Frequently asked questions

Anyone looking for nature, calm and freedom – couples, families or groups of friends. On the water you set the pace: be active, unwind, and experience land and water at the same time.

Bootado isn't just a houseboat rental: we bring together houseboats and motor yachts from different providers across several marinas and regions – so you find the boat that fits your wishes.

Yes. A boating holiday is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family – especially suitable for children from around six years old. Activities like stand-up paddling, canoeing or shore trips keep teenagers entertained too.

Safety is covered: the boats are inspected and suitable children's life jackets are available. Younger children should never be left unattended, particularly in the outdoor areas.

If the weather doesn't play along, a games pack, board games or a movie night help. Just let us know any extra wishes (e.g. yoga mats, table football, rain gear) in advance.

The lakes are a natural paradise: fishing, swimming, cycling, hiking or simply enjoying the quiet. From the boat you reach charming harbours, secluded bays and small towns.

You'll find an overview under “Activities” – with ideas for every region.

For many of our houseboats on the Mecklenburg and Brandenburg Lake District you don't need a boating licence – a charter certificate is enough. If you don't have a licence, you'll get an approximately 3-hour briefing (theory and practice) at the marina and then set off as a charter captain.

Please note: depending on the boat and region, a boating licence may be required. Whether a boat is licence-free is shown on the respective boat page.

Minimum rental periods vary by season – from 3 nights in the low season and from 5 nights in the high season. The exact periods depend on the boat and season and are shown when you enquire.

Arrival and departure are possible on any weekday – except Sundays, when the marina is closed. Please plan your trip accordingly.

Houseboats are sensitive to wind: from wind force 3 (about 12 km/h) the marina may postpone handover for safety reasons.

Depending on the boat and region there are limits on the cruising area and clearance height – the houseboats at Marina Röblinsee, for example, cannot travel on the Müritz and have a clearance height of approx. 3.90 m. You'll receive the details for your boat with your booking information.

For the larger, wind-sensitive houseboats, safe manoeuvring and locking require at least 3 adults (or 2 adults and 1 capable teenager). Smaller boats and motor yachts can be operated with fewer people.

Please state the exact number on board when you enquire – including adults, children and their ages.

In addition to the boat's rental price there are some extra costs – typically final cleaning, a service fee, fuel by consumption, mooring fees and a deposit. Optional extras include bed linen/towels or early check-in.

Which costs are binding and how high they are depends on the boat and marina. You'll see the binding costs transparently on every boat page and again in your option confirmation – with no hidden items.

The deposit depends on the boat and is stated when you book. It's left at the marina on site – usually in cash or by card (debit/credit).

For everyone's safety, the speed of licence-free houseboats is limited to about 6–10 km/h. For a relaxed holiday we recommend daily legs of around 25 km.

On a 7-day tour that adds up to roughly 130–150 km in total, depending on weather and traffic.

Our houseboats are your floating home: a fully equipped kitchen (gas hob and oven, crockery and utensils), sleeping cabins with pillows and blankets, a bathroom and a cosy terrace.

A battery secures power for one night without shore power. Devices such as air conditioning, dishwasher, hairdryer or coffee machine only run on shore power; gas appliances (hob/oven) work while cruising too. You can bring bed linen and towels yourself or add them to your booking.

The exact equipment is listed on each boat page.

Early check-in: for a surcharge your boat is ready for handover from 1 pm – so you start earlier, and the practical part for the charter certificate can already take place.

Late check-out: available on request, provided the boat isn't rented out again straight after – it can't be guaranteed. Please check with the marina a few days before departure. Both options are paid on site at the marina.

We're happy to help in person: give us a call or write via the contact form. We'll help you plan the perfect trip – from the right boat to the route.