If someone asked me to describe the one hour Aquabus ride and tour I took during my last trip to…read moreCardiff, I would have to answer with one word: "meh." For context, a travel buddy and I opted to board an Aquabus for a quick ride around the bay area only - we figured it would provide some beautiful views of the area and hoped that since it was advertised as a tour, we'd learn a thing or two. The biggest perk during the ride was that I got to spend a relaxing hour or so off of my feet, on the water, enjoying beautiful blue skies during a fall day in Wales. This is admittedly a pretty big perk. But the experience wasn't perfect, sadly. For starters, the boat left a bit later than we were told it would (almost 20 minutes later, in fact) - so it was a good thing my travel buddy and I had already attended our time-sensitive plans in the Bay area that day. Secondly, there really wasn't a lot of information during our "tour". Plus, even when they did try to give you information during the tour/cruise/ride/etc., the recording they occasionally played tended to malfunction. I can't even remember how many times it stopped or repeated itself. It didn't help that we couldn't always hear the recording very clearly, even though we were sitting pretty close to the speakers... So as you've probably guessed, I was ultimately pretty underwhelmed with my Aquabus "tour." I did at least get to enjoy a beautiful ride around the bay. Something tells me that's their primary aim, too. So if that's what you're looking for, that's what I can recommend an Aquabus ride for. But after my experience, I'll remember Aquabus as a sightseeing option only. 2.5 stars from this traveler.

As far as adrenaline rushes and "been there done it" experiences are concerned, Cardiff bay's…read morelittle Aquabus tour probably doesn't compare well to The Lady of the Mist boat that takes you to the base of Niagara Falls. Having said that - if you happen to be in Cardiff Bay of a lovely blue skyed day and are in no particular rush plus you fancy getting from the Bay to the City Centre then there is no better way than this. I did it with my partner and my child and its a lovely way to while away half an hour (I think that's how long it took). There is something timeless about chugging over gently rippling water towards a destination whilst watching a familiar landscape from an unfamiliar angle. Anyhow - if this appeals to you why not hop about they leave pretty regularly and do not cost the earth (it was under £5 for an adult).

This small company is run by a husband and wife team, and through them chartered yachts and boats…read morecan be hired almost anywhere in the world. I met a couple in New Zealand who hired a boat and sailed all the way to Fiji. I took them over two weeks and for six days they were sailing through storm. It was some of the worst weather that year. They battled through it hour after hours. And suddenly, they were out in the calm. They were in the eye of the storm with mile-high banks of clouds in all directions and sunlight gleaming in the evening light; rainbows everywhere. It was an experience to make a lifetime; one of those things that sets a never fading glitter of awe in the corner of someone's eye. These are the people who arrange these dreams. With private hire and working through other companies around the globe, if you have the time and opportunity, certainly very good people to speak to. Go and arrange an adventure!

Pulteney Cruisers run a 1 hour round trip up and down the Avon River. It goes under the Pulteney…read moreBridge and exits Bath quite quickly, and into more of a nature river cruise than a city cruise. You'll some lovely greenery, private back yards of the wealthy riverfront homeowners, and some beautiful majestic swans...and a few average looking ducks. While not a "must do" during your Bath explorations, it is very relaxing to take in a bit of nature, and sit for an hour if your legs and feet are exhausted after so much walking in Bath. £14/$19 seems just about right.

Review Title: Disappointing Cruise Experience - Not Worth the Money…read more We queued for 40 minutes with my child, only to be met with rudeness from staff who insisted he finish his ice cream before boarding. Once on the boat, the promised commentary was inaudible -- we couldn't hear a single word over the microphone. This was particularly frustrating as we had hoped to learn some history of Bath together. Instead, the focus seemed to be on selling drinks and snacks, with little care for the advertised experience. When several of us raised concerns afterwards, staff dismissed them and hurried us off. The seating was uncomfortable, and overall the short cruise felt poorly managed. Sadly, this was a complete waste of money. I would not recommend this company to anyone looking for an enjoyable or informative trip.

A lovely way to spend an afternoon after a tour of the countryside as we had the wrong postcode. We…read morewere going to celebrate a friend's 70th birthday and were given the post code from website but this is the website for their office. We called and were given an alternative post code which took us to the centre of Evesham by the river. There is a small car park just at the edge of the park next to the river. We boarded the boat and greeted by the crew. It is a large barge with tables and seats for 24. Our party was 19 so we had the boat to ourselves. We had a quick safety briefing we set off. The skipper commentated as we cruised the Avon. We were served our food. There was a choice of fish & chips, chicken & chips & pie & chips which was preordered. I opted for fish & chips. It came in a box with mushy peas and there were sachets of tartare sauce on the table. The fish and chips were lovely with the scenery going past. We bought drinks at the bar they sold alcohol, soft drinks and hot drinks. £2 for a Coke and £2.10 for a J2O- I was drinking. £3.00 for a cuppa tea. The cruise last 2 hours and cost £16.50. It was a lovely few hours.

The Bristol Packet is probably the best boat company to go with if you are looking for a trip up…read morethe Avon. They offer a variety of 'cruises' ranging from a short trip around the floating harbour, a trip under Clifton Suspension Bridge and back, and even all the way to Bath. The trips themselves up and down the river are really very pleasant. It is a very good way (especially for tourists) to get a good view of the slightly nicer parts of Bristol without too much exercise! Prices are fairly reasonable, with a trip to Bath costing £22 for an adult. Each boat offers a full bar and a toilet. Boats only seem to run weather permitting, and once you have arrived at the ferry it is a little unclear when the boats actually run. It would therefore be advisable to ring in advance.

If you want to hire a boat in Bristol, there are two options. Number 7 boats are the cheaper…read morechoice, but if you want a full-scale rave with decks, a bar and a dancefloor, there's only once place to come. These guys know what they're doing and supply the vessels for all the club nights who put on boat parties. If you fancy hiring one for yourself, they have a number of different sized options that come with a soundsystem installed plus they can supply decks too for an extra charge if you can't be bothered to lug yours down. I remember it being a tad pricey, but if you want to rock the boat, the Bristol Packet really is the only option.