Boat charter in houseboat

Hire a Houseboat

Houseboats bring the holiday home with you - a fully equipped floating base that moves at a relaxed pace through rivers, canals and lakes. No sailing licence is required for most inland waterway routes, making them accessible to anyone. Europe has the most established houseboat network, with popular cruising grounds across France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.

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Your next adventure is just a booking away. Discover secluded bays, anchor at the best snorkelling spots, or watch sunsets from your private deck. With our diverse fleet and local knowledge, every trip becomes an extraordinary memory.

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Frequently asked questions

What happens when I request a quote?
Once we receive your request, we will confirm the availability of the boat, as well as check for alternative ones. To ensure your experience is the best it can be, we may contact you to discuss your request in detail. Let us do the research for you - free of charge.
When can I get in touch with the captain/skipper?
The timing depends on your charter type. For crewed charters, we can provide the captain's contact details upon request. For bareboat charters with a hired skipper, you can request the contact information 1-3 weeks before departure.
What is the Charter Fee?
The Charter Fee is an additional, obligatory cost, which typically includes the end cleaning of the boat, home port fees, and linen & towels. The details of the charter fee differ depending on the boat, location and charter partner.
Are there any other costs I should be aware of?
There are marina fees and fuel costs which vary depending on the type, duration and location of your sailing holiday. Marina fees need to be paid at each marina you choose to dock overnight - the amount varies but you may be able to find this information in advance by contacting the marinas directly. Fuel costs depend on whether you’re sailing a motorboat or a sailboat. You can estimate fuel costs by double-checking your chosen boat’s engine, and the expected distance you aim to sail.

Houseboat & Canal Boat Charter: Slow Travel at its Best

Experience the magic of "slow travel" with a houseboat or canal cruiser charter. Renting an inland vessel offers a deeply relaxing way to explore Europe’s hidden waterways, historic cities, and lush countryside from a completely new perspective. Whether you are navigating historic locks, mooring up next to a French vineyard, or enjoying the comforts of a modern floating home on a German lake, a houseboat holiday is the perfect, stress-free getaway for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Why Choose a Houseboat Holiday?

Inland boating is vastly different from open-sea sailing, focusing entirely on relaxation, scenery, and accessibility:

  • No License Required: In most European countries, you do not need a boating license or previous experience to rent a canal boat. You will receive a comprehensive briefing and driving lesson before you set off.
  • Immersive Cultural Access: Houseboats allow you to moor right in the heart of historic towns, steps away from local markets, chateaux, pubs, and restaurants. Simply step off the deck and explore!
  • Family-Friendly & Safe: With flat, calm waters and a very slow cruising speed, canal boats are incredibly safe for children and pets. Most boats have plenty of space to store bicycles on deck for shoreside adventures.

Top Houseboat & Canal Destinations

Destination Cruising Profile
France The ultimate canal holiday. Cruise the Canal du Midi or Burgundy in a classic river cruiser, stopping for wine and fresh baguettes.
Germany Explore the stunning Mecklenburg Lake District or Brandenburg on a mix of modern, apartment-style floating houseboats and river cruisers.
Netherlands Windmills, tulips, and iconic waterways; a classic Dutch river and canal boat experience through picturesque landscapes.
Italy Navigate the Venetian Lagoon, the Brenta Canal, and the romantic, sun-drenched waterways of northern Italy.
United Kingdom A unique heritage experience; navigate historic canals on a classic narrowboat or cruise the River Thames in a modern riverboat.
Portugal Glide along the spectacular Grande Lago (Lake Alqueva) in a river cruiser, enjoying over 300 days of sunshine and starry night skies.

Types of Inland Boats

Depending on your region, you will find different styles of boats tailored to the local waterways. River & Canal Cruisers (like the famous Pénichette) are incredibly popular in France and Italy, offering wide decks and easy handling. Narrowboats are long, slim vessels unique to the UK’s historic canal network. Finally, actual Houseboats (often found in Germany) are essentially modern floating apartments with large terraces and panoramic windows, perfect for lake holidays.

Captain’s Insider Tip: Embracing the Locks “Navigating locks is a highlight of a canal holiday, not a chore! Take your time, communicate with the lock keepers, and assign small roles to your crew. It’s a fun, social experience that brings everyone together—and you’ll be a pro after the first two!”