Boat and bike tours are becoming an increasingly popular vacation for active travelers around the world. They allow travelers to explore a destination both by bike and small boat, providing the unique opportunity to explore the world from multiple perspectives.
A boat and bike tour is a vacation in which travelers cycle by day and spend time onboard a boat at night. On some tours, the boat travels while you sleep, whereas on others it travels from destination to destination as you cycle.
On a traditional bike tour, cyclists carry their belongings from place to place. A boat and bike tour, on the other hand, provides a “home base” in the form of a small, comfortable boat. These tours offer a more all-inclusive option to a bike tour, as they provide accommodation, food, drinks, and guided cycling.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about a boat and bike tour, from how much they cost to where you can visit and everything in between.
What is a boat and bike tour?
A boat and bike tour is a unique type of bicycle touring in which you can discover a region by both boat and bike.
On boat and bike tours, travelers board a small ship (usually a barge or river cruise ship). These boats generally fit under 100 passengers and have private cabins and a communal dining area. Larger boats may also include a separate bar and lounge.
Boat and bike tours can range greatly in length and difficulty level, although most tours are between 7-10 nights. Tours take place around the world, but most commonly along Europe’s major rivers.
During the tour, guests cycle during the daytime as the boat moves from one destination to another. Depending on the itinerary, guests may cycle as little as 10 miles to over 50 miles per day! However, having boat transportation means passengers are able to stay onboard in lieu of cycling to their destination if they choose.
Once guests finish the ride each day, they can choose to get back onboard the boat or spend the afternoon and evening exploring their destination. Most boats stay docked until the evening or night, giving passengers flexibility in how they would like to spend their day.
What’s great about a boat and bike tour is the convenience. Passengers have a home base on the boat while cycling to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations each day. It allows guests to experience a destination up close and at a slow pace of travel.
What’s included in a boat and bike tour?
The inclusions of a boat and bike tour vary depending on the tour company.
All tours will include lodging in a private cabin with en-suite bathrooms. Meals are included in the passenger fare as well, which are typically curated by a private chef. Beer and wine may be included with dinner.
Some tours may include a bike rental in the fare whereas others rent bikes at an extra charge. If you cycle frequently at home, we recommend bringing your own bike as opposed to renting a bike. This ensures the bicycle fits you properly and matches your riding style.
Traveling with a bike is not as difficult as it sounds, and many airlines have waived bicycle fees in recent years. As a plus, some tour companies may offer a bicycle assembly service upon arrival.
Related: S&S Coupler and Break-Away bikes: are these the best touring bikes?
Gratuities are another cost to consider. Some tours include gratuities for onboard staff in the price of the fare. Others, however, do not, but it’s still recommended to tip onboard.
Many companies provide van support along the route, which provides snacks and services throughout the ride. Tired cyclists can ride in the van if they need a break, and it’s available for those needing bike maintenance along the route.
Some tour companies may also include cultural experiences in the price of the tour, such as wine tastings or museum visits.
Cost of a boat and bike tour
Booking a boat and bike tour will cost more than planning a self-guided bicycle tour, although prices can vary greatly.
The cost of a boat and bike tour can range anywhere from $1500 per person to over $5000. Pricing depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Length of tour
- Inclusions (bike rental, flights, etc.)
- Boat and bike tour company
- Type of ship
- Location of tour
Most boat and bike tours cost around $3000 to $4000 per person for an 8 day trip. This price is based on double occupancy, so solo travelers may incur a single supplement fee in addition to the regular tour price.
Related: Guided bike tour versus self-led: which should you choose?
You may find lower prices by booking early and searching for smaller, more budget friendly tour operators. Smaller boats, such as barges, typically offer lower prices compared to premium vessels.
In addition to the price of the tour, you’ll also want to consider added expenses like airfare, ground transportation, and the cost of bringing your own bike (or renting one if it’s not included in the tour cost).
Where can I visit on a boat and bike tour?
Boat and bike tours are found throughout the world, taking cyclists along many of the world’s most famous waterways.
These tours are most commonly found in Europe, as the continent’s long, wide rivers and stunning small towns make excellent conditions for bike touring. In addition, the excellent cycling infrastructure in European countries makes cycling safe and comfortable, especially for beginner riders.
Here are a few of the most common destinations for boat and bike tours:
Danube River
The Danube River, which flows from the Black Forest mountains in western Germany to the Black Sea, is a popular boat and bike tour destination.
When cycling the Danube, you will not only experience the incredible cultures of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, but you will ride on the world renowned Danube bike path.
This famous, car-free path is excellent for beginner or advanced cyclists, as it follows the flat, riverside terrain of the Danube.
Rhine River
The Rhine River starts in Switzerland and ends at the North Sea in Rotterdam in The Netherlands. Boat and bike tours are common along this wide river, visiting destinations such as Basel, Cologne, and Amsterdam.
The Netherlands and Belgium
It’s no secret that The Netherlands is a cycling paradise, with safe, separated bike paths found throughout the country. Neighboring Belgium also boasts great cycling infrastructure, making the two countries a wonderful place for a boat and bike tour.
United States
While boat and bike tours aren’t as popular in the United States as Europe, you can still find cycling tours along major US rivers, such as the Mississippi and Columbia Rivers.
These boat and bike tours allow you to see the United States in a way like no other, whether through the dramatic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest or the history of the American south.
Islands
You can occasionally find boat and bike tours on island-hopping itineraries as opposed to traveling a river. Destinations like Croatia, Greece, and French Polynesia are available on boat and bike tours.
These can offer a unique, breathtaking way to experience a wide range of islands on just one trip. Instead of a river boat, these itineraries typically use a yacht, which cruises from island to island.
Why book a boat and bike tour
Only unpack once
One of the biggest benefits of a boat and bike tour is only having to unpack once. Traditional bike tours mean carrying everything you need on your bike, from clothes to camping gear and other essentials.
On a boat and bike tour, however, you’ll board the boat and unpack your suitcase in your cabin’s closets and drawers. There’s no need to carry anything other than a daypack with you on the ride!
Cycling without heavy panniers and bike bags is refreshing, and having everything you need onboard at the end of the day is a major plus for many passengers.
The fun of bike touring without the hassle
While we love bike touring, we’ll admit it can be a bit of a hassle for some cyclists. Constantly packing and unpacking panniers, finding a new hotel or campsite each night, and navigating without a guide can sometimes be more trouble than it’s worth.
Related: Bicycle tour mistakes – The rookie mistakes I made on my first cycling trip
On a boat and bike tour, you get all the fun of bike touring without the stress. With a luxury, floating hotel following you from destination to destination, there’s no need to worry about where you’ll sleep each evening.
Cooking on a camp stove? That’s unheard of on a boat and bike tour. Instead, a private chef serves 5-star meals each day.
You won’t get lost on a boat and bike tour, either, as you’ll have a guide leading you along the route!
Simply put, there’s little planning needed on a boat and bike tour. Your focus is solely on riding and having fun, and this can be a breath of fresh air for many cyclists!
Destination and route flexibility
Traveling via boat means boat and bike tours have more flexibility in route planning. If one section of the route lacks infrastructure or is not very interesting, the boat can skip over that section.
Most travel occurs when guests are sleeping, too, and you won’t have to worry about any transportation logistics whatsoever!
For bike tourists tired of cycling endless stretches of busy roads or navigating bus and train schedules to go from one destination to another, a boat and bike tour can be a nice change of pace.
Boat and bike cruise tips and tricks
Take time to train before the tour
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced cyclist, it’s a good idea to take time to train before your boat and bike tour.
Your tour company should provide an itinerary with an estimated cycling distance per day. Some tours may plan a 10-15 mile ride each day whereas others can be over 30 or 40 miles.
Knowing how many miles you’ll have to cycle per day can help you train. Be sure to spend plenty of time on the saddle prior to your boat and bike tour to ensure your muscles and endurance are prepared for the trip.
Use an e-bike
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular, and they can be a great option for those who would prefer extra assistance during their boat and bike tour.
Check with your tour provider on whether you can use an e-bike on your route. More often than not, you can rent a pedal-assist e-bike to use throughout the tour, making cycling easier for many riders.
Pack appropriately
Packing for a boat and bike tour is vastly different compared to packing for a regular vacation. In order to remain comfortable on your bike, you want to ensure you have proper clothing, including:
- Padded bicycle shorts
- Workout shirts or tank tops
- Windbreaker and/or rainjacket
- Leg warmers (for colder months)
- Gloves
- Protective glasses or sunglasses
- Cycling shoes or athletic shoes
In addition to cycling gear and clothing, be sure to bring comfortable, versatile clothing for times not cycling, such as dinners onboard your boat or time spent sightseeing.
Purchase travel insurance
We always recommend travel insurance before booking a vacation, but especially an active vacation!
Be sure to purchase travel insurance before a boat and bike tour to ensure you’re covered in case of any medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or other unforeseen events.
You can opt for a plan through a reputable insurance company like Allianz or check with your tour provider. Certain tour companies may offer their own travel insurance as an optional add-on for your trip.
