If you're looking to try something different on a day out near Southampton, then hiring a boat for a day could be an option.

Southampton is close to several rivers, such as the River Itchen, and the Solent where you can take in some great views as part of this.

Here are some of the best places to hire out a boat, RIB or yacht in and around Southampton.

5 of the best places to hire out a boat near Southampton

Ocean Sports Charter

Ocean Sports Charter offers RIB hires in the Solent where you can the likes of the Isle of Wight, Ocean Village Marina, Beaulieu River, and the Hamble River.

The website adds: "Based at Saxon Wharf Marina, Southampton, our Southampton rib charters run throughout the year. You can choose from either: Skippered, Assisted or Bareboat.

"We can provide you with quality boats and expert advice and service, tailored to your personal requirements."

On Tripadvisor, it has earned a score of 5/5 from 237 reviews on the site.

Firstaway Yacht Charters 

Based in Shamrock Quay Marina Firstaway Yacht Charters "offers a range of loved and well-maintained boats for bareboat and skippered yacht charter from the Solent".

For those who do not have much experience, you can get a skipper to take responsibility for the yacht.

It adds: "The skipper can simply be there as a backup in case you get into a situation you feel uncomfortable with or can take on a more instructional and coaching role."

More information can be found on the Firstaway Yacht Charters here.

Southampton RIB Charter

Located in Hamble, Southampton RIB Charter offers plenty of opportunities for private, bareboat and corporate charters.

On its website, it says: "You can now hire our RIB for the day as long as you hold a Powerboat 2 Licence or above. It is a great way to explore the Solent by yourselves at your own pace."

Duck 2 Water RIB Charter

If you are looking for a bit of "excitement and speed" then the RIB (rigid inflatable boat) charter from Duck 2 Water in the Solent could work for you.

It adds: "Nothing comes close to the sheer exhilaration as the RIB charter carries you at top speeds of around 40-45 knots, a guaranteed white knuckle ride of a lifetime."

Duck 2 Water says you need to be at a "reasonable level of fitness and mobility" as it is "not suitable for those with neck, back or joint problems".

More information can be found on the Duck 2 Water website here.

Hamble River Boat Charter

If you're prepared to travel a little bit away from Southampton to the River Hamble then Hamble River Boat Charters could work for you.

Based out of Swanwick Marina, their 'Gull' boat seats up to eight people comfortably, is electrically powered and easily helmed.

They add: "To charter Gull bareboat, boating experience is required and we will need a conversation with you to determine that experience.

"If you choose to bareboat charter from us you are solely responsible for the vessel and your guests."

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Alternatively, the company provides a skipper for the 'Gull' at an extra cost "who knows the river well".

A day bareboat charter is £95 for three hours, which goes up to £105 for three hours in the evening.

Meanwhile, a skippered charter is £200 for three hours during the day, and £215 for three hours in the evening.