Self-drive boats and canal boat hire

Self-drive boats

An exciting choice of boats for hire, routes and offers

We have a wide range of license-free, modern cruisers and traditional-style canal boats to suit all group sizes and budgets. Relaxed fun for all ages whether cruising as a couple, a family or a group of friends.

Simply select a houseboat or self-drive fleet below, and click for full details including photos, floor plans, rental prices, reviews and special offers.

Boating with Hotels Afloat is as easy as child's play.

Nicols

Nicols operates from 26 bases in four countries: France, Germany, Holland & Portugal.
With four classes to choose from, all the boats offer bright and spacious accommodations.

The new "C"  boats include air-conditioning, 220v electricity during navigation plus a dishwasher!

A random selection of boats from Nicols

Save up to 10%
N OCTO FLY rental boat

N OCTO FLY

10 guests
4 adults, 4 children
4 cabins
4 bathrooms
★★★★★
2976€
Save up to 20%
N OCTO rental boat

N OCTO

10 guests
4 adults, 4 children
4 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
2458€
Save up to 10%
N OCTO Fly 12 rental boat

N OCTO Fly 12

12 guests
4 adults, 4 children
6 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★★
2948€
Save up to 20%
N PRIMO rental boat

N PRIMO

4 guests
1 cabin
1 bathroom
★★★
979€

The price shown is based on a 7-day cruise and indicates the lowest starting price, and excluding any special offer or discount.

Locaboat

The Penichettes are traditional-style boats, which are provided with modern amenities for 2-12 guests. 
For a more modern style, the Europas and Linssens are very comfortable boats for up to 7 guests.

A random selection of boats from Locaboat

Save up to 25%
Penichette Evolution rental boat

Penichette Evolution

4 guests
2 cabins
1 bathroom
★★★★
1603€
Save up to 25%
P1020 FB rental boat

P1020 FB

5 guests
4 adults, 1 child
3 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
1330€
Save up to 25%
P1120R rental boat

P1120R

6 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★
1232€
Save up to 25%
P1180 FB rental boat

P1180 FB

7 guests
6 adults, 1 child
3 cabins
3 bathrooms
★★★★★
2282€

The price shown is based on a 7-day cruise and indicates the lowest starting price, and excluding any special offer or discount.

France Afloat

Discover a selection from the France Afloat fleet with 1st-class self-drive boats for comfortable cruising in the Burgundy region plus the Canal du Midi and Camargue in the south of France.

A random selection of boats from France Afloat

20% off
Linssen 35 Aft Cabin rental boat

Linssen 35 Aft Cabin

6 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
2367€
20% off
Linssen 34.9 Aft cabin rental boat

Linssen 34.9 Aft cabin

6 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
2310€
20% off
Euro Classic 149 rental boat

Euro Classic 149

8 guests
4 cabins
4 bathrooms
★★★★
3234€
20% off
Euro Classic 139 GC rental boat

Euro Classic 139 GC

4 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★★
2425€

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

Celebrating 40 years of boating this year, FPP 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

Save up to 40%
Nicols 1310 rental boat

Nicols 1310

12 guests
10 adults, 2 children
5 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★
1935€
Save up to 40%
Tarpon 37 rental boat

Tarpon 37

10 guests
4 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★
1280€
Save up to 40%
Linssen Vlet 1030 rental boat

Linssen Vlet 1030

8 guests
2 cabins
1 bathroom
★★★
1349€
Save up to 40%
Espade Concept Fly rental boat

Espade Concept Fly

9 guests
4 cabins
1 bathroom
★★★
1305€

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

With 40 different departure points in 8 countries, Le Boat offers a wide range of modern style cruisers.

A random selection of boats from Le Boat

Save 25%
Countess rental boat

Countess

6 guests
4 adults, 2 children
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
Budget rating
1419€
Save 25%
Classique rental boat

Classique

8 guests
6 adults, 2 children
4 cabins
2 bathrooms
Budget rating
1699€
Save 25%
Vision 4 rental boat

Vision 4

9 guests
8 adults, child
4 cabins
4 bathrooms
Premium rating
2419€
Save 25%
Horizon 1 rental boat

Horizon 1

5 guests
2 cabins
1 bathroom
Premium rating
1719€

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 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.

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 12 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.