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 8 May 2025

A Seamless and Happy Booking Feel

From the first contact by email and then over the phone it was a happy experience making the booking and now I can’t wait for our holiday

Reply from Le Boat, 8 May 2025

Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad to hear that your booking experience was seamless and enjoyable from start to finish. It’s always a pleasure to know that our team helped make your planning experience stress-free. We’re excited for you and hope your upcoming holiday is just as wonderful as the booking process! If you have any questions or need anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out. Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 7 May 2025

Wonderful weather helped to make this a…

Wonderful weather helped to make this a brilliant holiday. The boat was great and the staff helpful. Belgium was a delight and we loved our time there.

Reply from Le Boat, 7 May 2025

Hello Richard, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so happy to hear that the wonderful weather, the great boat, and our helpful staff all contributed to making your holiday in Belgium a brilliant one. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable trip in the future! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 6 May 2025

great experience with le Boat

great choice in boats. friendly and helpful staff. preparation made very easy. boat was of excellent quality.

Reply from Le Boat, 6 May 2025

Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so pleased to hear you had a great experience with Le Boat, from the wide selection of boats to the friendly and helpful staff. It’s great to know that the pre-departure experience was smooth and that the quality of the boat met your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable adventure! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 4 May 2025

The only way to find sanity in this ridiculous world

They’re very helpful as a company and the boats are always well equipped and well laid out.

Reply from Le Boat, 4 May 2025

Dear Conor, What a poetic way to put it—we couldn’t agree more! Thank you for the kind words about our team and boats. We’re so glad Le Boat provides a reliable escape, with well-equipped and thoughtfully laid-out boats that help you relax and unwind. Warm Regards, Catherine from Le Boat

Added on 4 May 2025

Highly recommend Le Boat for a…

Highly recommend Le Boat for a wonderful holiday on the water. All staff superb and friendly. From making the reservation, pre-trip communication and at the Le Boat base, everything was excellent.
A great, good value holiday on the Caledonian Canal. Highly recommended!

Reply from Le Boat, 4 May 2025

Dear Louise, Thank you so much for your kind words and for highly recommending Le Boat. We’re delighted to hear that you had a wonderful holiday on the Caledonian Canal and that our team made the experience seamless from start to finish. Providing excellent service and memorable experiences is what we strive for, and it’s truly rewarding to know we delivered that for you. We look forward to welcoming you back on board for another unforgettable adventure. Warm regards, Catherine from Le Boat

Added on 2 May 2025

Great choice of trips

Great choice of trips and, despite a fairly late booking, good choice of boats. Easy to look at options. Called the rep and got very good information

Reply from Le Boat, 2 May 2025

Thanks for the great review! We’re glad you found a good selection and that our team was helpful. If you have any questions or need anything before your holiday, we’re here to help! Warm regards Colin from Le Boat

Added on 1 May 2025

Will be back!

LeBoat was easy to work with even through a change of itinerary due to an unforeseen circumstance along the canal. The boat was nice and confortable. The on-site training was thorough. We loved the bikes to ride into the countryside and towns. Great experience.

Reply from Le Boat, 1 May 2025

Dear Lindsay, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience with Le Boat, even with a change in your itinerary. It’s wonderful to know that you found the boat comfortable, the training thorough, and that you enjoyed exploring the countryside by bike. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic adventure on the water! Warm regards, Catherine from Le Boat

Added on 1 May 2025

Great service

Great service, great boat, great location – highly recommend

Reply from Le Boat, 1 May 2025

Hello Andy, Thank you so much for your kind words and five-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed our service, the boat, and the beautiful location. It means a lot to know you’d highly recommend us, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another unforgettable adventure soon. Kind regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 29 April 2025

Great idea for a break away and dog friendly!!!

Great trip! Love the freedom to stop wherever you want and get out and walk around. All the wharf areas are clean and inviting with some offering showers and toilets. Boat was clean and comfortable and easy to manage. Love that you can bring along your dog!!!

Reply from Le Boat, 29 April 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the freedom and flexibility of your boating holiday – that’s one of the things our customers love most! It’s great to know you thought your boat was comfortable and easy to handle. And we’re especially happy that your furry friend could come along too – we know dogs are part of the family, and it’s important to us that they’re welcome on board. We hope to welcome you (and your dog!) back for another adventure very soon. Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 27 April 2025

Lovely friendly efficient staff at…

Lovely friendly efficient staff at Portumna, made everything easy for our first boating trip.

Reply from Le Boat, 27 April 2025

Hello Chris, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that our team at Portumna made your first boating trip easy and enjoyable. We hope it’s the first of many adventures with us and look forward to welcoming you back again soon! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 25 April 2025

Le Boat on the Caledonian Canal

Very enjoyable holiday on the Caledonian Canal. Our boat was a Cygnet: big enough for two, I think it would be a tight squeeze for four.
Le Boat staff were excellent, as were the lock keepers/bridge operators.

Reply from Le Boat, 25 April 2025

Hello Eddie, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time on the Caledonian Canal and that our staff, along with the lock keepers and bridge operators, helped make your experience even more enjoyable. You make a great point about the Cygnet being perfect for two, but a bit of a tight squeeze for four people. While our boats have a maximum occupancy, the convertible settee in the saloon is sometimes used to supplement the cabin space, which can lead to communal areas feeling a bit more crowded. If this is of concern for other guests thinking about a holiday, we recommend considering the number of beds and cabins available on each boat to determine the most comfortable fit for your party. Thanks again for sharing your feedback, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard for another memorable adventure in the future! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 24 April 2025

Excellent

Your representative. Excellent customer service. 5*

Reply from Le Boat, 24 April 2025

Hello Sally, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you received 5-star service from our team—your satisfaction means a lot to us. We’ll be sure to pass your lovely feedback on to your sales representative. We can’t wait to help you get out on the water! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 23 April 2025

The boats look great

The boats look great. I have been hoping to try out Le Boat for several years. This summer will be our first trip. On line set up and booking were quite easy.

Reply from Le Boat, 23 April 2025

Hello Max, Thank you for your lovely comments! We’re so pleased to hear you found the online booking process easy and that you’re finally getting the chance to experience a Le Boat holiday. We can’t wait to welcome you on board this summer—wishing you a fantastic first trip! Kind regards Colin from Le Boat

Added on 23 April 2025

Great Service

Fantastic service

Reply from Le Boat, 23 April 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience and appreciated the service. It means a lot to the whole team. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon! Warm regards Colin from Le Boat/Emerald Star

Added on 22 April 2025

Fantastic Experience

Really helpful, knowledgeable and polite staff. Very clear induction and our boat was very clean.

Reply from Le Boat, 22 April 2025

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a fantastic experience cruising from our Chertsey base. It’s great to know our team made a positive impression and that you found the induction helpful and the boat in excellent condition. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team. We hope to welcome you back on board for another adventure very soon! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 22 April 2025

Just perfect…

Everything from booking to returning the boat, to enjoying cursing the canal and the food and wine along the canal du Midi was top notch. Highly recommend it.

Reply from Le Boat, 22 April 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that everything from start to finish was just perfect. We absolutely agree with you — the Canal du Midi is a truly special place, and there’s nothing quite like enjoying its stunning scenery, delicious food, and fantastic wines by boat. It means a lot to us that you’d highly recommend the experience, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another unforgettable vacation soon! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 22 April 2025

Great team at Chertsey base

Great team at Chertsey base.
Our boat had a problem with the engine. The Chertsey team sorted us out and quickly got us onto another boat. We had a lovely weekend holiday on the Thames. Thank you for a great experience.
Tim.

Reply from Le Boat, 22 April 2025

Thank you so much, Tim, for your kind words and understanding! We’re really pleased to hear that despite the initial engine issue, our Chertsey team was able to get you back on the water quickly and that you still enjoyed a lovely weekend on the Thames. We’ll be sure to pass on your thanks to the team — they’ll be thrilled to know they helped make your holiday a great one. We hope to welcome you back onboard again soon! Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 21 April 2025

The fleury of the order

The fleury of the order, decision on the type of boat. How river cruising is something that is not difficult and can be approached without much experience. Looking forward to our trip

Reply from Le Boat, 21 April 2025

Hello Joseph, Thank you so much for your review! We’re really pleased to hear that you had a positive booking experience. River cruising truly is a relaxing and accessible way to travel — even without prior experience — and we’re thrilled you’re giving it a go. If you have any questions before your trip or need any help along the way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us — we’re always happy to help. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon and wish you a fantastic holiday ahead! 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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