Whitstable Vintage Lifeboat Trips

Welcome to the 2026 Season.

Owners and operators Richard and Sue would like to welcome you aboard our vintage lifeboat “The Chieftain”.
Enjoy a 90 minute Seal Safari or a half hour Trip Around The Bay departing from the historic harbour of Whitstable, Kent.
We are a small local family run business with a warm and friendly welcome to make your trip aboard our lifeboat both enjoyable and memorable.

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star rating  Fascinating history of Whitstable. - We really enjoyed our trip out to see seals on the beautifully kept vintage lifeboat. Sue welcomed us and provided some food and waterproofs for the trip. Although we were... read more

avatar thumb Ruth E
21 September 2025

star rating  Seal safari on the Vintage Lifeboat  - Mum and I went on the seal safari. It rained that day, but of course, the team could not control the weather and it was still a full boat! The... read more

avatar thumb Jeanette S
21 September 2025

star rating  Excellent trip to see the Seals - Saw 40 seals basking on the sand bank. Near the isle of Sheppey. Respected the wildlife in this protected area. With engines off. The crew were friendly and helpful. Only... read more

avatar thumb Chris W
25 August 2025

star rating  Great little boat trip in Whitstable  - Excellent little trip on a retired RNLI lifeboat. Well worth £10 for 30+ min tour up and down the shoreline of Whitstable. A really friendly operation too, husband and wife... read more

avatar thumb Phil R
25 August 2025
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Whitstable Vintage Lifeboat Trips

Whitstable Vintage Lifeboat Trips

We are a small local family business offering trips from Whitstable harbour on the vintage lifeboat The Chieftain.

A nice picture of old and new Lifeboats together taken by our friend Simon at Skyfairy with his latest drone. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thinking of booking for our Seal Safaris this season 🦭 ...Please, see our early availability dates & email me, Sue 🦭 ...Vintagelifeboat@outlook.com ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

We’re pleased to report that The Chieftain is now back at her home berth in Whitstable harbour ready for the new season to start. We’re grateful as ever for the care taken by the team at Ironwharf boatyard in getting her back afloat from her winter storage. With the weather still a little unsettled we will be running as and when we are able to for now but hope to be fully open for the Easter Holidays. ... See MoreSee Less
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We’re getting there now with the winter overhaul thanks to our shelter which has enabled us to work despite the seemingly non stop rain this year. We’ve gone darker with the blue which will more closely match the colour Chieftain was when she was still in service. Hope you all like it? ... See MoreSee Less
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It’s always nice when the sanding down is finished and we can start putting the fresh varnish and paint on. Lots going on behind the scenes now to be ready for the Easter holidays. ... See MoreSee Less
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