Whitstable Vintage Lifeboat Trips

We are now closed for the winter while we take a bit of a break. We will be open again for Easter 2027. If you have any queries please check out the information pages here as we will not be monitoring our inboxes so often until we open our bookings for next year.

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					  30 min trip - I did the 30 min trip really enjoyed it lots of interesting info would recommend. Thanks Tina				
ms cool c
16 August 2026 

					  Super seal safari  - 9am start on a fairly calm hot day. Simple and clear briefing before departure then off we went to sea. The 1940’s lifeboat, long retired from service, looks so outdated... read more compared with the modern lifeboats, but beautifully built. 



The skipper and mate answered many questions and pointed out sights of interest as we motored across the bay to the sand bank where the seal colony basked in the sun. 



After a long time observing we returned going into the tide so some of us got splashed. 

Deffo the best value activity in Whitstable. 

This is a family business and deserves support.				
JackandBunty
14 August 2026 

					  Lovely Summer Boat Trip 🧡💙  - We organised two trips for a beach Team Away Day - it was fabulous! Beautiful boat, interesting hearing the history of the coast and the crew were great. 100% recommend.... read more Thank you for making our day so memorable. Becky x				
Rebecca A
13 August 2026 

					  Vintage lifeboat seal safari  - Went on the seal safari, Great boat trip ,Weather was great, All the staff very friendly and pointed out points of interest, Had binoculars you could use, Just generally chatted... read more with all the people on the boat ,Saw lots of seals on the sand banks. Sue who we booked with was very friendly offered us hats , Take a drink if its hot Really nice day out, Emailed us pictures of us all on the boat				
keiser9
13 August 2026 

3 days ago

Once again we have to thank all the crew at Iron Wharf Boatyard for their hard work getting Chieftain out of the water and in to her winter shelter. This isn’t straightforward and involves craning out of the water on to a special trailer, moving her to our shelter where she is then craned on to a small carriage the yard put together this summer for us before she is pushed inside. All done with great care and patience. Now the maintenance begins. Thanks all. ... See MoreSee Less

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Whitstable Vintage Lifeboat Trips

1 month ago

And that’s a wrap for the 2026 season. We’ve finished earlier than usual this year due to essential engineering works at the harbour.We’ve had a great time once again meeting lots of passengers old and new. We have hosted an engagement and an Indian festival celebration . Chieftain and her crew carried out two rescues (the same fisherman two weeks apart) which continued the retired Lifeboats record of helping those in trouble at sea and had lots of other interesting days out on the water.We would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us this year and all those who chose to spend some time out on the water with us. We look forward to doing it all again next year after a well earned rest. ... See MoreSee Less

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Whitstable Vintage Lifeboat Trips

1 month ago

Thought we would share the latest two fantastic pictures of "The Chieftain" taken by our friend Simon at Skyfairy with one of his drones. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the last chance this year to take one of our trips around the bay before we close early due to engineering works at the harbour. Our ticket hut will be open from 11.00 with trips running from 12.00. ... See MoreSee Less

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