Trustpilot icon We are proud to say that we are rated excellent on Trustpilot. Rosette icon With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water. Compass icon Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes. Boat icon 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. Boat wheel icon 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.

Customer reviews and feedback

The feedback and reviews we receive from our customers are very important to us – they help us to continually improve and deliver the very best vacation experience.

What our customers say about our service:

Added on 16 March 2025

Absolutely amazing!

Absolutely fantastic holiday get away. The team at Lagan were really helpful and kind with a vast amount of information at hand. The boat was well looked after and clean!

Reply from Le Boat, 16 March 2025

Hello Joseph, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing holiday with us. Our team in Scotland always strives to provide great service, and we’re so glad you found their assistance helpful. It’s also fantastic to hear that the boat met your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable getaway! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 16 March 2025

First Timer

Being first time on this type of holiday we were all a bit nervous. On arrival the staff were very friendly and helpful getting luggage and goods on board. Nearly everything was completed online before arrival just a couple of forms to fill in and sign and then off for a briefing. The briefing was conducted in a professional way making sure we understood everything. The lad gave us plenty of advice about the Locks and where to go and places to moor up for the night which proved invaluable. We all hade one of the most relaxing weekends we have ever had. 10 out of 10 Le Boat.

Reply from Le Boat, 16 March 2025

Hello Doug, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that, despite the initial nerves, you had such a relaxing and enjoyable weekend with us. Ensuring that our customers feel confident and well-instructed before setting off is very important to us, so we’re especially glad to hear that our briefing and advice made a real difference to your trip. Our team works hard to make sure you’re fully prepared, and it’s great to know that it helped you have a smooth and stress-free experience. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable adventure! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 14 March 2025

Very lovely experience

Easy and straightforward booking process. Very friendly and helpful people, nice to deal with both on the phone and at the base as well.
We sailed twice with LeBoat and we’ll definitely be back for more.

Reply from Le Boat, 14 March 2025

Hello Agnes, Thank you so much for your kind words and for your continued loyalty! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a lovely experience with us. It’s fantastic to know that both the booking process and your interactions with our team made your trips even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate you choosing Le Boat again, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures on the water! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 14 March 2025

Very friendly and helpful staff

Very friendly and helpful staff
Great company to deal with
This year will be our ninth time of hiring and we would not consider any other company

Reply from Le Boat, 14 March 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review and incredible loyalty! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you’ve had such positive experiences with us over the years. It’s always a pleasure to know that our team has been friendly and helpful, and we deeply appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us for your ninth boating holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure and continuing to provide you with the same exceptional service. Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 14 March 2025

Great holiday with Le Boat on Canal du…

Great holiday with Le Boat on Canal du Midi last September. Staff were very helpful and the boat was in good condition. The Canal and sorrunding area is beautiful.

Reply from Le Boat, 14 March 2025

Hello Siobhan, Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re so happy to hear that you had a great holiday with us on the Canal du Midi. It’s wonderful to know that our team was helpful and that the boat met your expectations. We agree—the Canal and its surrounding area are truly beautiful, and we’re glad you had the chance to experience it. We hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable adventure! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 14 March 2025

It was simply nice to be on a beautiful…

It was simply nice to be on a beautiful river. Some great small towns to visit.

Reply from Le Boat, 14 March 2025

Hello Dan Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time on the beautiful river and exploring the charming towns along the way. There’s truly something magical about experiencing nature and culture from the water, and we’re so glad you had the opportunity to enjoy it. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable adventure in the future! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 14 March 2025

Quality of their boats

Quality of their boats, service and personal attention of staff.

Reply from Le Boat, 14 March 2025

Thank you for your kind words! We’re so pleased to hear that you were impressed with the quality of our boats, the service, and the personal attention from our staff. We truly strive to make every guest feel valued and ensure they have a memorable and smooth holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic boating adventure soon! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 14 March 2025

Amazing Team excellent service

Our experience with La Boat was Amazing. The staff went out of their way to help us. We booked this trip with 5 days notice and got a few things wrong. We phoned from Australia and the team were so accommodating, making all the changes that we needed and helping get us the right fit for our group. There are a few boat companies on the beautiful French canals but I wouldn’t use anyone else. When we checked out a team member even drove us back to town on his lunch break so that we would not miss our train.

Reply from Le Boat, 14 March 2025

Hello Sharlane, Thank you so much for your 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience with Le Boat was amazing and that our team was able to assist you every step of the way. It’s our goal to make every guest’s holiday as smooth and enjoyable as possible, so we’re especially pleased that we were able to accommodate all the changes needed for your group. We truly appreciate your kind words about our service, and we’re honored that you chose us for your boating adventure. We can’t wait to welcome you back for your next holiday. Thank you again for trusting us with your trip! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 14 March 2025

Exceptional service

Exceptional Le Boat booking service from Linda in Australia. Linda went above and beyond to help us with our bookings. She was extremely pleasant to deal with and made it all so easy for us to choose our destination and our boat.
Everyone we dealt with in France from Le Boat were helpful and made the whole experience exciting.

Reply from Le Boat, 14 March 2025

Hello Jennifer, Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear that Linda provided exceptional service and helped make your booking process seamless and enjoyable. We’re proud of our global team who are dedicated to making every guest’s experience as smooth and exciting as possible. It’s wonderful to know that everyone you dealt with contributed to making your boating holiday such a memorable experience. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable adventure! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 14 March 2025

A must do family holiday!

From the first phone call our holiday was tailored exactly to our needs. We received call backs and the staff went above and beyond expectations ensuring we were going to get the best experience possible.
The crew in Porumna were outstanding and gave us the best tips and craft training leaving us well prepared to hit the river
Overall Shannon River cruising was the most enjoyable family holiday ever had.
We sailed Portumna to Portumna, overnight mooring in Bangher,Clonmacnoise,Ballina and Terryglass.
Unforgettable
Thanks to the team
Budget Family of 2 Adults 2 teenagers 2 under12 loads of room and comfort in the Shannon Star. We brought all food on board great cooking facilities with full cooker and fridge. Extra options gas bbq and paddle boards well worth it and surpringly affordable

Reply from Le Boat, 14 March 2025

Hello Conor, Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that your holiday was tailored exactly to your needs and that our team exceeded your expectations. It’s great to know that the crew in Portumna provided excellent training and tips to help prepare you for an unforgettable experience on the Shannon River. We’re delighted that you and your family had such a memorable time cruising from Portumna and visiting the charming locations along the way. It’s wonderful to hear that the Shannon Star offered you plenty of room and comfort, and that our ‘holiday extras’ like the gas BBQ and paddle boards made your trip even more enjoyable. We’re so grateful to have been part of such a special family holiday, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable adventure! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 13 March 2025

Everything worked very well

Everything worked very well

Reply from Le Boat, 13 March 2025

Hello Mark, Thank you for your review! We’re so glad to hear that everything went smoothly during your holiday. It’s our goal to ensure a seamless experience for all our guests, and we’re thrilled that you had a great time. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 13 March 2025

A wonderful holiday with friends

The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful! Some of our crew were a bit late arriving, but the staff in Portumna did everything they could to ensure everything went smoothly

Reply from Le Boat, 13 March 2025

Hello Kevin, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad to hear that you had a fantastic holiday with friends. It’s great to know that our team in Portumna went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly, even with the delay in your crew’s arrival. We always strive to provide friendly and helpful service to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. We hope to welcome you and your friends back for another memorable adventure soon! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 13 March 2025

Let the World pass you by while cruising on the Shannon

Wide range of options with regard to boats and then a wide range of additional services

Reply from Le Boat, 13 March 2025

Hello Pat, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed cruising along the Shannon and that you were able to relax while letting the world pass you by. We’re also glad that our wide range of boat options and additional services helped make your experience even more enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you back for another peaceful and unforgettable adventure! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 13 March 2025

Best boat hire company by miles

Great service, helpful staff.
Royal Mystique is quite elderly now but still the only boat that provides 2 decent energy suite cabins.

Reply from Le Boat, 13 March 2025

Hello Stephen, Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with us and that our team provided great service. The Royal Mystique has long been a favourite among our guests, and we’re glad to hear it still met your needs with its spacious cabins and comfort. We look forward to welcoming you aboard again for another memorable boating holiday! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 13 March 2025

Three Holidays with Le Boat and cannot fault them!

We have been on a total of three holidays now with Le Boat using Emerald Star boats on the Shannon and cannot recommend the experience or organisation enough. We booked on a different boat for each trip and genuinely can attest that they have options to suit every group type.

The boats themselves are easy to maneuver and very straightforward to operate. We loved how easy the check-in process was and the staff could not have been more accommodating every step of the way. Our latest trip they even operated our boat through a bridge opening for us when they learned we wouldn’t make it in time for the final opening of the day.

Absolutely 10/10 on all fronts.

Reply from Le Boat, 13 March 2025

Hello Jennifer, Thank you so much for your amazing review! We truly appreciate your continued loyalty and are thrilled to hear that your three holidays with Le Boat have been so memorable. It’s fantastic to know that the Emerald Star boats have worked well for you, and we’re happy to hear that our team has been there to make every step of your journey smooth and enjoyable. We’re especially pleased to know that our staff went the extra mile to assist with the bridge opening—that’s exactly what we aim for: to ensure your experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Thank you for recommending us so highly, and we look forward to welcoming you back for many more adventures! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 13 March 2025

Happy

Boat was perfect and route was beautiful.

Reply from Le Boat, 13 March 2025

Hello Dalien, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed your boat and the beautiful route. We look forward to welcoming you back for another perfect adventure! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 13 March 2025

As always our experience with Le Boat…is second to none

As always our experience with Le Boat out of Portumna Harbour was delightful. The Portumna Crew are always attentive and helpful. The boat while not our usual choice of craft was comfortable and clean. A holiday with Le boat on the lakes and river in Ireland is such a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday.

Reply from Le Boat, 13 March 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that, once again, your experience was second to none. It’s always a pleasure to hear that our team provided attentive and helpful service throughout your holiday. We’re glad you found the boat comfortable and clean, and it’s fantastic to know that your holiday on the lakes and rivers of Ireland was both relaxing and rejuvenating. We truly appreciate your continued trust in us and can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable getaway. Best regards, Colin from Le Boat/Emerald Star

Added on 13 March 2025

Fantastic boat

Fantastic boat, great service, and just plain fun. Cruising the Canal du Midi is an experience. We had a mechanical problem at one point (it happens) – they had a crew to us in an hour and we were underway again in less than two. Impressive.

Reply from Le Boat, 13 March 2025

Hello Ian, Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so glad to hear that you had a great time cruising the Canal du Midi and that you enjoyed both the boat and the service. We also truly appreciate your understanding when the mechanical issue arose. While these things can happen, we’re pleased that our team was able to quickly resolve the situation and get you back on your way—our goal is always to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

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Select Rideau Canal Trent-Severn Canal du Midi Nivernais & Loire Lot Franche Comté Aquitaine Shannon and Erne Alsace-Lorraine Camargue Venice and Friuli Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland The River Thames Flanders Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal Brittany Charente Mecklenburg, Brandenburg and Berlin Palavas-les-Flots Boating vacations in La Grande-Motte Étang de Thau Burgundy

Added on 15 July 2024

We took the Le Boat tour in Belgium from June…

We took the Le Boat tour in Belgium from June to July 2024. Rik from Westhoek Marina at Nieuwpoort was an exceptional guide. He provided us with many useful travel tips, and we greatly appreciated the staff members’ helpfulness and positive attitude. When one of our suitcase wheels broke, Rik even went out of his way to drop us off at the Nieuwpoort bus and tram station. We loved every little town (especially Bruges and Ghent, but Diksmuide and Ieper were also interesting and beautiful in their own way. We completed both Route 1 and Route 2. Thanks to the Belgium team—this was such a great holiday!

Added on 11 July 2024

Good and easy to around on bicycle. Restaurants plentiful

Good and easy to around on bicycle. Restaurants plentiful

Added on 11 July 2024

Really friendly team, very professional, bat loavely, and a really…

Really friendly team, very professional, bat loavely, and a really different fun holiday break.

Added on 11 July 2024

This was our first Le Boat experience. Awesome choice and…

This was our first Le Boat experience. Awesome choice and so glad we did it. Apart from the adrenalin to ensure you do things correctly, to the calm and relaxed hours on the canal. Our family was excited about all the planning, boating and exploring small towns like Edam, Zaanse Schaans and Maarssen on foot, bike and sometimes just on the deck! As a first time Le Boater, the staff made it easy and explained all the detail and operations (p.s. be sure to take notes), that helped us on our way. By day 2 you definitely feel more comfortable with all the bridges, signals, sluices and mooring. This was a unforgettable family holiday and we will surely tdo this again when opportunity presents itself.

Added on 10 July 2024

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond…

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond nice and helpful. They were going to call us a cab when we arrived in St Jean by train but a staff member just came and picked us up! The gentleman that showed us around the boat was excellent as well. In Branges, the women helping us check out was so nice and professional, can’t speak highly enough of her. The other staff in Branges were, oddly, not helpful. It’s traditional in any dockside setting to help those in need of a hand when coming into dock, even if aren’t working but just people sharing the dock. These guys (who are employed by Le Boat) just sat smiling as we came in to an unfamiliar harbor in the pouring rain and didn’t lift a hand to help. Then told us, after we were tied up that we’d tied up in the wrong place and told us to move. As I said, very odd considering how great everyone else from Le Boat was with us on our trip.
Already thinking about our next trip with Le Boat – Highly recommended!

Added on 10 July 2024

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond…

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond nice and helpful. They were going to call us a cab when we arrived in St Jean by train but a staff member just came and picked us up! The gentleman that showed us around the boat was excellent as well. In Branges, the women helping us check out was so nice and professional, can’t speak highly enough of her. The other staff in Branges were, oddly, not helpful. It’s traditional in any dockside setting to help those in need of a hand when coming into dock, even if aren’t working but just people sharing the dock. These guys (who are employed by Le Boat) just sat smiling as we came in to an unfamiliar harbor in the pouring rain and didn’t lift a hand to help. Then told us, after we were tied up that we’d tied up in the wrong place and told us to move. As I said, very odd considering how great everyone else from Le Boat was with us on our trip.
Already thinking about our next trip with Le Boat – Highly recommended!

Added on 10 July 2024

Great staff, fantastic location, really enjoyable break.

Great staff, fantastic location, really enjoyable break.

Added on 10 July 2024

We rented a new boat which worked perfectly. The staff…

We rented a new boat which worked perfectly. The staff , waiters, mechanics, reception , booking agent were all amazing, friendly and no issue was too small or too big to fix. Thank you for a wonderful holiday .

Added on 10 July 2024

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted…

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted to the Loure Lateral due to flooding. While not our first choice the service provided by Le Boat was excellent. Highlights were visiting Sancerre and Never.

Added on 10 July 2024

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted…

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted to the Loure Lateral due to flooding. While not our first choice the service provided by Le Boat was excellent. Highlights were visiting Sancerre and Never.

Added on 9 July 2024

Excellent service from staff at Chertsey and our boat ‘Magnifique’…

Excellent service from staff at Chertsey and our boat ‘Magnifique’ was great. We traveled from Chertsey to Windsor and and had a great time . Looking at next year Benson to Oxford.

Added on 2 July 2024

A magical holiday! I will definitely do it again if…

A magical holiday! I will definitely do it again if I can. Le Boat were excellent on all levels. Efficient and friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The consultant I booked through was outstanding, as were the staff at the base (Le Mas d’Agenais). They attended to all our queries and were pleasant and helpful. They also arranged a taxi for us to get from Marmande to the base which was a great help. The base is a beautiful spot on the canal and very organised. I highly recommend them. Thank you for the incredible trip and service.

Added on 2 July 2024

Our 7 day cruise with Le Boat was truly memorable.…

Our 7 day cruise with Le Boat was truly memorable. The support was fantastic and we will return for another cruise.

Added on 2 July 2024

Very relaxing at this time of the year. Great staff…

Very relaxing at this time of the year. Great staff at each end .
Would be great if the ports could have a list of costs that was available at the boat office.
Saying that we had great port staff with lot’s of helpful advice.
Meet slot of people doing the same thing along the way

Added on 27 June 2024

A pleasant relaxing trip through some interesting old villages and…

A pleasant relaxing trip through some interesting old villages and picturesque countryside .

Added on 27 June 2024

A pleasant relaxing trip through some interesting old villages and…

A pleasant relaxing trip through some interesting old villages and picturesque countryside .

Added on 26 June 2024

Lovely staff, the canal is so beautiful. Boat was good,…

Lovely staff, the canal is so beautiful. Boat was good, at a fair price

Added on 25 June 2024

We had a wonderful holiday, and the Clipper was well…

We had a wonderful holiday, and the Clipper was well equipped. The canals of Northern Holland were a fantastic holiday venue! I highly recommend this for everyone wanting a relaxed, fun, beautiful vacation!

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Select Capri WHS Kingfisher WHS Cygnet WHS Curlew WHS Braemore WHS Royal Star WHS Minuetto 6+ Caprice Cirrus B Horizon 4 Crusader Cirrus A Corvette B Continentale Mountain Star Capri Grand Classique Classique Classique Star Corvette A Consul Salsa A Clipper Calypso Horizon 1 Lake Star Horizon 5 Town Star Countess Royal Mystique A Elegance Magnifique Minuetto 8+ Mystique Royal Classique Royal Mystique B Shannon Star Salsa B Sheba Tango Vision 2 Vision 3 Vision 4 Vision 3 Master Horizon 3 Horizon 2 Liberty

Added on 15 July 2024

Although our boat was small, it was well-equipped with everything…

Although our boat was small, it was well-equipped with everything we needed for our stay and maneuvered easily in the canals.

Added on 11 July 2024

Fantastic trip on the Belgium canals and excellent company to…

Fantastic trip on the Belgium canals and excellent company to go with…Le Boat. Very professional and helpful. Xx

Added on 11 July 2024

Again, awesome boat. We originally booked the Sheba, but due…

Again, awesome boat. We originally booked the Sheba, but due to unavailability Le Boat upgraded us to the Royal Mystique. Practical lay-out, lots of space for 4 people and definitely enjoyed the deck and gasbraai (bbq) outside. Felt like the Captain of my own boat.

Added on 10 July 2024

Older boat with three large cabins. Well maintained and comfortable.…

Older boat with three large cabins. Well maintained and comfortable. We had a very hot week so air-conditioning or fans in each cabin would have been appreciated as it was difficult to cool the inside of the boat down.

Added on 9 July 2024

Itinerary was good just as described in their brochures. The…

Itinerary was good just as described in their brochures.
The locks were harder work than anticipated.
The stops and restaurants were all nice. Top marks to Marseillet. Lovely spot with support Auberge O son of O.

Added on 3 July 2024

Incredibly well organized customer service. Everything was perfect from the…

Incredibly well organized customer service. Everything was perfect from the initial call for information to arriving and setting out for a 4 day cruise. Absolutely beautiful views and easy waterways to navigate.

Added on 2 July 2024

Salsa A is an extremely comfortable barge. It is well-appointed,…

Salsa A is an extremely comfortable barge. It is well-appointed, clean and has plenty of space. We were 6 people (3 couples), for a week. Bedrooms 3 & 4 are quite cramped so the extra room was handy. The kitchen area is easy to use and has everything you need, plus 2 fridges which was great. The living space has ample room, as well as upstairs on the deck. We were briefed before we set off by a knowledgable and friendly member of the team and everything went smoothly. It’s the second time we have used Le Boat and will do so again. A very memorable and outstanding trip, thank you.

Added on 2 July 2024

Great sized boat for larger groups. 4 cabins with double…

Great sized boat for larger groups. 4 cabins with double beds and 2 double beds by re-arranging the sofas in front. Well equipped and it has 2 fridges.

Added on 2 July 2024

Would book a bigger boat next time as it was…

Would book a bigger boat next time as it was a bit small as one passenger was over six foot.
Would be better if the was at least one 240volt outlet that works of a inverter will not in port.

Added on 27 June 2024

The boat was clean and suited our needs. It was…

The boat was clean and suited our needs. It was not difficult to drive.

Added on 25 June 2024

Clean, spacious and perfect for groups.

Clean, spacious and perfect for groups.

Added on 25 June 2024

Good boat, easy to handle and well equiped. Saloon inside…

Good boat, easy to handle and well equiped.
Saloon inside was perfect for 4 of us, but outside is not so big, 2 shower toilets is a great feature.

Added on 19 June 2024

We ended up with a smaller boat which wasn't quite…

We ended up with a smaller boat which wasn’t quite big enough for 6, but much better than nothing.

Added on 19 June 2024

The boat had a few minor problems but they didn't…

The boat had a few minor problems but they didn’t interfere with its operation.

Added on 18 June 2024

Boat was good for 5 of us. If I went…

Boat was good for 5 of us. If I went again I would get the next bigger boat with extra bunk. It gets kind of crowded when someone is always sleeping on the main cabin couch area.

Added on 18 June 2024

Our boat was in great condition and we had no…

Our boat was in great condition and we had no issues with it. It was very well laid out.

Added on 18 June 2024

Best boats in the fleet

Best boats in the fleet

Added on 18 June 2024

Big nice and very comfotable. We were four people on…

Big nice and very comfotable. We were four people on the boat.

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