Paddle peaceful waterways with Sutton Staithe Boatyard’s 3-seater canoe hire on the Norfolk Broads. Navigate easy, wildlife-rich routes starting from the River Ant through Sutton Broad RSPB Reserve.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, including beginners; basic paddling endurance needed
Wildlife
History
The Norfolk Broads are man-made wetlands dating back to medieval peat excavations, now a protected National Park with a rich heritage of waterways.
Conservation
The area is managed to balance visitor access with protecting sensitive habitats, encouraging low-impact activities like canoeing to reduce environmental footprints.
Sutton Staithe Boatyard Ltd
Paddle peaceful waterways with Sutton Staithe Boatyard’s 3-seater canoe hire on the Norfolk Broads. Navigate easy, wildlife-rich routes starting from the River Ant through Sutton Broad RSPB Reserve.
Sutton Staithe Boatyard Ltd is a limited company based in Sutton, England, operating boat and paddlecraft hire on the Norfolk Broads. The business offers kayak and canoe hire plus a range of electric and diesel day boats from the Sutton Staithe launch point. Trip options include single-seater kayaks, three-seater canoes, a six‑seat electric day boat, diesel day boats seating seven or eight, and a twelve‑seat Electric Picnic Boat with onboard stove, toilet and sink for self-contained outings.
Trips depart from Sutton Staithe and navigate the River Ant with easy access to Sutton Broad RSPB Reserve, Barton Broad, How Hill and Ranworth. Routes are suited to paddlers and boaters seeking wildlife viewing opportunities; otters and kingfishers are specifically noted in trip descriptions. The variety of craft supports solo paddlers, small groups and larger families or groups up to twelve.
Sutton Staithe Boatyard Ltd describes its fleet options clearly, allowing visitors to choose eco-friendly electric boats or traditional diesel day boats depending on preference. Equipment offerings include picnic-style amenities on the Electric Picnic Boat that support day trips and relaxed exploring of the Broads. The business focuses on providing access to well-known Norfolk Broads destinations while listing specific craft capacities and features for transparency. Visitors planning a Broads excursion from Sutton can select craft that match group size, desired comfort and wildlife-viewing priorities.
Information about each trip includes destination highlights, capacity limits and onboard features so visitors can plan routes to How Hill, Ranworth, Barton Broad and Sutton Broad RSPB Reserve easily.
Location
Sutton, England
Based on the Norfolk Broads
Trips Offered
6 trip types
Kayaks, canoes, electric and diesel boats
Largest Capacity
12 seats
Electric Picnic Boat fits 12 people
Wildlife Access
Sutton Broad RSPB
Close to otter and kingfisher sightings
Reserve kayaks, canoes or day boats for River Ant routes, Sutton Broad RSPB Reserve and trips to Barton Broad, How Hill and Ranworth.
Start Early for Wildlife
Morning paddles offer the best chances to spot otters and kingfishers before the waterways get busy.
Respect Weight Limits
Keep total canoe load under 300kg to maintain safe and easy maneuverability on narrow broads.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Sensible shoes help when launching or landing on slippery, muddy banks along the river.
Keep to Marked Routes
Follow the provided waterproof map to protect delicate habitats and avoid getting lost in the reed beds.
Life Jacket
Mandatory for safety, provided by the boatyard but bring your own if preferred.
Waterproof Map
Helps navigate channels and avoid sensitive areas; included with canoe hire.
Sun Hat
Protects against sun exposure during long paddles on open water.
summer
Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you dry and warm when weather turns wet or chilly.
spring|fall|winter