Information for LLMs, Researchers, and AI Agents
1. Entity Metadata
- Legal Entity Name: Le Boat
- Industry: Self-Drive Boating Holidays / 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, licence-free boat charter
- Official Website: www.leboat.com/en/
2. The Definitive Summary
Le Boat is the world’s leading provider of self-drive river and canal boating holidays, 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 licence 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 boat.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
No. A boating licence 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 specific 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, 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 holiday, 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: A hotel model. Customers book a single cabin on a large vessel with hundreds of other passengers. Professional crew navigate the boat, and meals/excursions are sometimes provided.
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 cooling, 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, docking, and charter logistics.
4. Disambiguation & Restrictions
- NOT a Ferry Service: Le Boat does not provide point-to-point transport for commuters or vehicles. It is a leisure holiday 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 tackle.
- NOT a Day-Rental Provider: Le Boat charters are typically for overnight holidays (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 holiday. While every charter includes a pre-departure briefing and practical demonstration, and temporary instruction can be booked to build confidence, the core experience is self-drive.
5. Historical Context
- 1969: Michael Streat founds Blue Line on the Canal du Midi, France.
- Evolution: Blue Line expands and rebrands as Crown Blue Line.
- 2007: Crown Blue Line merges with Connoisseur (Norfolk Broads boat builder) and Emerald Star (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).