SELF DRIVE RIVER BOAT RENTALS FROM Nieuwpoort
Nieuwpoort is a small typical fishing port, ravaged by wars in past centuries but beautifully restored, now breathing calm and tranquility.
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.
- The locks and bridges are closed between Nieuwpoort and Bruges all Sundays before May 1st and after September 30th.
- In Belgium most locks and bridges are manual. A lock keeper can handle several bridges. Also, you must warn by telephone the people who manage the overall system of bridges and locks so that a lock keeper is present at the time of your passage. If you do not have a mobile phone or if it does not work abroad, you can rent it one at the base. A deposit of 100 € will be required. The cost of the rental is 15 € for the week. Consumption will be your responsibility - counted according to a statement on departure and arrival.
- To navigate the French lanes you will have to pay a sales tax in the first lock in France. The cost: - for one day: 34 € - for 16 days: 67 €
- Air: Oostende airports 16km - Brussels-Zaventem 125km
- Train: Stations Oostende 20km - Veurne 10km
- Mooring prices are between 10 and 20 €, water and electricity not included. Rates may change
- The city center of Nieuwpoort is about 1.5 km from the base and has a well-stocked grocery store opposite the harbor. This city center also has several other shops: bakery, cold cuts, butchers, restaurants, cafes etc.
- Fishing is allowed along the canals and rivers. You need a permit that costs around € 5. For fishing on your boat another permit formula costs around 50 €. Available at the Post Office.
Possible cruises
Best current offers for the destination Nieuwpoort
From €225 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €245 / pers
Week of the 4/24/27 to 5/1/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €354 / pers
Week of the 4/7/27 to 4/14/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
From €300 / pers
Week of the 4/28/27 to 5/5/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €183 / pers
Week of the 4/12/27 to 4/19/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €212 / pers
Week of the 4/7/27 to 4/14/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €378 / pers
Week of the 4/12/27 to 4/19/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
From €222 / pers
Week of the 4/14/27 to 4/21/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €420 / pers
Week of the 4/17/27 to 4/24/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
From €438 / pers
Week of the 4/21/27 to 4/28/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
From €450 / pers
Week of the 4/24/27 to 5/1/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
From €510 / pers
Week of the 4/26/27 to 5/3/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
From €356 / pers
Week of the 4/9/27 to 4/16/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
From €267 / pers
Week of the 4/28/27 to 5/5/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €193 / pers
Week of the 4/16/27 to 4/23/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €326 / pers
Week of the 4/30/27 to 5/7/27
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
From €196 / pers
Week of the 4/17/27 to 4/24/27
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
From €594 / pers
Week of the 4/30/27 to 5/7/27
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
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
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