Holidays feel better on Emerald Star.
Holidays feel better
on Emerald Star.
Licence-free boating at your own pace.
Licence-free boating
at your own pace.
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Boating holidays on canals and inland waterways by Emerald Star
Market leaders
Together with Emerald Star, we are the No. 1 provider of boating holidays on Europe and Canada’s beautiful inland waterways. We have the world’s largest fleet of self-drive boats to hire and the widest choice of fabulous boating holiday destinations.
Houseboat industry experts
With over 55 years of experience on the water, we’ve built a reputation for exceptional service and expert advice. Count on us to help you make the most of your time on the water – whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out!
No licence or experience required!
nly a few of our new customers have driven a boat before. If you’re unsure, you will soon realise how easy it is and become confident navigating the waterways on your canal boat holiday. Our base teams will show you everything you need to know, so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
Get first choice for 2027
Enjoy up to 25%* off and secure the best selection of boats, backed by our Lowest Price Guarantee.
Plan your 2027
Take a peek into our 2027 brochure
See a different side to Europe and Canada, no licence required.
download the brochure
Escape this autumn
There’s still time to enjoy an autumn boating holiday, with up to 25%* off. Book before the 2026 season’s over.
View 2026 offersExplore canal houseboating destinations
Browse our houseboats for your next holiday
Premier
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.
View Premier boats
Comfort
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.
View Comfort boats
Value
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.
View Value boatsWith a variety of benefits, if you have money to invest and enjoy a boating holiday more than once each year, our Boat Ownership Program is too good an opportunity to miss!
Hear from those who’ve boated with us…
Boating holidays made for every traveller
Our most asked boating questions
Yes. Emerald Star boating holidays on rivers and canals are designed for beginners, and most customers are first-time boaters.
Emerald Star provides a full pre-departure briefing and boat handling demonstration to ensure customers feel confident before leaving the base. No previous boating experience is required.
Emerald Star boating holidays on rivers and canals do not require a licence in most destinations. Emerald Star provides a mandatory boat handling briefing before departure.
Exception: in parts of Germany, a temporary permit is issued after the briefing. Check individual destination details for specific requirements.
Emerald Star boating holidays on rivers and canals can be booked online or by phone with the Emerald Star team at
Emerald Star offers booking flexibility and cancellation terms that vary by fare type and timing of the cancellation. Customers should review the full Terms and Conditions to determine which policy applies to their reservation.
Yes. Dogs are welcome on all Emerald Star boats for boating holidays on rivers and canals. An additional cleaning supplement applies per dog, and a maximum of two dogs per boat is recommended.
Boat choice is important for comfort. Boats with fewer stairs and same-level cabins and saloons (such as the Vision fleet and Dancer fleet) are often more suitable for dogs. Boats with ladder-style steps may be less practical.
Yes. Emerald Star boating holidays on rivers and canals are well suited to families.
Our boats feature spacious layouts, private cabins, onboard kitchens, and safety features designed for adults and children alike, making them comfortable for family travel.
Yes. Emerald Star offers a Boat Ownership Programme for individuals who want to own a boat used for charter on rivers and canals.
Owners purchase the boat and lease it back to Emerald Star. We manage mooring, maintenance, and charters, while owners receive guaranteed income and annual boating holiday usage. Emerald Star also offers well-maintained pre-owned boats, that were formerly part of our fleet, ideal for longer stays or living on board.
