Water sports and activities you can and cannot do in the harbour, organisations and clubs
Most water sports take place around the Baltic Wharf Water Leisure Centre, though some activities take place throughout Bristol Harbour.
We regulate all water sports through locally agreed safety codes. Contact us for more information on these codes.
See our notices to mariners page for any water sports events that may be happening.
Canoeing, sailing, paddle boarding and windsurfing
If you want to use a kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), canoe, rowing boat or sailing dinghy in Bristol Harbour, you'll need to get a manually propelled vessels licence.
Visit using a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, rowing boat or sailing dinghy in Bristol Harbour for information and how to apply for a licence.
Rowing and sculling
Only 14 rowing boats or sculls are allowed on the harbour at a time.
To make sure no more than 14 boats are on the water, the Bristol Rowing Club operates a tag system.
If you want to row in Bristol Harbour, you should make arrangements through the Bristol Rowing Club.
Inflatable boats
Toy inflatables are not allowed in Bristol Harbour.
If you want to use an inflatable boat, you'll need to contact us for permission. Your boat must be approved by a national standards authority such as the BS, DIN, AFNOR.
Powerboats
You'll need to provide a photo ID and proof of address when applying for a licence on a craft with an engine size larger than 10 horsepower.
Power boat level 2 training is available at Bristol Maritime Academy
Jet skis
Jet skis and other similar craft and equipment are not allowed in the harbour due to speed and wash restrictions.
Swimming
It is unsafe and illegal to jump into, swim in, or dive in any part of Bristol Harbour unless you're in a designated swimming area.
If you want to swim in the harbour, All Aboard Water Sports have safely managed swim sessions in Baltic Wharf within a segregated swimming zone. These only take place when water quality meets bathing water standards. Their website has information on when the swim sessions take place and how to book.
Bristol sailing tuition
Sailing and power boat tuition is available at All Aboard Water Sports.
Holding a water event
If you're an event organiser, contact us for safety requirements and water quality information.
Any water event held in Bristol Harbour must have the correct safety cover and permission from the Harbour Master before the event happens.
Watersports clubs
Many water sports clubs are operating in the harbour.
Clubs usually take advantage of the quantity discount available on licence fees and pass the benefit on to members.
If you're interested in joining, you can contact the club or organisation directly.
- Baltic Wharf Sailing Club
- Bristol Ariel Rowing Club
- Bristol Canoe Club
- Bristol Gig Club
- City of Bristol Rowing Club
Water sport activity sessions
All Aboard Youth Sailing
April to October, weekdays and evenings at Baltic Wharf.
All Aboard
Sailing and powerboat tuition throughout the year, at Baltic Wharf.
All Aboard Sailability sessions
Saturdays, 10am to 1pm at Baltic Wharf
All Aboard open water swimming sessions
Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am, Baltic Wharf.
Avon Scouts taster sessions
April to August on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8.30pm at Baltic Wharf.
Avon Scouts sailing/powerboat tuition
March to October, evenings and weekends at Baltic Wharf.
Baltic Wharf Sailing Club racing
June to September: Saturdays, 11am to 1pm.
February to December, 1pm to 4pm.
Baltic Wharf Sailing Club training
First Saturday of each month, 11am to 1pm
Baltic Wharf Sailing Club event
Every Wednesday, 11am to 1pm.
Baltic Wharf Cadet and Social Sailing
May to September, every Wednesday, 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Bristol Canoe Club
Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the year, from Baltic Wharf to Netham.
Bristol Rowing Club
Throughout the year, Albion Dock to Netham and River Avon.
Ariel Rowing Club
Throughout the year, Netham to Hanham.
Guides Association
Evenings and weekends at Redcliffe Wharf.
Scouts Association
Evenings and weekends at Baltic Wharf.
TS Adventure Sea Cadets
Evenings and weekends, from Baltic Wharf to Narrow Quay.
Young Bristol
Water sports throughout the year at Pooles Wharf.
Bristol Gig Club
Gig rowing throughout the year, Bristol Marina to Netham.