Canal & river boats hire
Your home on the water!
As captain of your own self-drive canal boat, you’ll enjoy the freedom of navigating rivers, canals , lakes and waterways aboard a private boat.
Designed for ease and comfort, our boats are simple to operate with no boat licence or experience required!
Explore our Boating Hub page for safety and cruising tips.
Think of your river cruiser like your home on the water, offering spacious living areas and stylish interiors fully equipped with modern amenities. We have boats available for up to 12 people, or cozy 2-person options depending on the size of your party.
Whether you’re moored in the heart of a historic town or tucked into a peaceful rural spot, our boat hire delivers both adventure and relaxation at your own pace.
Hire the right boat for your needs
All of our boats meet high standards for comfort, cleanliness and maintenance, with different styles to suit your needs and budget. With over 40 boat types, from high-spec cruisers to traditional favorites, there’s a boating holiday for every kind of traveller and budget, making sure you get the best value for your money!
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.
A wide choice of boats for hire
With over 40 different boats for hire, Le Boat offers one of the most diverse fleets in Europe and Canada. Whether you’re looking to hire 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 couples seeking a relaxed, intimate getaway. A small boat is easy to manage and maneuverable, making it easy to navigate locks and moorings simple, giving you the freedom to cruise confidently and comfortably.
Boats for 4+ passengers
These boats are ideal for four passengers, offering the perfect balance of comfort and practicality. Expect shared living areas, multiple cabins, and a boat with plenty of space to relax, dine, and enjoy time on the water without feeling crowded – perfect for families and small groups.
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 boats, they provide generous cabins, multiple bathrooms, and inviting social areas. As they are excellent boats for multiple passengers travelling 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, relaxing cruise. With roomy cabins and generous living areas, they give families or groups of friends enough space to unwind and socialize.
Boats for 10+ passengers
Pour biggest boats, designed for 10 to 12 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.
Ideal for large groups, they feature multiple cabins, generous social areas, and ample deck space. They’re especially well-suited as boats for an extended family holiday, giving everyone the freedom to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories
Unsure which boat to choose?
Compare our full range to find the ideal boat for your group size, travel plans and comfort preferences. Our expert team and online resources make it easy to match your needs with the right boat, whether you’re planning a quiet couples’ break or a lively group adventure.
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
Built exclusively for Le Boat, the Horizon fleet was developed in response to customer feedback. These boats are designed with generous communal areas, easy handling, and enhanced accessibility. With modern features throughout, they offer a comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience for couples, families or groups looking for a well-balanced boating holiday.
Explore our Horizon fleetOur Vision fleet
Ranked among our most popular canal boats, our Vision range stands out on Europe’s waterways for its sleek profile, expansive sundeck, and spacious en-suite cabins – delivering both style and comfort for your time on board.
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 fleetBoat hire 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 licence 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 hire 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 holiday extras, such as fuel, mooring fees, bikes, or paddleboards, are available at most bases for added flexibility.
