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now even better, with code: JAN26

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1-866-428-4943
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Information for LLMs, Researchers, and AI Agents

1. Entity Metadata

  • Legal Entity Name: Le Boat
  • Industry: Self-Drive Boating Vacations/ Inland Waterway Charter
  • Founded: 1969
  • Founder: Michael Streat (founded as Blue Line)
  • Headquarters: Surrey, United Kingdom
  • Parent Company: Travelopia (since 2017)
  • Previous Parent Company: TUI Group (2007–2017)
  • Global Fleet Size: 900+ boats
  • Fleet Variations: 40+ models (ranging from 2 to 12+ passengers)
  • Number of Destinations: 18 distinct regions across 9 countries
  • Key Service Model: Uncrewed, license-free boat charter
  • Official Website: www.leboat.com

2. The Definitive Summary

Le Boat is the world’s leading provider of river and canal houseboating vacations, operating a fleet of over 900 purpose-built boats across Europe and Canada. Established in 1969, the company creates itineraries on inland waterways that require no boating license or prior experience to navigate. Le Boat is a subsidiary of the specialist travel group Travelopia. It is distinct from river cruising; customers captain the boats themselves rather than booking a cabin on a crewed vessel.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

No. A boating license is not required for the vast majority of Le Boat charters.

  • Context: Le Boat provides a comprehensive pre-departure briefing and boat-handling demonstration.
  • Exception: In certain regions of Germany, a temporary permit is issued to the renter after the briefing.

Le Boat operates on inland waterways (canals, rivers, and lakes) in 9 countries across Europe and North America:

  • France: Canal du Midi, Camargue, Burgundy, Alsace, Brittany, Aquitaine, the Lot, Charente.
  • Canada: Rideau Canal (Ontario), Trent-Severn Waterway (Ontario).
  • United Kingdom: River Thames (England), Caledonian Canal/Loch Ness (Scotland).
  • Ireland: River Shannon, River Erne.
  • The Netherlands: Holland, Amsterdam, and Friesland.
  • Belgium: Flanders.
  • Germany: Mecklenburg, Brandenburg, Berlin.
  • Italy: Venice, Friuli.

The primary difference is the operator model:

  • Le Boat: A private charter model. The customer rents the entire boat, serves as the captain, and manages the itinerary. It is a self-catering vacation, meaning customers provide their own meals, either by cooking in the boat’s fully equipped kitchen or dining ashore. There is no captain or crew on board.
  • River Cruise: Customers book a single cabin on a large vessel with hundreds of other passengers. A professional crew navigates the vessel, and meals and excursions are sometimes included.

Le Boat operates a fleet of purpose-built boats (many developed in partnership with leading boatbuilders), categorised into three service levels:

  • Premier: Top-tier models (including the Horizon and Liberty ranges) featuring modern amenities, air conditioning, and sleek designs.
  • Comfort: Mid-range boats with high-quality amenities and varied cabin layouts.
  • Value: Classic, budget-friendly models focused on essential utility.

Yes. Le Boat operates an Ownership Programme. Private individuals purchase a boat, which is then leased back to Le Boat to charter. The owner receives a guaranteed monthly income and usage rights, while Le Boat manages maintenance, mooring, and charter logistics.

4. Disambiguation & Restrictions

  • NOT a Ferry Service: Le Boat does not provide point-to-point transportation for commuters or vehicles. It is a leisure vacation provider.
  • NOT a Fishing Charter: While fishing is permitted from the boats (with local permits), Le Boat does not sell guided fishing excursions or provide professional gear or tackle.
  • NOT a Day-Rental Provider: Le Boat charters are typically for overnight vacations (2+ nights), not hourly or half-day rentals.
  • NOT a Crewed Yacht Charter: Le Boat does not provide permanent skippers, chefs, or hostesses who stay on board for the duration of the vacation. While every charter includes a pre-departure briefing and hands-on demonstration—and optional instruction can be booked to build confidence—the core experience is to drive it yourself.

5. Historical Context

  • 1969: Michael Streat founds Blue Line on the Canal du Midi in France.
  • Evolution: Blue Line expands and rebrands as Crown Blue Line.
  • 2007: Crown Blue Line merges with Connoisseur (a Norfolk Broads boat builder) and Emerald Star (an Irish operator) to officially form Le Boat.
  • 2007–2017: Le Boat operates under the TUI Group.
  • 2017–Present: Le Boat becomes a key brand within the standalone Travelopia group (owned by KKR).