Kayak & SUP Hire

Chichester Harbour Kayak Hire, Itchenor

1hr / 2hr / 4hr / Full day
All Levels
From £20 Free for members
Members hire for freeJoin from £30/month

Current Conditions at Chichester Harbour

🌤 Weather Check conditions
💨 Wind 16mph ENE, gusting 19
🌊 Tides High: 08:15 / Low: 01:05
🟡 Status May be affected by weather

Hire Pricing

All prices per craft.

1 Hour 2 Hours 4 Hours Full Day
Single Kayak Sit-on-top, 1 person
£20 £30 £50 £70
Double Kayak Sit-on-top, 2 people
£30 £50 £70 £90
Sea Kayak Touring sea kayak, 1 person
£30 £50 £70

Fluid Adventures members enjoy unlimited free hire sessions. Membership costs £30/month with no commitment.

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Explore Chichester Harbour at your own pace

Hire a kayak from our base at Itchenor and explore one of the most scenic natural harbours on the south coast. Chichester Harbour is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, rich in wildlife, maritime history and sheltered paddling routes that suit everyone from first-timers to experienced kayakers.

Choose from single kayaks, double kayaks, or sit-in sea kayaks and enjoy a relaxing escape from the every day.

Chichester Harbour Kayak Hire, Itchenor

A harbour full of possibilities

From Itchenor, there are multiple route options. The harbour stretches in every direction, and wherever you choose to paddle, you'll find something worth the trip.

Head east and you're into the quiet creeks around Bosham - narrow channels where the only other traffic is a swan and the occasional dinghy. Bosham itself is a gorgeous village with a church that's been there since Saxon times and a harbour wall that's perfect for a rest stop. Head south and the harbour opens up towards the mouth, where the water is bigger, the views stretch to the Isle of Wight, and the seal colony basking on the sandbanks might just make your day.

West takes you towards the Thorney Channel and some of the best birdwatching in the harbour. And if you just want to enjoy an unhurried escape with no particular destination, the harbour is generous enough to let you do exactly that.

We'll brief you on the best routes for the conditions and tides before you set off and we're always at the end of the phone if you need anything.

Before you arrive

  • Location: Itchenor Slipway, PO20 7AW
  • Craft Available: Single or double sit-on-top kayaks and sit-in sea kayaks
  • Hire Durations: 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours or full day
  • Experience: Sit-on-tops require no experience. Sea kayak hire require some previous experience or completion of one of our courses.
  • What to Bring: Sun cream, water, snacks if hiring for longer durations. Wear clothing you don't mind getting a little grubby.
  • Please Note: Hire sessions are self-guided. We provide a safety briefing and route advice before you launch.
Chichester Harbour Kayak Hire, Itchenor

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience?
For sit-on-top kayaks — no experience needed. They're stable, easy to paddle, and the harbour has plenty of sheltered routes. Sea kayak hire requires previous experience or one of our courses.
What about the tides?
Chichester Harbour is tidal, which affects water depth and current. We brief you on the tide state before you launch and advise on the best routes for the conditions. It's part of what makes harbour paddling interesting.
How far can I go in 2 hours?
Comfortably 4-6km at a relaxed pace. That's enough to reach Bosham, explore some creeks, or head towards the harbour mouth. We'll suggest routes based on your hire duration.
Can I see the seals?
Possibly — the seal colony is in the harbour and you may spot them, especially around low tide. It's further than you'd typically reach on a 1-hour hire, but a 4-hour or full-day hire gives you plenty of time.
Is there a guide with us?
Hire sessions are self-guided. We provide a safety briefing, tide information, route suggestions, and a waterproof map. We're on call if you need anything while you're out.
What time do I need to arrive for my booking?
Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before your session starts, so we can get everyone on the water on time.

Recommended Routes

Recommended Routes

Itchenor to Bosham 1–2 hours

Head west from the slipway, then north into Bosham Channel. The village of Bosham is one of the most picturesque spots in the harbour — Saxon church, waterfront cottages, and usually plenty of swans. A perfect short hire with a clear destination and an easy return along the same route.

Itchenor to Dell Quay 2–3 hours

Paddle east from Itchenor, then north through the harbour towards Dell Quay, home to the Crown and Anchor pub right on the waterfront. A scenic route with good wildlife spotting along the way. Ideal for a 2-hour hire with a well-earned pub stop at the halfway point.

Harbour Explorer 3–4 hours

With a 4-hour hire, you can venture further into the harbour's quieter stretches. Explore the creeks and channels, spot wading birds along the mudflats, and enjoy the wide open views towards the Downs. We'll brief you on the best routes for the tide state on the day.

Full Day Adventure 4+ hours

With a full-day hire, the entire harbour is yours to explore. Combine Bosham, Dell Quay, the Thorney Channel, and the quieter eastern creeks. Bring a packed lunch, find a secluded spot, and make a proper day of it.

At a Glance

Practical Details

  • Durations: 1hr / 2hr / 4hr / Full day
  • Season: Year-round

What People Say

★★★★★
Best bit of the trip

“Racing with my children”

SH
Suzanne H.
Chichester Harbour Kayak Hire
★★★★★
Best bit of the trip

“Getting out into the water again after two years absence - absolute joy ! Not having to transport the kayak on our car or store the kayak at home. Perfect easy entry to the kayak from the beach.”

JF
Jill F.
Chichester Harbour Kayak Hire
★★★★★
Best bit of the trip

“Very Easy booking and super friendly customer service”

SH
Sarah H.
Chichester Harbour Kayak Hire

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