Cambridge Punt Company — Local services in Cambridge

Behold! Gather 'round, dear readers, and lend me your rapt attention, for today I recount an odyssey unlike any other—an epic tale of valor, adventure, and the unrivaled prowess of one man: Sam Jones, the maestro of the river, the undisputed sovereign of the paddle.

Picture this: the river, a surging serpent gleaming under the blistering sun, its currents fierce, its whispers ancient. As we embarked, hearts pounding like battle drums, there stood Sam—undaunted, unyielding—a titan armed solely with a humble punt pole. His gaze, sharp as a falcon's, pierced the horizon, as if conversing with the very soul of the waters.

With a heroic heave, Sam propelled us forward, slicing through the tumultuous tide. Waves bowed in reverence; even the rebellious ripples dared not challenge his command. The sun seemed to pause, casting a golden halo around his silhouette, transforming our humble journey into a mythic saga.

Oh, the dexterity! The finesse! Each push of his pole was poetry in motion, a symphony of strength and grace. The river yielded its secrets, unveiling hidden coves and whispering willows, all at the behest of Sam’s masterful navigation.

As we glided effortlessly, laughter echoed, spirits soared, and time itself seemed to stand still. It wasn’t just a river journey; it was a transcendental voyage, an epic carved into the annals of our memories.

In conclusion, mere words falter before the grandeur of Sam Jones’ river-guiding prowess. To call him a punter is to call the Sistine Chapel a doodle. Nay—he is a legend, a myth, a heroic ballad written in water and sung by the winds. Bravo, Sam...

I don’t even know where to begin—our punting tour with Sam from the Cambridge Punt Company was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we stepped onto the boat, it felt like we were in a dream, and that was entirely thanks to Sam’s warmth, charm, and deep knowledge of Cambridge.

Sam wasn’t just a punter—he was a storyteller, a historian, and a gracious host all wrapped into one. His passion for the city was infectious, and every story he shared felt personal, vivid, and full of life. You could tell he genuinely loved what he did, and that made all the difference. He didn’t just recite facts—he wove a tapestry of anecdotes, legends, and fascinating details that brought the river and its ancient colleges to life.

But beyond all the knowledge and skill, what made Sam truly special was his kindness. He was attentive without being overbearing, funny without trying too hard, and so incredibly thoughtful. My elderly mother was with us, and he made sure she was comfortable the entire time, even offering her an extra cushion and helping her on and off the boat with such genuine care. That small act meant the world to us.

We left the tour feeling lighter, inspired, and so grateful. It wasn’t just a boat ride—it was one of those rare moments of connection and beauty that stay with you long after. If you’re ever in Cambridge, do yourself a favour and ask for Sam. He has a heart as big as the River Cam and a soul that shines through everything he does.

Thank you, Sam. You gave us a memory we’ll treasure forever.

From the Canadian kids and...

Booked a 4pm tour via Viator, but the e-ticket somehow showed 1pm, something we only realized when asked to present it. We had planned our day around the 4pm slot and were confident that’s what we booked. Management insisted it was our mistake, showed no willingness to listen or consider a system error, and told us we had to pay £10 extra per person (framed as a gesture of goodwill) or forfeit the ride entirely.

We also experienced inconsistent treatment. A group of four British women declined to share their boat section, and their choice was respected. When we declined the same request, we were told we couldn’t refuse. The interaction felt disrespectful and left us uncomfortable.

After posting this review on Viator, the company responded with a surprisingly rude and defensive public reply - blaming us entirely, mocking parts of our feedback, and taking no responsibility. Their response only reinforced our impression of poor customer service. If you’re curious, the reply is still visible on Viator under the listing for “Shared Guided Punting Tour of Cambridge.”

Overall, the experience felt unfair and unwelcoming. I would not recommend...