Book Now! Pay Later
Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure.
Gold Trusted Service Award
Gold Trusted Service Award
Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Rosette
Boating expertise since 1969
With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
Boat
World’s largest fleet
We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
Life buoy
No boat license required
That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Book Now! Pay Later
    Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Life buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Book Now! Pay Later
    Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Life buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.

What really happens on a boating vacation? 12 Must-try boating experiences

Beyond the soothing journey through the waters and beautiful sunsets, a boating vacation offers a range of unique experiences than your average getaway. Welcome to a special kind of vacation – a break filled with activities where a Venice boat trip can blend with the fun of weekend activities. Each day on the boat brings various experiences, balancing relaxation with adventure. But what exactly can you do during a boating vacation apart from the usual? In this blog, we’ll explore some great activities you can enjoy during a boating vacation.

12 unique activities that can make your next boating vacation unforgettable

Promenade en vélo en Alsace

1. Cycling  

Experience the breeze and scenic views as you bike along our rivers and canals. Cycling through the countryside offers a refreshing experience, with routes available from key boating locations like Canal du Midi and Holland. Unlike a dedicated cycling vacation, renting a bike with Le Boat, or bringing your own, gives you the flexibility to enjoy the best of both worlds. In many locations, a towpath follows the waterways, ensuring a secure ride beside the boat. This setup allows you to go on rides when the mood strikes, without the commitment of a full cycling trip. Discover hidden spots like old towns and vineyards at a pace that suits you. You can also venture to quieter towns and villages that are less frequented.

2. Horseback riding 

Horseback riding appeals to those looking for physical activity and wanting to immerse themselves in local culture and scenery. Le Boat provides equestrian escapes with unparalleled access to horseback riding in diverse destinations. Whether a seasoned rider or a beginner, these horseback riding experiences in regions like Camargue and Brittany are tailored to let you explore breathtaking landscapes from a unique vantage point. They blend adventure with culture perfectly, allowing you to experience the local environment authentically.

Winetasteing

3. Wine tasting

A wine-tasting boating vacation combines the elegance of wine culture with the natural beauty of scenic routes. Cruising through countries like France and Italy, you can explore renowned vineyards and savor local wines in their authentic settings. Boating vacations through these iconic wine regions add a touch of luxury and cultural exploration to your boating experience.

4. Birdwatching

For nature enthusiasts, birdwatching is a calming and educational experience. It allows you to reconnect with the natural world. Le Boat destinations, like the Thames, are ideal for bird photography and observation, thanks to their varied bird species. To enhance your birdwatching experience, we offer a comprehensive Thames guide detailing the wildlife you will likely encounter. To make the most of this activity, we advise bringing binoculars to enhance the experience.

5. Arts and crafts station

Imagine creating art with the backdrop of serene waterways. Engaging in arts and crafts while aboard is not just therapeutic but a great family activity that is fun for both adults and kids. It's a unique way to capture the essence of your holiday – through painting, sculpting, or crafting. Whether you’re sketching the landscapes, assembling a scrapbook, or helping the kids with their own artwork, these activities offer a creative and calming escape.

Family relaxing on the beach

6. Swimming and Seaside

Nothing epitomizes a refreshing vacation escape like being by the beach and indulging in swimming activities. Le Boat offers several destinations perfect for a swimming vacation, where the sea provides a much-needed break from everyday life. These seaside activities are ideal for families, friends, and couples looking for relaxation and fun by the water.

7. Yoga on deck  

Yoga on deck, especially at sunrise or sunset, offers a tranquil and mentally balanced vacation. Practicing yoga aboard provides a distinctive wellness experience, enhancing both mental and physical well-being in the most calming surroundings.  

8. Stargazing

Stargazing sessions on a boating vacation transform an evening into a magical experience. Away from the city's bright lights, the clear skies reveal a spectacular view of the cosmos. Stargazing is both romantic and calming and adds a touch of enchantment to any boating vacation, making it a memorable experience.

two men fishing

9. Fishing

A fishing vacation is an opportunity to embrace nature's quiet beauty and the calmness of the water. Casting a line from a peaceful riverbank or walking along a river is a meditative experience that allows you to be at one with nature. However, it's important to remember that permits and licenses may be required for fishing in various locations. Le Boat offers the flexibility to enjoy fishing while cruising to destinations like the River Shannon, known for its charming villages unique to Ireland. With options for both rod and line anglers, these vacations cater to those seeking a serene escape.  

10. Board games and card tournaments

Board games and card tournaments bring an element of lighthearted competition and entertainment to a boating vacation. These activities are perfect for enjoyable evenings or leisurely pastimes, fostering camaraderie and fun on the boat trip. With various board and card games, there’s never a dull moment with a family-friendly card match.

11. Golfing 

Golfing on a boating vacation offers an exclusive blend of sports and scenic backgrounds. Playing on courses near stunning waterways in places like Ireland and Italy provides a unique golfing experience. With beautiful greens set against breathtaking landscapes, a Le Boat golfing vacation gives enthusiasts a chance to enjoy their favorite sport in some of the most picturesque settings in Europe.

family on boat

12. Watersports

Watersports add an exhilarating dimension to a boating vacation. From kayaking in serene lakes to jet skiing on open waters, these activities offer both excitement and a unique way to explore the waters. Le Boat provides the option to hire extras like paddleboards, allowing you to further enhance your experience. We offer watersport inspired vacations in various destinations, catering to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline rush on their holiday.

 

The unique experience of a boating vacation

Boating vacations are more than just a journey on water; they're a tapestry of special experiences. From the tranquility of fishing, the cultural richness of wine tasting, and the fun of board games - these holidays cater to a wide range of interests and passions. They offer a chance to explore, relax, and engage in activities that enhance the boating experience, making each journey memorable. Whether it's for a weekend break or a longer getaway, enrich the vacation experience with a diverse range of activities.

Book your boating vacation!

Look through our wide range of activities for your next boating vacation.