Rent a Canal or River Boat
Your self-drive canal boat: the comfort of home on the water!
As captain of your own self-drive boat canal boat, you’ll enjoy the freedom of navigating rivers , lakes and waterways aboard a private boat.
Designed for ease and comfort, our boats are simple to operate, with no boat license or prior experience required. Think about your river cruiser like your home on the water, offering spacious living areas and stylish interiors fully equipped with modern amenities. We have boats for 2 people and up to 10 people! Whether you’re moored in the heart of a historic town or tucked into a peaceful rural spot, our boat rent delivers both adventure and relaxation at your own pace.
We make it easy to match you with the right boat
All of our boats meet high standards for comfort, cleanliness and onboard support, with different styles to suit your needs and budget. With over 50 boat types, from high-spec cruisers to traditional favorites, there’s a boating vacation for every kind of traveler and budget, making sure you get the best value for your money! Find out what sets us apart.
Premier boats
Our top-of-the-range boats that are worth that little bit extra. Stylish, modern, and thoughtfully designed, they offer high levels of comfort, space, and convenience. Expect attention to detail, light and airy interiors, and best-in-class sundecks that make life on board feel extra special.
Comfort boats
Well-equipped, mid-range boats with a wide choice of layouts and features. Ideal for those seeking the perfect balance of comfort and value, with everything needed for a relaxing and enjoyable time on the water.
Value boats
Our much-loved classics. These models may be simpler in style, but they offer unbeatable value. Perfect for budget-conscious adventurers looking for all the essentials and more to spend on the experiences ashore.
We have over 40 self-drive boat types for rent
With over 45 different boats for hire, Le Boat offers one of the most diverse fleets in Europe and Canada. Whether you’re looking to rent a boat for a couple’s escape or a larger group getaway, you’ll find a style, size, and layout that fits your needs perfectly.
Boats for 2+ passengers
These boats are ideal for two people and perfect for smaller groups seeking a relaxed, intimate getaway. A small boat is easy to manage, and as a highly maneuverable boat, it makes navigating locks and moorings simple and gives couples the freedom to cruise confidently and comfortably at their own pace.
Boats for 4+ passengers
These boats are ideal for four passengers, offering the perfect balance of comfort and practicality. As a true family boat, they’re designed to bring everyone together while still providing privacy where needed. They’re excellent boats for small groups, giving you shared living areas, multiple cabins, and a boat with plenty of space to relax, dine, and enjoy time on the water without feeling crowded.
Boats for 6+ passengers
These boats are perfect for six passengers, offering the ideal blend of comfort and room to spread out. Designed as some of our most spacious luxury boats, they provide generous cabins, multiple bathrooms, and inviting social areas. As boats with extra space, they ensure everyone can relax with ease, making them excellent boats for multiple passengers traveling together while still enjoying comfort and privacy.
Boats for 8+ passengers
These boats are perfect for eight people, combining comfort and space for a fun and relaxing cruise. With roomy cabins and generous living areas, they’re designed as a large boat that still feels manageable. Ideal boats for small to medium groups, they give everyone enough space to unwind and socialize. Perfect for families or friends, these vessels make an extended family vacation on the water comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable.
Boats for 10+ passengers
These boats are perfect for ten passengers, offering the space and comfort needed for a memorable group getaway. A true large boat, they’re designed to bring everyone together while still allowing room to unwind. As ideal boats for large groups, they feature multiple cabins, generous social areas, and ample deck space. They’re especially well-suited as boats for extended family holiday, giving everyone the freedom to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories on the water without ever feeling crowded.
Mystery boat offer
- The exact boat model is confirmed at check-in, on the day of departure.
- Boats are from our Value range and grouped by cabin count (2, 3 or 4 cabins).
- Available in selected destinations: England, Ireland, France, Germany and Netherlands.
- Valid only on round-trip cruises (no one-way cruises).
Our Horizon fleet
Exclusively designed for Le Boat, our Horizon fleet was built with customer feedback at its core.
Every canal boat in this range is thoughtfully engineered to deliver exceptional comfort, easy handling, and innovative onboard features. With spacious communal areas, accessible layouts, and modern amenities, these river boats are ideal for families, couples, or groups looking to rent a boat for the ultimate vacation.
Explore our horizon boat fleetOur Vision fleet
The Vision fleet ranks among our most popular canal boats across Europe and Canada.
These sleek, modern boat rentals are designed for comfort and space, featuring extra-large sundecks and en-suite cabins for a premium cruising experience.
Whether you rent a boat for a scenic canal journey in France or a river boat adventure in Canada, the Vision range delivers exceptional comfort and performance for your next boat vacation.
Explore our Vision fleetOur Dancer fleet
Blending smart design with inviting comfort, our Dancer fleet features expansive sundecks, light-filled interiors, and versatile layouts suited to couples, larger families, and groups of all sizes.
Enjoy smooth, easy navigation and a boating holiday that feels wonderfully effortless from the moment you step aboard.
Explore our Dancer fleet
Boat rental FAQ
Le Boat offers canal boating holidays in Europe (France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy) and Canada. You can explore each destination at your own pace.
No license is required for most boating destinations. Le Boat provides a full briefing before you set off, so you’ll feel confident handling the boat. However, in some parts of Germany, a local permit is needed.
Yes. Le Boat welcomes first-time boaters and teaches everything from boat handling to using locks and onboard equipment. You’ll practice with a staff member until you feel confident to cruise independently.
Le Boat has boat models to suit everyone, from cosy private boats for couples, to spacious family cruisers, and larger vessels for groups of up to 12. Each boat is built for rivers and canals, with layouts and amenities clearly described online.
Your Le Boat canal boat rental comes with:
- The boat itself, fully equipped for your journey.
- Cabins and bathrooms for comfort on board.
- Kitchen facilities to cook your own meals.
- Towels and bed linen so you can travel light.
Optional vacation extras, such as fuel, mooring fees, bikes, or paddleboards, are available at most bases for added flexibility.
