5 of the best boat trips to explore the Suffolk coast

Across the county there are many companies that offer boat trips and charters, allowing you to explore our beautiful county. 

And with the forecasts showing clear skies with no strong winds, what better time to take in the sights of Suffolk? 

1. Orwell Lady River Cruises, Ipswich

The Orwell Lady offers a range of tours from Ipswich (Image: Lucy Taylor) Starting in the centre of Ipswich, you will be taken along the River Orwell and experience the changing scenery along its banks, from the bustle of the town to the tranquil countryside before reaching the Port of Felixstowe. 

There are different length tours that you can take aboard the Orwell Lady, ranging from a one hour tour, which will take you to the Orwell Bridge. 

The two-hour tour will take you to Pin Mill, with the three hour option taking you to Felixstowe.

The boat can also be chartered for private hire. 

2. Coastal Voyager, Southwold 

The tours can range from gentle river cruises to an adrenaline rush (Image: Newsquest) Starting in Southwold, the Coastal Voyager offers very different trips, with one being a pure adrenaline rush and the other being a gently cruise to admire the views.

Ranging from thirty minutes to three hours, there is something for everyone. The quick sea blasts contrast to the gentle river trips with a stop for dinner. 

There is also an option for a trip to seal watching at Scroby Sands. As well as the standard packages they also offer bespoke trips. 

3. Jet Adventures, Lowestoft 

Similarly to the Coastal Voyager in Southwold, Jet Adventures also offers a range of tours from seal watching to exploring Lowestoft harbour. 

Because the boats use jets instead of propellers for propulsion they are safer for the wildlife and swimmers, with another benefit being manoeuvrability.

Despite starting in 2020, the business has won a number of awards for their tours, as well as for helping the environment. 

4. Deben Cruises, Deben 

The MV Jahan has been delivering tours for over 40 years (Image: Waldringfield Boatyard) For over 40 years the MV Jahan has been giving tours along the River Deben, one of the most scenic and picturesque areas on the east coast.

With space for 48 passengers the all weather boat offers two hour tours, these can booked as a group with a minimum 24 people needed to charter the boat.

They also offer regular tours with tickets available on their website, and the opportunity to see some of the rarest birds in the region.

5. River Cruise Restaurants, Orford and Ipswich

The Allen Gardiner is one of the boats available (Image: Newsquest) With two boats to choose from River Cruise Restaurants offers a unique dining experience while you explore the River Orwell and the Rivers Alde and Ore. 

Both the Allen Gardiner and Lady Florence offer cruises for breakfast, lunch, supper and dinner.

Both boats have fires for the winter and open spaces for the warmer weather, as well as fully stocked bars.