Frequent questions

You do not need experience or prior license to rent a river boat in most destinations. In France, the law allows you to rent a boat without a license as long as it does not exceed the
15 m and whose maximum speed is 12 km / hour. All the boats we offer have a maximum of this length.

In other countries the legislation changes but all our boats are adapted for river charter without the need for a permit, except in Germany and Porto, where a navigation license is required to depart from some of their ports. Contact us for more information.

The boats are designed to be very easy to carry, especially in canals. If you are going to navigate the river, even if it is not mandatory, it is recommended that at least one crew member has sailed at some time.

Navigating a river boat is very simple: a key switch, forward and reverse (to go slowly or stop) and a little patience to pass the first locks will be enough for you to become an expert captain in no time. On the first day, a technician will explain the main functions and maneuvers to get you started in river navigation.

In Danfluvial you can book your holidays at any time online (secure payment process) by checking the available date or if you prefer, contact us during our business hours and we will send you a personalized quote, either by email or by phone +34 956 858 550 .

The first thing to decide is the date and duration. The recommended thing is a week to have enough time to enjoy the boat and the surroundings but if you want you can sail from 3 days, just time to disconnect from the routine (in high season only some ports are available, ask us), a mini week from Monday to Friday or more than a week.

Take note that the channels are open between the end of March and October except for the Grande Lago de Portugal which is open all year round. Here you can relax and admire nature from your own boat, as well as take advantage of its good and sunny weather most of the year.

Where? If you already have the date, you have to choose the destination. We collaborate with river ports in more than 10 European countries, each with a diversity and a different range of activities, but all equally attractive.

France is undoubtedly the destination par excellence for river tourism with 13 regions to navigate and where the Canal du Midi is at the top of our travelers. In France you can enjoy its beautiful landscapes taken from a story, medieval villages, gastronomy and its famous wines. In Holland, you discover a unique destination where living by boat is a whole lifestyle. You can take the opportunity to visit the wonderful cities of Amsterdam and Utrecht or if your thing is tranquility you can stop in small towns to taste the rich cheese such as GOUDA. In Italy you sail through the waters of the spectacular Venetian lagoon, living a most romantic experience and if you feel like it you can go to the northern beaches in the Friuli region.

As you can see, each destination can surprise you for a reason and it depends on whether you are looking for tranquility, a romantic destination, fishing, bathing or simply visiting large cities in Europe. You must also take into account the means of transport you will use to get there, if you need advice ask us by phone +34 956 858 550 or send us an email.
You can see here all the river tourism destinations. Check now the availability for your river cruise.

Depending on the destination you can navigate a canal or a river. If it is your first experience, we recommend that you navigate through a channel since rivers tend to carry more current, even so in both destinations navigation is simple and you can navigate with peace of mind since this current does not complicate navigation.
In the rivers you find more nature and they are wilder than the canals that have been built by humans. However, keep in mind that rivers are more prone to flooding and flooding, especially during spring and fall. This may lead to navigation limitations that force us - for your safety - to change the port of departure or propose a change of dates. The company that owns the boat is not responsible or makes any refund in case of interrupting the cruise or limiting the route you have booked, due to the closure of waterways, repairs, floods, drought or any other cause beyond the control of the company . We send you with the pre-reservation more details regarding the general rental conditions, since this decision is solely and exclusively the responsibility of the company that owns the boat.

For full weeks the cruises are usually Monday, Friday and Saturday although depending on availability sometimes other days may be possible. Check availability or contact us to see what you need.

Generally the schedule is from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Even so, we always recommend arriving an hour before because they will attend you in order of arrival.
If you have to arrive after hours nothing happens, just let us know to inform the port and leave your boat open to sleep, in the morning you can do all the paperwork.

If it is a mini cruise, it may be a weekend from Friday at 4:00 p.m. to Sunday at 5:00 p.m. or Monday at 9:00 a.m. depending on the port. In the case of mini weeks, it will be from Monday at 2:00 p.m. to Friday at 9:00 a.m.

If you want to sail a few additional hours, contact us since on some occasions it is possible to reserve an extra to embark or disembark before or after paying a supplement.

Another very common question for cruises of a week or more is whether a roundtrip or one-way cruise is better. This means leaving and returning to the same port or, on the contrary, starting at one point and leaving the ship in another previously reserved port. We share our experience with you.

ROUND TRIP:

• You travel more channel.
• You can explore more towns.
• Except for great last minute offers, it is cheaper.
• You go through the same place twice which may seem inconvenient but it is not, you can organize to stop on the way out in some towns and on the way back in others or stop when you return the least.
• Minimum 3 years.

ONE WAY:

• You sail more km and you can visit more places.
• It is mandatory to travel the distance that separates the two piers (departure base and arrival base) within the established deadlines: it is not possible to wander during the cruise!
• Higher price: you have to add an extra supplement for being one way (between 100-300 euros). Add car or taxi transfer service to the port of arrival (optional).
• Minimum 1 week (except for exceptions)

The minimum crew is 2 adults and the maximum 12 people on board. The piloting and the mooring maneuvers and the passage of locks require a minimum of 2 adults on board, which is an essential requirement. This is being at least 18 years old in the UK and Europe and 21 years old in Ireland.

KIDS: Boat holidays are totally safe to go with children. All boats are provided so that circulation on board is completely safe. Most boats are equipped with a double adjustable balcony, in addition to a handrail.
However, do not forget that you are in the water and that is why we recommend that the little ones always wear their life jacket (in the port they will give you one suitable for their weight, normally there is between 0-30 kg). Kids we recommend that you wear cuffs because they are easier to wear for them.

Pets: Por supuesto los animales domésticos son bienvenidos a bordo y así no tienes que dejarlo fuera del plan familiar . 

Sin embargo es necesario pagar un suplemento entre 50 y 80 euros dependiendo del puerto de salida. De este importe  informaremos en tu pre reserva. 

Por favor evita que los perros suban a las camas y sofás. Es necesario que lleves una camita para la mascota o una manta para que puedan dormir comodamente. 

En caso de que no respetes las normas el personal del puerto podrá pedirte un pago extra de limpieza el día de salida. 

En el precio que te damos al hacer la consulta está todo incluido salvo la fianza y la gasolina, que son los dos gastos obligatorios a sumar. 

La gasolina se paga el último día en función de lo que hayas navegado. En el turismo fluvial está «todo incluido». El precio final es por barco, no por persona. 

Te recomendamos que hagas el calculo y te vas a sorprender. Cuantos más seáis, más económicas son tus vacaciones.

• Introductory course on embarkation day so that you can pilot, pass locks and moor the boat by yourself. As well as information about navigation.
• You can cook on board to eat well on the terrace or have picnics along the canal.
• Sheets and blankets included so you can sleep comfortably (there are some budget models that do not include sheets, we will inform you in the reservation if there are).
• Towels: some ship models include it and others do not. In case they are not included, we will inform you when confirming the reservation and you can bring your own or rent them there on the day of boarding.
• Heat and hot water included. Only some high-end boats offer air conditioning (ask us).
• Locks (more information in the Locks section): The fee to pass locks and lift bridges is included in the price of the cruise for all our destinations, except Ireland (€ 1.50) and Holland (€ 2).
• River guide: documento en formato papel que recoge el plano del canal con la localización de esclusas, amarres, puntos de interés, etc.. Esta guia la tienes de consulta en el barco durante tu crucero pero si prefieres la puedes comprar online.
• Free outdoor activities: The average navigation is 4-5 hours a day, the rest of the time you can go cycling, on foot, fishing or bathing without having an extra expense.
• The boats are insured in case of accidents and third parties. However, this insurance does not cover the crew on board in the event of a fall, blow or personal accident. Therefore, it is recommended that you verify if your personal insurance covers this type of accident or if you prefer to take out travel insurance, which we do not carry out.

Expenses to take into account:

• Travel and cancellation insurance: You have the possibility of hiring it at the time of booking, always according to the general rental conditions. Depending on the boat, it is priced between 4.5 % and 6 %. It is offered to you when hiring the boat.
• Boat bond. Esta oscila entre 800 y 3500 € según el modelo del barco y se paga en tarjeta o efectivo. La fianza es reembolsable en caso de que no haya daños aparentes en el barco o en su inventario a su devolución. En la mayoría de los puertos puedes pagar un seguro de fianza no reembolsable que te permite dejar una fianza menor. Con esta fórmula, estás totalmente cubierto si el barco es dañado, o si se ha causado daño a terceros. El seguro no cubre los daños intencionados, pérdida o robo de los equipos del barco. Esta opción no se permite desde todos los puertos, por lo que en el momento de la reserva te
  we inform.
• Pets:  Pueden ir contigo, pero deberás de pagar un suplemento entre  50 y 80 euros. Te informaremos de ello en la pre reserva.
  
• Fuel: The boat is delivered to you with a full tank of gasoline just like when renting a car and has autonomy for two weeks. On the last day and depending on the hours you sail, you will have to pay for fuel but you don't have to worry about refilling. The average cost per day is 25/30 euros. In some ports it is necessary to pay a fuel advance and at the end of your river vacation, they will give you the difference or you will have to pay it yourself depending on the case.
  In France, Italy, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, among others, they speak of “engine hours” (how long have you used the engine). In the UK, Scotland and Ireland, you pay for fuel by the liter. The price is subject to changes that vary between € 7 and € 13 depending on the boat model and destination. If you want to know the price of a particular model, do not hesitate to contact us.
• Parking: In all ports there is free parking, even so if you prefer a closed and not covered parking or a garage (depending on the port) you can reserve it in advance.
• Moorings: Mooring in the middle of nature is free and you can spend the night aboard the canal at no cost, however you will have to pay between € 10 and € 100 per night if you decide to moor in a port with the right to electricity and water. The price depends on the season, length of stay, size of the boat, size of the Marina and the services offered. If you sail by river you will have to moor on a pontoon or in a port.
  There are destinations with specific conditions such as Scotland or Venice where all ports are private. In this case you pay a supplement in advance with the reservation and thus we guarantee that you can moor in them.More information on our page for each destination.
• One way cruises: Si eliges este tipo de crucero cuenta con sumar el suplemento solo ida y traslado de pasajeros o coche.Te daremos más información al presupuestar el barco. 
• Other optional extras: 
• Final cleaning in case you prefer that the port staff clean the boat for you and not spend the last day cleaning, rental bike (bring yours is free), barbecue to enjoy meals in the sun, wifi, fishing tools, cushions for the terrace, parking among others. All these extras are optional but recommended.
• Light and water: The water tank can last you according to the use and the number of passengers between 2 and 3 days. You can fill it at different points of the canal that are indicated in the river guide that they give you on boarding day and it usually costs between 2 and 3 euros. It is not recommended to drink the water from the boat, it is better to use it for showers, cooking and domestic use.
  As for the Light, the boat has a battery that recharges as you navigate and the electrical power is 12 V unless you have a transformer or are in port. We recommend sailing an average of 4-5 hours a day to guarantee light on board and that the fridge and water work properly. If one day you foresee that you are not going to sail, it is better that you plug into a port to avoid surprises

Most boats are not equipped with 220 V, however all boats are provided with a 12 V socket. This socket is usually next to the cockpit and will be used to charge low-power devices such as a mobile phone. Remember to bring a suitable charger (It is the same charger as the car charger and you can buy it at any bazaar).

If you need to plug in a higher power device you have two options: rent a 12 V - 220 V transformer with your reservation (price of approximately 10 euros and valid for 150 V maximum devices such as phones, tablets, cameras ...) or take advantage of the electricity points that exist in the ports that you will find along the canal.

Beware of appliances such as a hairdryer, electric coffee maker or shaver that consume a power greater than 150 V and cannot be used on board. Do not forget that the supply comes from the battery whose source is limited. If you really need a permanent connection (breathing apparatus during the night), connect to a port during the night to sleep without worry thanks to the electric extension cord or by connecting directly to the port socket of your boat (in the latest models).

Documentation that I will receive

When you have confirmed your reservation, you will receive by email the complete documentation of your cruise that includes:

• Detailed document with payment and reservation confirmation.
• On-board notebook: Small PDF brochure with navigation tips, locks and bridges, moorings, ship operation, etc.
• Detailed ship information: with equipment and inventory.
• Information on the departure base with: contact phone, timetables, GPS coordinates, services ... So that on boarding day you have no doubts and you can access to pick up your boat in the fastest and easiest way.

When do I make the second payment?

The second payment is made 6 weeks before boarding, unless you have made the reservation at the last minute and you will have already had to pay for the entire cruise.

What languages do they speak at the port?

There is a multilingual team at the bases and there will always be at least one person who speaks English. They are used to receiving people of various nationalities and communication with them is always possible, however we cannot guarantee that they always speak Spanish. If you have any questions that are impossible to solve, do not hesitate to call us, we will be happy to help you.

Tips for my first cruise? What to bring

Take only the essentials since the ship is a limited place and you will not have as much space as in a hotel.

• For the kitchen: On board we provide you with everything you need to eat and cook. Bring napkins, kitchen towels, and cleaning supplies for the dishes and the boat.
• Food, drinks and snacks especially for the first day since afterwards you can enjoy the local markets and taste the local cuisine.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, non-slip clothing and footwear to move easily around the boat. Always according to the season and the destination, although we recommend you bring something warm because in the morning and at night it tends to cool.
  Important: of course sunglasses and a hat to enjoy the days on the deck of the boat or while you pilot.
• Leather or gardener gloves to manipulate the ropes in the locks.
• Bathroom: toilet paper is not included, remember to put it in your suitcase. On some boats, towels are included or you can rent them at the port, but you will not be able to bring your own. We will inform you in your reservation whether or not they are on board.
• Toiletry bag: apart from your hygiene basics, add sunscreen and Anti mosquitoes: whatever the season, being by the water is likely to have mosquitoes, in this way it is better to prevent. In case you have to take any specific medication, we recommend that you take it with you since depending on the destination where you are sailing it may be difficult to find it.
• Leisure: Flashlight, photo and video camera are essential, since during your river cruise you will have incredible views and landscapes that are totally fairytale. Do not forget some binoculars to observe birds and other wild animals and plants, tablet, etc. .. Chargers with a 12 V electrical outlet. Take a small power strip, it will be useful when you are plugged in at 220 V.
• Personal documentation: valid identity document and the information with the confirmation of your reservation, as well as contact information of the port of embarkation.

How do I get to the port of shipment?

- Travel by car:

In case you travel by car to the departure port, you can use the GPS coordinates that we send you in the reservation document. Parking varies based on base: some
They have private and paid parking, and others have free outdoor parking. Check your base details for more information.
When your cruise is one-way (cruises of at least one week), you can hire the transfer service of your car between the two ports and the port staff will take care of taking the vehicle to the arrival base by paying a supplement (available at the vast majority of destinations but not all) If the vehicle is for rental, you should first check with the company where you rented it in order to verify that another person is authorized to drive the vehicle.

- Traveling by public transport: plane, train or bus:

Virtually all departure bases have nearby airports or train and bus stations, consult the form that we send you from your departure base for more information.
If you travel by train or plane, sometimes you can hire a transfer service with the base to pick you up on arrival. When making the reservation, do not hesitate to contact us and we will give you information and price when possible. In the PDF of each region you can see the airports closest to your departure base, if you have questions, do not stop contacting us.
If you sail in France, you can check the train schedules at: http://www.sncf.com/.