Trustpilot icon We are proud to say that we are rated excellent on Trustpilot. Rosette icon With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water. Compass icon Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes. Boat icon 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. Boat wheel icon 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.

Customer reviews and feedback

The feedback and reviews we receive from our customers are very important to us – they help us to continually improve and deliver the very best vacation experience.

What our customers say about our service:

Added on 29 June 2025

Le Boat Portumna

The Le Boat Portumna base staff are extremely prepared, responsive and supportive. Nothing is an issue and they are very encouraging to less experienced navigators. The base facilities are very well kept. The boats are perfectly maintained and in excellent condition. The initial training is fully comprehensive. All aspects of navigation are covered as well as the overall functioning of the boat There is a very good focus on safety. We were advised, too, on places to visit and how best to plan the week’s trip. The staff called us prior to departure to ensure everything was in order which is very considerate. All in all Le Boat Portumna base is highly recommended.

Reply from Le Boat, 29 June 2025

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your experience at our Portumna base was such a positive one, and that the team made you feel supported and well-prepared throughout your holiday. Your kind words about the training, boat condition, and base facilities mean a lot to us — we put great care into every part of the experience, from safety and navigation to route planning and pre-departure checks. It’s especially rewarding to hear that our team’s encouragement helped put less experienced navigators at ease. We’ll be sure to pass along your feedback to the entire Portumna team — they’ll be thrilled to know their effort and professionalism made such a strong impression. Thank you again for your recommendation — we’d love to welcome you back for another great adventure! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 29 June 2025

Great correspondence and help from…

Great correspondence and help from Marcus. Simple options making it easy to make our choice for booking.

Reply from Le Boat, 29 June 2025

Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re really glad to hear that Marcus was so helpful and that the booking process felt straightforward and easy to navigate. That’s exactly the experience we aim to provide when helping guests plan their trip. We’d love to know if there’s anything we could have done. Any feedback you have — big or small — would be really valuable in helping us continue to improve. Thanks again, and we look forward to welcoming you on board soon! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 28 June 2025

We hired a boat for 5 adults and a…

We hired a boat for 5 adults and a child for 4 days in July and the boat and service were brilliant.

Reply from Le Boat, 28 June 2025

Hello Lisa, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that your boating holiday in July was such a brilliant experience for all five adults and your young crew member. At Le Boat, we’re driven by a simple mission: to provide outstanding service and help our customers create unforgettable memories on the water. It’s wonderful to know that both the boat and our service lived up to your expectations. We hope to welcome you back aboard for another amazing adventure in the near future! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 28 June 2025

Caledonian Canal by Le Boat Canal Boat

The west coast of Scotland is such a beautiful place, particulary the Caledonian Canal and no way better to experience it than on a Le boat canal vessel.

Reply from Le Boat, 28 June 2025

Hello Alex, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We couldn’t agree more — the west coast of Scotland and the Caledonian Canal offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK, and we’re so glad you chose to explore it with us. We’re passionate about helping our customers discover incredible destinations in the most memorable way possible. We’d love to welcome you back on board for another unforgettable journey, whether in Scotland or one of our other beautiful cruising regions! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 27 June 2025

Thorough, professional and responsive

Dario, the “Le Boat” representative was friendly, efficient, helpful and perfectly responsive to my inquiries.

Reply from Le Boat, 27 June 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that your booking experience was thorough, professional, and that Dario took such great care of you. The holiday experience should begin the moment you first get in touch — so it’s wonderful to know that Dario’s friendly and responsive support helped set the tone for a great trip ahead. We’ll be sure to pass along your feedback to him — he’ll be thrilled to hear it! We can’t wait to welcome you on board and help you create some unforgettable memories. Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 27 June 2025

A really wonderful boating experience…

We had a wonderful boating experience trip in Burgundy. Our Royal Mystique was very comfortable and had everything we needed. Highly recommend!

Reply from Le Boat, 27 June 2025

Hello Martina, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful boating experience in beautiful Burgundy. It’s fantastic to know that your Royal Mystique provided the comfort and features you needed to enjoy your time on the water. At Le Boat, we’re passionate about helping our customers make lasting memories in exceptional destinations — and we’re so glad to hear we delivered that for you. Thank you for recommending us — we’d love to welcome you back aboard for another amazing adventure! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 26 June 2025

Simple Booking

Marcus Wellstead was extremely prompt and efficient, providing two easy to follow quotes.

Reply from Le Boat, 26 June 2025

Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad the booking process was straightforward and that Marcus made everything easy to follow with his prompt and efficient support. It’s always our goal to make planning your trip feel as smooth as the journey itself. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to Marcus — he’ll be very pleased to hear them. Looking forward to welcoming you on board soon! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 26 June 2025

Brilliant experience

Brilliant experience. Staff friendly and accomodating at Portumna, especially Jason and Brian. Boats were in top condition too.

Reply from Le Boat, 26 June 2025

Hello Luke, Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear you had such a brilliant experience and that everything ran smoothly during your time in Portumna. It’s great to know the boats were in top condition — we take real pride in keeping them well maintained so our guests can relax and enjoy every moment. And a big thank you for giving a shout-out to Jason and Brian — we’ll make sure they hear your kind words. They’ll be thrilled to know they helped make your trip so enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back on the water again soon! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 25 June 2025

once in a lifetime experience

once in a lifetime experience. Base crew at Casale sul sile went above and beyond.

Reply from Le Boat, 25 June 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re honoured to hear that your trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — that’s exactly the kind of memory we aim to create. It’s fantastic to know the base crew at Casale sul Sile went above and beyond for you. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to the team — they’ll be so proud to know they made such a meaningful impact on your journey. We’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure, whenever you’re ready! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 25 June 2025

Booking confirmation and payment

Very helpful with information required, booking and payment options and booking confirmation.

Reply from Le Boat, 25 June 2025

Thank you for your kind review! We’re so pleased to hear that you found the booking and payment process clear and well supported. It’s important to us that everything — from the first enquiry to final confirmation — feels easy and reassuring. We’re glad we could help get your holiday plans off to a great start and look forward to welcoming you on board soon! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 25 June 2025

Super efficient and helpful!

My initial enquiry was responded to super quickly. Then the Australian agent contacted me by phone the morning after my initial enquiry to answer any questions I had and to explain the process. We wanted to go one way, and the confirmation to be allowed to do this, came back in 24 hours. The one-way fee of AUD$380 was reasonable we thought, as it will give us more time to explore the French countryside. We now look forward to our canal du midi adventure next year.

Reply from Le Boat, 25 June 2025

Hello Adele, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re really glad to hear your enquiry was handled quickly and that our Australian team was able to guide you through the process so clearly. It’s great to know you felt supported and well-informed from the start. The Canal du Midi is one of our most iconic routes, and we’re sure you’ll have an unforgettable adventure next year. Wishing you a wonderful countdown to your holiday — we can’t wait to welcome you on board! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 23 June 2025

Great boat, great weather, great holiday

The greeting and briefing at St Gilles was excellent and the boat itself top class

Reply from Le Boat, 23 June 2025

Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an enjoyable holiday, and we’re especially pleased that the welcome and briefing at our St Gilles base made a positive impression. Making sure our customers feel confident, well-informed, and comfortable before they set off is something we take great pride in—it’s a vital part of delivering excellent service and helping to ensure a safe and relaxing experience on the water. We’re also so pleased to hear that you were happy with the quality of your boat. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another unforgettable boating adventure. Best regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 23 June 2025

Fantastic!

Fantastic, great experience with the whole family!

Reply from Le Boat, 23 June 2025

Hello Alexandr, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fantastic experience and that the whole family enjoyed the trip. There’s nothing better than making special memories together on the water, and we’re so pleased we could be a part of that. We hope to welcome you all back on board again soon for another unforgettable adventure! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 23 June 2025

An outstanding experience.

The staff are super friendly, welcoming and efficient. The boat was clean and well maintained and the base facilities have everything you need. The town’s and villages along the river are beautiful with a rich history. No surprise fees at the end (we actually got a refund as we didn’t use all our engine hours) and no upsell pressure from the staff.

Reply from Le Boat, 23 June 2025

Hello Earle, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an outstanding experience — from our friendly, efficient team and well-maintained boat to the smooth service. We put a lot of care into ensuring everything is ready for your arrival and that you feel fully supported throughout your journey, so it’s fantastic to know that came through. It also sounds like you made the most of the beautiful towns and rich history along the river — a true highlight of cruising in Ireland. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon for more unforgettable memories. Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 22 June 2025

Le boat Scotland

Le boat Scotland
We all had an amazing trip on the Royal Star. The boat was clean and tidy with fresh bed linen. The staff were great, very friendly, knowledgeable and relaxed. This was our first time using Le boat, we will definitely be back.

Reply from Le Boat, 22 June 2025

Hello Bernadette, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased to hear your first experience with Le Boat was such a success. It’s great to know the Royal Star was clean and comfortable, and I’m especially glad our team made a positive impression. We place great importance on ensuring our customers — especially those new to boating — feel relaxed and confident before they set off, so it’s fantastic to hear we delivered on that. We can’t wait to welcome you back for your next adventure! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 22 June 2025

Perfect boat

Perfect boat. The engine ran exceptionally. The introduction at the start of the trip, by the dock crew, was thorough and well done.

Reply from Le Boat, 22 June 2025

Hello Bruce, Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that your boat performed perfectly and that our base team gave you a clear and thorough introduction before you set off — we place great importance on making sure everything is well prepared and that our customers feel confident and well-briefed before leaving the base. We hope to welcome you back on board again very soon! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 21 June 2025

Excellent

Hired the Elegance for 4 days for a family of 4.
3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms which was perfect for our family.
Lovely freshly laundered linen and towels.
Glad we chose the electric toilets which worked perfectly.
The staff in the office in Portumna were fantastic as was Gemma who I dealt with initially to make my booking over the phone.
Aidan was great in Portumna showing us how to navigate the boat.
Went to Garrykennedy and ate in Larkins which was fab.
Will for sure rebook with Emerald Star again in the future and hopefully hire the Elegance again

Reply from Le Boat, 21 June 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that the Elegance suited your family so well. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to Gemma, Aidan, and the team in Portumna. We place great importance on providing outstanding service at every stage of the journey, so it’s fantastic to hear that your experience reflected that. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable adventure with Emerald Star! Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

Added on 20 June 2025

Very helpful staff & makes it easy to…

Very helpful staff & makes it easy to book a holiday!

Reply from Le Boat, 20 June 2025

Hello Anita, Thank you so much for your kind review. We’re thrilled to hear that our team made the booking process easy and enjoyable for you. Providing friendly, helpful service is incredibly important to us — especially when it comes to planning something as special as your holiday. We hope you’re looking forward to your trip, and if you need anything in the meantime, we’re always here to help. Warm regards, Colin from Le Boat

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Select The River Thames Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal Canal du Midi Shannon and Erne Camargue Lot Nivernais & Loire Franche Comté Aquitaine Brittany Charente Alsace-Lorraine Trent-Severn Rideau Canal Venice and Friuli Flanders Mecklenburg, Brandenburg and Berlin Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland Burgundy

Added on 15 July 2024

We took the Le Boat tour in Belgium from June…

We took the Le Boat tour in Belgium from June to July 2024. Rik from Westhoek Marina at Nieuwpoort was an exceptional guide. He provided us with many useful travel tips, and we greatly appreciated the staff members’ helpfulness and positive attitude. When one of our suitcase wheels broke, Rik even went out of his way to drop us off at the Nieuwpoort bus and tram station. We loved every little town (especially Bruges and Ghent, but Diksmuide and Ieper were also interesting and beautiful in their own way. We completed both Route 1 and Route 2. Thanks to the Belgium team—this was such a great holiday!

Added on 11 July 2024

Good and easy to around on bicycle. Restaurants plentiful

Good and easy to around on bicycle. Restaurants plentiful

Added on 11 July 2024

Really friendly team, very professional, bat loavely, and a really…

Really friendly team, very professional, bat loavely, and a really different fun holiday break.

Added on 11 July 2024

This was our first Le Boat experience. Awesome choice and…

This was our first Le Boat experience. Awesome choice and so glad we did it. Apart from the adrenalin to ensure you do things correctly, to the calm and relaxed hours on the canal. Our family was excited about all the planning, boating and exploring small towns like Edam, Zaanse Schaans and Maarssen on foot, bike and sometimes just on the deck! As a first time Le Boater, the staff made it easy and explained all the detail and operations (p.s. be sure to take notes), that helped us on our way. By day 2 you definitely feel more comfortable with all the bridges, signals, sluices and mooring. This was a unforgettable family holiday and we will surely tdo this again when opportunity presents itself.

Added on 10 July 2024

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond…

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond nice and helpful. They were going to call us a cab when we arrived in St Jean by train but a staff member just came and picked us up! The gentleman that showed us around the boat was excellent as well. In Branges, the women helping us check out was so nice and professional, can’t speak highly enough of her. The other staff in Branges were, oddly, not helpful. It’s traditional in any dockside setting to help those in need of a hand when coming into dock, even if aren’t working but just people sharing the dock. These guys (who are employed by Le Boat) just sat smiling as we came in to an unfamiliar harbor in the pouring rain and didn’t lift a hand to help. Then told us, after we were tied up that we’d tied up in the wrong place and told us to move. As I said, very odd considering how great everyone else from Le Boat was with us on our trip.
Already thinking about our next trip with Le Boat – Highly recommended!

Added on 10 July 2024

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond…

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond nice and helpful. They were going to call us a cab when we arrived in St Jean by train but a staff member just came and picked us up! The gentleman that showed us around the boat was excellent as well. In Branges, the women helping us check out was so nice and professional, can’t speak highly enough of her. The other staff in Branges were, oddly, not helpful. It’s traditional in any dockside setting to help those in need of a hand when coming into dock, even if aren’t working but just people sharing the dock. These guys (who are employed by Le Boat) just sat smiling as we came in to an unfamiliar harbor in the pouring rain and didn’t lift a hand to help. Then told us, after we were tied up that we’d tied up in the wrong place and told us to move. As I said, very odd considering how great everyone else from Le Boat was with us on our trip.
Already thinking about our next trip with Le Boat – Highly recommended!

Added on 10 July 2024

Great staff, fantastic location, really enjoyable break.

Great staff, fantastic location, really enjoyable break.

Added on 10 July 2024

We rented a new boat which worked perfectly. The staff…

We rented a new boat which worked perfectly. The staff , waiters, mechanics, reception , booking agent were all amazing, friendly and no issue was too small or too big to fix. Thank you for a wonderful holiday .

Added on 10 July 2024

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted…

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted to the Loure Lateral due to flooding. While not our first choice the service provided by Le Boat was excellent. Highlights were visiting Sancerre and Never.

Added on 10 July 2024

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted…

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted to the Loure Lateral due to flooding. While not our first choice the service provided by Le Boat was excellent. Highlights were visiting Sancerre and Never.

Added on 9 July 2024

Excellent service from staff at Chertsey and our boat ‘Magnifique’…

Excellent service from staff at Chertsey and our boat ‘Magnifique’ was great. We travelled from Chertsey to Windsor and and had a great time . Looking at next year Benson to Oxford.

Added on 2 July 2024

A magical holiday! I will definitely do it again if…

A magical holiday! I will definitely do it again if I can. Le Boat were excellent on all levels. Efficient and friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The consultant I booked through was outstanding, as were the staff at the base (Le Mas d’Agenais). They attended to all our queries and were pleasant and helpful. They also arranged a taxi for us to get from Marmande to the base which was a great help. The base is a beautiful spot on the canal and very organised. I highly recommend them. Thank you for the incredible trip and service.

Added on 2 July 2024

Our 7 day cruise with Le Boat was truly memorable.…

Our 7 day cruise with Le Boat was truly memorable. The support was fantastic and we will return for another cruise.

Added on 2 July 2024

Very relaxing at this time of the year. Great staff…

Very relaxing at this time of the year. Great staff at each end .
Would be great if the ports could have a list of costs that was available at the boat office.
Saying that we had great port staff with lot’s of helpful advice.
Meet slot of people doing the same thing along the way

Added on 27 June 2024

A pleasant relaxing trip through some interesting old villages and…

A pleasant relaxing trip through some interesting old villages and picturesque countryside .

Added on 27 June 2024

A pleasant relaxing trip through some interesting old villages and…

A pleasant relaxing trip through some interesting old villages and picturesque countryside .

Added on 26 June 2024

Lovely staff, the canal is so beautiful. Boat was good,…

Lovely staff, the canal is so beautiful. Boat was good, at a fair price

Added on 25 June 2024

We had a wonderful holiday, and the Clipper was well…

We had a wonderful holiday, and the Clipper was well equipped. The canals of Northern Holland were a fantastic holiday venue! I highly recommend this for everyone wanting a relaxed, fun, beautiful vacation!

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Select Liberty Capri WHS Kingfisher WHS Cygnet WHS Curlew WHS Braemore WHS Royal Star WHS Caprice Minuetto 6 Cirrus B Lake Star Horizon 1 Calypso Horizon 2 Clipper Shannon Star Salsa B Salsa A Sheba Royal Mystique A Elegance Royal Mystique B Continentale Horizon 5 Mountain Star Tango Horizon 4 Royal Classique Capri Crusader Magnifique Horizon 3 Minuetto 8 Mystique Town Star Vision 2 Vision 3 Cirrus A Grand Classique Classique Countess Corvette B Classique Star Vision 4 Vision 3 Master Corvette A Consul

Added on 15 July 2024

Although our boat was small, it was well-equipped with everything…

Although our boat was small, it was well-equipped with everything we needed for our stay and maneuvered easily in the canals.

Added on 11 July 2024

Fantastic trip on the Belgium canals and excellent company to…

Fantastic trip on the Belgium canals and excellent company to go with…Le Boat. Very professional and helpful. Xx

Added on 11 July 2024

Again, awesome boat. We originally booked the Sheba, but due…

Again, awesome boat. We originally booked the Sheba, but due to unavailability Le Boat upgraded us to the Royal Mystique. Practical lay-out, lots of space for 4 people and definitely enjoyed the deck and gasbraai (bbq) outside. Felt like the Captain of my own boat.

Added on 10 July 2024

Older boat with three large cabins. Well maintained and comfortable.…

Older boat with three large cabins. Well maintained and comfortable. We had a very hot week so air-conditioning or fans in each cabin would have been appreciated as it was difficult to cool the inside of the boat down.

Added on 9 July 2024

Itinerary was good just as described in their brochures. The…

Itinerary was good just as described in their brochures.
The locks were harder work than anticipated.
The stops and restaurants were all nice. Top marks to Marseillet. Lovely spot with support Auberge O son of O.

Added on 3 July 2024

Incredibly well organized customer service. Everything was perfect from the…

Incredibly well organized customer service. Everything was perfect from the initial call for information to arriving and setting out for a 4 day cruise. Absolutely beautiful views and easy waterways to navigate.

Added on 2 July 2024

Salsa A is an extremely comfortable barge. It is well-appointed,…

Salsa A is an extremely comfortable barge. It is well-appointed, clean and has plenty of space. We were 6 people (3 couples), for a week. Bedrooms 3 & 4 are quite cramped so the extra room was handy. The kitchen area is easy to use and has everything you need, plus 2 fridges which was great. The living space has ample room, as well as upstairs on the deck. We were briefed before we set off by a knowledgable and friendly member of the team and everything went smoothly. It’s the second time we have used Le Boat and will do so again. A very memorable and outstanding trip, thank you.

Added on 2 July 2024

Great sized boat for larger groups. 4 cabins with double…

Great sized boat for larger groups. 4 cabins with double beds and 2 double beds by re-arranging the sofas in front. Well equipped and it has 2 fridges.

Added on 2 July 2024

Would book a bigger boat next time as it was…

Would book a bigger boat next time as it was a bit small as one passenger was over six foot.
Would be better if the was at least one 240volt outlet that works of a inverter will not in port.

Added on 27 June 2024

The boat was clean and suited our needs. It was…

The boat was clean and suited our needs. It was not difficult to drive.

Added on 25 June 2024

Clean, spacious and perfect for groups.

Clean, spacious and perfect for groups.

Added on 25 June 2024

Good boat, easy to handle and well equiped. Saloon inside…

Good boat, easy to handle and well equiped.
Saloon inside was perfect for 4 of us, but outside is not so big, 2 shower toilets is a great feature.

Added on 19 June 2024

We ended up with a smaller boat which wasn't quite…

We ended up with a smaller boat which wasn’t quite big enough for 6, but much better than nothing.

Added on 19 June 2024

The boat had a few minor problems but they didn't…

The boat had a few minor problems but they didn’t interfere with its operation.

Added on 18 June 2024

Boat was good for 5 of us. If I went…

Boat was good for 5 of us. If I went again I would get the next bigger boat with extra bunk. It gets kind of crowded when someone is always sleeping on the main cabin couch area.

Added on 18 June 2024

Our boat was in great condition and we had no…

Our boat was in great condition and we had no issues with it. It was very well laid out.

Added on 18 June 2024

Best boats in the fleet

Best boats in the fleet

Added on 18 June 2024

Big nice and very comfotable. We were four people on…

Big nice and very comfotable. We were four people on the boat.

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