Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you have questions about your houseboat holiday? Feel free to check out our FAQs at any time! We have gathered common questions and provided concise answers. If your question isn’t listed or you’d prefer to talk to someone, just give us a call! We’re here to help you.
Why travel far when the good is so close? As Goethe already knew, Germany is rich in beautiful vacation regions, and the Mecklenburg Lake District is a true highlight for nature lovers. With its untouched flora and fauna and impressive size, it's a paradise for explorers.
For many years, you’ve been able to experience the diversity of nature from a houseboat here. Houseboat rentals have a long tradition in the Mecklenburg Lake District, and the selection of houseboats is vast. The marinas offer a well-developed network with all the necessary amenities for a relaxing houseboat vacation.
Houseboat vacations have become increasingly popular in recent years. Couples, families, and groups book their holidays in the Mecklenburg Lake District to fully enjoy the benefits of this unique way of traveling. You can be active both on the water and on land, enjoy the seclusion and peace, and unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, culture lover, or sports fan, houseboat holidays offer something for everyone!
For those who love nature and want to experience adventure, action, and culture at the same time, a family vacation on a houseboat is the perfect choice. An unforgettable adventure awaits you and your family. Houseboat vacations are especially suitable for children aged six and up. With plenty of additional activities like stand-up paddling, canoeing, or exciting shore excursions, even teenagers will enjoy a houseboat holiday with the family.
Your children's safety on the houseboat is well taken care of – everything is TÜV-certified, and appropriate children’s life jackets are provided. Of course, as with anywhere, you should never leave younger children unattended, especially in the outdoor areas of the boat.
Whether on a houseboat or in a holiday apartment, if the weather isn’t cooperating and it’s raining heavily, it’s important to create harmony and peace in a small space. For the younger guests, we offer a game package that includes drawing and crafting materials, books, and small games for various age groups. Older children and adults can enjoy board games or engaging literature. If parents approve, children can also take advantage of the extensive movie selection from popular streaming providers for a cozy movie night.
Upon request, we can also provide game consoles, yoga mats, foosball tables, and other accessories to help beat boredom. And if the weather is rainy but you’re missing the right gear, we’re happy to assist with rubber boots, raincoats, or umbrellas. Feel free to reach out to us and let us know your wishes – we want your houseboat vacation on the Mecklenburg Lake District to be an amazing experience, no matter the weather!
Minimum Stay and Arrival Times at Bootado
For your houseboat vacation with us, different minimum stay requirements apply depending on the season:
- Low Season: Minimum 3 nights
- High Season: Minimum 5 nights
Low Season:
- Season A: 30.03.–02.05. and 04.10.–01.11.
- Season B: 03.05.–16.05. and 20.09.–03.10.
- Season C: 17.05.–20.06. and 06.09.–19.09.
High Season:
- Season D: 21.06.–04.07. and 30.08.–05.09.
- Season E: 05.07.–18.07. and 16.08.–29.08.
- Season F: 19.07.–15.08.
Arrival and Departure:
Arrivals and departures are generally possible on any weekday except Sundays, as our marina is closed on Sundays. Please plan your trip accordingly to ensure a smooth start to your houseboat adventure.
Yes. Please also let us know the exact number of people on board, including the number of adults and children, as well as their ages. For maneuverability and the locking of the houseboats, a minimum of 3 adults (or 2 adults and 1 teenager) is required.
The Mecklenburg Lake District is a paradise of nature. A houseboat holiday on the many lakes of this region offers not only a relaxing exploration amid tranquility and beauty but also a variety of activities. From fishing and swimming to cycling and hiking – dive into this unique aquatic landscape and experience adventures that will make your houseboat holiday unforgettable.
The cost of renting a houseboat varies depending on the type of boat and the season. In addition to the base cost of the boat rental, the following mandatory additional costs apply:
- Deposit: 1200 € (paid in cash or by card on-site)
- Fuel: 4 €/liter (consumption approx. 5-7 liters per hour of sailing)
- Final cleaning: 165 €
- Parking: Car 5 €/day or motorhome 10 €/day
- Service fee: 55 € one-time (includes gas, kitchen roll, toilet paper – only special paper may be used, dish towels, rags, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher tabs, wastewater, and fresh water)
With various rental options and flexible prices, you can tailor your houseboat holiday to fit your budget. Whether you're renting for a weekend (minimum stay 3 nights) or longer, the Mecklenburg Lake District offers you the freedom of the water without high costs. Explore the stunning waters and enjoy nature while experiencing your own personal adventure!
- Gasoline according to consumption: 4 €/liter (consumption approx. 5-7 liters per driving hour)
- Final cleaning: 165 €
- Car parking: 5 €/day or motorhome: 10 €/day
- Service fee: 55 € one-time (gas, paper towels, toilet paper/only special paper may be used, dish towels, cloths, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher tabs, wastewater, fresh water)
To navigate a houseboat on the Mecklenburg Lake District, you do not need a boating license or a sports boat license. A simple charter certificate is sufficient, allowing you to set sail as a cabin captain. This means you can explore the beautiful waters of the Mecklenburg Lake District without any worries!
Our houseboats are sensitive to wind. With a wind strength of 3 (from 12 km/h), the marina may prevent the issuance of houseboats for safety reasons to ensure the safety of all involved. Please note that our houseboats cannot travel to the Müritz and have a clearance height of about 3.90 meters.
The deposit is 1,200 € and must be paid on-site at the marina in cash or by card (EC card or credit card).
For the safety of all participants on the Mecklenburg Lake District, the maximum speed for license-free houseboats is limited to 6 to 10 km/h. Therefore, there is a maximum distance you can travel per day. For a relaxed houseboat holiday, allowing you to calmly explore the nature and culture of the Mecklenburg Lake District, we recommend daily distances of around 25 km (+/- 3 km). Depending on the weather and traffic conditions, you can cover a total distance of 130-150 km on a 7-day trip.
Kitchen Equipment On Board
Our houseboats offer a fully equipped kitchen to meet all your needs. Here’s what’s included:
- 4-burner gas stove and oven – Perfect for preparing meals even without shore power.
- Dishes and cutlery – Provided for the maximum number of people on board.
- Handy kitchen tools – Cutting boards, bowls, pots, and other essentials to make cooking easy.
You’ll also find on board:
- Pillows and blankets – Provided in the bedrooms.
- Optional: Bed linen and towels – You can bring your own or book them with us up to 5 days before arrival.
Power Supply and Appliances
The houseboats are equipped with a battery that ensures power on board for one night without shore power.
Please note:
- Only usable with shore power: Air conditioning, dishwasher, hairdryer, and coffee machine.
- Gas-powered appliances: The stove and oven operate on gas and can be used even while cruising.
With these amenities, you'll be perfectly prepared for your houseboat holiday, leaving you free to enjoy your adventure on the water!
Early Check-In:
With Early Check-In, your boat will be ready for handover starting at 1 PM. The marina guarantees a prioritized check-in process, allowing you to get an early start to your houseboat adventure. Additionally, the practical part of the charter certificate training can be completed from this time onwards. The marina staff will handle the specific arrangements on-site. This service is available for €95 per booking and will be paid directly at the marina.
Late Check-Out:
Late Check-Out can be requested during your booking, but please note that it cannot always be guaranteed. This option is only available if the boat is not rented out immediately after your return. To confirm the availability of Late Check-Out, please inquire with the marina staff three days before your departure. If available, this service is also priced at €95 per booking and will be paid at the marina.
These flexible options help you make the most of your houseboat experience!
