Caversham, Reading, Berkshire • Est. 1908
Neptune Explorer Sea ScoutsReading
Skills for life on the River Thames — kayaking, paddleboarding, dragon boating, and maritime adventure for ages 14–18. First 2 weeks free.
What sets us apart
Why Choose Neptune?
Maritime Excellence
Kayaking, paddleboarding, open canoeing, dragon boating, and traditional gig rowing on the River Thames. British Canoeing Paddle Power awards and nationally recognised qualifications throughout.
Explore ActivitiesCommunity & Heritage
Part of 1st Reading Scout Group since 1908 — over 115 years serving young people in Berkshire. Royal Navy affiliation RN 83 cements our maritime identity. As Explorers, it’s real adventure — your way.
Our HistoryAdventure Awaits
Multi-day expeditions, wild camping, coasteering, and alpine challenges. Experiences that build real confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills.
Join the AdventureFor parents
Water activities for teenagers in Reading — in safe hands
Looking for water sports or outdoor activities for your teenager in Caversham or Reading? Neptune Explorer Sea Scouts gives young people aged 14–18 the chance to get out on the River Thames every Thursday evening — kayaking, open canoeing, paddleboarding, dragon boating, powerboating and traditional rowing — from our boathouse in Caversham. No experience is needed, all equipment and qualified instruction are provided, and the first two weeks are completely free.
- All leaders are DBS-checked volunteers
- Scout Association safeguarding standards
- Qualified instruction & all equipment provided
- First 2 weeks free, then £22/month — no hidden costs
Our foundation
Royal Navy Recognised Sea Scouts — RN 83 Affiliation, Reading
Neptune Explorer Scout Unit is based in Caversham, Reading, Berkshire — on the banks of the River Thames. Established in 2018 as part of 1st Reading Scout Group, one of Berkshire's oldest Scout Groups serving the community since 1908, we hold Royal Navy affiliation RN 83 — setting us apart from every other youth group in Reading and making us the area's premier sea scouting unit for young people aged 14 to 18.
Our crew trains for British Canoeing awards, paddleboarding, traditional Cornish pilot gig rowing, dragon boating, and paddling on the Thames. Whether you're looking for teenager activities in Reading, DofE support in Berkshire, or simply an adventurous community in Caversham, there's a place for you in Neptune.
Ship's Manifest
Muster
Every Thursday
7:30 – 9:30pm
Berth
Wychotes Boathouse
Caversham, Reading RG4 7TH
Crew
Ages 14 – 18
No experience needed
Passage
2 weeks free
then £22 / month
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Neptune is open to young people aged 14 to 18. You can join at any point during that age range — there's no fixed intake time. If you're approaching 14 and keen to join, get in touch and we'll keep you informed.
We meet at Wychotes, The Warren, Caversham, Reading RG4 7TH — our boathouse on the banks of the River Thames. Every Thursday evening, 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
None at all. Most members join with zero experience on the water. We teach everything from basic water safety through to British Canoeing Paddle Power awards, kayaking, paddleboarding, and traditional gig rowing. All equipment and qualified instruction is provided.
Your first two weeks are completely free — come and try it with no commitment. After that, membership is £22 per month, covering all weekly Thursday sessions, equipment use, and most activities.
Just yourself and a change of clothes. Sessions can get wet, so wear old clothes and bring something dry for afterwards. We provide all wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, and on-water equipment.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, open canoeing, dragon boating, pulling (rowing), bell boating, traditional rafting, multi-day expeditions, wild camping, Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), coasteering, and alpine challenges. No two terms look the same.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchNeptune Unit Store
Wear the Colours
Official Neptune gear — hoodies, t-shirts and accessories in unit navy and gold. Printed on demand, shipped straight to your door, and every order supports the unit.