When punting on the River Cam in Cambridge, you can choose between taking a chauffeured tour with a driver or self-driving the boat. This blog seeks to give a balanced view of both options.
History of the punting options in Cambridge
Social punting started in the early 20th century. Initially, it was a mixture of self-drive and chauffeured boats. At some point, self-drive was stopped and river navigation because formalised. In the 1960’s, self-drive was reintroduced. The next 40 years were predominantly self-drive, with the odd student offering his chauffeuring services on an irregular basis. By the late 1990s the public demanded chauffeured tours, and to this day it remains the most popular type of tour.
Chauffeured Tours
Chauffeured punt tours are strictly of the larger 12-seater boats which are more stable, making them safer than the smaller self-drive boats. The tour benefits from a commentary giving information about the colleges. The skilled chauffeur will navigate you safely through the sea of self-drivers who are largely out of control. Mind you fingers, though, because not even the best chauffeur can avoid a top-speed stag do self-drive.
Self-drive
If there are more than two passengers then it is cheaper to do self-drive, especially if you planned on taking a private tour. Careful you keep an eye on the time because you will be charged if you go over the hour. The boats are narrower and faster if driven correctly, however, despite looking easy, punting is an acquired skill. Personally, I think that stag dos should have to tow an anchor!
