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. Rosette icon With over 55 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 rent between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people. Trustpilot icon We are proud to say that we are rated excellent on Trustpilot.

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 15 October 2025

Cruised the Caledonian Canal.

Cruised the Caledonian Canal.
A beautiful waterway.
Le Boat experience was uncomplicated and efficient.
Our boat was old but very comfortable and everything worked well.
Compliments to our briefer and debriefer, Paul, at Laggan Base.

Added on 15 October 2025

Wonderful Trip on the Midi Canal

We had a wonderful experience with renting from Le Boat for a cruise on the Midi Canal in France. The boat was pretty easy to operate, with comfortable cabins and a well-equipped saloon/kitchen. The Le Boat staff, especially at Castelnaudary, where we started our trip, and Port Cassafieres, where we ended, were great. They were knowledgeable, helpful, and quick to assist. They all spoke English very well, too, which made communication easy.

Added on 14 October 2025

Le Boat Peterborough was one of the…

Le Boat Peterborough was one of the best experiences ever …and i spent 40 years producing high level travel trade events and seen it alk!!!

Added on 14 October 2025

Midi Canal Trip

We chartered two boats for our group of eleven, and I’m pleased to report that both vessels were in superb condition. Throughout the trip, we experienced no operational issues whatsoever—a testament to the quality of your fleet and the care with which they are maintained.
Just as impressive as the boats themselves was the high level of customer service we received from your staff. From the initial check-in to the final return, every team member we interacted with was professional, helpful, and genuinely committed to making our journey smooth and enjoyable.

Added on 10 October 2025

5 men in a Boat

All the people we dealt with went out of their
way to make everything so easy, from the booking
to getting us out on the water.

Added on 8 October 2025

Le Boat are the best!

In my opinion, Le Boat are the No. 1 canal/river cruising company. The pre-booking sales team are knowledgeable, helpful and efficient – if you’re not sure which canal/river is best for you – they can talk it through with you! Their boats are extremely well maintained and well equipped in the kitchen with good bed linen and good quality towels.
The Staff at their Bases are helpful, efficient and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble to ensure that your cruise goes well.

Added on 8 October 2025

Our booking process was seamless

Our booking process was seamless with Le Boat. Our queries were answered promptly and in a manner that gave us confidence our trip will be a great one.

Added on 6 October 2025

Fantastic experience, will return!

Fantastic experience, couldn’t have been better. The team made sure we had a fantastic time. We were planning our next trip before we left. Great boats, great locations, great team.

Added on 4 October 2025

Great vacation on the Caledonian Canal…

Great vacation on the Caledonian Canal on a Le Boat Horizon 1 boat. Really well
Kitted out modern boat and great cruising location, helpful canal staff and great scenery. Decent weather made our trip even more impressive but Le Boats offering on the Caledonian Canal I would recommend, especially on their Horizon fleet.

Reply from Le Boat, 4 October 2025

Dear Richard, Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your vacation on the Caledonian Canal and that the Horizon 1 boat met your expectations. It’s wonderful to hear that the helpful canal staff, stunning scenery, and good weather made your trip even more enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another Le Boat adventure soon. Warm regards, Catherine Le Boat

Added on 3 October 2025

Staff knocked it out of the park

The awesome staff provided a seamless and enjoyable experience for collection and return of the rental. The boat was clean, well maintained and ready on time for our early check in. So much beautiful scenery along the Otonabee river, would definitely rent again only for longer

Reply from Le Boat, 3 October 2025

Dear A, Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear our staff made your experience seamless and enjoyable, and that the boat met your expectations. The Otonabee River is indeed beautiful, and we completely agree—a longer trip would be even better! We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure. Warm regards, Catherine Le Boat

Added on 3 October 2025

An awesome experience in the Rideau Canal

Just got back from a week with two couples on the Rideau Canal. We had an outstanding experience and were already talking about future trips while on the boat.

Staff – 10
Boat setup – 9 (mattresses and seat pads need an upgrade)
The Rideau Canal – 10
Check-in and Check-out – 10
Support while on the water – 10
Stress level – 0

One of the best vacations I have ever taken. We will be back on Le Boat some day.

Reply from Le Boat, 3 October 2025

Dear John, Thank you for sharing such a fantastic review! We’re thrilled that your week on the Rideau Canal was outstanding and that you’re already thinking about future trips. Your feedback on the boat setup is appreciated, and we’ll certainly take note of it for improvements. It’s wonderful to hear that the staff, check-in, and support all contributed to a stress-free and memorable vacation. We can’t wait to welcome you back on board for another Le Boat adventure! Warm regards, Catherine Le Boat

Added on 3 October 2025

Local Le Boat agent was so helpful …

My local Le Boat agent was so helpful with suggesting the rest route for my family. Booking was very easy.

Reply from Le Boat, 3 October 2025

Dear Nancy, Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted your local Le Boat agent could help plan the perfect route for your family and make the booking process so easy. It’s wonderful to hear you had a smooth start to your adventure. Warm regards, Catherine Le Boat

Added on 2 October 2025

Superb Service

We have had the most amazing attention and service from Dianne, with whom we have been in contact since the start. She went out of her way to assist in any way possible. That makes such an experience really worthwhile.

Added on 1 October 2025

What a fantastic vacation

What a fantastic vacation! Low stress and beautiful. Staff at Nieuwpoort were awesome. Made it easy.

Reply from Le Boat, 1 October 2025

Dear Dan, Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you had a fantastic, low-stress vacation and that our Nieuwpoort team made everything easy for you. Warm regards, Catherine Le Boat

Added on 29 September 2025

Amazing trip in stunning Scotland.

We had an amazing trip in stunning Scotland with friends. The boats have been going for years and have given many happy holidays to people.

Reply from Le Boat, 29 September 2025

Dear Susan, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you and your friends enjoyed your trip in stunning Scotland. It’s great to hear our boats continue to provide happy holidays year after year. Warm regards, Catherine Le Boat

Added on 29 September 2025

Excellent service from start to finish

Excellent service from start to finish

Reply from Le Boat, 29 September 2025

Dear Ray, Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you found our service excellent from start to finish. Your feedback means a lot to the entire Le Boat team. Best regards, Catherine Le Boat

Added on 28 September 2025

The Staff service was fantastic and…

The Staff service was fantastic and they look after us as we were new to the canal boating!!!
The boat was comfortable ***

Reply from Le Boat, 28 September 2025

Dear Neville, Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that our staff made you feel well supported as first-time canal boaters and that you found the boat comfortable. It’s wonderful to know your trip was enjoyable! Best regards, Catherine Le Boat

Added on 27 September 2025

Very happy with the boat

Very happy with the boat, it was spotlessly clean and in excellent condition.
The team were all very friendly and helpful.
The overall experience of a river boating vacation is sublime!

Reply from Le Boat, 27 September 2025

Dear Julie, Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re thrilled to hear you found the boat spotless and in excellent condition, and that our team made your experience even better. We couldn’t agree more—there’s something truly special about a river boating holiday! Warm regards, Catherine Le Boat

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Rideau Canal Trent-Severn Canal du Midi Nivernais & Loire Lot Franche Comté Aquitaine Shannon and Erne Alsace-Lorraine Camargue Venice and Friuli Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland The River Thames Flanders Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal Brittany Charente Mecklenburg, Brandenburg and Berlin Palavas-les-Flots Boating vacations in La Grande-Motte Étang de Thau Burgundy

Added on 16 October 2025

Customer service is there for anything you might need. Happy…

Customer service is there for anything you might need. Happy to help in any way.

Added on 16 October 2025

A beautiful location, pleasant, informative and helpful Le Boat employees…

A beautiful location, pleasant, informative and helpful Le Boat employees – all in all, a most welcoming experience and wonderful send off on our memorable and peaceful voyage on the Rideau Canal!

Added on 12 October 2025

Friendly and professional service during check-in / check-out. The Horizon…

Friendly and professional service during check-in / check-out. The Horizon 5 was well equipped and rand very well.

Added on 10 October 2025

This really helpful group made an three weeks awesome.

This really helpful group made an three weeks awesome.

Added on 10 October 2025

Great boat, good handling characteristics and very comfortable

Great boat, good handling characteristics and very comfortable

Added on 9 October 2025

Pleasant trip from Trebes to Carcassonne

Pleasant trip from Trebes to Carcassonne

Added on 4 October 2025

The base is well organised. It is 20 minutes walk…

The base is well organised. It is 20 minutes walk from a Spar and various cafes and restaurants, and the coastal tram stop. We used public transport to get there – train to Ostende and then the dear wee tram along the coast costing E3 each

Added on 1 October 2025

Charming city, friendly people great restaurants.

Charming city, friendly people great restaurants.

Added on 1 October 2025

The boat was great, whole family, 3 generations with 5…

The boat was great, whole family, 3 generations with 5 grandchildren ( aged 7 to 14 ) managed 9 nights and lots of meals with minimal fuss

Added on 30 September 2025

this was the perfect three day cruise to Westport and…

this was the perfect three day cruise to Westport and back

Added on 29 September 2025

The staff was fabulous before and during our trip. We…

The staff was fabulous before and during our trip.

We travel extensively and this was one of our favorite trips ever.

Added on 29 September 2025

The route was amazing- and we are coming back next…

The route was amazing- and we are coming back next year

Added on 27 September 2025

Lovely location of river and canals

Lovely location of river and canals

Added on 26 September 2025

Lots of lovely stopping off points

Lots of lovely stopping off points

Added on 24 September 2025

The staff were excellent, especially Danielle and Mike.

The staff were excellent, especially Danielle and Mike.

Added on 23 September 2025

it was easy to access and start our journey

it was easy to access and start our journey

Added on 20 September 2025

We started at Le Boat base in St.Gilles and ended…

We started at Le Boat base in St.Gilles and ended our 7 day passage at the base in Port Cassifieres. Highlights for us included staying two nights at the marina in the beautiful medieval town of Aigues-Mortes — a must-see with its shops, restaurants, and stunning inner walls. Don’t miss the salt factory and the famous pink water nearby! Other favourite stops were Mèze (a must!) and Marseillan on the Étang de Thau, mooring along the canals, and at Port Cassifières we ended the trip with a great meal at O’Ranch. Bonus: we only had two locks!

The only challenge was occasionally finding moorings along the canals or in certain marinas (Bouzigues, Agde, etc.), particularly on weekends when marina offices were closed or unresponsive. Entering without knowing if slips were available felt daunting. I’m also not sure this trip is ideal for someone with minimal boating experience. Having some practice with canal cruising, docking along a quay, and Mediterranean-style mooring beforehand would definitely help a beginner feel more confident.

That said, the freedom of living aboard, setting your own pace, and exploring wherever you choose is unlike anything else. We loved every moment of this adventure and would highly recommend Le Boat to anyone dreaming of a boating holiday. Truly unforgettable!

Mary
Instagram: @thechicacademic

Added on 18 September 2025

Great Le Boat team at Le Mas D'Agenais, headed by…

Great Le Boat team at Le Mas D’Agenais, headed by Jamie and Veronique. We had a fabulous cruise on the Garonne.

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

Added on 16 October 2025

The Horizon 1 is a spacious boat that is equipped…

The Horizon 1 is a spacious boat that is equipped with pretty much anything that you might need for a comfortable multi-day excursion on the Rideau Canal. We definitely look forward to becoming return customers in years to come.

Added on 12 October 2025

Very nice boat; forward and aft thrusters made docking and…

Very nice boat; forward and aft thrusters made docking and lock entry delightful

Added on 5 October 2025

Lovely boat. Bow thrusters front and back meant going through…

Lovely boat. Bow thrusters front and back meant going through locks and mooring was easy.

Added on 4 October 2025

Very comfortable and great for 2 couples with the living/…

Very comfortable and great for 2 couples with the living/ kitchen area being in between the two cabins (so no idea if the others snore or not!). It was very well equipped (5 frying pans?!! and 4 corkscrews but no grater) with plenty of cutlery and crockery so we didn’t have to wash up every time we had a coffee/ ate something. Steering from the top is great and the boat handled very well indeed, even in high wind.

Added on 2 October 2025

Great experience

Great experience

Added on 1 October 2025

Wonderful way to explore and experience our country. The staff…

Wonderful way to explore and experience our country. The staff were great and the boat exceeded our expectations. It was well equipped, clean and easy to drive.

Added on 1 October 2025

Wonderful and very relaxing

Wonderful and very relaxing

Added on 29 September 2025

This is a very well designed boat. All glass around…

This is a very well designed boat.
All glass around the helm, salon, and galley make it special.
The bow and stern thrusters made me look like a professional Captain.

Added on 26 September 2025

Really easy boat to navigate and accommodation well thought out.…

Really easy boat to navigate and accommodation well thought out. We had a Tango for two of us, which gave us plenty of space.

Added on 24 September 2025

The boat was excellent for accommodation and ease of access.…

The boat was excellent for accommodation and ease of access. We had one member of our party who has some physical challenges.

Added on 24 September 2025

The boat was perfect. Not easy to do with no…

The boat was perfect. Not easy to do with no experrience bit this made the adventure bigger so that was fine.

Added on 20 September 2025

Le Boat Horizon 4 sleeps 8 but it was just…

Le Boat Horizon 4 sleeps 8 but it was just two of us for 7 days and we loved having the extra rooms for our luggage. The boat was very spacious and modern. We loved being able to cook on board, especially with the outdoor grill/BBQ, and were pleasantly surprised that with a few hatches open, nights in mid-September 2025 were cool and comfortable.

The thrusters were a huge bonus (and a must!) — they made maneuvering so much easier and forgiving. The Horizon 4 was otherwise straightforward to handle, and we had zero issues with the boat during our trip.

Added on 17 September 2025

The boat was very clean and well supplied. It handled…

The boat was very clean and well supplied. It handled well.

Added on 17 September 2025

Amazing boat every convenience aboard

Amazing boat every convenience aboard

Added on 17 September 2025

Love the boat – well equipped and easy to maneuver

Love the boat – well equipped and easy to maneuver

Added on 15 September 2025

Le Boat's Horizon 3 was an ideal rental boat for…

Le Boat’s Horizon 3 was an ideal rental boat for 3 couples! Each couple had their own bedroom and bathrooms. Tight but comfortable. Kitchen galley was well equipped with everything you need including both a large and smaller fridges. The boat was in great shape just some expected wear and tear. The bow and stern thruster really make the cruise less stressful as it was very maneuverable in the locks and have the top deck helms made it that much more enjoyable in decent weather conditions. Highly recommend!

Added on 15 September 2025

The boat is comfortable and well-equipped, even if it lacks…

The boat is comfortable and well-equipped, even if it lacks deck lighting to make the evenings even more convivial. Maneuvering is easy and safe at lock crossings.

Added on 13 September 2025

Very well appointed, comfortable and well thought out

Very well appointed, comfortable and well thought out

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