River Punting Travel Insurance
Specialist cover for high-risk sports and adventure travel.
Get a quote24/7 Emergency medical assistance
Cover for specialist sports equipment
Up to £2500 for lost or stolen luggage
1 million+ Travellers protected
28 years Industry experience
River punting involves travelling along calm rivers or canals in a flat-bottomed boat that is propelled using a long pole pushed against the riverbed. Unlike rowing or kayaking, punting is slow-paced and upright, with steering and movement controlled through balance and positioning rather than paddling. It is also different from motorised river cruises, as punting is manually operated and typically takes place on sheltered waterways. When travelling abroad, river punting is usually enjoyed at an amateur level as a relaxed leisure activity rather than a sport.
ActivitySure can cover river punting when you are taking part overseas on an amateur, recreational basis and in line with the policy conditions. Although the activity is calm and low impact, suitable travel insurance is still important when spending time on the water.
Choose the protection that fits your adventure
Excess £100
-
£1,000
-
£5,000,000
-
£750
-
£250
-
£200
-
£300
-
£20 per 12hrs, max. £100
-
£5,000
-
£2,000,000
-
£250
-
£750
-
£60,000
Excess £75
-
£3,000
-
£10,000,000
-
£1,500
-
£250
-
£200
-
£500
-
£20 per 12hrs, max. £200
-
£7,500
-
£2,000,000
-
£250
-
£750
-
£60,000
Excess £0
-
£5,000
-
£10,000,000
-
£2,500
-
£250
-
£400
-
£1000
-
£20 per 12hrs, max. £400
-
£15,000
-
£2,000,000
-
£250
-
£750
-
£100,000
* Protection levels are based on overall cover limits, benefits and excess across each plan.
Choose the cover that fits your adventure
Single trip River Punting Travel Insurance
Perfect for one-off adventures, holidays and activity breaks abroad.
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Annual multi-trip River Punting Travel Insurance
Travel more for less with year-round protection across multiple trips.
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Whether you’re planning a one-off escape, an activity-packed holiday or travelling regularly throughout the year, our protection levels are designed to give you confidence at every stage of your journey. From emergency medical cover and cancellation protection to support while you’re away, you can choose the level of cover that best fits the way you travel and the adventures you take on.
Destination Insight
Where is popular for river punting?
River punting is most closely associated with traditional university cities. Cambridge and Oxford in the UK are iconic punting destinations, where the activity forms part of the local culture and attracts visitors throughout the year.
Calm-water punting-style experiences can also be found in other destinations, including Venice and parts of Southeast Asia, where flat-bottomed boats are used for scenic travel along sheltered waterways.
Here's why river punting travel insurance matters:
Even gentle water activities carry some risk. Slips while boarding, loss of balance when standing, or falls into shallow water can result in minor injuries. If you need medical treatment while abroad, or your trip is disrupted unexpectedly, travel insurance can help provide financial protection.
Helpful travel tips
- Stand steadily in the boat and avoid sudden shifts in balance
- Keep awareness of water depth and river edges, particularly when poling or boarding
- Follow instructions from hire staff or guides, especially in busy sections of the river.
- Wear appropriate footwear with good grip to reduce the risk of slipping.
- Always follow organiser guidance and do not punt in poor weather or strong currents