Canal Motorboats

Boarding location

The location 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.

Extra activities

You can book the following extra activities during your boat trip at a low rate per person:

  • Plastic fishing
  • Amsterdam canals quiz

Plastic fishing

Looking for a fun and eco-friendly activity while boating? Try plastic fishing! Choose this option for a low rate of €3 per person, and you’ll receive all the necessary equipment to fish plastic from the canals. It’s a fun activity for all ages, and you’re also helping the environment! Together, we can keep the canals clean.

Amsterdam canals quiz

Join the Amsterdam canals quiz while cruising for just €3 per person! You’ll get fun questions about the city, along with pen and paper to write down your answers. Choose someone to be the quizmaster and keep track of the answers. Who will get the most questions right?

The quiz is available in two versions: one for children and one for adults, with a difference in difficulty level. When booking, you can indicate how many people will participate so that everyone gets their own quiz sheet.

boat rental amsterdam central

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 various extra activities when you rent a boat from us. You pay a low rate per person. Choose the activity as an extra when booking. Extra activities for renting a small boat and self-sailing
  • Plastic fishing: €3 per person
  • Amsterdam canals quiz: €3 per person
Extra activities for renting a large boat with a captain
  • Silent disco: €7 per person
  • Amsterdam canals quiz: €3 per person

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 organize corporate outings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, family days, outings with friends, team events, and much more. You can rent multiple small boats to drive yourself or our large sloop with a captain, which can accommodate 30 people, along with catering and drinks. Additionally, we offer extra activities when you rent a boat from us. You pay a low rate per person. Extra activities for renting a small boat and self-sailing
  • Plastic fishing: €3 per person
  • Amsterdam canals quiz: €3 per person
Extra activities for renting a large boat with a captain
  • Silent disco: €7 per person
  • Amsterdam canals quiz: €3 per person

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.
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

Sail yourself without a license
Buy a sightseeing tour ticket
Private cruise with a captain
Lowest rates
Multiple boarding locations
Around Amsterdam city center
Extra: quiz, silent disco, plastic fishing
Perfect for group outings
All boats are electric
+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07