Canal Motorboats

A classic Amsterdam experience to enjoy

Leave the busy streets behind, step aboard and experience Amsterdam from the best perspective in the city: the water. Our experienced and local skippers will take you through the heart of the city via the city’s famous canals. Sit back, enjoy the views and discover the city from the perspective it was meant to be seen.

Boarding location

Our classic public canal cruise departs right in front of Amsterdam Central Station, at Stationsplein 18. This is also where the tour ends. The cruise lasts approximately 60 minutes through the city centre.

Open or covered boat

The boat is open or covered. This way, you can fully enjoy the surroundings. We decide this ourselves at the start of the day based on the weather and external factors.

Route

The exact route is determined on the day of the cruise, depending on external factors. Below are some of the highlights we may pass:

  • NEMO
  • National Maritime Museum
  • Rembrandt House
  • Dutch National Opera & Ballet
  • Herengracht
  • Prinsengracht
  • Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)
  • Dancing Houses
  • And many more sights

Ticket prices

We offer discounts on family and children’s tickets. You can choose a ticket without drinks, with one drink, or with unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks).

Babies and toddlers

  • 0–3 years: €0

Children (3 – 13 years)

  • Children – No drinks: €9.50
  • Children – 1 drink: €11.25

(Young) Adults (14 years or older)

  • (Young) Adults – No drinks: €19
  • (Young) Adults – 1 drink: €21.50
  • (Young) Adults – Unlimited drinks: €29

Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children)

  • Family tickets – No drinks: €55
  • Family tickets – 1 drink: €62.50

Prices exclude service fees.

Capacity

You can purchase a ticket per person for one of our canal cruises. We take a maximum of 35 people at a time.

Language & guide

Our experienced captain provides commentary in English and Dutch. You will also receive a digital info guide (available in multiple languages) with additional details about the sights along the route, available in:

  • 🇳🇱 Dutch
  • 🇬🇧 English
  • 🇫🇷 French
  • 🇩🇪 German
  • 🇮🇹 Italian
  • 🇪🇸 Spanish
  • 🇵🇹 Portuguese
  • 🇨🇳 Chinese
Get your tickets

What's included?

Free drink
Every passenger receives one free drink aboard
Local Skipper
Sharing the city's history
Open or covered boat
Perfect for all weather types
New and fully electric boats
Cruise the canals in style and peace

Cruise options

Other boat packages

Rent a private boat with skipper
Rent a private boat with skipper
Rent a private boat with skipper
Rent a private boat with skipper
Rent a private boat with skipper
Rent a private boat with skipper
Rent a private boat with skipper
Popular with large groups

Rent a private boat with skipper

  • For groups from 10 people
  • Various catering packages
  • Perfect in any weather
  • Including skipper
  • Open or (semi) covered boats
Rent a private self-drive boat
Rent a private self-drive boat
Rent a private self-drive boat
Rent a private self-drive boat
Rent a private self-drive boat
Rent a private self-drive boat
Rent a private self-drive boat
Rent a private self-drive boat
Popular with small groups

Rent a private self-drive boat

  • From 1 to 8 people
  • Bring your own food and drinks
  • Ideal in dry weather
  • Drive yourself without a boating license
  • Open electric boats
Boat rental Amsterdam westerdoksdijk
Westerdoksdijk
  • Sail yourself
  • No need for a licence
  • With steering wheel

Per boat from

€100

€80 on weekdays

CMB - Kaas & Wijn
Amsterdam Centre
  • Winetasting
  • Skipper on board
  • Optional snacks

Per person from

€89.95

Follow the adventure on social media

Get a taste of life on the canals. From daily updates on our canal cruises to snapshots of the crew and a peek behind the scenes: you’ll experience the rhythm of the city as it unfolds on the water. See Amsterdam through our eyes, from reflections during the golden hour to lively days on board, and meet the people who make every trip special.
@canalmotorboats
Follow the adventure on social media
@canalmotorboats
Every moment captured
No filters, just fun on the water
Behind the scenes
Have a look at everything that’s going on, both on and off the boat.
Local tips
Discover Amsterdam’s hidden gems.
Exclusive updates
New cruises, offers & special events
Every moment captured
No filters, just fun on the water
Behind the scenes
Have a look at everything that’s going on, both on and off the boat.
Local tips
Discover Amsterdam’s hidden gems.
Exclusive updates
New cruises, offers & special events
from €9.50 per person
Book now

Do you have a question?

Yes, dogs are more than welcome! You can either rent a boat with your dog in Amsterdam or enjoy a canal cruise where your dog is allowed on board.

We offer 3 options:
  1. Rent a private boat and sail yourself
  2. Rent a private boat with a skipper for 30 people
  3. Public boat tours of 1 hour

We are open every day, all year round. These are our opening hours:
  • Monday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Tuesday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Wednesday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Thursday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Friday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Saturday: 10:00 - 22:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00

We are located at various spots in Amsterdam, depending on the boat you’ve booked. Where you start, you will also finish. Rent a boat and sail yourself:
  • Zandhoek 22, 1013 KT Amsterdam
  • Westerdoksdijk 705, 1013 BX Amsterdam
  • Nassaukade 341, 1053 LZ Amsterdam
  • Polonceaukade 20, 1014 DA Amsterdam
  • Borneosteiger 8, 1019 KM Amsterdam
Boarding locations for shared cruises: 
  • Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam
Boarding location for private cruises:
  • Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam
 

We offer various extra activities when you rent a boat from us. You pay a low rate per person. Choose the activity as an extra when booking. Extra activities for renting a small boat and self-sailing
  • Plastic fishing: €3 per person
  • Amsterdam canals quiz: €3 per person
Extra activities for renting a large boat with a captain
  • Silent disco: €7 per person
  • Amsterdam canals quiz: €3 per person

Of course! Every year we have some great offers during popular events such as King's Day, Amsterdam Gay pride and Amsterdam Light Festival. The rental of the boats usually starts 4 to 6 months in advance. So, make sure to book in advance to secure a boat.

Available boats

  • Small boats that you can sail yourself
  • Private canal boats with a captain and space for 30 people
  • Tickets for the large canal cruise boats

Do you need to sail yourself or is there a captain?

Please note: on King's Day, you always rent a boat with a captain. You can rent both the small boats and the large private canal cruise boat with space for 30 people. On other holidays/events, you are allowed to sail yourself.

Food and drinks

Regarding food and drinks on King's Day and Gay Pride: On the small boats where you are the captain, you may bring your own food and drinks. On the large boats (30-person boats), it's only allowed to bring your own food. We will arrange the drinks for you.  

Yes, we organize corporate outings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, family days, outings with friends, team events, and much more. You can rent multiple small boats to drive yourself or our large sloop with a captain, which can accommodate 30 people, along with catering and drinks. Additionally, we offer extra activities when you rent a boat from us. You pay a low rate per person. Extra activities for renting a small boat and self-sailing
  • Plastic fishing: €3 per person
  • Amsterdam canals quiz: €3 per person
Extra activities for renting a large boat with a captain
  • Silent disco: €7 per person
  • Amsterdam canals quiz: €3 per person

In addition to the regular boat fee, we are required to charge city tax at €2.60 per person. This applies to all boat rental companies in Amsterdam.

Plastic fishing is only possible when you rent a boat to sail yourself. You can book plastic fishing with us for a low rate of €3 per person. You will receive all the necessary equipment on board to fish for plastic from the canals during your boat trip, including nets and garbage bags. It’s not only a lot of fun, but also good for the environment!
Read the most frequently asked questions

Please contact us

Can't find what you're looking for? We're happy to help.

Contact the best boat rental company in Amsterdam

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07
info@canalmotorboats.com

Opening hours

Monday till Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00

Opening hours

Monday till Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00

Please contact us

Contact the best boat rental company in Amsterdam

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07