Clock icon Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure. Gold Trusted Service Award Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience. Rosette With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water. Boat We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people. Life buoy That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
Horizon in Canada

Why Le Boat?

Reasons to love Emerald Star

50 years

Years of experience

We’ve been doing this for a long time, so you can rely on us to offer exceptional service and a wealth of helpful advice and knowledge to ensure you have the best time on the water!

Market Leaders

Market leaders

We’re the No:1 provider of boating holidays on the beautiful rivers, lakes and canals of Europe and Canada. We have the world’s largest fleet of self-drive boats and the widest choice of fabulous boating destinations to choose from!

Hearts

Our boating experts

Our enthusiastic staff are boating experts and will be on hand to help you every step of the way. With an unparalleled knowledge of boating holidays and often proficient in multiple languages, our staff can answer any questions you might have before, during or after your cruise.

No experience needed

No license or experience required!

Not many of our new customers have driven a boat before. However, they quickly realise how easy it is and soon become confident navigating the waterways. Our base teams will show you everything you need know!

What sets Emerald Star apart…

Our destinations

We operate in eight European countries & Canada. This means with Emerald Star you can plan canal boat holidays in some of the world’s most magnificent places. We have lots of bases in nearly all our canal boating locations. There are a variety of one-way trips so you don’t ever have to retrace your steps, and round trips so you can even better explore the area you are cruising through. View our Destinations

Our fleet

We own and operate the largest and most stylish fleet of self-drive boats on Europe and Canada’s waterways. We heavily invest in the development and modernization of our fleet and network of bases for the enjoyment of current and future generations. So no matter what your budget or party size you can find the right boat or boats for you! See our boats

Our team

Emerald Star (and Emerald Star in Ireland) is made up of a global team of passionate and knowledgeable people who all love what we do and, most importantly, love boating! So if you ever have any questions before, during or after your cruise, we would love to help! No matter whether you are chatting to our expert holiday planners, helping you plan every detail of your holiday, or our experienced base staff have just set you off on your boating adventure. You’re in safe hands with us.

Emerald Star team

What our customers say…

We are proud to provide all our customers with world-class service that stems from our years of experience and passionate staff. Why not check out what some of customers have to say below on the Feefo review service?

Charles Price says…

This was our 4th Emerald Star cruise and we were most impressed with the boat and with the excellent staff. The reception ladies were most helpful and extremely pleasant, whilst the handover of the boat was easy. We have already booked another Emerald Star cruise for next year.

Margaret Perkins says…

Five star service every time – We have booked vacations with Emerald Star for over 15 years and always had a five star experience. If we need help before our vacation, or during it, they have always been there with a smile!

Why Emerald Star
Why Emerald Star
Why Emerald Star