About Us

Part of Bristol Harbourside
Since 1974

Bristol Packet Boats is a family-run business established in 1974. Our passion for Bristol’s maritime heritage has kept our family business going for two generations of sailors.

The company was originally set up to take passengers on trips around Bristol’s Floating Harbour and onto the Avon, with an old narrowboat and a passenger boat built on the Tyne in 1920. Both boats had been abandoned and lay derelict and unwanted for years. After a great deal of repair, and all kinds of restoration the Board of Trade surveyors passed the boats as sea worthy and granted passenger certificates, we could then legally carry fare-paying passengers.

Bristol Packet - Heritage -TB B Bdge 1977 BUP

More About Our Heritage

Our Historic Boats

All of our boats have a fully licensed bar, WCs and facilities for playing your own music through the onboard PA system. Catering and welcome drinks can be provided by arrangement.

Tower Belle – 1920

The most popular and iconic passenger boat in Bristol. This 100 year old vessel has been lovingly restored to reflect the timeless style of the 1920s.

An open boat with canopy cover and side screens over the aft deck. Maximum capacity 95 passengers.

Bagheera – 1973

Built by Molenaars Shipyard in Zaandam, Holland in 1973. A beautiful glass and aluminium sight seeing boat with all-weather protection, panoramic vision, large sunroof panels and heating.

Comfortable café style seating for 50 passengers.

Flower of Bristol – 1980

Built in Bristol by shipbuilder David Able in 1980, this light and airy all-weather cruiser features an open sun deck, large sliding side windows and heating.

Comfortable undercover seating for 50 passengers

Redshank – 1936

For the authentic narrowboat experience, this brightly decorated traditional canal boat is perfect for a summer celebration.

Bench seating for 45 passengers with a bar at one end and WC at the other.

Hydrogenesis – 2012

Zero emissions electric party boat. Built in Bristol and launched in 2012, Hydrogenesis is the UK’s first hydrogen powered passenger vessel.

A covered boat with large sliding roof panels and comfortable seating for intimate parties of up to 12 passengers.

Greenshank – 1936

A distinctive venue for a private party or work event with a difference.

We have standing room for up to 60 people on our gorgeous sun terrace & space below deck on our historic converted canal boat.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 340 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Per B 
 22 March 2026
 
 
 Verified Nice trip
Easy access from right next to SS Great Britain which you MUST see as well. Good captain/guide.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   CharlieBrys 
 15 March 2026
 
 
 Verified Relaxed and informative
Relaxed and informative. Friendly guide.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Karen J 
 10 November 2025
 
 
 Verified very relaxing
lovely cruise and very informative, just a pity the member of staff (rose) who was at bar talked to her friends the whole trip, they was so loud it was difficult to hear the commentary
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Duncan B. 
 11 October 2025
 
 
 Verified Brilliant!
Brilliant! The trip was so informative and entertaining. A high spot in our stay in Bristol. It is a must do along with the SS Great Britain.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Adrian G 
 10 September 2025
 
 
 Verified Great trip round the harbour
We took a 45 minute trip round the harbour which was relaxing and interesting. The boat (converted canal boat) had a bar and a toilet, and the crew of 2 were excellent at pointing out interesting sites. It was so good we went back and did it again in the afternoon!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   917jaynel 
 18 August 2025
 
 
 Verified Lovely trip
Had a lovely 45 minutes going down the river. Landmarks and history were pointed out along the way. Easy to book and well worth it. Would definitely do it again if we go back to Bristol.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   One Way Ticket… 
 11 August 2025
 
 
 Verified Worth the time and not overpriced.
Enjoyed our 45 min trip George and George both professional and took safety serious, but also fun and informative. Not overpriced so would recommend to others if visiting area.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kirsty 
 9 August 2025
 
 
 Verified Birthday treats
OMG!! Thank you so much Jude and George 👏 what an absolutely awesome 45mins! Came with my Dad and Daughter sooooooo glad we choose this boat! Jude was super informative with a great presence and sense of humour keeping us entertained with witty banter and super fun facts! Can not recommend this highly enough! Again thank you guys for making my Dads birthday so special 💯🇬🇧
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   TravellersOnTheGo 
 4 August 2025
 
 
 Verified Excellent
What a great way to spend 45 minutes on the water in Bristol Harbour. The boat was clean and very well laid out with a bar at the end. We sat and sipped rosé wine as we looked at all the sites around the harbour. The commentary was absolutely spot-on and was extremely interesting. This is really good value and I highly recommend.
  
 
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   Tigi 
 29 June 2025
 
 
 Verified Messing about on the River
A group of 7 of us really enjoyed 2hr our cream tea cruise on the River Avon this afternoon. The commentary was excellent, giving us interesting facts about what we were seeing. We saw our first Gromit from this years trail (outside the Arnolfini) A Heron, Swans, ducks and ducklings, lots of paddle boarders and even swimmers. The cream tea was generous with some of the best scones I've had, cake and unlimited cups of tea which in todays warm weather was very welcome. Special thanks to Ruby who looked after us so well.