Water sports and their organisations in Bristol Harbour.
Most water sports take place around the Baltic Wharf Water Leisure Centre though some activities do take place throughout Bristol Harbour.
All water sports are regulated by us 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 happening.
Canoeing, sailing, paddle boarding and windsurfing
Visit using a kayak, stand up paddleboard (SUP), canoe, rowing boat or sailing dinghy in Bristol Harbour for information and how to apply for a licence.
Bristol sailing tuition
Sailing and power boat tuition is available at All Aboard Water Sports.
Inflatable boats
Toy inflatables arent allowed in Bristol Harbour.
If you use an inflatable boat contact us to get permission to use it. Your boat must be approved by a national standards authority such as the BS, DIN, AFNOR.
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.
Swimming
All Aboard Water Sports deliver safely managed swim sessions in Baltic Wharf. These sessions provide professional safety supervision and direction within a segregated swimming zone. These only take place when water quality Go to residents/streets-travel/bristol-harbour/water-quality-in-bristol-harbour (opens new window) meets bathing water standards.
Visit their website Go to https://www.allaboardwatersports.co.uk/book-with-us/courses/swimming/ (opens new window) for information on when the swim sessions take place and how to book.
Outside of these arrangements and without prior consent from the Harbour Master, it remains unsafe and against the bylaws to swim in the harbour, Cumberland Basin, or other waterways in Bristol.
Powerboats
You'll need to provide a photo I.D and proof of address when applying for a licence on a craft with an engine size larger than 10 horse power.
Jet skis
Jet skis and other similar craft and equipment are not allowed in the harbour due to speed and wash restrictions.
Holding a water event
If youre an event organiser then contact us for safety requirements and water quality information.
Watersports clubs
There are many water sports clubs operating in the harbour.
Clubs usually take advantage of the quantity discount available on licence fees and pass the benefit on to members.
Anyone interested in joining should contact the club or organisation directly.
- Baltic Wharf Sailing Club
- Bristol Ariel Rowing Club
- Bristol Canoe Club
- Bristol Cruising Club
- Bristol Gig Club
- Cabot Cruising Club
- City of Bristol Rowing Club