about our family business
family run & operated
In 2020, John and Fliss decided to transform their boating hobby into a business venture. Their vision was (and remains) to not only relish in their work but also to provide guests with a memorable boat trip experience while contributing to local charities whenever possible.
As a locally-based, family-run business operating from Lowestoft in Suffolk, we prioritize our passengers and the local community in everything we do. Our mission is to offer unforgettable boat trips in Norfolk and Suffolk, ensuring a memorable experience for all!
Our Offerings
Hop aboard our boat, Shearwater, for unforgettable adventures! We offer boat trips and RIB rides from Lowestoft’s South Pier, where you can see seals at Scroby Sands, tour Lowestoft Harbour, and enjoy sightseeing trips along Norfolk/Suffolk’s sunrise coast. Plus, we’ve expanded our operations to include boat trips in the Broads National Park, specifically the southern Broads, with a variety of exciting excursions.
Booking your adventure is a breeze with our online provider, Fareharbour. Browse available boat trips and live availability for easy booking. Trips fill up quickly, but don’t worry! We welcome walk-ons too (when space is available). If you don’t find what you’re looking for, just give us a call, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Private charters/group bookings are available, we want to make your trip as special as possible and we will do everything to ensure it exceeds your expectations!
Our Core Values
You can scroll down below to find out more about how we give back and are a responsible boat operator
Supporting Subheading
Our boat
Shearwater
Water Jets
Our boat utilises a water jet drive, meaning no propeller in the water, making her extremely safe around marine life and swimmers. It also makes her extremely maneuverable and able to operate in shallow waters.
Passenger Comfort
We have 12 inboard seats, 6 each side. Our seats are all angled outwards meaning you get great views all round. As she is a RIB based design, this makes her good at giving a comfortable ride during rougher seas.
Open Boat Design
Our boat is open top, so you’ll really feel the rush when we get underway. You’ll also get your fair share of sea spray, but it’s all part of the fun! It makes for a unique and highly enjoyable experience that you can really feel!
Safety
Shearwater is commercially coded and licensed (following a thorough inspection) to operate up to 23 miles from the coast. We carry a very comprehensive set of safety and emergency equipment preparing us for any situation or event.
Charities
We make our boat and staff available free of charge to some local charities, working closely with them. In 2022 we made our boat available free of charge for the historic Smack Races off Lowestoft and for the Lowestoft Heritage Open Days
Money Raising
Money raising for charities: when people book we encourage them to donate to charities such as RSPCA East Winch, Lydia Eva / Mincarlo Trust and Friends of Horsey Seals. We also carry collection tins for some charities so passengers can donate before or after a trip.
Promoting Car Free Travel
We’ve partnered with Good Journey, offering a 5% discount for any customer who traveled to us car-free. Promoting journey’s by public transport and cycling to support and reward our customers in doing their bit for the environment.
Wildlife Protection
We are Accredited Wildlife Safe Operators (WiSe Scheme), which is a national training scheme for minimising disturbance to marine wildlife. We are also a Sea Watch Foundation Recommended Boat Operator, a national charity working to improve the conservation of whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The Environment
As part of any maritime operators good duty and responsibility, we will pick up and correctly dispose of any waste we come across whilst at sea or in harbour. We have strict preventative measures on oil and other contaminants entering the water. Our crew van is also fully electric.
Local Community
We working closely with local businesses and organisations, offering discounts and incentives along with support for local people. We are embedded within the local maritime community, with loyalty schemes, special discounts and partnership working.