Self-drive boats and canal boat hire

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.

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 by Riverly

With Locaboat by Riverly you can choose between 25 departures based on canals and rivers in 5 countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Italy.

The Locaboat  by Riverly 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 by Riverly

Europa 400 rental boat

Comfort Premium XL 4 people

Europa 400

4 guests maximum
2 cabins
Ideal for 2 adults
& 2 children
2 bathrooms
★★★★
Panoramic P.1165FB rental boat

Pénichette Comfort 6 to 7 people

Panoramic P.1165FB

7 guests maximum
3 cabins
Ideal for 2 adults
& 3 children
2 bathrooms
★★★★
P.1020FB rental boat

Pénichette Premium 4 to 5 people

P.1020FB

5 guests maximum
2 cabins
Ideal for 4 adults
& 1 child
2 bathrooms
★★★★
Evolution P.950E rental boat

Pénichette Premium+ 2 to 4 people

Evolution P.950E

4 guests maximum
2 cabins
Ideal for 4 adults
1 bathroom
★★★★

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

Nicols by Riverly

Nicols by Riverly operates from 26 boat rental bases in four countries: France, Germany, Holland, Hungary and Portugal.

Nicols Riverlyhave 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 by Riverly

N QUATTRO FLY C rental boat

Cruiser Premium+ 4 to 6 people

N QUATTRO FLY C

6 guests maximum
2 cabins
Ideal for 4 adults
2 bathrooms
★★★★★★
N SIXTO FLY C rental boat

Cruiser Premium+ XL 6 to 8 people

N SIXTO FLY C

8 guests maximum
3 cabins
Ideal for 6 adults
3 bathrooms
★★★★★★
Special Offer
N SIXTO PRESTIGE C rental boat

Cruiser Premium+ 4 to 6 people

N SIXTO PRESTIGE C

6 guests maximum
2 cabins
Ideal for 2 adults
& 2 children
2 bathrooms
★★★★★
Special Offer
N1170 rental boat

Cruiser Comfort 8 to 10 people

N1170

10 guests maximum
4 cabins
Ideal for 8 adults
& 2 children
2 bathrooms
★★★

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

Xmas special
Tarpon 49 QP rental boat

Tarpon 49 QP

12 guests maximum
5 cabins
Ideal for 8 adults
& 2 children
5 bathrooms
★★★★★
From 3229€/week
Tarpon 42 rental boat

Tarpon 42

12 guests maximum
4 cabins
Ideal for 6 adults
& 4 children
2 bathrooms
★★★
From 1780€/week
Espade Concept Fly rental boat

Espade Concept Fly

9 guests maximum
2 cabins
Ideal for 4 adults
& 3 children
1 bathroom
★★★
From 1209€/week
Nicols 1310 rental boat

Nicols 1310

12 guests maximum
5 cabins
Ideal for 6 adults
& 4 children
2 bathrooms
★★★
From 1794€/week

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

Xmas special
Clipper rental boat

Clipper

6 guests maximum
2 cabins
Ideal for 4 adults
& 2 children
2 bathrooms
Comfort rating
Xmas special
Dancer 4 (Salsa A) rental boat

Dancer 4 (Salsa A)

10 guests maximum
4 cabins
Ideal for 8 adults
& 2 children
2 bathrooms
Comfort rating
Xmas special
Cirrus B rental boat

Cirrus B

4 guests maximum
1 cabin
Ideal for 2 adults
& 2 children
1 bathroom
Value rating
Xmas special
Horizon 2 rental boat

Horizon 2

5 guests maximum
2 cabins
Ideal for 4 adults
2 bathrooms
Premium rating

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 enable you to enjoy a variety of pursuits, ensuring a truly memorable trip, regardless of age or 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 Riverly Locaboat, Riverly Nicols, Le Boat and Les Canalous fleets.

For historians and architecture lovers, explore ancient monuments, châteaux, abbeys, and museums.

Sporty? Hire a canoe, a stand-up paddleboard, 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 wine is 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 is always pleased to help you choose the perfect destination that suits your particular interests.