Iken Canoe

Iken Canoe is a small and friendly canoe, kayak, paddleboard (SUP) hire centre based on the stunning upper reaches of the River Alde between Snape and Aldeburgh, close to the Suffolk coast. We also hire out small motorboats and a 21ft Cornish Shrimper sailing boat (experienced sailors only).

Visitors can explore this wonderful stretch of river at their leisure. Discover creeks and flood waters, or gently glide with the tide at low water among the mud banks which are teeming with wildlife.

Your adventure on the water with Iken Canoe is dependent on the tide direction on the day of hire. However, a typical session will include a quick paddle downstream to see our family of common seals basking on the mud flats (if the mud is exposed by the tide), before turning around and heading up the winding river to Snape Bridge (and refreshments at the Plough & Sail pub and Snape Maltings if desired!).

Alternatively, paddlers can continue down river where the estuary widens, past historic St BotolphÕs Iken Church, Blackheath mansion and Yarn Hill wood, and even as far as magical ÒLittle JapanÓ beach (although access is very tide dependent).

We will advise you on the best option for you on the day and in the time you have available.

Use of our equipment can be arranged from a short hire of up to 1 hour on a paddleboard, up to half a day. The canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are suitable for all skill levels and ideal for group or family outings.

We will also provide you with a full safety briefing, a map and suggestions as to where you might explore while on the river.

Iken Canoe is open every day (weather permitting!) from April until mid-October. Canoe hire can be pre-booked to ensure availability, particularly during the holiday season.

Payment can be made on arrival (by card or cash).

Some important rules:

We canÕt hire craft to under 18s, unless they are accompanied by an adult in the party.

Children under the age of 7 years are not allowed on the river in our craft for safety reasons.

We donÕt recommend non-swimmers participate in hire of our boats.

We wonÕt hire out to solo paddlers for safety reasons.

We recommend that alcohol is not consumed before or during the hire period.

From £15.00

Open every day between April and October (weather permitting) from 0900 – 1700 approx.