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 a GoBoat?

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!)

GoBoat Check-in: What to expect

From start to finish, the GoBoat London staff get a Gold star for their friendly service and demonstrated competence. I’ll focus on GoBoat Paddington as this was the location I opted for.

London Paddington: GoBoat is based in Merchant’s Square at their Paddington location. When you arrive, you will be asked to check in at the booth. Please don’t let its cuteness go to waste. It obviously doubles as an artsy photo backdrop.

15 minutes before your scheduled push-off, a land-based GoBoat 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

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.

Tips: Do not do this when you are on GoBoat

I’d recommend not bringing light disposables such as paper cups, plates or tissues (as we did) as the wind can pick up at a moment’s notice.

GoBoat has a few rules that they’ll share before you head out.

The first key alcohol policy: the captain must not consume.

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 (sorry, Gin Lovers and Whiskey Enthusiasts, but spirits are not allowed.)

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.

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!

For alternative experiences in London, also read: Three Mills Island and Time Machines on Water Wheels

GoBoat London Paddington: My 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 languidly float past, their movement unfettered by our presence. They seem to understand that we are the ones encroaching on their turf and perhaps expect that the visitors be the first ones to avert direction, if needed.

Sunday evenings offer the perfect opportunity to observe London in a rare moment of unhurried movement.

Friendly by-standers wave and greet, “Hello!”

Kids along the canal banks appear absolutely thrilled by the sight of us slowly motoring our way past.

Folks walking along the path look curiously as the small boat of giggly ladies touting glasses of wine and joyful expressions approaches (that would be us).

One couple stops and stares from a bridge above. Was that a wistful expression that briefly washed over her face? I sure hope he takes her out on a romantic canal ride next weekend.

Everyone is in good spirits.

Two ladies enjoying tea in a restaurant above the canal give our designated captain a friendly salute.

Beneath them we start to make out the shape of The Tunnel (better known as Maida Hill Tunnel). It certainly 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.

Some very long minutes later we exit The Tunnel, glad to be back out. We prefer our ride done sunny-side up.

We are afforded a rare look at grand properties that are obscured from pedestrian’s view on the regular street level.

A couple of guys fishing come into view. It appears that one has somehow managed to snag his line in a tree above. You’ve got your work cut out for you, Sir!

All the while, other GoBoat groups go by. Of course, we exchange friendly smiles and waves. There are several families, and a couple lively groups that are clearly either a ladies day out, or lads outing. 

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.