Hiring a boat is one of the best ways to experience Dorset’s spectacular coastline, rivers and harbours. Whether you want to cruise around the islands of Poole Harbour, enjoy a peaceful trip along the River Frome at Wareham, explore the River Stour at Christchurch or row along the River Brit at West Bay, there are several excellent locations offering self-drive boat hire.
Most boats can be hired without a boating licence, with operators providing a short safety briefing before departure. During the summer holidays, advance booking is recommended, particularly in Poole where demand is highest.
On this page
- Boat Hire in Poole
- Boat Hire in Wareham
- Boat Hire in Christchurch
- Boat Hire in West Bay
Boat Hire in Poole
Poole Harbour is Dorset’s most popular destination for self-drive boating. As one of the world’s largest natural harbours, its sheltered waters are ideal for beginners and families. From the water you can enjoy views of Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and several of the harbour’s smaller islands.
Red Boat Hire
Location: 4 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QB
Website: https://www.redboathire.co.uk
Located opposite the main Sandbanks car park, Red Boat Hire offers self-drive motor boats, paddleboards and kayaks. No boating licence is required and a full safety briefing is provided before departure. The boats accommodate up to six people and are ideal for exploring Brownsea Island and the sheltered waters of Poole Harbour. One-hour and two-hour hires make it an excellent option for visitors looking for a short boating experience.
| Hire Period | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Hour | £75 |
| 2 Hours | £120 |
Longer hire periods are available on request. Prices are subject to change. Information last updated: 24 July 2026.
Poole Boat Hire
Location: B Pontoon, Cobbs Quay Marina, Poole, BH15 4EL
Website: https://www.pooleboathire.co.uk
Poole Boat Hire operates a fleet of 17-foot self-drive powerboats carrying up to six people (maximum combined passenger weight 450kg). Hire includes fuel, life jackets and insurance, with boats available from two to eight hours. The boats are restricted to the sheltered waters of Poole Harbour and cannot be taken out into the open sea.
| Hire Period | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 Hours | £150 |
| 3 Hours | £200 |
| 4 Hours | £250 |
| 6 Hours | £350 |
| 8 Hours | £450 |
A £50 booking deposit is required. Prices are subject to change. Information last updated: 24 July 2026.
Powerboat Training UK
Location: The Slipway, Cobbs Quay Marina, Poole, BH15 4EL
Website: https://www.powerboat-training-uk.co.uk
Powerboat Training UK is an RYA-recognised training centre offering powerboat, motorboat, shore-based and personal watercraft (jet ski) courses. The company also offers boat hire, making it a good choice for visitors who want to combine boating with professional instruction.
Boat Hire in Wareham
Wareham offers a quieter boating experience than Poole Harbour. Boats operate on the peaceful River Frome, passing riverside meadows and woodland as you explore one of Dorset’s most scenic waterways.
Wareham River Boat Hire
Location: Abbots Quay, Wareham, BH20 4LW
Website: https://www.warehamriverboathire.co.uk
Wareham River Boat Hire offers self-drive motor boats, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. The motor boats carry up to five people and are ideal for families looking for a gentle cruise along the River Frome.
| Boat | 30 Minutes | 1 Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive motor boat | £35 | £45 |
| Rowing boat | £25 | £30 |
Prices are subject to change. Information last updated: 24 July 2026.
Boat Hire in Christchurch
Christchurch Harbour and the lower reaches of the Rivers Stour and Avon provide calm waters for a relaxing family boating trip.
Quay Leisure Boat Hire
Location: Christchurch Quay, BH23 1BY
Website: http://www.willowwaymarina.co.uk/boat-hire.html
Part of Willow Way Marina, Quay Leisure Boat Hire offers self-drive motor boats carrying up to six passengers for exploring the River Stour.
| Hire Period | Price |
|---|---|
| 30 Minutes | £30 |
| 1 Hour | £50 |
Bournemouth Boating
Locations: Tuckton Tea Gardens, Wick Ferry and Christchurch Quay
Website: https://bournemouthboating.co.uk/boat-ferry.html
Bournemouth Boating offers self-drive motor boats carrying up to six people from three convenient locations around Christchurch Harbour. Boats can be used on the River Stour, River Avon and Christchurch Harbour, making them an excellent choice for families and first-time boaters.
| Hire Period | Price |
|---|---|
| 30 Minutes | £35 |
| 1 Hour | £50 |
Prices are subject to change. Information last updated: 24 July 2026.
Boat Hire in West Bay
Unlike Poole, Wareham and Christchurch, West Bay does not offer self-drive boats on the open sea because of tidal conditions and the busy harbour entrance. Instead, visitors can enjoy a traditional rowing or small motorboat trip along the calm waters of the River Brit.
West Bay River Boats
Location: 9 George Street, West Bay, Bridport, DT6 4EY
Website: https://www.westbayriverboats.info
West Bay River Boats offers traditional rowing boats and small motor boats for leisurely trips along the River Brit. The peaceful route passes through attractive countryside beyond the harbour and is suitable for families and beginners.
| Boat Type | 30 Minutes | 1 Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Rowing boat | £15–£20 | £25–£30 |
| Small motor boat | £20–£25 | £35–£40 |
Prices are subject to change. Information last updated: 24 July 2026.
Which Boat Hire Location Should You Choose?
| Location | Best For |
|---|---|
| Poole | The widest choice of self-drive boats and exploring Brownsea Island. |
| Wareham | Peaceful countryside boating on the River Frome. |
| Christchurch | Relaxed family boating on rivers and harbour. |
| West Bay | Traditional rowing and small motor boats on the River Brit. |
Before You Hire a Boat
- Book ahead during school holidays and sunny weekends.
- Listen carefully to the safety briefing before setting off.
- Wear the buoyancy aids provided by the operator.
- Check weather conditions before your trip.
- Stay within the permitted operating area for your hire boat.
- Return the boat on time to avoid additional charges.
Related Pages: Boat Trips / Boat Hire / Bike Hire / Paddleboarding / Kayaking / Windsurfing / Dinghy Sailing / Surfing / Kitesurfing / Jet Skiing / Diving / Snorkelling / Horse Riding / Sea Fishing / Crabbing / Camping