We operate our canoes and kayaks in a stunning location between Iken Cliff and Snape Maltings – a distance of 1.7 miles by river. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Snape Bridge (depending on your paddle power and the strength/direction of the wind!). Here, if you wish, it’s possible to get out on the river bank and visit wonderful Snape Maltings, its shops, cafés and Plough & Sail pub before returning back to us along the same stretch of river. All in all it’s about a 2-hour hire period.

Suffice to say, the River Alde is designated a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and is internationally important for migratory birds, while supporting other wildlife too. Birds including avocet, curlew, godwit, redshank, marsh harrier and even osprey and spoonbill can sometimes be seen, as can common seals. We ask our customers to keep disturbance to a minimum and to please respect the river environment, wildlife and other river users. Read more here about the river and how we can protect its wildlife. 

Safety and Rules:

Prior to your trip we will give you a comprehensive briefing about paddle technique, the river itself, the tides and the direction of travel, allowing for the tide (and sometimes wind) in the available time that you are hiring the boat/s.

Most importantly, we will ensure you are confident in how to paddle the craft before we let you go. However, customers should be aware that the River Alde is not like a boating lake and that considerable effort, at times, is required to paddle against the wind and tide.

Please do not underestimate this when you are considering making a booking, particularly where children are concerned. An adult on their own in a Canadian canoe with small children, for example, can find it very hard work without the help of another adult.

• Buoyancy aids (provided) must be worn at all times by all customers.
• We reserve the right to postpone canoe and kayak hire if we feel the conditions are unsuitable.
• We will not hire craft to under 18s, unless they are accompanied by an over 18 in the party.
• For additional safety, children under the age of 7 years are not permitted on the river in our canoes and kayaks.
• Non-swimmers are advised not to hire.
• We won’t hire out to solo paddlers for safety reasons.
• We recommend that alcohol is not consumed prior to, or during, the hire period.
  

Snape Bridge is a wonderful place to paddle to. Here, paddlers can visit Snape Maltings, its shops, cafés and Plough & Sail pub.