Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat

FAQs

Find out about boating holidays and get answers to common questions about river and canal breaks.

Your Boating Questions ...answered!

Never been on a canal holiday before? If you have some questions about boating holidays or need boating holiday help - look no further - check out our boating frequently asked questions.

Or, why not download our Captain's Handbook which is full of useful information, details about what's on board your boat, how to handle the vessel, pre-departure information and much more. If you have booked a holiday with Le Boat, a handbook will be sent to you by post along with your booking documentation.

What do you want to know?

• Are life jackets provided?
• Do we have to operate the locks?
• Are the locks easy to navigate?
• Are any areas lock free?
• Can transfers be arranged?
• Are towels provided?
• How will I know how to operate the boat?
• What speed should I cruise at?
• Do I require a licence or permit?
• What time can I collect and return the boat?
• Is fishing allowed?
• Can I swim in any of the regions?
• Is it possible to hire bikes?
• What happens if I break down?
• How many hours should I cruise each day?
• Can we pre-order groceries?
• Where is the nearest airport, and which operators fly there?
• What is the Damage Waiver/Deposit?
• Can we hire your boats at Christmas?
• How can I recharge my camera/mobile?
• What type of car parking is available?
• How do I get to the base?
• If I am doing a one way cruise how do I get my car back?
• Do I need any experience in order to qualify for a Le Boat holiday?
• Do all of your boats have mains voltage as well as 12v?
• Can I take my dogs on holiday?
• How much do berthing fees cost along my cruise?
• How old do you need to be to drive the boat?
• What is the minimum & maximum occupancy?
• When & How can I book?
• What should I bring with me?
• What languages are spoken at the bases?
• How easy is it to navigate?
• Where can I cruise?
• Question not answered here?

Are life jackets provided?

Life jackets are supplied and safety rings are attached to every boat.

Do we have to operate the locks?

Depending on the region you are in, locks may be manually operated, manned by a lock keeper, electrically operated or automatic, but whatever the system, the maneuvers are always much the same.

Are the locks easy to navigate?

Yes, and passing through a lock will often be a highlight of your cruise! Once you have navigated one lock you will find out just how simple it is.

Are any areas lock free?

If you are looking for lock-free cruising head down to the Camargue in the South of France! The Norfolk Broads is also lock free. Many other cruising regions have few locks, so speak to someone in our friendly sales team and they will be pleased to help you.

Can transfers be arranged?

Le Boat can arrange transfers to and from any airport, train station, town or hotel. You will need to contact the sales team and ask for the appropriate form to complete. Transfers are paid for on arrival in the local currency except for Ireland, transfers need to be pre paid before arrival.

Are towels provided?

Yes, Le Boat provide towels on all boats depending on the number of people sharing.

How will I know how to operate the boat?

When you arrive at the base, you'll receive a warm welcome from our team and be shown to your boat. You will be given an in-depth briefing on every aspect of your boat - from which knots to use to how the oven works. Rest assured that the team at your base will make sure you are confident about every aspect of your trip before you cast off including how to go through locks, tying up at the water's edge and mooring in a marina (charges may apply).

What speed should I cruise at?

A cruising holiday is meant to be a relaxing one, with 6-7 km/hr being the recommended maximum speed. This means you can enjoy your surroundings at a leisurely pace and, more importantly, not cause any damage to the natural habitats at the water's edge.

Do I require a licence or permit?

A driving licence is not required for your boating holiday in France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, England or Scotland. After your instruction lesson you will be given a temporary permit for the duration of your holiday. In Germany, a permit is required only for boats over 13 metres in length and only in certain areas. Contact us for more information.

What time can I collect and return the boat?

Normal collection time is between 4pm and 5pm and return time is by 9am on the final day.

Is fishing allowed?

Fishing enthusiasts will have the time of their lives on the rivers so bring your rods and don’t forget your fishing licence! Licences can be purchased from local shops for the duration of your cruise. Click here fore more information on our fishing page.

Can I swim in any of the regions?

Swimming is possible in many of the rivers, lakes and lagoons, but always check at the base if it is safe to do so. We don’t recommend swimming in the canals, but there are many great open-air swimming pools near to our cruising routes if you fancy a dip. You could also head for the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean or near our base at Nieuwpoort in Belgium.

Is it possible to hire bikes?

Yes, we have a brand new range of lightweight, 24-gear cross country bikes, minibikes for gentle excursions, children’s bikes, trailer bikes and children’s bike seats. Helmets can also be purchased from the base. We recommend you take at least two bikes per boat and it is advisable to reserve them in advance.

What happens if I break down?

In case of an emergency, you will be able to contact one of the base team 24/7 and we will respond immediately. In the unlikely event that you have a problem with your boat, we will do our best to send an engineer to you within four hours of your call. If your boat is considered to be unusable for more than half a day you will be offered compensation based on the daily hire fee. Please see full details of our pledge in our terms and conditions.

How many hours should I cruise each day?

Generally cruising 4-5 hours a day will ensure you see a lot of the region as well as keep the boat’s batteries well charged. However, there’s no need to set yourself rigid targets – cruise as the mood takes you and explore the countryside and see the sights at your leisure.

Can we pre-order groceries?

You can order groceries in advance and they will be delivered to your boat on your departure day. You will need to download the provisioning list and send it back to the base at least two weeks prior to departure – click here and choose your base.

Where is the nearest airport, and which operators fly there?

To find out the nearest airport to your departure base, click here and choose your base. A particularly useful website for finding flights and airlines is www.skyscanner.net (opens in a new window).

What is the Damage Waiver/Deposit?

All our boats are fully covered for third party liability and for damage to other property or vessels for claims over £1,000. In addition, all customers need to either take out a nonrefundable damage waiver (CDW – Collision Damage Waiver) or pay a £1,000 / €1,500 refundable damage deposit.

Option 1: Non-refundable Collision Damage Waiver

A charge of between £60-£155, depending on the type of boat, can be paid on arrival or at the time of booking. With this option, you are fully covered if the boat or any of its equipment or inventory is returned damaged or lost, or if there is any incidental damage to third parties. * In certain instances we may insist on a deposit rather than the waiver.

Option 2: Refundable Damage Deposit

On arrival at the base, you will leave a refundable deposit of £1,000 (€1,500 payable locally) which will only be exercised if the boat or any of its equipment or inventory is returned damaged or lost or in the case of any accidental damage to third parties. Please note the damage waiver options do not cover any acts of gross negligence, such as damage occurred if cruising outside the instruction given by Le Boat or rules of river navigation, cruising under the influence of alcohol or drugs, running aground or cruising single handed as stated in the conditions of hire.

Can we hire your boats at Christmas?

Le Boat operate between March and October only.

How can I recharge my camera/mobile?

All boats are equipped with a 12 volt cigarette lighter (the same as a car) which can be used to plug in your adapter lead for a mobile phone or any other low power equipment with the appropriate connection.

What type of car parking is available?

To find out the various parking options at your departure base, click here and choose your base .

How do I get to the base?

To find out how to get your departure base, click here and choose your base.

If I am doing a one way cruise how do I get my car back?

There are two options available to you:

• We can arrange a taxi for you
• We can transfer your car from the start base to the end base so that it is waiting for you when you return

Do I need any experience in order to qualify for a Le Boat holiday?

Absolutely not. You don't need to have any boating experience in order to enjoy one of our holidays. When you arrive at the base, the manager will take you out for an hour or so and go through all the controls with you until you are confident to enjoy the boat for the duration of your holiday.

Do all of your boats have mains voltage as well as 12v?

Some of our boats do have both but some don't. Exact details can be found under the Fleet section of the site.

Can I take my dogs on holiday?

Yes of course you can, there will be an additional cost of £50 per dog. We recommend that you don't take any more than 2 dogs per boat. For more information check out our holidaying with dogs page.

How much do berthing fees cost along my cruise?

Berthing fees will vary from location to location, if you stop at a Crown Blue Line, Connoisseur or Emerald Star base along the way, then there is no charge.

How old do you need to be to drive the boat?

Whilst children and teenagers are welcome on Le Boat holidays, in order to drive the boat there is a minimum age limit of 18 in the UK & Europe & 21 in Ireland. That said, there are many other things whilst aboard that the little ones can get involved with.

What is the minimum & maximum occupancy?

There must be at least two adults (over the age of 18) aboard in order to navigate the locks etc... safely. The maximum occupancy is defined by the boat you are cruising, Le Boat have boats to suit parties from 2 - 12 people. For more information on specific boats, visit our boats section.

When & How can I book?

You can book your Le Boat holiday at any time either by phoning our experienced sales team on 02392 222288 or you can book online and save an extra £15.

What should I bring with me?

We recommend that you take some form of non-slip footwear such as boat shoes, a pair of gloves, and also that you bring small travel suitcases as these will be easier to store on the boat.

You can bring food with you if you wish, although most bases have a supermarket close by, easily accessible by car. Or you can order provisions in advance to your holiday by filling in the form on the base information pages and faxing it to your departure base (contact details can be found on the relevant base page).

What languages are spoken at the bases?

There is at least one English speaking colleague at all of our departure bases, so as soon as you arrive at your departure base, you'll be enjoying your holiday in no time!

How easy is it to navigate?

The quiet waterways are extremely calm and easy to navigate with only small sections affected by tidal changes. The currents and water level are regulated by sluices which are either operated automatically or by the lockkeepers

Where can I cruise?

We have compiled a list of suggested cruises in both our brochure and on our website, but as long as you return your boat to your chosen base on time, you are free to explore wherever you like. So if you find a town you like then you are free to stay there for a night and explore it further the next day.

Obviously our boats are designed for inland waterways only and therefore aren't allowed to venture into the open sea.

Question not answered here?

Drop us an email using the form below and we'll answer any questions you might have.