Monday, October 10, 2016

This year changes. And latest update January 2020.

Sincerely apologise for any disruption disappointment and confusion over the last year.
We advise a text message to 07958376183 to get information. 

We now have a problem with the Toll Bridge not working. 
So as a result we can only offer Seal spotting and Wildlife trips or 1/2hr trips if tide permits untill Bridge repaired.

We are using the situation to improve the Sandwich Tug (known to the crew now as Tugy).
Improved shelter from the elements and seating along with other improvements for colder weather conditions.
we have suffered acts of vandalism to two of our boats. as a result we have only capacity for up to 12 people as any one time.
Thank you in advance for your patience.
As advised by the Dover District Council health and safety department!
Access to the boats does involve some exercise not suitable for some persons with limited mobility. 

An additional to Fish and Chips now as an excellent Pizza place in the Drill Hall on the Quay.

New record mid January 2018. 
In excess of 240 Seals mostly Common or Harbour Seals but 1 Gray. How many more can there be?
December 2017  received our first delivery of GTL fuel. The emitting exhaust is much cleaner than conventional Diesel biodegradable if spilt, and I am told also being used by the BBC for generating electricity.
 This winter we are offering boat handling lessons for individuals or groups for team building. Give Captain Colin a call or text to discuss your options.

During winter email sandriverbus@gmail.com as more time to look. But I do prefer text messages to my mobile .

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

This site has been reviewed and updated on the 12th June 2019.

 Due to the problems in the Autumn of 2018 Cpt Colin Carr has decided to retire as Harbour Master for Sandwich Port Authority from 31.12. 2018 
at 23.59 hrs.

This will allow more time to be dedicated to the Sandwich Riverbus business and improve standards. 

Sincerely apologise to everyone over the last few months for the disruption!
Unfortunately we have suffered acts of vandalism to two of our boats.
As a result we are reduced to just one 12 seat boat!
 We will be back to full capacity for December 2019 all being well.
Due to the amount of work to put things right booking through Sarah on
07503 928409 is possible.
to try save any confusion.

New record first week in January 2018.
240+ mostly on the bank and mostly Common but 3 Gray amongst them.
The previous record below.
On the 7th January 2017 we counted 145+ Common Seal on the bank and at least 10 in the water including one Gray. So a new record of 155+ in the river at this time.

  •  New email address is sandriverbus@gmail.com. Please note that emails are not regularly checked so it is best to text or call 07958376183.

 Lots more info about the port of Sandwich and the navigation go to sandwichphc.uk.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Sailing schedule Including Seal spotting trips.


Trips run weekends and school holidays all year.
Also weekdays if booked in advance from Easter until mid September unless the weather is bad.
Normal open times are 11am to 5pm (dusk in winter) but Seal trips will run before and after due to tides.
4 or more as a group can book the boat on any day of the year.
You can only book by phone or texting on  07958376183.
Wildlife and Seal Spotting trip departure times;  2020.
Please note book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Also our new record number of Seals see on a trip on 14th JaĆ«nuary  2018 of 240+ including one Gray all the rest the less common Common Seal.

Extra trips added when demand dictates. 
A crew is available any day now with some notice.
 Please call text or email to book and for departure times. 
07958376183.
email 
sandriverbus@gmail.com 
Email may take days for a response unfortunately. 

Seals seen on all trips now for over 18 years. About 3000+ trips.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Our boats.

The boat in use is Sandwich Tug.
 In use with us now from December 2016.
Originally for the flood defence work three years ago we have the Sandwich Tug put together by us to help finish the job [9.6mts long ex steel fishing boat fitted with 6ltr Ford diesel]. She has a passenger licence for 12 people and work duties has proved popular on cold and very wet days in winter.
The Heron is having a replacement engine soon and is hoped will be ready for a busy summer!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Why rush around, sit back and relax.

We use older type boats which are very stable and sedate. They travel through the water rather than skimming over it, so causing little disturbance to wildlife and other people.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Contact & bookings

I have no computer on the boat and I may only get to see emails monthly, it is always best to text to
07958376183 for Colin and( 07503 928409 for Sarah during the day ) any day, we are not supposed to talk on the phone while driving the boat and the voice mail is limited. A text message is best but try a call early morning or after 7 in the evening to speak with Colin.
It is now possible to book two boats with 12 persons on one and 65 on the Southern Queen.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Take a trip today.

Try a call, we may be available now!
Booking is usualy required for Pub meal trips and Seal and Wildlife trips.
Short trips (1/2 hr or 1hr) will run on Saturdays and Sundays before or after Seal spotting depending on the time of the tide, But wee may have now a second boat covering to fill gaps in time, please phone to check if not shore. A board on the pontoon will tell you the time of the expected next trip. We are limited to a max. of 12 persons per boat.


See winter pub lunch trip schedule under special excursions.

Friday, June 08, 2007

Tour Info and prices

All standard trips include a commentary. You may bring dogs on a lead. Push chairs can be taken on board but would have to be carried up and down steps, also over the side of the boat. There is no age limit but young children must have an adult with them. We do not allow smoking as from the start of 2007. You are most welcome to bring your own food and drink anytime.

 Half hour trip is up and down past the town, this is for young or old who are not too certain about boats. Approx distance of trip 2.5 miles. £9 Adults-£5 Child or Family ticket (2 Adults plus 2 Children) £25.
One hour trip is up to the Roman Fort at Richborough. There is the option, at small extra cost, to stop and return on a later trip. If a trip is booked to depart or return at high spring tide we will have the road traffic stopped and the Old Toll Bridge swung open to allow us passage. Aprox distance of trip 5 miles. £15 Adults-£7 Child or Family ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children) £30.
 Wildlife trips down river take two hours. Please have warm, waterproof clothing. These trips can only depart when tide is on the rise or soon after. Approx distance of trip 12 miles.
£25 Adults-£15 Children or Family ticket (2 Adults plus 2 Children) £70.
 Pub lunch or Isle of Thanet boundary trips to Plucks Gutter take 1hr 30mins in each direction from Sandwich. We carry a menu from the Dog and Duck and order food by phone on our way to save time . This is usually a one hour stop. £40 per person. This does not include the cost of a meal. (See schedule under special excursions) A longer trip to Grove Ferry takes 2 hours each way @ £45 per person. This also does not include the cost of a meal or possible night stop at Grove ferry. Whole boat charters can be arranged with the normal charter price for the Heron or The Sandwich Tug at just £150 per hour, with a maximum of 12 persons per boat.
 Other enquiries please telephone 07958 376 183.

Not included in the discount is the commercial rate.
commercial use of the Tug or the passenger boats is £600 per day each with a qualified boat master plus the cost of  fuel. Each extra member of crew is £150 per day all supplied with personal protective equipment.
 We have our own  5kva generator, welding and cutting equipment with qualified personnel to opporate them. The cost of use on request.

Friday, December 01, 2006

How to Book

Bookings can only be made by phoning or text on
07958 376183 for Captain Colin or during the day 07503928409 for Sarah.
you can now also find us on Facebook. 

If you make a booking and you think the weather will be to wet etc, phone us and we will arrange another day or cancil altogether.

You pay on the day so you loose not a thing.

sandriverbus@gmail.com is the email address now for documents etc but I seldom look at it more than monthly so best to text or phone.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Photo album.

To see photos of wildlife taken from the boat, of the Lady Jane, kids party fun and other views etc. Please go to www.pbase.com/cwright/river_bus

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Special Excursions and Trips

Special Excursions - Anniversaries, Birthdays, Retirement, and Office Lunch parties. Other ideas are, Down~river trips to the Estuary for Bird Watching and Seal spotting, or up~river as far as Fordwich or lunch stopovers at Plucks Gutter, Grove Ferry or Fordwich. Over-night stops are possible at Grove Ferry.
Special Trips - For schools and young peoples walking organizations etc., are popular with a commentary tailored as required e.g. Roman History, Wildlife, Rivers or just for fun!
We often let people have a go at steering the boat with the Tiller or helm.
Boats can booked any day of the year.

Pub lunch trip schedule to the
Dog and Duck at Plucks Gutter.
See prices for more detales.
You must phone to book on these trips.

Increase in capacity.
From 2017 our capacity is increasing to 70 but 40 to 50 will be more comfortable.
The user limit for this boat is Grove Ferry.

October, November,
December, Jan, Feb and March
Trips to the Dog and Duck for lunch leave at 11am on Saturdays if people have booked.
A special trip to Fordwich taking all day return or
Fordwich one way trips. 4 hours plus depending on nomber of stops on the way. £30 per person /( min no 4 ) Taxi one way £20 baced on 4 in car.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

General information

Trips depart from, The Quay, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9EN, this is also our postal address which is next to the old Toll Bridge; phone on 07958 376183 early morning and evening for up to date info.
During the summer period from April to mid September we run Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, School and Bank Holidays. During the School Summer and Easter Holiday period we run seven days a week
In winter Saturdays and Sundays in good weather, unless pre-booked. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The boats are licensed for twelve passengers and normally run alternate 1/2 hour and 1 hour trips. The 1 hour trip takes you to the Richborough Roman Fort. Passengers who wish to visit the Fort and return on a later trip are asked to pay an extra £3. Please also see Special Excursions.
It may be possible to arrange a courtesy bus to colect small groups on days out of peak season.