FAQs

Find answers to common questions on our holidays.

What do you want to know?

Are life jackets provided?
Life jackets are supplied and safety rings are attached to every boat.
Do we have to operate the locks?
Depending on the region you are in, locks may be manually operated, manned by a lock keeper, electrically operated or automatic, but whatever the system, the maneuvers are always much the same.
Are the locks easy to navigate?
Yes, and passing through a lock will often be a highlight of your cruise! Once you have navigated one lock you will find out just how simple it is.
Are any areas lock free?
If you are looking for lock-free cruising head down to the Camargue in the South of France! The Norfolk Broads is also lock free. Many other cruising regions have few locks, so speak to someone in our friendly sales team and they will be pleased to help you.
Can transfers be arranged?
Le Boat can arrange transfers to and from any airport, train station, town or hotel. You will need to contact the sales team and ask for the appropriate form to complete. Transfers are paid for on arrival in the local currency.
Are towels provided?
Yes, Le Boat provide towels on all boats depending on the number of people sharing.
How will I know how to operate the boat?
When you arrive at the base, you'll receive a warm welcome from our team and be shown to your boat. You will be given an in-depth briefing on every aspect of your boat - from which knots to use to how the oven works. Rest assured that the team at your base will make sure you are confident about every aspect of your trip before you cast off including how to go through locks, tying up at the water's edge and mooring in a marina (charges may apply).
What speed should I cruise at?
A cruising holiday is meant to be a relaxing one, with 6-7 km/hr being the recommended maximum speed. This means you can enjoy your surroundings at a leisurely pace and, more importantly, not cause any damage to the natural habitats at the water's edge.
Do I require a licence or permit?
A driving licence is not required for your boating holiday in France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, England or Scotland. After your instruction lesson you will be given a temporary permit for the duration of your holiday. In Germany, a permit is required only for boats over 13 metres in length and only in certain areas. Contact us for more information.
What time can I collect and return the boat?
Normal collection time is between 4pm and 5pm and return time is by 9am on the final day.
Is fishing allowed?
Fishing enthusiasts will have the time of their lives on the rivers so bring your rods and don’t forget your fishing licence! Licences can be purchased from local shops for the duration of your cruise. Click here fore more information on our fishing page.
Can I swim in any of the regions?
Swimming is possible in many of the rivers, lakes and lagoons, but always check at the base if it is safe to do so. We don’t recommend swimming in the canals, but there are many great open-air swimming pools near to our cruising routes if you fancy a dip. You could also head for the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean or near our base at Nieuwpoort in Belgium.
Is it possible to hire bikes?
Yes, we have a brand new range of lightweight, 24-gear cross country bikes, minibikes for gentle excursions, children’s bikes, trailer bikes and children’s bike seats. Helmets can also be purchased from the base. We recommend you take at least two bikes per boat and it is advisable to reserve them in advance.
What happens if I break down?
In case of an emergency, you will be able to contact one of the base team 24/7 and we will respond immediately. In the unlikely event that you have a problem with your boat, we will do our best to send an engineer to you within four hours of your call. If your boat is considered to be unusable for more than half a day you will be offered compensation based on the daily hire fee. Please see full details of our pledge in our terms and conditions.
How many hours should I cruise each day?
Generally cruising 4-5 hours a day will ensure you see a lot of the region as well as keep the boat’s batteries well charged. However, there’s no need to set yourself rigid targets – cruise as the mood takes you and explore the countryside and see the sights at your leisure.
Can we pre-order groceries?
You can order groceries in advance and they will be delivered to your boat on your departure day. You will need to download the provisioning list and send it back to the base at least two weeks prior to departure – click here and choose your base.
Where is the nearest airport, and which operators fly there?
To find out the nearest airport to your departure base, click here and choose your base. A particularly useful website for finding flights and airlines is www.skyscanner.net (opens in a new window).
What is the Damage Waiver/Deposit?
All our boats are fully covered for damage and damage to other property or vessels for claims over £1,000. All our boats are covered for third party liability. To cover for the £1,000 there are two options highlighted below.

Option 1 – The refundable damage deposit
On arrival at the base, you leave a refundable deposit of £1,000 which will only be exercised if the boat or any of its equipment / inventory is returned damaged or lost, or in the case of any accidental damage to third parties. This will not be the case if there is evidence of gross neglect, which is excluded from our cover under our insurance policy.

Option 2 – The non-refundable damage waiver
A charge of between £50 - £103 can be paid at the time of booking or on arrival. With this option you will be fully covered if the boat or any of its equipment / inventory is returned damaged or lost, as well as if there is any accidental damage to third parties. This will not be the case if there is evidence of gross neglect, which is excluded from our cover under our insurance policy.
Can we hire your boats at Christmas?
Le Boat operate between March and October only.
How can I recharge my camera/mobile?
All boats are equipped with a 12 volt cigarette lighter (the same as a car) which can be used to plug in your adapter lead for a mobile phone or any other low power equipment with the appropriate connection.
What type of car parking is available?
To find out the various parking options at your departure base, click here and choose your base .
How do I get to the base?
To find out how to get your departure base, click here and choose your base.
If I am doing a one way cruise how do I get my car back?
There are two options available to you:
  • We can arrange a taxi for you
  • We can transfer your car from the start base to the end base so that it is waiting for you when you return
Do I need any experience in order to qualify for a Le Boat holiday?
Absolutely not. You don't need to have any boating experience in order to enjoy one of our holidays. When you arrive at the base, the manager will take you out for an hour or so and go through all the controls with you until you are confident to enjoy the boat for the duration of your holiday.
Do all of your boats have mains voltage as well as 12v?
Some of our boats do have both but some don't. Exact details can be found under the Fleet section of the site.
Can I take my dogs on holiday?
Yes of course you can, there will be an additional cost of £35 per dog. We recommend that you don't take any more than 2 dogs per boat. For more information check out our holidaying with dogs page.
How much do berthing fees cost along my cruise?
Berthing fees will vary from location to location, if you stop at a Crown Blue Line, Connoisseur or Emerald Star base along the way, then there is no charge.

Question not answered here?

Drop us an email using the form below and we'll answer any questions you might have.

Your Details
*
*
Your Question

QuickBook Select your booking criteria to search our database