Hire self-drive boats and navigate the canals of Belgium
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River cruise in Belgium
Flanders, the province of Belgium, has the largest network of waterways in Europe with more than 30 canals. From Nieuwpoort to Ghent, via Bruges and Kortrijk, you navigate by licence-free boat through Belgian cities steeped in history and with atypical architecture. You can start your river cruise in Nieuwpoort.
- History and heritage
- Close to the sea and beaches
- Beer tasting and tasty chocolates from Flanders
Cruising in Belgium
Rent your houseboat to navigate the Belgian canals
With your licence-free boat, discover Flanders, a region rich in history, heritage and art! During your houseboat trip, you can discover the city of Ghent, considered the cultural and historical heart of Flanders. You can also visit the city centre of Bruges, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, or enjoy the beaches of Nieuwpoort and taste some good seafood!
Customer testimonials
4.6/5
(based on 18 ratings)
"Lovely cruise along the canals."
"We had a wonderful time."
"It was a fantastic and unique first experience that all eight members of the family really enjoyed."
"Great experience, with excellent advice from Sarah and Constance beforehand."
"Everything was quite clear, and the staff were very friendly."
"Relaxant."
"Beautiful."
"The holiday fully met our expectations, and we came back feeling completely refreshed."
"A positive, dynamic and comfortable journey."
"Booking was very easy, and the advice we received was top-notch."
"Enchanté."
"Quite well accompanied - a very friendly welcome."
"An exciting and relaxing holiday."
"Satisfied."
"auto-translation :''Fast contact and very good follow-up - very good reception''"
"auto-translation :''Well, nothing to say except make the boat too early in the day (9am!)''"
"auto-translation :''Good experience to redo''"
Best current offers for the destination Belgian canals - Brugge
From €225 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €245 / pers
Week of the 4/24/27 to 5/1/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €354 / pers
Week of the 4/7/27 to 4/14/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €300 / pers
Week of the 4/28/27 to 5/5/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €183 / pers
Week of the 4/12/27 to 4/19/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €212 / pers
Week of the 4/7/27 to 4/14/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €378 / pers
Week of the 4/12/27 to 4/19/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €222 / pers
Week of the 4/14/27 to 4/21/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €420 / pers
Week of the 4/17/27 to 4/24/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €438 / pers
Week of the 4/21/27 to 4/28/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €450 / pers
Week of the 4/24/27 to 5/1/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €510 / pers
Week of the 4/26/27 to 5/3/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €356 / pers
Week of the 4/9/27 to 4/16/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €267 / pers
Week of the 4/28/27 to 5/5/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €193 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €326 / pers
Week of the 4/30/27 to 5/7/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €196 / pers
Week of the 4/17/27 to 4/24/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €594 / pers
Week of the 4/30/27 to 5/7/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
The locks are manned by lock keepers. They are closed on some bank holidays.
Navigation is not always easy in Belgium. This region is therefore not necessarily recommended for a first boating holiday.
***Navigation restrictions on Belgian waterways in 2026***
- Due to scheduled maintenance work at several locks, the following areas will not be accessible between 10 and 23 August 2026: Fintele, Diksmuide, Bruges, Ypres, Veurne and Ghent. From 24 August 2026, navigation between Bruges and Ghent will resume.
- Due to maintenance work at Fintele Lock, the Fintele area will not be accessible by boat between 24 August and 2 October 2026 : during that time, it will not be possible to complete the full loop via Diksmuide, Ypres and Veurne.
- Update from 30th July : the water levels at too low to navigate in direction of Dunkirk, Veurne or Diksmuide : navigation is only possible from Nieuwpoort to Oudenburg and possibly, subject to mooring availability, as far as the first bridge in Bruges;
- Furthermore, licence-free boats are only permitted to pass through the locks along the Nieuwpoort–Bruges route when commercial traffic is present. This can significantly increase the duration of the cruise.
We strongly recommend you only moor up at designated moorings at and not in the middle of the countryside.
Everything you need to know about navigation with a licence-free boat in Belgium
The most beautiful part of Belgium to do by licence-free boat is from Ypres to Bruges via Nieuwpoort. You will navigate through historic towns with impressive architectural heritage and the remains of the First World War.
During your river cruise in Belgium, you will pass through several historical towns and villages such as Ypres, Veurne, Nieuwpoort, Oostende, Bruges, Ghent, Kortrijk or Tournai. Navigating in the region of Flanders on a licence-free boat, you will discover the Belgian culture.
For an unforgettable experience on the Shannon, you can take a river cruise from mid-March to early November.
Travelling with CrisBoat
Crisboat has more than 90% of the French fleet of self drive river boats. Entrust us with your desires and your availabilities and we will shape your holidays on the water. Located in the heart of the Vienne, Crisboat is the leader in self driver river boat rental in France. Discover our team, made up of 6 experts ready to take up the challenge to design the cruise that will meet your expectations.
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
Cris Boat Blog
What to see in Belgium during your river cruise
Visit Bruges on a river cruise in Belgium
Our destinations in France
Canal du Midi / Camargue
Houseboat and licence-free boat hire on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Burgundy Nivernais
Ideal region for a licence-free boat cruise through vineyards, wild and isolated landscapes.
Franche-Comté
Navigate by licence-free boat through vineyards, postcard landscapes and gastronomy!
Mayenne and Anjou
One of the most beautiful waterways in France to discover by licence-free boat
Brittany
Discover the folklore of Brittany, its traditions and the legend of King Arthur.
Alsace
A licence-free boat rental, with gastronomic stops and bike rides along the canals.
Lot
With its fascinating valley carved into the rock the Lot is the most picturesque river
Charente
Discover the river Francis I called the most beautiful in his kingdom.
Aquitaine
Go boating without a licence-free in Aquitaine and discover the land of gastronomy!
Ardennes
Cruise down the river and admire the surrounding Vosges mountains
"A perfect, warm welcome with a smile. The team was highly efficient and exceptionally responsive."