Boating Holiday Questions Answered

The quiet waterways are largely non-tidal, with only the gentlest of currents, making them extremely easy to navigate. Many locks are operated automatically or by lock-keepers. You’ll enjoy the locks - they are fun and are often a great place to meet fellow travellers.

In France, locks are free and generally open from 8am to 7pm with a one hour break for the lock keeper’s lunch. Locks may be closed on some public holidays such as Easter Day, 1st May, Whit Sunday, 14th July and 1st November. On the Lot and the Charente, locks are operated by the boat crew.

On your cruise you can seek out local specialities - home grown produce or regional dishes. Shop for them in markets and cook on board in your fully-equipped galley, or alternatively try them in the many restaurants along your route. You'll find a list of recommendations on board. Villages are never far away, and you can use bicycles to fetch fresh bread or warm croissants for breakfast.

Before departure, your boat will have been thoroughly cleaned and all mechanical equipment checked. The full tank of diesel should provide enough fuel for at least two weeks cruising. The water supply should last about two days before you need to refill at one of the many water points shown in your canal guide.

Your boat is fully insured and you are only responsible for any damage up to the amount of your security deposit. Alternatively, you can opt for the damage waiver scheme. Our staff will advise you of the options. Suitable personal travel insurance cover for party members is recommended.

Use our country and area information to decide where you would like to go. You can study our detailed routes on our Google maps. Then use our availability search to find the boat of your choice and contact us to advise and book. We can then make a Provisional Reservation for you, following which you complete the online booking form to finalise the booking.

The boats are not insured to accommodate or transport more than the stated capacity advertised. The minimum number of people required to hire a boat is 2 adults and for the Vision boats a minimum of 3 experienced adults or 4 less experienced adults. There are boats available for a maximum of 12 passengers. You must be 18 to hire a boat and 21 in Ireland.

Normal cruising speed averages at about 8-10 kph (5-6 mph) and it takes up to 20 minutes to go through a lock. Plan to cruise no more than 4-5 hours each day and you’ll cover 30-40 kms (20-25 miles), but remember to allow time for each lock you need to pass through.

Our technicians are at your service seven days a week. Whatever the problem, simply phone the boat base and they will be happy to help you.

The bicycles are a great addition to your cruise - the towpaths along canals make ideal bicycle tracks. You can reserve bicycles when you book. You pay at the base.

You can make your own way to the boat base by car or public transport. Our maps show main routes and stations.

Stop when and where you like at a marina or in the open countryside. You can go for a walk or a bicycle ride, visit a church or a chateau, go for a swim or try your hand at fishing. At the base we will tell you how to get a fishing permit and what you might catch.

There are plenty of moorings all along the waterways which are usually free of charge, except in some popular tourist centres, where a fee may be payable. The mooring spikes on board give you total freedom.

Germany: Overnight mooring on canals is not permitted. You may drop anchor in a lake or moor in a marina at your own expense.

Italy: Private moorings are available for Venice for customers cruising to or from Casale, for which a compulsory supplement will be charged. This is payable at the time of booking.

Canada: You are only allowed to moor in private marinas town/village marinas and Parks Canada moorings, situated at lock stations which all provide overnight moorings for a fee. A mandatory fee will charged and covers overnight moorings at all Parks Canada sites as well as the town/village marinas of Portland, Seeley’s Bay, Perth and Westport at a reduced rate than the fee charged locally at each site. This is payable at the time of booking.

Scotland: There is a charge for using the facilities and moorings along the Caledonian Canal. This is payable at the time of booking.