Houseboat rentals

Why book a houseboat rental?

Renting a houseboat will allow you to discover new and unique places while sailing in a tranquil setting on inland waters. Your floating villa will be the perfect way to make you forget about your day-to-day life and escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

What needs to be taken into account?

Houseboat rentals are perfect for group holidays. Whether you’re with your friends, family or special someone, you’ll enjoy being at peace in a houseboat, cruising along the idyllic rivers and canals. You can forget about the hassle of stressful travel and concentrate instead on what you want to discover during your stopovers. The beauty is that you won’t have to pack your bags again to a new place, because your houseboat will take you there.

On board, you will have a kitchen, a bathroom and an outdoor living room for unique meals in the heart of nature. Depending on the houseboat model you choose, you could have a comfortable lounge with a DVD player - the perfect way to end the day with your children. Whether or not you’ve planned your activities, one thing is certain: you will never be bored on a houseboat.

How can I book a houseboat rental?

To book your houseboat charter, go to our website and filter the search results according to your criteria. This can range from your choice of budget per day to the number of passengers onboard, the length of the houseboat, the number of beds - or even your choice to be accompanied by a skipper or not. Thanks to this, you will then be able to sort your results and make your search easier.

If you have any specific requests, please do not hesitate to contact the owner of the boat via the free private messaging system on the Nautal website.

How much does it cost to rent a houseboat?

The rental price for a houseboat depends on several criteria such as the season you want to book; the characteristics of the boat and the destination. Our charter company provides a range of models from newly built and luxurious houseboats, to quaint and vintage ones.

You can find prices starting at 70 euros per day for three people and from 400 euros per week. This is an approximation as the price depends on several criteria. However, it is also possible to rent for a short stay or weekend.

Is it possible to book a houseboat rental with a skipper?

If you are not comfortable with sailing, you can ask the boat owner if it is possible to have a skipper. If you opt for this, you may have to increase your budget a bit, but you will then be able to enjoy your trip with a complete peace of mind.

Chartering a houseboat without a skipper can be an ideal situation if you want to enjoy your own privacy and choose your own itinerary.

Where can I book a houseboat rental?

At Nautal, we provide a wide range of destinations for houseboat holidays. Whether you fancy a short city break in trendy Berlin, the capital of Germany, or in the stunning Italian city of Venice, we have something for everyone! A houseboat rental is also the perfect way to unwind from your busy working schedule and get close to nature. Nothing beats cruising along the idyllic Canal du Midi in France or the inland waterways of Australia.

Who can I book a houseboat rental with?

You can book your houseboat rental and spend time with your family or friends, or even your dog - it’s completely up to you! It is also possible to organise events (birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons…) if you check with the owner beforehand.

FAQs

What to know before renting a houseboat?

In most destinations, a minimum of two people are required when booking a houseboat (for passing through locks). Most houseboats are able to accommodate a maximum of twelve people on board. Fuel is normally paid when returning the vessel (the engine hour depends on the boat model). Locks can be manual, automatic or with a lock keeper.

Do I need a license to rent a houseboat?

Licenses for houseboats depend on the country where you are renting the vessel. In some countries such as The Netherlands, no official license is required for renting a houseboat. You will only be given a presentation of the vessel on the day of boarding, and will then be issued a temporary boat license which will act as a provisional license during your journey. The same applies to other countries such as Portugal, Belgium and even Finland!

Can we bring a dog on board?

Yes, it is possible but charges may apply on some boats.