From day boats and paddle steamers to seals and sea adventures

There’s something magical about being on the water in summer. Whether you’re gliding through reed-lined waterways, spotting wildlife from a boat deck, paddling quietly along a hidden broad, or heading out to sea in search of seals, Norfolk offers endless opportunities to slow down and enjoy life afloat.

For many visitors, a day on the Norfolk Broads is an essential holiday experience. Hiring a self-drive day boat is surprisingly easy, even for complete beginners, and allows you to explore at your own pace. Set off from Wroxham or Horning, pack a picnic, and spend the day discovering picturesque villages, waterside pubs and some of Norfolk’s most beautiful scenery. Day boats are available from operators including Barnes Brinkcraft and Broads Tours.

Prefer to leave the steering to someone else? The iconic Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat offers relaxing river cruises from Horning aboard a distinctive double-deck paddle steamer. With onboard commentary, beautiful views and a fully licensed bar, it’s a wonderful way to experience the Broads.

At the quieter, wilder end of the spectrum are Ross’s Wildlife Boat Trips departing from Martham. These small-group guided excursions explore the less-visited upper reaches of the Broads around Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere. Ross’s local knowledge and passion for wildlife make these trips a real favourite with birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Feeling more adventurous? Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards can all be hired on the Broads from The Canoe Man, allowing you to reach peaceful corners inaccessible to larger boats. The gentle waterways are ideal for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can enjoy longer journeys through Britain’s largest protected wetland.

Looking for a refreshing dip? Norfolk has plenty of opportunities for open-water swimming, but it’s worth noting that the Broads Authority advises against swimming in the main Broads waterways except as part of organised events. Instead, many outdoor swimmers head to safer locations such as Whitlingham Country Park near Norwich, or enjoy a sea swim at nearby beaches including Sea Palling and Winterton-on-Sea.

Looking beyond the Broads and out into the North Sea reveals another side of Norfolk’s watery landscape. Boat trips with Jet Adventures to Scroby Sands, just off the coast of Great Yarmouth, combine wildlife and engineering in spectacular fashion. Here, one of the UK’s largest grey seal colonies shares the waters with the impressive Scroby Sands Wind Farm. Depending on the trip, you can enjoy close-up views of seals basking on the sandbanks while towering wind turbines rise from the sea beyond. It’s a unique Norfolk experience that offers a completely different perspective on the coastline.

For anglers, Norfolk offers some excellent opportunities both at sea and inland. From Great Yarmouth and nearby Lowestoft, sea fishing charters head out into the North Sea, where depending on the season you may catch mackerel, bass, cod, skate and other species. Operators such as East Anglian Charters run trips suitable for both experienced anglers and beginners, providing a memorable day on the water and a chance to see the coastline from a different perspective.

Closer to home, the Norfolk Broads are one of Britain’s most famous angling destinations. With more than 125 miles of navigable waterways, anglers can fish from the bank, hire a fishing boat, or even cast a line from some holiday cruisers. The Broads are renowned for species including pike, bream, roach, perch, rudd and tench, making them a popular destination for both casual holidaymakers and dedicated fishing enthusiasts.

Of course, not every water-based adventure requires getting your feet wet. One of the simple pleasures of a Norfolk holiday is finding a waterside pub or café and watching the world drift by. The Boathouse at Ormesby Broad is a favourite with visitors, offering beautiful views across the water from its terrace and garden, while riverside pubs throughout the Broads provide the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch, an evening drink or simply soaking up the scenery.

Whether you’re steering your own boat, paddling through tranquil waterways or simply enjoying the view from the riverbank, summer is the perfect time to discover Norfolk from the water.