The Best Boat Rentals in Amsterdam

For self-drive electric canal boats, expect roughly €50–€90 per hour with a two-hour minimum, usually including the boat, battery charging or fuel, basic instructions, and required safety gear. Private captained canal boats generally run about €200–€350 per hour depending on size and style, with the skipper and route planning included; premium classic salon boats or larger yachts can be €300–€500+ per hour. Food, drinks, and special requests such as decorations or extended pick-up zones are often add-ons. Prices vary by day and time, with weekends and sunset slots in higher demand.

The most popular options are quiet, electric open sloops for relaxed canal cruising, classic enclosed salon boats with heating and large windows for all-weather comfort, modern canal cruisers for groups, and small motor yachts for trips on the Amstel or IJ waters. Sailboats and roomier yachts are available from nearby marinas for the IJ, IJmeer, or Markermeer when you want a longer outing beyond the historic canals.

For typical small, slow electric boats used on the canals, no boating license is required, but the driver must be an adult (commonly 18+) and sober. A Dutch small-craft license is required if a vessel can exceed 20 km/h or is longer than 15 meters, which is well above the norm for canal rentals. Note that groups of 12 or more need a licensed passenger vessel with a professional skipper, so plan a captained boat if you’re a larger group.

Common central boarding spots include the Damrak piers and the Central Station waterfront along Prins Hendrikkade, the Stadhouderskade docks near the Heineken Experience and Leidseplein, and the Oosterdok area by the floating Sea Palace restaurant. For larger yachts and sailings beyond the canal belt, frequent departure points include City Marina IJdok near the Jordaan, Amsterdam Marina and the NDSM wharf across the IJ, all with easy access from Amsterdam Centraal.

You’ll glide past the UNESCO-listed canal belt with gabled merchant houses, the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) over the Amstel, the curves of the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, and waterfront sights like the Maritime Museum and NEMO Science Museum. On routes that include the IJ, you may spot the EYE Film Museum and A’DAM Tower; on longer cruises along the Amstel you’ll see leafy banks and traditional bridges heading toward Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.

Yes. Children are welcome on both private and self-drive boats. Operators provide life jackets, including child sizes, on request and often by default for younger kids. Many covered salon boats have on-board restrooms and heating, which helps with nap times and chilly days. For self-drive, plan an adult at the helm who can remain fully focused while another adult keeps an eye on the kids.

On self-drive boats, bringing your own snacks and drinks is typically fine, with the skipper required to stay sober. On captained charters, some hosts allow BYO with a corkage fee while many offer convenient drinks-and-bites packages; glass is often discouraged for safety. Open flames and large coolers may be restricted, so check your booking details and request catering if you want a completely hands-off experience.

Many private charters welcome well-behaved dogs with advance notice, while shared public tours may not. If you’re bringing a pet, pack a small blanket or towel so they have a comfy spot, keep them leashed during boarding and under bridges, and ask for a pet-friendly route and pickup where stepping on and off is easy.

Captained cruises are the easiest option for planners: the skipper handles navigation, bridges, busy junctions, and local rules, so you can focus on guests, photos, and timing. They’re ideal for celebrations, corporate groups, or itineraries that include the Amstel or IJ. Self-drive boats are budget-friendly and fun for small groups who want a relaxed putter around the canals, but the driver must remain sober and comfortable steering in narrow waterways, yielding to professional traffic and keeping speeds low.

Summer days are mild with average highs around 22°C in July–August, while spring and fall can be breezy with passing showers. Light rain is common and cruises usually still go; many boats have canopies, blankets, or heated cabins. If conditions are unsafe due to wind or storms, departures may be delayed, rerouted, or rescheduled. Cancellation and weather policies are set by each host on Getmyboat, so review them before you book and message the owner if you need flexibility.

Absolutely. Private boats commonly offer two- to three-hour slots that fit a toast, a scenic loop, and photos at landmarks. For 12 or more guests you’ll book a licensed passenger vessel with a professional skipper, which keeps things smooth and compliant. Amsterdam’s canals prohibit amplified music and require considerate noise levels, so plan a celebratory vibe with drinks, bites, and a great route rather than a club-level sound system.

Peak boating season runs April through October, with the warmest months from June to August. Weekday mornings and early evenings are calmer; weekend afternoons book up fastest. U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day don’t affect Amsterdam, but local dates do: King’s Day on April 27 fills the canals and adds extra rules; the Pride Canal Parade typically runs on the first Saturday in August; and SAIL Amsterdam brings tall ships to the IJ from August 20–24, 2025, with heavy water traffic. In winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival (late November to mid‑January) is a beautiful after-dark cruise option on heated boats.

Keep speeds to canal limits (generally 6 km/h), stay to the right, give way to professional traffic and boats approaching from the right, and avoid amplified music. The skipper must remain sober at all times. Many rental companies restrict self-drive boats to the canals and Amstel and do not allow them onto the busy IJ; if you want the harbor skyline, choose a captained charter. Bring any requested ID, arrive 10–15 minutes early to board smoothly, and message your host if you need child life jackets or a different pickup.

Yes, with the right boat. Small self-drive canal boats are typically limited to the canal belt and nearby Amstel stretches and are not allowed on the IJ. For the harbor, IJmeer, or Markermeer, book a captained motor yacht or sailboat, often departing from City Marina IJdok, Amsterdam Marina, or the NDSM area. This is a great option if you want open-water views, a breeze, and more space for larger groups.