Are life vests provided on the diesel boats?

Yes, life vests are available upon request at any time before or during your trip.

What happens if it rains during the cruise?

The diesel boats include a covered area, so you can stay dry and comfortable even in light rain.

Is there a minimum age to operate or be on the boat?

All ages are welcome onboard. However, only those 18 and older can operate the boat.

Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?

Food and drinks are not included in the trip, and passengers are responsible for bringing their own refreshments.

Where does the trip depart from in Oxford?

All trips depart from the landing stage at Folly Bridge, Oxford OX1 4LA.

Is there disabled access to the boarding area?

The landing stage involves 15 steps with a handrail; currently, it is not accessible for those with mobility impairments.

Diesel Boat Adventures on the Thames with Salters Steamers

The River Thames cuts a graceful path through Oxford, threading its way past centuries-old architecture, lush green meadows, and picture-perfect villages. Salters Steamers invites you aboard their Diesel • Day • Boat trips, a distinctive way to encounter this iconic stretch of England’s countryside. Designed for those who appreciate both history and nature, this boat experience offers a measured pace to soak in the surroundings without the bustle of larger tour boats.

Launching from Folly Bridge in Oxford, the journey arcs alongside the city’s renowned university colleges—majestic edifices that have shaped scholarly life for generations. As you glide past, the stonework and spires contrast sharply with the soft greenery lining the riverbanks. The meadows harbor swaying wildflowers and nesting waterfowl, while riverside villages punctuate the voyage with a glimpse of rural charm.

Salters Steamers’ diesel-powered boats provide a relaxing and intimate setting, carrying groups up to a dozen. With no noisy engines, the trip amplifies the quiet sounds of rippling water, bird calls, and distant bells from Oxford’s historic towers. Whether you choose a half-day three-hour cruise or a full seven-hour option, the itinerary is flexible enough to suit leisure seekers or more dedicated observers of this unique environment.

This experience stands out in the Oxford outdoor scene for its blend of cultural heritage and natural tranquility on an accessible river route. It’s a rare chance to witness the evolving countryside from a timeless perspective, all while enjoying the hands-on charm of a diesel boat ride run by a company deeply rooted in local waterways.

Aboard Salters Steamers, passengers are invited to immerse in a journey that’s part historical passage, part riverside retreat, and all England’s riverside beauty.