Canal Motorboats

What do our customers say?

boat rental amsterdam

The best boat rental in Amsterdam

Canal Motorboats is the oldest and thus the very first boat rental in Amsterdam. The options are:

Sail yourself on the canals in a private boat. You do not need a boating license!

Book a private boat with a skipper for up to 30 people and additional options.

Step aboard our public canal cruise boat, we’ll cruise through Amsterdam city centre.

Rates
superdeal_2023_EN

Rent a boat with discount in Amsterdam

We currently have a temporary Super Deal. Get €20 off when you rent a boat in Amsterdam that you may sail yourself. The discount is valid for 2 hours boat rental on weekdays and will be automatically applied at checkout. Seize your chance now and rent a boat cheaply in Amsterdam!

Note: The discount is only valid from Monday to Friday for a maximum of 2 hours of self-sailing.

rent boat amsterdam

Where to rent a boat in Amsterdam?

Canal Motorboats has several Amsterdam boat rental locations.

Rent a boat and drive yourself

Location Amsterdam Centraal: Zandhoek 22 Amsterdam

Location Amsterdam Centre: Nassaukade 341 Amsterdam

Location Amsterdam East: Daniël Goedkoopstraat 1 Amsterdam

Renting a private boat with a captain

  • The boarding location is in consultation

Classic canal cruise tickets

  • Nearby Stationsplein 18 Amsterdam
  • Just in front of Amsterdam Centraal Station

Rent a boat in Amsterdam without a captain

At Canal Motorboats, you can rent an electric boat in Amsterdam without a skipper. You are the captain and can sail yourself, no boating license required.

Super Deal: €20 off for 2 hours on self-drive boats from Monday to Friday

  • Starting from €50 per hour
  • Space for 8 people
  • Minimum 2 hours boat rental
  • Includes seat cushions
  • Equipped with a steering wheel
  • Map with routes available

Rent a private boat in Amsterdam with captain

Are you with a large group? Perhaps with the whole family, corporate outings, or just a fun time with friends? Then rent our large boat with captain in Amsterdam. Our private canal boat accommodates 30 people and is entirely yours. With additional options such as an open bar, snacks, and a flexible boarding location.

Prefer to join our public canal cruise?

In addition to renting private boats in Amsterdam with or without a skipper, you can also buy tickets for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam Center. We depart at predetermined times with our public canal boat from Amsterdam Central Station. Curious about our route and how to buy tickets? Read more about our public canal cruises.

Benefits of Canal Motorboats

Do you want to rent boats in Amsterdam? Rent a boat quickly and affordably at Canal Motorboats. We are the oldest boat rental in the city and know how to provide a perfect day in Amsterdam like no other.

  • 1200 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor
  • Choose from multiple boarding locations
  • Rent a small boat without a captain
  • Rent a large boat with a captain
  • Classic canal cruises
  • Lowest rates in the city
  • Super Deal discount on self-sailing
  • No boating license required for self-sailing
  • The boats are equipped with a steering wheel
  • Includes seat cushions and a route map
  • Life jackets available for children
  • Fun activities available
  • Perfect for corporate outings
  • Additional options: open bar, catering

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.
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

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 21:00

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07