Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if its raining when I have booked to go punting?

Option 1 - If the rain is not too heavy we will still go, we have umbrellas and blankets on the boat.
Option 2 - For 'private tours' we will offer the event organiser a voucher to return by prior arrangement within 6 months of the original departure date.

• Will I get a refund if I cancel?

The following 2 options are available if you cancel at least 72 hours in advance (for bookings cancelled less than 72 hours in advance no refund is guaranteed):

Option 1 - You may consider your original booking as a voucher and return with it by prior arrangement within 6 months.
Option 2 - We can refund 70% of the value on Private Tours but nothing on E-Tickets (which are valid for the whole season).

• Can we just turn up or should we book in advance?

For shared and private tours you can just turn up but will pay higher prices as illustrated on the 'shared tour tickets' and 'private tour tickets' pages of the website. The website prices are heavily discounted and you are guaranteed a specific time if you book a private boat in advance. Tours such as birthday, wine tasting and picnics are only available through advance booking.

• Will I receive a ticket?

You will not receive a ticket per se. Please print off the PayPal confirmation and bring it with you as proof of purchase. 

• Can I book over the phone?

You can make all of the arrangements over the phone but must pay on the website through PayPal. For larger bookings cheques and bank transfers are accepted. 

• Can we bring our own food and drinks?

You are very welcome to bring your own food and drinks on private chauffeured tours. If booking a seat on a shared tour please be considerate of those around you when consuming any refreshments.

• Can you organise food and drinks for us?

For private chauffeured tours we can provide lovely picnics from the Cambridge Cheese Company and the Cambridge Wine Merchants can accommodate all of your refreshment needs. We can also organise afternoon tea and vintage picnics on the riverside. 

• Our tour is a special occasion, can we decorate our boat?

We can supply a bouquet of 5 helium balloons o decorate your boat. We have balloons for a variety of occasions including birthdays and hen parties. We have no objection to you decorating your boat with balloons/flowers etc but you must arrange this before the day of your tour so we can make sure the boat is available for you a little earlier and you will have to do the decoration yourself. Boat decorations may prove to be difficult on peak season weekends.

• I have young children is it safe?

Punting is an incredibly safe activity. That being said we usually advise parents/carers with young children to position the children in the middle of the punts and make sure they are not putting their hands on or over the edge of the punt. The punts are very stable and will not tip over.

• Do you provide life jackets?

Punting is extremely safe but we do have a limited supply of children’s life jackets available. If you think you will require a life jacket please let us know in advance.

• What can we do with our child's pram/stroller?

You are welcome leave it at our punt station. Alternatively there is usually space for you to fold it up and take it on the boat with you.

• What is the minimum age to go punting?

There is no minimum age but under 15’s must be accompanied by an adult.

• Is it normal to tip the chauffeur?

This is entirely up to you, if you feel the service you received from your chauffeur warrants a tip please feel free to do so.

• What if I can't get into the boat?

The acid test is to be able to sit on the floor and get up again. If you can do this then you can go punting! Our chauffeurs will be there with a helping hand. 

• Do you have disabled access?

We do not have a ramp to the boats but can help people who require assistance onto the boats. Please call ahead of time to discuss your requirements. 

• Do we have to do the return trip or can we just go one way?

One way tours private tours are available (approx 25 minutes) but the price remains the same as a return trip as the boat still has to return.

• Do you offer self hire?

Unfortunately at this time we don’t.

• Can we try punting ourselves?

Time allowing you will be able to try punting yourself if you want to near the end of your tour once the boat is back at Quayside. This is done at your own risk and only available on private chauffeured tours.

• Do you offer tours to Grantchester?

We do not offer standard tours to Grantchester but may be able to organise it on request paying for the punt and chauffeur by the hour.

• When is the latest I can book?

You can book up to 24 hours before you would like to go as long as you have cleared the time and date with us. We must receive payment to confirm your booking.