Bagheera

From Holland, to Lucerne, to Bristol

Originally named Hertenstein, this passenger vessel was constructed in 1973 by Molenaars Shipyard in Zaandam, Netherlands. Shortly after her launch, Hertenstein traveled to Lake Lucerne, in central Switzerland, where she began her working life.

Then, in 1988, Hertenstein made her way to Antwerp through the European inland waterway system. While in Antwerp, the vessel was repurposed to carry passengers to a nearby zoo, and, as a result, was renamed Bagheera, after the black panther from The Jungle Book.

In 2002, Bristol Packet bought Bagheera, and she arrived in Bristol on the back of a truck after journeying through the Belgium and French canal systems. Bagheera was quickly put to work as the fourth member of Bristol Packet’s fleet and became their second vessel with licensed passage through the Avon Gorge towards the Bristol Channel.

      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.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   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.

Read all our reviews

Book your boat trip today

See all Public Trips

Bagheera

From Holland, to Lucerne, to Bristol

Book your boat trip today

QUICK LINKS

T&Cs