Welcome to the
Duck Island Boat Company.
Your luxury canal boat holiday in Lancaster.
Canal boats are not usually associated with the word luxury, but then again, we are not you’re typical canal hire company.
Quite simply, we aim to provide the very best luxury canal boat hire on the lock free Lancaster canal, in the North West and the highest level of service possible, making sure that your narrow boat holiday is everything you hoped it to be and much more!
Book Now“All our canal boats are bespoke. Designed by us to offer maximum comfort as opposed to maximum occupancy.”
View BoatsRelax in comfort on your smart, luxurious wide beam narrow boat as you cruise down the Lancaster Canal.
It goes without saying, a good night’s sleep is essential for a happy holiday.
Our luxury canal fleet are distinctly painted in aubergine and cream with traditional signwriting. The interiors are finished with quality fixtures and fittings that incorporate many features you would expect to see on luxury narrow boats.
Our narrow boats have fixed, comfortable beds with luxurious mattresses, sumptuous duvets, plump pillows and hotel-quality bed linen.
The bathrooms on all our narrow boats and widebeam have luxury glass shower enclosures, porcelain sinks with elegant vanity units and luxury toilets which flush at the touch of a button.
View BoatsThings to do on your canal boat holiday.
Lancaster canal is one of the most scenic canals in the country.
Constructed on the natural lie of the land, this stunning Canal offers 41 miles of lock-free cruising, with breath-taking views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District mountains.
The canal runs through the heart of Lancaster, just five minutes from the pedestrianised shopping centre. Originally a Roman settlement, Lancaster is a pleasant sightseeing or shopping stop with plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes.
Take a look at some of the most popular places to visit whilst on your canal boat holiday.
Places To VisitReady to plan your next UK holiday?
Contact us to check our avaliability and to see how we can help.
Contact UsHoliday Essentials.
Some of the facilities available to you when you come to stay with us
Free Parking
Toiletries
Gas & Diesel
Milk
Luxury Linen
Tea, Coffee & Sugar
Towels
Toilet Rolls
Hairdryer
Fairy Liquid
Waterproofs
What our happy customers say about us...
Ready to hire a Canal Boat?
Book NowFrequently Asked Questions
Ready to set sail, but have some questions before you begin your voyage? Here are some common questions we are asked...
No, we welcome bookings from complete novices to the seasoned boater. Full tuition is provided on how to operate the boat and its equipment at the start of every holiday.
We provide a comprehensive handover at the beginning of your holiday to ensure you are happy with all aspects of the boat. We will show you how to drive the boat safely & stay on board for as long as it takes you to feel relaxed and confident to proceed alone.
Before you arrive for your holiday, we do ask that you take the time to familiarise yourself with the boaters handbook. This can be found on www.canalrivertrust.org .
Yes, the following restrictions apply when hiring a boat with Duck Island Boat Company.
You must be 21 or over to book.
We regret that we are unable to hire to single-handed boaters, however, experienced. Operating a boat and canal-side equipment can be physically demanding. For your safety, there must be two onboard the boat at all times.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate dogs on board Piccolo & Glissando. Small/medium size well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard Legato & Calando. Please bring your own dog’s bedding & feeding bowls. Dogs are not permitted on beds or soft furnishings and must never be left unattended on board the boat at any time. A charge of GBP30.00 will be added to the cost of your total holiday hire. Please contact us before booking if you wish to bring your dog.
For safety reasons, we do not allow bicycles on the boat.
Parking is available at the mooring.
A canal boat holiday offers you a truly unique way to discover and explore some of the most beautiful towns, villages and countryside in Britain. Travelling along at an average 3mph – 4mph, you will soon forget the hustle and bustle of 21st-century life as you meander through the peaceful and spectacular scenery.
A holiday on the canal with Duck Island Boat Company offers you a little piece of floating paradise a perfect way to relax and unwind, celebrate a special occasion, or escape for a romantic retreat.


