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 center.

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. 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.

What needs to be taken into account?

Houseboat rentals are perfect for group holidays. Whether you want a boat rental to fit 12 people for your closest friends and family or if you are looking for a small boat for you and your special someone, you’ll enjoy being at peace in a houseboat. Cruise 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 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. Nautal provides a range of options from large luxury houseboats to smaller ones.

You can find prices starting at $75 per day for three people and from $427 per week. This is an estimate depending on other services. However, it is also possible to rent for a short stay or weekend.

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

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 complete peace of mind.

Chartering a houseboat without a captain 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. Most of our houseboat rental options will be in Western Europe. One of the first countries that will come to mind when you think of houseboat destinations will surely be the Netherlands. From canals to rivers to lakes, you will be sure to find a houseboat around every corner in the Netherlands. Other destinations like Utrecht, IJsselstein, and Loosdrecht are incredible spots to stop by or consider for houseboat rentals.

Another great destination to enjoy the comfort of a houseboat is Germany. Ready to discover the wonders and beauty of this historical country? Head to impressive cities for your houseboat rental like the great capital of Berlin for historical monuments and museums that date back to the 13th century. Or, head away from the big city to the beautiful lake of Müritz, Germany's second-largest inland lake is a popular hub for boating, birdwatching, fishing & sailing. 

Other incredible countries for houseboat rental will be France, Italy (e.g. Venice, Casale Sul Sile), and Belgium. Each has a rich and unique culture with houseboats waiting on calm waters.

Looking to go abroad? Whether you wish to be on a houseboat in Amsterdam or on the idyllic Canal du Midi in France, we have something for everyone!

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 organize events (birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons…) if you check with the owner beforehand.

FAQs about Houseboat Rentals

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 most countries like France, 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.

Can we bring a dog on board?

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