Boat charter in houseboat

Houseboat Hire Without a Licence

Houseboats are licence-free: nobody in your group needs a boat licence. Before you set off, the charter company gives you an introduction to the boat; in Germany this is the Charterschein, a course of about three hours before check-in. Some routes, such as into Berlin, still need a licence. Most of our houseboats are in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland and the UK.

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Questions about renting a houseboat without a licence

Do I need a boat licence to rent a houseboat?
No. Houseboats are licence-free, so nobody in your group needs a boat licence. Before you set off, the charter company gives you an introduction to the boat. In Germany this introduction is the Charterschein, and some routes, such as into Berlin, still need a licence.
What is the Charterschein for houseboats in Germany?
The Charterschein is a course of about three hours that you take with the charter company before check-in. After it, you can drive the houseboat without a boat licence. Its price depends on the charter company.
Can I take a houseboat into Berlin without a boat licence?
No. Routes into Berlin need a boat licence, even on a houseboat that you can otherwise drive with the Charterschein.
Where can I rent a houseboat without a licence?
France has the most houseboats on Borrow A Boat, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland and the United Kingdom. There are also houseboats in Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, Poland and Canada.
How many adults do I need to rent a houseboat?
That depends on the charter company. Le Boat, the largest houseboat company on Borrow A Boat, asks for at least two adults on every booking, a captain and a second-in-command, and does not allow solo cruising.
What costs come on top of the houseboat rental price?
Mandatory extras are shown with each offer and included in the total before you book. Fuel and mooring fees in other harbours are not included.

Houseboat hire without a licence: how it works

You can hire a houseboat without a boat licence: nobody in your group needs one. Before you set off, the charter company gives you an introduction to the boat. The rules differ a little by country:

CountryLicence rule for hire houseboats
FranceNo licence for hire boats under 15 m from an approved hire company, on the designated waterways.
GermanyNo licence after the Charterschein, a course of about three hours before check-in. Routes into Berlin need a licence.
United Kingdom, IrelandNo personal licence and no test.
Netherlands, Belgium, ItalyNo licence on the licence-free routes.
CanadaNo licence and no previous experience.

Charter companies add rules of their own: Le Boat, the largest houseboat company on Borrow A Boat, asks for at least two adults on every booking, a captain and a second-in-command.

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:

  • 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 Grande Lago (Lake Alqueva) in a river cruiser.

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!”