GoBoat is an incredibly fun way to explore London on the water. Floating viewpoints offering fresh glimpses into parts of the city that have been unknown to you until now.
I opted to take a GoBoat from their Paddington starting point on an evening in Autumn. From booking to navigating the waters, everything was simple and straightforward. It turned out to be remarkable catch-up time with friends in a distraction-free environment.
Gliding through Little Venice and Regent’s Canal, embracing London in all her autumnal splendour… Yep, this was a great idea.
What is GoBoat?
GoBoat is a self-driving boat for hire for either 1, 2 or 3 hours. It departs from either Canary Wharf, Paddington, Kingston-upon-Thames or Thames Ditton.
How many people can go on GoBoat London?
GoBoat accommodates up to 8 passengers. That includes children – including babies, and dogs. (But you must be over 18 years of age to steer the boat!)
How to check in for GoBoat London
From start to finish, the GoBoat London staff get a Gold star for their friendly service and competence. I’ll focus on the GoBoat Paddington experience as this was the location I opted for.
GoBoat London Paddington
GoBoat London Paddington is based in Merchant’s Square. When you arrive, you will be asked to check in at the booth. Please don’t let its cuteness go to waste. Get a few pics in.
15 minutes before your scheduled push-off, a land-based GoBoat London host will review a map of the canals and little nuances of the route with you, as well as steering techniques.
It is a thorough walkthrough that is delivered clearly. You should have no problems understanding requirements for your excursion.
What to bring on GoBoat London
Packing a small picnic is a must! Set this up so that it has all the makings of a wonderful foodie outing whether that means breakfast bites, afternoon tea, or brunch treats! We opted for an assortment of light finger-foods and beverages. It was the perfect “sunset spread” for our evening canal excursion with GoBoat.
While you are at it, why not add some “fun accessories”? Perhaps get yourself a special party glass for the ride and get ready to toast to the good times ahead!
On the housekeeping side of things, remember to bring a bag for your rubbish disposal as you cruise.
What NOT to do when you are on GoBoat London
I’d recommend not bringing light disposables such as paper cups, plates or tissues as the wind can pick up at a moment’s notice.
GoBoat has a few rules that they’ll share before you head out.
No alcohol on GoBoat Paddington
The first key policy: the captain must not consume alochol.
In fact, since my GoBoat excursion, alcohol is no longer allowed on the Paddington GoBoat service. For crew members in other London locations, GoBoat outlines a limited volume of wine or beer on board.
Sit on the GoBoat, do not stand
You are asked not to stand up on the boat. It is, after all, a small vessel and tipping over while say, attempting a precarious pose for the camera, does not seem terribly difficult to achieve. Nor does it seem terribly desirable. This is not exactly crystal clear Caribbean water.
Drive carefully and return the GoBoat on time
There are friendly staff idling inconspicuously on the water as well. Their presence there appears to be for a two-fold purpose: they are there to assist if the captain runs into any difficulties.
And, they are there to ensure that you follow the rules. For example, a canal-based GoBoat host will likely appear to lend you some encouragement if your boat is pacing behind your scheduled time. I affectionately refer to them as the GoBoat Police.
These are the main items that you should be aware of ahead of your excursion. Speaking of which, why don’t we return to memory lane with GoBoat and me!
My GoBoat London Paddington Experience
It is exactly 4:30pm on Sunday when our little crew pushes off from Paddington Basin.
We tread the water, very slowly at first, getting accustomed to steering the boat along the narrow canal. It is lined with houseboats on either side.
A paddling of ducks float lazily past, totally unbothered by our presence. They probably get that we are the ones encroaching on their turf… Should anyone be the first to swiftly avert – it’ll be us. The visitors on the canal.
Sunday evenings offer the perfect opportunity to observe London in a rare moment of unhurried movement.
Sunday Afternoon Vibes on Regent’s Canal
Folks walking along the path look curiously as the small boat of giggly ladies touting glasses of wine and joyful expressions approaches. Yep, that’d be us.
Kids along the canal banks appear absolutely thrilled by the sight of us slowly motoring our way past in the self-driving GoBoat.
All the while, other groups of London GoBoats go by. Of course, we exchange smiles and waves.
Everyone is in good spirits.
Looking up we make eye contact with two ladies enjoying tea in a restaurant on the bridge. They give a friendly nod from above. Cheers!
Entering Maida Hill Tunnel in GoBoat
Beneath them we start to make out the shape of Maida Hill Tunnel comes into focus. It is impressionable.
Everything is pitch black except for the boat’s headlamp guiding us. We all inexplicably stop chatting and an eerie silence fills the air.
After what seems like 15 minutes (but probably is less than 5) our GoBoat exits Maida Hill Tunnel. We’re glad to be back out. Definitely prefer our ride done sunny-side up.
Hidden London Homes Revealed
One of the most interesting things about taking a GoBoat along Regent’s Canal is that it gives you a rare glimpse of the grand properties that are obscured from pedestrian’s view on the regular street level.
GoBoat Ride in October
Shades of autumn are everywhere. As if she has not gloated enough, Mother Nature produces yet another treat: a rainbow appears in the distance!
We reluctantly start to make our way back. The catchy beats of our music fill the space around us, and the sun starts to dip as the colours of the sky transform.
It’s been the perfect afternoon on Regent’s Canal on GoBoat London.
Discover more from Simone Says GO!
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Excellent article and what a great idea! Sounds like a fantastic way to spend a family afternoon. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Graham! Yes, we passed loads of families who all appeared to be having a great time! I’d 100% recommend.
I’ve lived in London for a couple years and didn’t stumble on them until recently so you are not alone! So glad to hear you plan to include something like this on your next visit – should make for a very special trip memory. Thanks for reading, Fadima.
Wow I didn’t know you can ride along London canals.
Fabulous photos and awesome idea..
Isn’t it such a fun discovery! The pictures speak for themselves. And ditto, I hadn’t realized that there were commercial options like this either.
This looks like such a fun day out! Little Venice is such a beautiful part of London!
I’m right with you, Serena – Little Venice is such a charming part of the city. Perfect location for a little excursion like this!
Hey Simone, the pictures look amazing! I have never been to London (or anywhere in Europe), so the idea that you can rent a boat for a leisurely afternoon is something new to me. Where I am from, we only have luxury yacht rentals I believe! Otherwise, it is one of those touristy boat rides. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks, Ming! The pictures definitely reflect my experience. And hey, those touristy rides might actually be a blast if you got a bunch of friends together and did a little tour run yourselves from Clarke Quay, for instance. Make it an outing! I’d like to visit Singapore and see the Marina Bay laser show from the water one day myself.
Excellent article amiga. Whenever I go back to London -hopefully soon- you must take me there!
Oh, this would be a WONDERFUL outing for us. You’d love it. And if/when you come with the little ones, they’d have the time of their lives, especially when they see all the ducks so close by!
Your photography is beautiful, and what a lovely day you had. Everything seemed perfect. Your little picnic, views, and the face that it was a different thing to do. I’d love to go on one of those boats. By the way, I love your writing. Your word usage is lovely.
Thank you for this immensely kind feedback, Pip. The words flow easily when you’re reminiscing on wonderful moments as this!
It sounds like so much fun and relaxing even. When the borders open up again, I will check it out.
Really relaxing & probably moreso after being so limited in the fun social activities we can partake in this year. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Oooh! GoBoat sounds pretty cool. Technology is at the point where we are starting to automate things and have self-driving capabilities. I love the idea of having some wine during the ride!! I definitely need to give something like this a try someday.
Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com
Thanks, Nancy! It was definitely nice to be able to captain ourselves as the canal is so calm and manageable. Wine, coffee, game of cards…making it whatever your group wants it to be is the sweetest part!
This sounds like a scenic boat ride for a relaxing afternoon. That seemed like a delicious assortment of tapas for a small picnic during the ride. Personally I am not too sure about eating or drinking on a boat ride for fear of making a mess everywhere. I wouldn’t even want to stand up on a small boat as I could lose my balance and fall into the water! Lovely write up, Simone.
Thank you, Mabel. Happy to see the photos translated the beauty of the experience. And safety first, yes! The water on the canal is very calm and the boats go at snail’s pace so thankfully you needn’t worry about any disturbance while seated onboard.
Great share! I could spend my afternoon there everyday.