Experience cruises in the Czech Republic: from lounging to adventure

Sightseeing cruises for all ages

Sightseeing cruises are popular for their beautiful views as well as their affordable price. Because there are usually more passengers on board, the price is much lower than if you were to pay for the boat privately. For example, you can cruise the Vltava River from 160 CZK. Similarly, a ticket for the popular Venice of Prague cruise also costs the same, where entry to the Charles Bridge Museum is also included.

Sightseeing boats have everything you need on board for comfort, whether it's a shelter to protect you from the rain and midday sun, or a bar and toilets.

This type of cruise is suitable for all ages. Young cruisers will find their way, as will dating couples or active seniors. During the cruise, it is often possible to listen to an audio commentary, where you can learn interesting facts about the sights you are passing by, or you can enjoy a hot and cold buffet on board. So when choosing your cruise, read up on what the experience includes and what, if anything, can be purchased locally at an additional cost.

Sightseeing cruises for foodies

Interested in a cruise with refreshments? If you like a good beer to go with it, don't miss out on the Pivovar ship, where you'll sample 5 beer specials during your cruise. As the name suggests, there is also a brewery on the ship, which you will be able to see.

For those who like to add a bite to a good beer, we recommend choosing a cruise including a tasting menu where, in addition to the beer specials, delicious brewery goulash will be served. The views of historic Prague are just such a nice bonus.

Sightseeing cruises with a good dose of romance

Would you like to enjoy a sightseeing cruise on the Vltava River in a slightly unconventional way? Try a gondola cruise, where two of you can enjoy a private boat ride through Prague's romantic Venice. During your cruise on this ten-metre high gem from the time of the Habsburg monarchy, you'll also enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, which is included in the price.

Sailing for beginners and experienced skippers

Want to tame the water and wind yourself? Then sailing is perfect for you. As soon as you step into the boat, the rest of the world seems to cease to exist. Now you need to get a grip on the sailing boat and enjoy a safe sail full of beautiful views.

Sailing a sailboat without the need for a captain's license

In the case of larger yachts, you must always have a skipper's licence, but at many dams you can rent a yacht from us without needing a skipper's licence. Even complete beginners can enjoy a day out on a sailing boat at Landal Marina. You just have to be careful when the captain explains all the details before handing over the boat.

For those who prefer to see everything in practice first, we recommend trying a sailing course, where an experienced skipper will be with you the whole time to explain the basics of this popular water sport. You'll learn how to sail, cruise upwind and, of course, anchor.

Sailing with a skipper included

If you just want to enjoy bobbing on the water and beautiful views without having to wonder which rope is for what, charter a yacht with a skipper. He'll make sure the cruise runs smoothly while you just take the boat.

A romantic sunset cruise for two is something to behold, don't you think? Add a glass of fine sparkling wine and it's a great way to celebrate an anniversary and even propose.

The chance to officially become captain

We also reckon that you are so enthusiastic about sailing that you would like to have a skipper's licence or a small craft master's licence (VMP), with which you can safely sail domestic and foreign waters. After completing the theoretical and practical part, the future skipper must then apply for a theoretical exam at the State Navigation Administration and apply his/her acquired knowledge properly.

TIP: We have discussed sailing in more detail in the article Sailing: Everything you need to know about sailing in the Czech Republic, so check it out and head out into the waves prepared.

Kayaks and canoes for serious adventurers

When you say get out on the water, you definitely don't picture a comfortable yacht, but do you see yourself getting pretty in a kayak or canoe? Then read on.

Kayak

We associate the kayak with going down a wild river; you'd find the origins of this paddle-powered craft in the Nordic regions, where it was used for hunting and transportation. At first glance, the boat looks rickety and dangerous, but if you learn the basics well and don't take on anything your strength isn't up to yet, it's not such a dangerous sport. If you would like to learn how to wade the rapids and take your first weir, be sure to visit the kayak school in Malá Skála.

And what is the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

First of all, kayaks are faster than canoes. Another difference is that a kayak is closed with a so-called spritz, which prevents water from getting in. The last and most important difference is that a kayak is steered by a double-sided paddle, while a canoe is steered by a single paddle with a single leaf, where you have to change sides when taking a turn.

Canoes

As you already know, canoes are slower than a kayak, but they are also more comfortable for longer trips. While a kayak is most often a single-seater, you can usually fit two or three in a canoe, which makes this type of paddling great family fun. Canoes tend to be wider, making them more stable and safer for beginner paddlers.

In a canoe you can paddle rivers, reservoirs and lakes. In Lednice, for example, you can combine a canoe trip with a scooter ride and sitting in a winery. You can also enjoy the combination of scooter and canoe in northern Bohemia, just head to the Bohemian Paradise, where this pleasant summer pastime awaits you. And what about going to Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland for a few days and enjoy a family day out on the Elbe?

Motor boats for lovers of fast driving and adrenaline

Lovemaking cruises on the water are all well and good, but even better is the action on a speedboat, when you're hurtling through the water on a machine with hundreds of horses under the hood. Sound good? Then you should try driving a 320-horsepower Yamaha powerboat. Maybe next time you can take the practical part of the course to get your skipper's licence on the same boat.

Small adventurers as young as 8 years old can enjoy riding a speedboat, but they will only be able to steer if they are accompanied by an adult.

If you're more interested in a shared ride, rent the Nitro Z18, a flashy boat that can get up to more than 80 km/h, and your captain will be Radek Filip, one of the most famous Czech fishermen of today.

TIP: Powerboats also offer a range of other water fun. How about trying your hand at water skiing or wakesurfing?

Unconventional boat trips for party lovers

Want to have a little more fun on the water? Go pedal boating. You can take a ride on the Elbe, the Vltava or even on the Slapy River. A number of places offer classic two-seater pedal boats for rent, which are ideal for romantic lounging, but if you want to add to the number of people and the fun, we recommend going to the Vltava, where you can fit up to 12 people on a pedal boat.

Normally, cruises and alcohol don't go together, but in the case of these pedal boats, you don't have to worry. They're perfect for birthday parties or bachelor parties, and some of that boozy drinking is expected. Drinkers shouldn't miss the legendary beerboat, where they'll draw their pedaling energy from a 30-litre keg of chilled beer from a local brewery. Wine drinkers will appreciate the pedal boat equipped with 12 bottles of Prosecco.

So do you know which boating experience you'll try first?