Canal Motorboats

Discover Amsterdam

Discover the historic city centre of Amsterdam with Canal Motorboats. From our boat rental location, you’re directly on the beautiful canals of Amsterdam in just a few minutes. Enjoy a wonderful day on the water with friends and family. An experience never to be forgotten!

Oldest boat rental in town

Canal Motorboats is the oldest boat rental in town. We have been doing this since 1996. Our boat rental is located at a unique spot in Amsterdam: the Westerdok. This is within walking distance of Central Station and (partly because of this) attracts thousands of visitors each year. We are open all year round. Our spacious motorboats are silent and environmentally friendly. So you can enjoy the peace and quiet on the water in the middle of the city. Curious about the best way to get to us? Take a look at our route direction.

The best prices

Renting a boat in Amsterdam is popular, so the rates can rise quickly. At Canal Motorboats, we have therefore set up fixed low prices. Apart from the pleasant prices, you will also enjoy our cheerful service and you will immediately notice our love for boating. Check our prices for more information.

Choose your own boat

There are several boats to choose from. All our boats are electric and therefore environmentally friendly. Canal Motorboats can accommodate up to 8 people. Do you want to cruise the canals with a larger group? Then please book several boats. Contact us for more information.

Fun boat trips

It is important to us that you, your friends and family have an unforgettable day on the canals. That is why we are happy to help make your day out in Amsterdam complete. If you have an important occasion or want to surprise someone, we will be happy to help you organise the perfect day. Our experienced team likes to think along with you about possibilities both inboard and outboard. For example, would you like to combine your boat trip in Amsterdam with a scavenger hunt, plastic fishing or would you like a nice bottle of champagne on board? Just let us know and we will make sure everything is ready when you arrive. You can also put ‘plastic fishing’ in the comments if you would like to make use of this. View all our outings for more information.

What do our customers say?

Where can you find us?

Do you have a question?

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

In addition to the regular boat fee, we are required to charge city tax at €2.50 per person. This applies to all boat rental companies in Amsterdam.

Yes, we provide enjoyable corporate outings, friend outings, team-building events, and family outings. We can organize a fun scavenger hunt, catering, or for example, go plastic fishing during the boat trip. Rent multiple small boats that you can sail yourself or choose for a private cruise boat with a captain and space for 30 people.

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.  

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!

You can choose from various locations in Amsterdam. Please note: where you pick up the boat, you must also return the boat. Check all directions to our boat rentals.
  • Zandhoek 22, 1013 KT Amsterdam
  • Westerdoksdijk 705, 1013 BX Amsterdam
  • Nassaukade 341, 1053LZ Amsterdam
  • Polonceaukade 20, 1014 DA Amsterdam

Canal Motorboats is one of the most affordable boat rental companies in the city. You can rent a boat that you can sail yourself starting from €100 for 2 hours. Each additional hour is €50 per hour. This way, you can decide how long you want to cruise the canals. Check our rates for more information.

Yes, life jackets for children are available for free. Are you with a large group of children? Please contact us beforehand to make sure we have enough life jackets available.
Read the most frequently asked questions

Or contact us

Did not find what you're looking for? We are happy to talk to you.

Opening hours

Mon till sun: 10 am – 1o pm

Discover Amsterdam with Canal Motorboats

Option 1: Sail yourself without a license
Option 2: Buy a sightseeing tour ticket
Option 3: Private cruise with a captain
Lowest rates
Multiple boarding locations
Around Amsterdam city center
Guaranteed a fun day
Perfect for group outings
All boats are electric
+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07