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Canal Motorboats

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07

Boarding location

The location at Amsterdam Central is: Zandhoek 22, 1013KT Amsterdam. This is a 15-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station and easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, or car (paid parking available).

Capacity

The boat can accommodate up to 8 people.

Rate

The boat can be rented for €50 per hour with a minimum rental period of 2 hours.

You’re the captain

As captain, you have the freedom to steer the boat yourself, without a boating license. We’ll explain everything clearly before departure, and it’s not difficult. Steering is done simply with a steering wheel, and we’ll provide you with a map of possible routes. Please note, you must be at least 18 years old to take on the role of captain.

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boat rental amsterdam central
Location Amsterdam Central
Amsterdam Centrum

Location Amsterdam Central
  • Location: Zandhoek 22 Amsterdam
  • 15 min. walk from Amsterdam Central Station
  • Space for up to 8 people
  • Sail yourself
  • No need for a licence
  • Electric boats
  • With steering wheel

From 2 hours

€100

€80 on weekdays

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How can we help you?

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Do you have questions that are not answered in our FAQ or do you have a special request? Please contact us.
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About our self-drive boats

Read everything about our self-drive boats. The boats are exactly the same at every location.

Features

  • Space for up to 8 people
  • You're the captain
  • You don't need a licence
  • Minimum of 2 hours
  • Steering wheel
  • Electric boat
  • Private boat
  • Eco-friendly
  • Storage compartments

This is what you get

  • Seat cushions
  • Blankets
  • Map with routes
  • Swim vests for kids
  • Activities on request
  • Fun experience

Sailing Rules

Are you going to sail on the canals? Read the sailing rules carefully first. The sailing rules must always be followed. These are strictly controlled by the municipality of Amsterdam.

Can you put on music?

It is forbidden to have loud music on the boat. If you do not comply with this, the enforcers may confiscate your equipment and issue a fine. So stick to this to avoid this.

Who should you give priority?

A sailing rule that always applies is that priority must be given to longer boats. So do you see a boat that is longer than your boat? Then always give the boat priority. Always give priority to commercial shipping such as tour boats.

View all sailing rules
  • Mooring prohibited Mooring prohibited
  • Forbidden to take a berth Forbidden to take a berth
  • Pay attention Pay attention
  • Forbidden to pass Forbidden to pass
  • No entry No entry

What do our customers say?

Read more reviews

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

Or contact us

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

Contact us

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

Opening hours

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 21:00

Mensen zitten in bootje aan de kade in Amsterdam
Mensen varen in boot Canal Motor Boats in Amsterdam
Mensen proosten in bootje op grachten in Amsterdam
Mensen varen in boot Canal Motor Boats in Amsterdam

Discover the city from the water 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
Sail yourself All boat tours
Customersupport
Navigation
Contactgegevens Canal Motorboats
Zandhoek 22
1013 KT Amsterdam

KVK: 33290675
BTW: NL805666230B01

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