Gold Trusted Service Award
Gold Trusted Service Award
Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Rosette
Boating expertise since 1969
With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
Compass
18 amazing destinations
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
World’s largest fleet
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.
Buoy
No boat license required
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.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    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
    World’s largest fleet
    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.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    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.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    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
    World’s largest fleet
    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.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    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.
Camargue beach

Swimming and seaside fun on boating holidays

Our top boating recommendation for the best swimming and seaside spots

Get your feet wet on the Mediterranean’s beautiful sandy beaches.  Many of our cruises bring you to perfect swimming spots that kids—and adults—will love.  Swimmers love cruises in the Charente, the Lot and Burgundy, in particular. Our base operators can give you the scoop on where to swim, and where to stay on the boat.  While we do not recommend swimming in the canals or some of the other waterways, there are plenty of places to safely take a dip.

Our top boating holiday destinations for swimming

Flanders, Belgium

Belgium beach

This cruise starts and finishes in Nieuwpoort and you won’t be too far from it on the way from Leper to Bruges as well. So, there are plenty of opportunities to combine a tranquil canal cruise with fun on Nieuwpoort’s long, sandy beach which is full of holiday atmosphere, has excellent facilities and gives access to safe swimming in the sea.

More about Flanders

Mecklenburg & Brandenburg, Germany

Swimming child

Lake Muritz, the biggest lake in Germany is a perfect place to drop anchor and go for a refreshing swim. In August, hundreds of swimmers head for Waren to take part in the Müritz Swim which has taken place annually for over 30 years over a 1,950 metre long course.

More about Mecklenburg & Brandenburg

Lot, France

Swimming in the Lot

As its name suggests, The River Lot is a natural flowing river and as such, it is cleaner than man-made canals and perfect for swimming in. Furthermore, there are many riverside beaches dotted along the way such the ones at Caix & Bouzies, which are ideal for sunbathing and enjoying a refreshing dip.

More about Lot

Camargue, France

Camargue beach

The Canal du Rhone a Sete runs almost parallel with the coast giving access to a long stretch of seaside resorts and opportunities to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. You will also cruise through the vast inland lake, the Etang de Thau, which is also good for swimming and is warmer than the Med. It has a good beach close to Meze. And for more energetic fun in the water, Aqualand Cap d'Agde is one of Europe's best known water parks, with nine slides and a huge wave pool.

More about the Camargue

Venice & Friuli, Italy

Lignano beach in Italy

This cruise takes you right by several beach resorts including Jesolo, Grado, Bibione and Lignano all with plenty of shops, restaurants and amusements. Bibione and Lignano, in particular, boast 8kms of fine sandy beaches and the sea is clean and safe - every year Lignano is awarded a blue flag for excellence. For fun in the pool, take the kids to Aqualandia in Jesolo, a water park with rave reviews.

More about Venice & Friuli

Looking for more holiday inspiration?

Take a look at all our inspiration pages to see what else you could discover on your Le Boat holiday.