Canal Motorboats

Boarding Location

The location is: Westerdoksdijk 705, 1013BX Amsterdam. This is a 15-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station and easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, or car (paid parking available).

Info about the boat

The boats at the Westerdoksdijk location are slightly different from the boats at the other locations. The interior of the boat is finished with aluminum, unlike a white finish on the other boats. Other than that, all our boats are the same.

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 fun routes. Please note, you must be at least 18 years old to take on the role of captain.

Amsterdam westerdoksdijk

About our self-drive boats

Read everything about our self-drive boats. The boats are almost the same at every location. At the Westerdoksdijk location, the boats look slightly different. They have an aluminum interior instead of a white finish.

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
About our self-drive boats

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?

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