Meet the Cambridge Punting Guides
At Traditional Punting Company, we believe that the people behind the tour are what make the experience truly memorable. Every one of our Cambridge punting chauffeurs brings their own personality, humour, stories, and local knowledge onto the river, meaning no two tours are ever exactly the same.
Although all of our guides are professionally trained and complete a punting assessment before taking customers out on the River Cam, we encourage every chauffeur to make their tours their own. There is no fixed script, just passionate people sharing the parts of Cambridge they genuinely enjoy most, from famous college history and student traditions to hidden facts and local recommendations.
Our Guides
Many of our chauffeurs have lived, studied, or worked in Cambridge for years and have spent countless hours on the water delivering punting tours to visitors from around the world. Whether you are visiting Cambridge for the first time or returning to experience the city from a different perspective, our guides are here to make your tour personal, engaging, and memorable.
Every guide has their own areas of interest and expertise. Some love the deep history and architecture of Cambridge University, others are known for entertaining storytelling, local legends, or helping families and first time visitors feel relaxed on the river. Together, they are a huge part of what makes a Traditional Punting Company tour different.
As one of Cambridge’s leading punting companies with thousands of 5 star reviews and two VisitEngland Gold Accolade awards, we believe that the people delivering the experience matter just as much as the city itself.
Below you can meet some of the chauffeurs behind our Cambridge punting tours.
Gemma
Cambridge Punting Chauffeur
Having spent the last three summers punting in Cambridge, Gemma enjoys meeting new people from all over the world and making every tour a memorable experience. Her favourite time to be on the River Cam is at the start of summer, when the weather is at its best and the river is filled with ducklings, goslings and cygnets. Gemma also speaks French, allowing her to welcome even more visitors to Cambridge.
Fun Fact: One of Gemma’s favourite Cambridge stories is from 1963, when a group of students managed to transport a car on four punts before hanging it underneath the Bridge of Sighs.
Favourite Cambridge Recommendation: If you’re looking for a treat after your tour, Gemma recommends visiting Jack’s Gelato, her favourite place for ice cream in Cambridge.
Recent Customer Review
Traditional Punting Company Google Review
“Was fantastic. Our guide was Gemma and she was amazing and calm. Definitely coming back.”
– Uzumma Ochu, Shared Punting Tour for 4, May 2026
Said
Cambridge Punting Chauffeur
With a passion for Cambridge’s history and architecture, Said enjoys bringing the city’s stories to life for visitors from around the world. Since beginning his punting journey in September 2025, he has loved meeting new people, hearing their stories, and creating memorable experiences on the River Cam. His tours often include a mix of fascinating facts, humour, and personal stories from his time on the river. Said particularly enjoys sharing the rivalry between Trinity College and St John’s College, along with the entertaining stories of Trinity’s famous alumni. Originally from Portugal, Said speaks fluent Portuguese and English, and can also understand basic Spanish.
Fun Fact: One of Said’s favourite Cambridge facts is that the first rules of football were created in Cambridge, where the first match played under these rules also took place.
Favourite Cambridge Recommendation: Explore the David Attenborough Building and the Museum of Zoology, it’s a fascinating hidden gem that many visitors miss during their time in Cambridge.
Recent Customer Review
Traditional Punting Company Google Review
“Fantastic trip. Great welcome from the friendly staff on the quayside, and Said was an excellent guide. Highly recommended..”
– Mark Burgess, Private Punting Tour for 6 June 2026
Why Guests Can Trust Our Guides
Every one of our chauffeurs is carefully selected, professionally trained and supported throughout their time with us.
From their initial interview and induction through to practical river training and ongoing performance reviews, we invest heavily in developing knowledgeable, confident and personable guides.
Working alongside our experienced Head Chauffeurs and management team, each guide learns how to safely navigate the River Cam, deliver engaging commentary about Cambridge’s famous colleges and landmarks, and provide the friendly customer service we’re known for.
Every chauffeur receives a detailed training handbook and historical tour script before developing their own personality and storytelling style, ensuring every tour is both informative and unique.
Training doesn’t stop after qualification. Regular reviews, on river coaching and opportunities to progress to Head Chauffeur help us maintain the consistently high standards our guests expect.
Beyond the Guides
Our River Manager
Our river manager helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, overseeing the day-to-day operation of the punting station and supporting both customers and chauffeurs throughout the day. From organising departures and managing the boats to helping train new guides and maintaining standards on the river, they play a huge role in making sure every tour runs as smoothly as possible, especially during Cambridge’s busiest seasons.
Our Touts & Cashier Team
For many visitors, our ticket and sales team are the first people they meet when arriving in Cambridge. Whether on Quayside, near the river, or at Cambridge Station, they help customers choose the right punting tour, answer questions about Cambridge, and provide recommendations for things to do around the city. Friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable, they help create a welcoming experience from the very beginning of your visit.
Our Office Team
Behind the scenes, our office team supports customers with bookings, emails, and phone enquiries while helping everything run smoothly away from the river. You may also spot members of the team around Cambridge creating content for our social media channels, capturing daily life on the River Cam and sharing behind-the-scenes moments from Traditional Punting Company.
Ready to Meet the Team?
Book your punting tour now with one of our amazing guides.
