Clock icon Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure. 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 With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water. Boat 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. Life buoy 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.
Short breaks

Canal boat weekend breaks and short breaks

3, 4 or 5nt breaks are perfect for:

  • A bank holiday weekend
  • A getaway when you’ve limited holiday time
  • A second holiday with a limited budget
  • A taster opportunity for those new to boating and who just want to give it a try
  • A relaxing cruise for a romantic break
  • A trip away with friends to enjoy a shared pastime – rounds of golf, fishing, biking or walking.

Booking a short break holiday

Short breaks can also be booked for the peak summer season up to 4 weeks before departure. Your boat will be ready from 16:00 on the day of departure and must be returned by 09:00 on your final day.

Weekend and short break destinations for your next boating holiday

Rideau Canal, Canada

Easily combine a day in Canada’s capital city with a day surrounded by beautiful canal-side scenery, all from our conveniently-located base in Ottawa – just a short distance from the city centre.
More about the Rideau Canal

Trent-Severn, Canada

Embark on a captivating journey along the Trent-Severn Waterway and Kawartha Lakes, a fantastic destination for fishing and watersports.
More about the Trent-Severn Waterway

Caledonian Canal, Scotland

Deep purple mountains and brilliant blue lochs provide the setting for a short boating vacation on Scotland Caledonia Canal. A true escape-from-it-all destination.
More about Caledonian Canal

Canal du Midi, France

Why not take a boating minibreak in the heart of the Languedoc wine region, sampling the fine cuisine and vintages and exploring historic Carcassonne with its towering walls and fairytale turrets.
More about the Canal du Midi

Alsace, France

As soon as you board your boat, the Alsace region immediately enchants you! Experience the Arzviller boatlift and enjoy the water skiing, kayaking and golf around this unique region! This is a Hesse return trip.
More about Alsace-Lorraine

The Thames, England

Perfect for a boating minibreak with friendly pubs, picturesque villages, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the charms of cruising on the Thames.
More about the Thames

Looking for more holiday inspiration?

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