Canal Motorboats

The 12th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival

During the 12th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival, you will be taken into the wonderful world of imagination. The theme Technology & AI will make you think twice about what you actually see. In this art exhibition where light is the guiding principle, your view of the artworks will be put to the test! What do you see and why do you see it?

Artwork route Light Festival Amsterdam

Chosen from hundreds of entries, the 20 light artworks can be admired up close from the water. The artworks come to life at dusk and are breathtakingly beautiful with all their effects. Combined with Amsterdam’s canals, this is a unique experience and sight in Amsterdam. From 1 November until 21 January, the festival is open to everyone. The lights go on at 17:00 and can be admired until 23:00. You can buy a digital route map with extra information about all the artworks via the Amsterdam Light Festival website for €7.50. We recommend renting a boat for a minimum of 3 hours.

Rent a boat for the Amsterdam Light Festival 2023-2024

At Canal Motorboats, we have been impressed by this festival for years and advise our clients to visit this festival. You can rent a boat in Amsterdam and cruise the light route along the artworks. The electrically powered boats are ideally suited to admire the artworks up close. From 5 pm, it gets dark and the artworks come to life. Give your imagination free rein and come and enjoy all the beauty this festival has to offer!

We recommend renting a boat for at least 3 hours or longer to take the Amsterdam Light Festival route. 

Tip: fun to do with the family or with colleagues

The festival is for all ages. so perfect for a family outing or a company outing. Cruise along the route of lights and learn about the artworks as you cruise along the beautiful canals. This year’s theme is extra magical. Explore Amsterdam with the family and make it a great evening. Bonus tip: get some food on the way or beforehand and make it a cosy dinner on the boat. We’ll give you a few ideas for delicious foods to bring.


What do our customers say?

Where can you find us?

Do you have a question?

We offer three options:
  • Rent an electric boat that you may sail yourself, no boating license required.
  • Rent a private canal boat with a captain and space for 30 people (The IJdok), including additional packages like catering and activities.
  • Purchase a ticket for a canal cruise starting from Amsterdam Central, cruising through Amsterdam Center in 1 hour.

We are open every day, all year round. These are our opening hours:
  • Monday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Tuesday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Wednesday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Thursday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Friday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Saturday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 21:00

In addition to the regular boat fee, we are required to charge tourist 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 (The IJdok)
  • 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 IJdok boats (30-person boats), it's only allowed to bring your own food. We will arrange the drinks for you.  

When you rent a boat with us, you can go plastic fishing for free. We provide all the necessary equipment on board, including nets and garbage bags, allowing you to fish for plastic during your cruise. Not only is it a fun activity, but it's also environmentally friendly! This activity can be booked at no extra cost for the self-drive boats and private canal cruises. It's important to notify us in advance. You can book this by including 'plastic fishing' in the comments when making a reservation.

You can choose from various locations in Amsterdam. Please note: where you pick up the boat, you must also return the boat.
  • Location Amsterdam Centre: Zandhoek 22, 1013 KT Amsterdam. Check the directions for more information.

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.

The boats available for self-driving are suitable for a maximum of 8 people. Fewer is also allowed.
Read the most frequently asked questions

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Opening hours

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 21:00

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07