a pitstop at a canal-side pub, The Star Inn. Book here.
10. Tenby Boat Trips
Operating different types of vessels you can choose between the Seal Safari, which can carry up to 20 passengers, the Island Ranger, which has three viewing decks, and Rib Rides, which holds up to 12 passengers from the picturesque seaside town of Tenby. You can hire out the Rib Ride for one hour for a private charter, costing £220. You can book here.
11. SeaMor
If you and the family fancy a spot of dolphin-watching then you can hire a motorboat that will take you around Cardigan Bay to spot dolphins, swim, and snorkel. You can pack your own picnic or ask the company to rustle something up for you.
And you can choose your own itinerary so you might want to include a lunch break on Llangrannog Beach or a stop-off at the Harbour Master in Aberaeron at sunset for a glass of wine. This boat hire costs £300 for a half day and £600 for a full day. Book your tickets here.
12. Pembrokeshire Cruising
Pembrokeshire Cruising's base at Neyland Yacht Haven is the doorway to some of the finest cruising grounds in the UK. This one is for those who are already skilled at yachting or you can learn to sail with Pembrokeshire Cruising.
Sharpen your sailing skills within the Haven's 24 miles of sheltered waters extending from the upper reaches of the Cleddau Estuary, rich in history and estuary bird life, to St Anne's Head where the waterway meets the Atlantic Ocean.
For those wishing to cruise further afield, Pembrokeshire is an ideal starting point to explore Lundy Island, Padstow and the Scilly Isles, or the unspoiled coastline of Southern Ireland. Book here.
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