Skippered Canal Cruises
If you are in need of a laid-back canal cruise, our canal boat hire with skipper and crew provided is the solution! Your personal skipper will manage all aspects of the boating, so you can put your feet up and watch the world drift by. It's also a great option for those who want a bit more help or guidance during the first few days of their narrowboat holiday.
How does canal boat hire with a skipper work?
Bespoke Boat Charters
Before your skippered canal holiday, we'll share a range of routes and recommended places to visit with you, so you can start to plan where you would like to go and what you would like to do.
Once you have some ideas, we'll work with you to create an itinerary that's bespoke for you.
What your skipper will do
During your trip, your private skipper will meet you at a prearranged time and join you for 4-5 hours per day to take you on a scenic canal cruise through the English countryside. Your skipper will manage all aspects of driving the boat, working the locks and managing the on-board utilities.
Once they have moored the boat at your chosen spot for the evening, your skipper will leave you to enjoy the rest of your day in privacy, and will meet you again the next day to continue your journey.
Become part of the crew (if you want to)
Whilst your private skipper is fully trained and willing to manage all aspects of the boating themselves, guests are always welcome to lend a hand, if and when they wish to. So if you fancy trying your hand at driving a narrowboat, or want to help out with the locks, then you are always welcome. Equally, if you'd rather relax on the bow of the boat and watch the world pass by, that's fine too!
How much does a skippered canal cruise cost?
The basic price of hiring a skipper is £90 per day. You can hire a skipper for all or part of your holiday, and we won't charge you for your check-in or check-out day.
About our skippered canal holidays on the Grand Union canal
All of our holiday boats are available to hire with a private skipper, for either all, or part of your narrowboat holiday. Our team are all Helmsman certified, so you can rest assured that with our skippers, you are always in safe hands.
Your skippered canal cruise begins at Cow Roast Marina, at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. From there you have a range of routes to choose from, depending on the length of your stay.
For ideas on routes and itineraries for your skippered canal holiday, click here>>
Ready to plan your trip? Take a look at some of our recommended places to visit and things to do along the route.