Self-drive boat rentals
An exciting choice of canal and river boats for hire
We have a wide range of license-free, modern cruisers and traditional-style canal boats to suit all group sizes and budgets. Relaxation and fun for all ages, whether cruising on the rivers or canals, as a couple, a family or a group of friends.
Simply select a rental boat or self-drive fleet below, and click for full details including photos, floor plans, rental prices, reviews and special offers.
Boating on the inland waterways with Hotels Afloat is as easy as child's play.
Locaboat
With Locaboat, you can choose between 25 departures based on canals and rivers in 5 countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, and Italy.
The Locaboat fleet has 4 ranges of traditional-style Pénichettes for 2 to 12 guests,
Linssen river yachts for 2 to 7 guests, and Europa modern-style cruisers for up to 7 guests.
2025 sees the launch of the brand new, environmentally friendly Pénichette Neo.
A random selection of boats from Locaboat
Pénichette Panoramic P.1022FB
& 1 child
Pénichette Classic P.1107W
& 1 child
Pénichette Classic P.935W
& 2 children
Pénichette Terrasse P.1260R
& 2 children
The price shown is based on a 7-day cruise and indicates the lowest starting price, and excluding any special offer or discount.
Nicols
Nicols operates from 26 boat rental bases in four countries: France, Germany, Holland, Hungary and Portugal.
Nicols have five different classes of boats to choose from, the boats in the fleet have bright and spacious accommodations, with excellent equipment and fittings.
The new "C" boats include air-conditioning, 220v electricity during navigation plus a dishwasher!
A random selection of boats from Nicols
The price shown is based on a 7-day cruise and indicates the lowest starting price, and excluding any special offer or discount.
France Passion Plaisance
France Passion Plaisance "Les Canalous" offers competitively priced rental boats throughout France, as well as in Germany and Italy.
A random selection of boats from France Passion Plaisance
Haines Rive 34
& 2 children
The price shown is based on a 7-day cruise and indicates the lowest starting price, and excluding any special offer or discount.
Le Boat
Le Boat offers a wide range of modern-style cruisers, with 40 different departure points in 8 countries, including France, Holland and other great destinations.
A random selection of boats from Le Boat
Clipper
& 2 children
Royal Mystique B
Countess
& 2 children
Tamaris
& 2 children
The price shown is based on a 7-day cruise and indicates the lowest starting price, and excluding any special offer or discount.
With the ever-increasing popularity of activity-based holidays, our self-drive cruise vacations allow you to enjoy a variety of pursuits guaranteeing a truly memorable trip, regardless of age and interests. Driving a boat is child's play, and after a short induction course, you will be ready to cast off on a beautiful journey. You have the choice of different boats from the Locaboat, Le Boat, Nicols and Les Canalous fleets.
For historians and those who love architecture, explore ancient monuments, chateaux, abbeys, and museums.
Sporty? Hire a canoe, a stand-up paddle board or a bicycle. Or how about horse riding, rock climbing, tree climbing, golf, fishing or swimming?
Naturalists? The rivers and canals are natural habitats for a wide range of fauna and flora: Coypu, kingfishers, herons, birds of prey, majestic swans, flamingos, beautiful weeping willows, stunning water lilies and more.
Epicureans love our holidays! Visit the vineyards to see how wines are produced, take tastings in wine cellars and explore new cuisine and delicious, fresh food in cosy waterside bistros or Michelin-starred restaurants. On all the self-drive boats, the onboard galleys are well-equipped should you prefer to cook. Many lock-keepers sell their homemade produce while local markets ensure that you will be spoilt for choice.
Total relaxation? Bring your sketchbooks and Kindles, card games and favourite CDs. The peaceful waterways provide the perfect backdrop for some 'me' time.
With so many choices each day, this is undoubtedly the ideal family holiday.
Whichever one of the 11 countries you choose to cruise in, and whichever region, you will find plenty to see and do to keep you all happy.
Our team of experts are always pleased to help you choose the perfect destination to suit your particular interests.
©2025 Hotels Afloat France