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.
rozet badge
Boating expertise since 1969
With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
Bateau
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.
Bouée
No boat licence 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.
  • rozet badge
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Bateau
    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.
  • Bouée
    No boat licence 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.
  • rozet badge
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Bateau
    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.
  • Bouée
    No boat licence 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.
Le Boat boating destinations

Canal Boat Holidays

Explore the beautiful waterways of nine different countries

Explore the beautiful waterways of nine different countries with canal boat holidays from Le Boat. Find your dream canal boat holiday, whether in the UK or abroad. 

The beauty of Europe and Canada's stunning lakes, rivers, and canals and their surrounding villages and countryside are yours to explore on these canal holidays, all from the unique perspective of your sundeck! Whether you’re looking for affordable or luxury canal boat holidays, each destination offers a different combination of appeals, from wine tasting and glorious gastronomy, to breath-taking scenery and beach resorts.

Our canal boat holiday destinations

Boating holidays in England are fun-packed adventures, through pretty countryside and historic sites.

  • Family fun and plenty to do and see
  • Beautiful green countryside
  • Riverside pubs and immaculate villages
  • Fishing and bird-watching

Spectacular mountain scenery makes Scotland's highland waterways an unforgettable boating holiday experience

  • Spectacular mountain scenery
  • Hiking & hill walking
  • Whisky distillery tours
  • Fishing, wildlife & bird-watching

Come boating in Ireland and enjoy mystic waterways and a warm welcome

  • Ancient celtic monuments & religious sites
  • Championship golf courses
  • Wonderful fishing
  • Fantastic scenery
  • Friendly pubs with traditional live music

Discover French canal holidays in nine stunning regions

  • Largest choice of boating holiday destinations
  • Unique scenery for each region
  • Rich history and heritage
  • Local gastronomy and finest wines

 

Explore beautiful lakes and rivers within two world-class canal systems in Canada.

  • Wide open lakes and water sports
  • A mecca for nature
  • Dynamic cities
  • Rich heritage

Come boating in Italy to explore vibrant cities and tranquil countryside

  • Romantic & historic Venice
  • Beaches & sunbathing
  • Traditional fishing-villages
  • Seafood restaurants
  • Art, history & iconic sightseeing
  • Craft - glass blowing, lace-making

The Netherlands' landscape of canals, windmills and chocolate-box towns is just waiting to be explored by boat

  • City break in Amsterdam
  • Fishing, cycling & watersports
  • Festivals & events
  • Relaxed pavement café atmosphere

Ancient and rich architecture in historic cities are what your Belgium river cruise has in store for you!

  • Gothic architecture
  • Cathedrals & churches
  • Museums & art galleries
  • Horse-drawn carriage tours
  • World War memorials
  • Tasty Chocolates & Beers

Cruise through peaceful lakes and Germany's pulsating capital

  • Lakeside Baroque castles
  • Swimming & watersports
  • Hiking & biking
  • Forest & bird watching

Why choose Le Boat canal boating holidays?

Canal holidays with Le Boat provide a fine opportunity to see the leafy countryside, embrace different cultures, and visit charming villages that many miss. With boating holidays across a choice of nine different countries, your exploration possibilities are simply endless!

Our river boat holidays allow you to explore surrounding areas wherever, whenever and in whatever way you want to. With a vast network of bases across Europe, we can offer the largest variety of cruising routes in comparison to our competitors, many of which are one-way trips, meaning that you won't have to return to where you started.

Whether you fancy walking through the medieval cobbled streets of Bruges or indulging in the finest wines and cheeses of Burgundy, with over 170 varied river cruising holidays, we'll be sure to have the right river boat holiday for you, whether it’s a weekend away or a long-haul trip. 

Best of all, your choices don't stop there. With over 40 different types of boats to hire, dependent on your choice of destination, and the freedom to travel as slow as you want to, your trip couldn't be easier to book. So, take your pick and find out more.

 

Our canal boats

As captain of your own hired boat, you'll be living in, and driving, your personal cruiser. Our boats are all very easy to operate, and the best part is that you don't need any licence or experience before setting off! We have plenty of boat hire options to choose from including Premier, Comfort and Comfort Plus, and even Budget boats to suit everyone’s needs and wishes. With all these options, you can book the perfect canal boat holiday with loved ones.

Looking for canal boat holidays for beginners?

We know it can seem a little daunting to head off on your own canal boat cruiser without any experience. Your safety and security are very important to us, and although no licence is required, we ensure you get a full induction before setting off onto the waters. Our thorough orientation covers everything you need to know, from basic navigation skills to understanding the unique features of your canal boat.

Le Boat is committed to ensuring that first time enjoy an unforgettable holiday and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become confident cruisers. So if you're new to canal boating, you can be sure you'll be a confident cruiser on a Le Boat holiday.

What our customers say...

Seema Dutta said:

Quotemark  Wonderful way to see the countryside! You can't be in a rush on a trip like this, so we just meandered down the Canal and stopped whenever and wherever we wanted. Excellent food and wine and all the people we met were great!  Quotemark

5 Star

Margaret Perkins said:

Quotemark Five star service every time! We have booked holidays with Le Boat for over 15 years and always had a five star experience. If we need help before or during our holiday they have always been there with a smile!  Quotemark

5 Star

Feefo Trusted Service Award