We regularly book with Le Boat, usually from Benson on the River Thames. The booking staff are brilliant and it is so easy to speak with someone. They understand our needs and are extremely helpful. T... See more
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A fabulous week in the Aquitaine region of France. The Le Boat team Jamie, Veronique, Magda, Sebastian, Juan to name some in a great team at Le Mas D’Agenais were the best right from day one through... See more
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We had a fabulous trip on the Rideau Canal. We picked up a horizon, three model and went north from Smith Falls to Ottawa and back. the boat was clean and relatively easy to operate. Had all of the b... See more
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Yes, navigating a boat through the canals of Belgium is an incredible adventure and well worth the time and money. But the people at the Nieuwpoort base truly made our journey exceptional. Bieke and M... See more
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Company details
- #1 of 2 best companies in Boat Hire Service
- #6 of 18 best companies in Self-Catering Accommodation
- #14 of 32 best companies in Vacation rental
Written by the company
Le Boat are world leaders in river & canal boat hire in the UK, Ireland, Europe & Canada. Find out more about 'self-drive' boating vacations.
Contact info
Platinum House, St. Marks Hill, KT6 4BH, Surbiton, United Kingdom
- www.leboat.com
4.7
Excellent
2k reviews
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The canals cruising experience gave us…
The canals cruising experience gave us a experience to see belgium away from crowds. The relaxing way to travel, smelling the farms, seeing the homes, going through numerous bridges, mooring in quiet villages, is so unique.
The booking and orientation was excellent and we quickly learned the how to's of navigating the canals and working with the bridge masters. The team offered training and books to refer to during our journey.
The boat was very clean. Had basic kitchen ware, towels and toilet paper. We did buy cleaning supplies for our stay. The bedding was good but the beds are very narrow and didn't offer a lot of cushion. The shower had excellent pressure and worked well for us. The two front cabins on our Horizon 5 are tighter due to the design of the cabins and had limited space to stand.
Overall, the experience was enjoyable and our group thoroughly embraced the uniqueness of this style of travel.
18 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review!
We’re delighted to hear that your cruising experience in Belgium allowed you to enjoy such a peaceful and unique way to explore the canals—away from the crowds and close to the countryside, villages, and local life along the waterways.
It’s great to know that your booking and orientation went smoothly and that the training and onboard resources helped you feel confident navigating the canals and working with the bridge and lock systems. We’re also pleased that you found the boat clean and well equipped, and that key onboard features like the shower and facilities met your expectations.
We really appreciate your honest feedback regarding cabin space, bedding, and onboard storage. Insights like these are very valuable as we continue to improve the comfort and experience across our fleet.
Thank you again for your review, and we hope to welcome you back on the waterways for another memorable adventure.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
The experience was great from start to…
The experience was great from start to finish
The staff at portumna were amazing with a warm welcome and loads of assurances
The boating itself was easy and we believe can be done by anyone
The trip itself was was the best we did in Ireland - we would highly recommend and will come again .
27 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear that your experience on the Shannon was so positive from start to finish, and that our Portumna team gave you such a warm welcome and reassurance before setting off. It’s wonderful to know this helped you feel confident and relaxed for your trip.
We’re also pleased to hear you found the boating easy and accessible, and that it became your favourite experience in Ireland—that’s fantastic feedback for the team.
Thank you for your recommendation, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back on the water again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
A great 3 days on the Thames with Le Boat from Chertsey
We took our 90 year old mum for a 3 day Thames trip on Caprice 10. Daisy and Danny from Le Boat were brilliant getting us all sorted on the boat and making sure we knew what we were doing. Then we were off! The Thames is so pretty and it was great fun going through all the locks and looking at the amazing houses along the river. The lock keepers were generally very helpful and friendly and obviously loved growing flowers! We had brought all our own food so had lunch as we were going along and stopped in pretty places for supper and the night. Next time we would probably bring our sleeping bags as the sheets were a bit slidey though the duvets were nice. It was super warm our weekend so we didn't really need them! I would also bring my own towel as the ones provided are quite small but it wasn't a big deal. The showers are great and the loos work really well. Tea towels and washing up liquid were provided but bring your own washing up brush and dish cloth! The pillows were comfy. It's a bit like camping... the light wakes you up early so if you want to sleep in bring an eye mask! We loved getting up early, having breakfast and then heading off again. The Caprice was a great boat. Mum could get up the steep ladder up to the top deck and we all enjoyed sitting up there as we motored along gently taking on the views.
31 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and detailed review!
We’re delighted to hear you had such a great three-day Thames trip from Chertsey, and that Daisy and Danny helped get everything set up smoothly so you could relax and enjoy your time on the water. It’s especially lovely to hear that your 90-year-old mum was able to join you and enjoy the experience comfortably on board the Caprice.
We’re glad the boat suited your needs well and that you enjoyed the top deck cruising, facilities, and overall comfort onboard.
We hope to welcome you and your family back for another memorable journey soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Great Holiday on the River Shannon
everything was OK and as promised ! Easy Booking Process an very friendly Staff !
23 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear you had a great holiday on the River Shannon and that everything went smoothly from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know you found the booking process easy and our team very friendly and welcoming—that’s exactly the experience we aim to deliver.
We really appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back on the water again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
A Relaxing Holiday in the Burgundy Region
What a great getaway. Seven nights on the Saone and Seille Rivers in a two bedroom (king beds) boat. (Royal Mystique 42) We received the boat in very clean condition at the St. Jean de Losne base. We did a one way trip to Branges. The boat was easy to maneuver and docking was a breeze with its bow thrusters. Customer service was EXCELLENT! We cooked one night and twice enjoyed charcuterie and wine on the top deck. Very relaxing. Otherwise, nice towns to visit with good restaurants and shops. We highly recommend this boat for two couples. The Michelin restaurant in Tournus, Aux Terrasses, was incredible for lunch. Dock there early....space is limited.
15 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and detailed review!
We’re delighted to hear you had such a relaxing seven-night cruise through Burgundy on the Saône and Seille, and that the Royal Mystique 42 was a great fit for your two-couple getaway. It’s great to know the boat was in excellent condition at St. Jean de Losne and that you found it easy to handle and dock throughout your journey.
We’re especially pleased to hear your kind comments about our customer service, and that you were able to enjoy such memorable moments on board—from cooking together to relaxing on the top deck with charcuterie and wine.
It sounds like you also made the most of the beautiful stops along the way, including Tournus and that incredible Michelin lunch at Aux Terrasses—what a highlight!
Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back on the waterways for another unforgettable escape.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your kind review!
We’re delighted to hear that you experienced perfect service and that the boat exceeded your expectations—that’s exactly what we aim for.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back on the water again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Discover a little piece of heaven for yourself
The professional staff and operation of emerald star at their Portumna base is really second to none.
Nothing was too much trouble and every staff member went over and beyond in their duties to ensure that you were prepared and comfortable before setting out on a most enjoyable holiday.
Of all the various holidays we have taken, our week on the Shannon was certainly one for making life long memories.
I have never before finished a holiday feeling more relaxed and recharged.
Thank you Emerald Star and all the staff at Portumna Base.
29 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for such a beautiful and heartfelt review!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your time on the Shannon was so memorable and that your experience with the Emerald Star team at Portumna made such a strong impression. It’s wonderful to know the staff went above and beyond to ensure you felt prepared, comfortable, and well looked after before setting out.
We’re especially pleased that your week on the water left you feeling so relaxed and recharged—that’s exactly the kind of experience we hope every guest takes away from their holiday.
Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable journey in the future.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
The river is the perfect place to spend quality time together
We recently enjoyed a brilliant family boating holiday with Le Boat Chertsey, spending three unforgettable nights cruising the River Thames aboard a Horizon 3. Travelling with our two daughters, aged 9 and 14, it was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and quality family time.
The pace of life on the river was wonderfully peaceful. Our girls loved sitting right at the bow watching the world drift by, and they were soon enthusiastically helping us through the locks too. The lock keepers were incredibly friendly and helpful, and after the first couple we felt surprisingly confident handling everything ourselves.
One of the highlights for us was starting the day with pancakes on the sundeck while listening to the ducks and watching early morning rowers glide past. In the evenings, we stopped at lovely riverside pubs for dinner and enjoyed exploring different spots along the Thames. We also spent time visiting Hampton Court Palace, exploring Kingston upon Thames and we took a day trip into the buzzing heart of London. It was the perfect contrast to our laid-back days on the river.
The service from Le Boat Chertsey was excellent throughout. The boat was spotless when we arrived, and the pre-departure briefing was thorough, professional and easy to follow, which made us feel at ease straight away.
This was such a special and different way to holiday as a family, and we came away with memories we’ll treasure for years. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
25 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for such a wonderful and detailed review!
We’re delighted to hear that your family enjoyed such a special three-night cruise on the Thames aboard the Horizon 3. It sounds like the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, and we’re especially pleased that your daughters embraced life on the water—from helping at the locks to enjoying those peaceful moments at the bow watching the river go by.
It’s great to know that the lock keepers and our Chertsey team helped you feel confident and well supported from the very start, and that the boat was spotless and well prepared for your arrival.
Your description of mornings on the sundeck, riverside pub stops, and days out at Hampton Court, Kingston, and London really captures the variety the Thames offers. We’re so glad it created lasting memories for your family.
Thank you again for your kind recommendation—we’d love to welcome you all back for another adventure in the future.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
One of my favourite holidays ever..
We booked a year ahead for a week cruise in Canada’s Rideau system. The staff was wonderful answering the phone and replying to questions along the way with courtesy and kindness, leading to confidence for we three women who were all new boaters. The overall experience was fantastic and the boat easy (ish) to handle. This was one of the best holidays I have ever taken. The area is gorgeous and the Le Boat, town, and lock people extremely friendly and helpful. We went in spring, and my only concern might be the boat getting very hot in height of summer when there is an air exchange on the boat but no real air conditioning. As well, the locks would be much busier in summer, so if you are a new boater, I would suggest the fringe seasons being a good choice.
22 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review!
We’re delighted to hear that your cruise on Canada’s Rideau system was one of your favourite holidays ever. It’s wonderful to know that our team was able to support you throughout the booking process and help build confidence ahead of your first boating experience—especially as new boaters.
We’re also pleased that you found the boat easy to handle and that you enjoyed the beauty of the region, along with the friendliness of both our team and the local lock communities. The Rideau is indeed a very special place to explore.
Thank you as well for your helpful and considered feedback regarding seasonal temperatures and busier lock periods. Insights like yours are incredibly valuable for future guests planning their first trip, particularly those considering timing and comfort onboard.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back on the waterways for another unforgettable adventure.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Very nice boat and service
Very nice boat and service. A perfect holiday!
29 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your kind review!
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your boat and had a perfect holiday. It’s great to know everything met your expectations and contributed to a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and hope to welcome you back again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Canal du Midi and LeBoat review
We loved our 10 day, May journey on the Canal du Midi in Southern France. The canal, scenery and region are spectacular. The food, wine and history is amazing. I highly recommend this experience to others.
LeBoat has the potential to be a great company with proper investment. Their shortcomings center around maintenance of the boats. We, as well as other boaters, all reported maintenance issues which cut into our time on the water.
23 May 2026
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience – it’s wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your journey along the Canal du Midi. It really is a very special region, and we’re so pleased the scenery, food, wine and history made your trip such a memorable one.
We also appreciate your comments regarding boat maintenance. We know how important it is for everything to run smoothly while you're on the water, and we recognise how disruptions can impact your time.
If you would be open to it, we’d really value a little more detail on the issues you encountered, as this helps us better understand individual experiences and where we can focus our efforts. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service team.
It’s great to hear that you’d recommend the experience overall, and we hope we’ll have the opportunity to welcome you back again for an even smoother trip next time.
Kind regards,
The Le Boat team
Excellent customer service from…
Excellent customer service from enquiry, to booking, to pre-departure to the experience of the trip itself. A great introduction to boating and to enjoy the scenery of The Great Glen from the Caledonian Canal was amazing. Staff were exceptionally helpful.
18 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear that you experienced excellent customer service throughout your journey, from your initial enquiry right through to your time on the water. It’s wonderful to know your first boating experience was such a positive one and that you enjoyed exploring the stunning scenery of the Great Glen along the Caledonian Canal.
We’re especially pleased that our team were exceptionally helpful and helped make your introduction to boating smooth and enjoyable.
Thank you again for your kind feedback, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your kind review!
We’re delighted to hear you had an excellent experience with us and that our service met your expectations. It’s always great to know our guests enjoyed their time on the water.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and hope to welcome you back again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Did a two night trip away on a boat…
Did a two night trip away on a boat with friends and had an amazing time, this was perfect for it! The boat and the facilities on it were high level and we had a very comfortable stay, warm showers, fully working kitchen, climate control and comfortable built in sitting areas inside and out. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone, especially with Le Boat as their service was perfect as well.
18 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear you had such an amazing two-night trip with friends and that the boat and facilities exceeded your expectations. It’s great to know you found everything comfortable and well equipped, from the showers and kitchen to the climate control and onboard living spaces.
We’re also very pleased that our team provided perfect service and helped make your experience so enjoyable from start to finish.
Thank you for recommending Le Boat, and we hope to welcome you back on the water again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
A fantastic unique experience!
This is my 2nd time hiring a boat with Le Boat and again what an incredible, unique and unforgettable experience that I want to continue to do as much as possible with all my family.
From the very second you arrive you’re greeted with the friendliest and professional staff who can’t do enough. Any questions we had during our time on the boat the staff were just a phone call away and happy to help with any enquiry or questions that we had.
The boat was spotlessly clean, very stylish and modern and I still can’t believe you can do this without a license!
Thank you so much Le Boat, I plan to bring my entire family and make this a family tradition!
18 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for such a wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that your second experience with Le Boat was just as memorable and that it’s become something you want to continue sharing with your family. It’s fantastic to know you found the whole journey—from arrival to time on the water—so welcoming and well supported by our team.
We’re especially pleased that you felt confident knowing our staff were always on hand to help, and that the boat met your expectations in terms of cleanliness, style, and comfort. It’s always great to hear how surprising and enjoyable the experience is for first-time and returning guests alike.
Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back for many more adventures on the water.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Great boat
Great boat, great scenery, well organised holiday. We are an older group but physically reasonably fit and found it all doable. The lockkeepers were all very helpful and the pre-trip briefing by le Boat was spot on.
29 April 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your holiday, and that everything—from the boat and scenery to the organisation of your trip—met your expectations. It’s especially great to know you found the experience manageable and enjoyable, and that the lock keepers and our team’s pre-trip briefing were so helpful.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and hope to welcome you back on the water again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Beautiful River Lot..
Beautiful River Lot... We loved Cahors.. The Boat was excellent... The Le Boat staff were helpful and friendly.
11 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the beautiful River Lot and had such a great time exploring Cahors. It’s wonderful to know the boat met your expectations and that our team were helpful and friendly throughout your trip.
We really appreciate you sharing your experience and hope to welcome you back on the waterways again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Fun on the Caledonian Canal
We enjoyed our holiday on the Caledonian Canal. The team at Laggan base are very good. They had provided extra blankets as the weather in May was unseasonably cold. However they had lost some WiFi equipment and we were unable to have a unit, in spite of preordering. We were refunded the cost and the staff were very apologetic, but it was annoying. The boat (Caprice) was showing its age a bit, but was well equipped and handled pretty well, given lack of bow thrusters! There were only 2 of us on board, so we had plenty of space. Don't forget to bring your own washing up liquid. The cruising guide was a little bit lacking in detail in places. It was quite difficult to find the entrance to the canal off Loch Ness going towards Inverness. We had OS maps with us that helped. The reciprocal arrangement with Caley Cruises enable us to spend 2 nights at their base in Inverness, but it's 1.5 miles into the centre of town. In planning your days, you have to remember that bridges and locks don't open till 9 and close at 5, and it really will take 1.5 hours to transit the 5 lock flight at Fort Augustus.
9 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review.
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your holiday on the Caledonian Canal and that our Laggan team looked after you so well, especially by providing extra blankets during the unseasonably cold May weather. It’s also good to know they were able to resolve the WiFi equipment issue promptly with a refund and apologies, although we understand how frustrating that must have been at the time.
We appreciate your honest feedback regarding the boat condition, onboard equipment, and cruising guide. Insights like yours are very valuable and help us identify where improvements can be made for future guests. It’s also helpful to hear your practical observations about timings on the canal and navigation considerations, which will certainly benefit others planning their journey.
We’re glad you still had plenty of space on board and that you were able to enjoy the unique experience of cruising this beautiful waterway.
Thank you again for your recommendation and helpful feedback, and we hope to welcome you back on the water in the future.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Excellent service from Berenice
Excellent service from Berenice. She answered our questions and concerns with reassurance for us to then proceed with our booking.
And also made us aware of offers we were entitled to as we are returning Le Boat customers.
Excellent service. Thank you
13 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear that Berenice provided such excellent service and was able to answer your questions with reassurance, helping you feel confident in proceeding with your booking. It’s also great to know she made sure you were aware of the offers available to returning Le Boat customers—that’s exactly the level of care we aim to provide.
We really appreciate your kind feedback and look forward to welcoming you back on the water again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
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