The staff went over and above our expectations. So very helpful and willing for us to get the best holiday adventure possible. Special thankyou to Toni and Jack for all the boating tips and instructi... See more
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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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I have never had any boating experience in my life before booking with Le Boat. If you are the same as me then do not worry as Le Boat have you covered. They provide training on how to drive/sail... 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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Company details
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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This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
Replied to 92% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
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In 2025 we took our second trip with le…
In 2025 we took our second trip with le Boat on the Canal du Midi this time collecting the boat at Port Cassafieres then heading east towards the Etang de Thau. Even though the weather was extremely hot, the A/C on the boat kept us cool at night as long as we were plugged in to the electricity at one of the small ports such as Meze on the 'Etang'. The booking process had been efficient and the handover of the boat was also efficient although we did have to wait a little while at the departure point. All Le Boat staff were extremely helpful.
June 23, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for choosing Le Boat again for your Canal du Midi adventure!
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your second trip with us and that cruising towards the Étang de Thau was such a memorable experience. It’s great to know the onboard A/C helped keep you comfortable during the hot weather, and that you found the booking process and boat handover generally efficient.
We also appreciate your note about the short wait at departure—feedback like this is very helpful as we continue to refine and improve our guest experience. Most importantly, we’re pleased our team were consistently helpful throughout your journey.
We truly appreciate your loyalty and hope to welcome you back for a third adventure very soon!
Happy Boating, Catherine from Le Boat
Five-Star Review
Five-Star Review – Carrick-on-Shannon Base!
From start to finish, our experience at Carrick-on-Shannon was absolutely outstanding. The base itself is perfectly located in the heart of one of Ireland’s most beautiful and vibrant riverside towns, making it the ideal starting point for a boating holiday. With the marina at the centre of everything, it’s easy to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy local restaurants, and explore the charm of this lively yet relaxed destination.
The boat exceeded all expectations—immaculately presented, incredibly comfortable, and equipped with everything we needed for a seamless trip. Cruising the River Shannon was truly special, offering a peaceful, slow-paced journey through stunning scenery, quaint villages, and tranquil moorings. It’s the perfect way to unwind while still enjoying an active, memorable holiday.
What really made the difference, though, was the team at the base. From check-in to departure, they were friendly, professional, and genuinely committed to making our holiday perfect. The onboarding was clear and reassuring, giving us total confidence even as first-time boaters, and their support throughout made everything feel effortless.
Carrick-on-Shannon as a destination delivers on every level—beautiful riverside walks, a fantastic marina, and a great mix of culture, scenery, and activities both on and off the water. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, it truly has something for everyone.
Overall, this was a five-star experience across the board—exceptional team, fantastic boats, and an unforgettable destination. We would highly recommend Carrick-on-Shannon to anyone looking for a unique and relaxing holiday, and we’re already planning our next trip back!
June 8, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you so much for this fantastic and detailed review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your experience at our Carrick-on-Shannon base was outstanding from start to finish.
It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed everything from the central location in such a vibrant riverside town, to the comfort and quality of your boat, and the peaceful beauty of cruising the River Shannon. We’re especially pleased that, as first-time boaters, you felt confident and well supported thanks to the team’s clear onboarding and ongoing assistance throughout your trip.
We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the Carrick-on-Shannon base team—they’ll be thrilled to hear how much of a difference they made to your holiday.
Thank you again for your recommendation, and we’re so excited to hear you’re already planning your next trip. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon!
Happy Boating, Catherine from Le Boat
Super Holiday on the dutch canals
Super Holiday on the dutch canals, the information given at the base in Vinkeveen is very valuable for a good holiday, good tips and very friendly staff, boat was flawless
June 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had a super holiday on the Dutch canals and that your experience at our Vinkeveen base set you up so well for your trip.
It’s great to know the local information, tips, and friendly support from the team helped make your holiday even more enjoyable, and that your boat performed flawlessly throughout.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic adventure on the water.
Happy Boating, Catherine from Le Boat
We have rented canal boats before
We have rented canal boats before, but this was the first time in 20 years. Le Boat made it easy from the booking, to the checkout and trip, to the checkin.
The boat was everything we expected and in great condition for our group of 6. It was also well equipped and we actually had 4 meals on board.
I can't think of anything that Le Boat could have done better on The Canal du Nivernais.
June 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your return to canal boating after 20 years was such a smooth and enjoyable experience with Le Boat.
It’s wonderful to know that the booking, check-in, trip, and check-out all felt easy and well organized, and that your boat was in great condition and well equipped for your group. We’re especially pleased you were able to enjoy relaxed onboard meals and make the most of your time on the Canal du Nivernais.
We really appreciate your kind words and are so glad we could help make your return to boating such a positive one. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another memorable journey on the water.
Happy Boating, Catherine from Le Boat
Great check in experience and Sarah and…
Great check in experience and Sarah and Jason were lovely to deal with.
June 8, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had a great check-in experience and that Sarah and Jason were so lovely to deal with.
We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to them—they’ll really appreciate it. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic time on the water.
Happy Boating, Catherine from Le Boat
Can only comment on booking process as…
Can only comment on booking process as for today.
Intuitive web, possible to find best deal.
We will see how company will deliver.
June 14, 2026
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you found the booking process intuitive and were able to find a good deal easily.
We hope the rest of your experience lives up to expectations, and we look forward to welcoming you on board soon so you can enjoy the full Le Boat journey on the water.
Happy Boating, Catherine from Le Boat
We regularly book with Le Boat
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. The boats are well maintained but anyone used to boating will know that sometimes assistance is required. On those rare occasions we have found the boatyard to be extremely responsive and eager to see us on our way. They have never let us down. We will keep coming back. Highly recommend.
June 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you so much for your continued loyalty and such a lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that your experiences from Benson on the River Thames have consistently been so positive.
It’s wonderful to know our booking team has been able to understand your needs and make the process easy and personal, and that you’ve felt well supported by the base team whenever assistance was needed. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with them—they’ll really appreciate it.
We’re so grateful for your recommendation and truly value having you as returning guests. We look forward to welcoming you back again very soon for your next trip on the water.
Happy Boating, Catherine from Le Boat
We had a great holiday on the Canal du…
We had a great holiday on the Canal du Midi with Le Boat. Service from the staff at the Homps base was brilliant, especially from Carlos and Seline who went the extra mile on several occasions. We had a couple of technical problems on board which were swiftly and efficiently dealt with. The boat was lovely and very well equipped. I would thoroughly recommend Le Boat and cruising down the Canal du Midi area is an unforgetable experience.
June 1, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great holiday on the Canal du Midi and that the team at our Homps base made a real difference to your experience.
It’s especially great to know that Carlos and Celine went the extra mile and were able to quickly and efficiently resolve the technical issues onboard—support like that is exactly what we aim for. We’re also pleased you enjoyed your boat and found it well equipped for your trip.
We really appreciate your recommendation and agree—the Canal du Midi is truly an unforgettable cruising destination. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another fantastic adventure on the water.
Happy Boating, Catherine from Le Boat
Excellent as always
I have used Le Boat many, many times on the Thames and also in Germany and Belgium.
The boats are clean, well maintained and easy to operate.
This was also the case for a six berth boat that I rented in Scotland for a week with my wife. As usual, the service and the safety briefing were excellent and the boat met the high standards that we have come to expect.
I would like to say that the staff at Laggan Locks is exceptionally good but the truth is that they effortlessly meet the extremely high standards of the other Le Boat based that we have used over several decades.
They are all equally brilliant!
June 1, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and long-standing support!
We’re truly delighted to hear that you’ve enjoyed many Le Boat holidays across the Thames, Germany, Belgium, and most recently Scotland. It means a great deal to us that you continue to find our boats clean, well maintained, and easy to operate, and that each experience has met the high standards you’ve come to expect.
We’re especially pleased that your recent trip in Scotland was no exception, and that both the safety briefing and onboard experience were excellent for you and your wife.
Your generous words about our teams—particularly at Laggan Locks and across all our bases—are deeply appreciated. We’re proud of our staff across all destinations, and it’s wonderful to hear that their consistency and dedication stand out to you.
Thank you again for your loyalty over the years. We look forward to welcoming you back on the water for many more adventures ahead.
We had an amazing holiday
We had an amazing holiday . Will definitely be back. Staff were so friendly and helpful especially Brian very helpful and put us at ease as it was our first time on the boat . Can't recommend enough
June 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear you had such an amazing holiday and that our team helped make your first boating experience a relaxing and enjoyable one. It’s especially great to know that Brian was able to put you at ease and provide helpful support throughout your trip—we’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to him.
We’re so pleased you had a fantastic time on the water, and we really appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another memorable adventure!
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
Our boat has been changed with no…
Our boat has been changed with no consultation. I am not sure that this is not a downgrade.
June 4, 2026
Reply from Le Boat
“Hi Bob, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the boat change came as a surprise and that you’re unsure whether it met your expectations. This is certainly something we’d like to look into properly for you. Please feel free to get in touch with us at customerservice@leboat.com so we can review the details together and make sure everything was handled as it should be. We’d really appreciate the chance to clarify the situation and hopefully convince you to update your rating. Kind regards, The Le Boat Team”
We love the French destinations and the…
We love the French destinations and the helpful staff.
May 30, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Le Boat
Thank you for your kind feedback!
We’re delighted to hear that you love our French destinations and that our teams have been helpful throughout your experience. It’s always wonderful to know both the waterways and our staff are helping create such enjoyable holidays for you.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to welcome you back on the water again soon.
Happy Boating,
Catherine from le boat
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.
May 18, 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 .
May 27, 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.
May 31, 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 !
May 23, 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.
May 15, 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.
May 29, 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.
May 25, 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
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