Canal Motorboats

The best Amsterdam canal routes

Which canals should you go to when you rent a boat in Amsterdam? A frequently asked question, which we understand very well, because there is a lot to see in the city. We have mapped out two fun Amsterdam canal routes for you. This way you will see the best places and not miss a thing. Of course, you can also use our canal routes as inspiration for your own canal cruise through Amsterdam. Choose a route of 2 hours or 3 hours. We are happy to help you plan the perfect Amsterdam canal cruise. Please read the canal rules before going on the canals.

View the 2 hour route through Amsterdam

Prinsengracht | Amstel | Keizersgracht or Herengracht

View the 3 hour route through Amsterdam

Prinsengracht | Entrepotdok | Oosterdok | Zwanenburgwal | Amstel | Keizersgracht or Herengracht

Amsterdam Canal route: 2 hours

Cruise along the Prinsengracht, Amstel and Keizersgracht or Herengracht in 2 hours. You’ll pass at least 11 sights like the Anne Frank House, the Westertoren, the Skinny Bridge and many more. The route is perfect for a 2 hour cruise. We rent out our boats by the hour, so you can decide for yourself how long you want to rent a boat.

There are 2 canal routes in Amsterdam you can take if you want to rent a boat for 2 hours. The difference is the way back: via the Keizersgracht or the Herengracht.

Boat route 1: Prinsengracht | Amstel | Keizersgracht

You pass the following sights in Amsterdam:

Prinsengracht

Amstel

Keizersgracht

Take this route:

  • From our dock in the Westerdok, enter the Prinsengracht.
  • Follow the Prinsengracht until you reach the Amstel
  • Turn left when you’ve reached the Amstel and turn into the Keizersgracht.
  • Keep going until you can turn left on the Brouwersgracht and return to the Westerdok via the Korte Prinsengracht.

View this route through Amsterdam

Boat route 2: Prinsengracht | Amstel | Herengracht

You pass the following sights in Amsterdam:

Prinsengracht

Amstel

Herengracht

Take this route:

  • From our dock in the Westerdok, enter the Prinsengracht.
  • Follow the Prinsengracht until you reach the Amstel
  • Turn left when you’ve reached the Amstel and turn into the Herengracht.
  • Keep going until you can turn left on the Brouwersgracht and return to the Westerdok via the Korte Prinsengracht.

View this route through Amsterdam

Amsterdam Canal route: 3 hours

The 3-hour cruise is an extended version of the 2-hour cruise. You pass the same canals and sights, but then continue towards Artis, the Maritime Museum, NEMO, the Rembrandthuis, the National Opera and you go underneath the Blue Bridge. You’ll pass at least 17 sights that are popular in Amsterdam. The route can be done in 3 hours. We rent out our boats by the hour, so you can decide how long you want to rent a boat.

There are 2 canal routes in Amsterdam you can take if you want to rent a boat for 3 hours. The difference is the way back: via the Keizersgracht or the Herengracht.

Boat route 1: Prinsengracht | Entrepotdok | Oosterdok | Zwanenburgwal | Amstel | Keizersgracht

You pass the following sights in Amsterdam:

Prinsengracht

Entrepotdok

Oosterdok

Amstel

Keizersgracht

Take this route:

  • From our dock at the Westerdok, enter the Prinsengracht.
  • Continue until you reach the Amstel and go straight ahead on the Nieuwe Prinsengracht towards Artis Zoo.
  • Then turn right onto Plantage Muidergracht.
  • Continue until you reach Entrepotdok and turn right into Nieuwe Vaart, then immediately left.
  • Go straight ahead past the National Maritime Museum and NEMO.
  • Turn left at NEMO towards the Oosterdok.
  • Go straight across the Oude Schans and Zwanenburgwal.
  • Then turn left at the Opera House towards Amstel.
  • After you’ve reached the Amstel, turn into the Keizersgracht.
  • Keep going until you can turn left on the Brouwersgracht and return to the Westerdok via the Korte Prinsengracht.

View this route through Amsterdam

Boat route 2: Prinsengracht | Entrepotdok | Oosterdok | Zwanenburgwal | Amstel | Herengracht

You pass the following sights in Amsterdam:

Prinsengracht

Entrepotdok

Oosterdok

Amstel

Herengracht

Take this route:

  • From our dock at the Westerdok, enter the Prinsengracht.
  • Continue until you reach the Amstel and go straight ahead on the Nieuwe Prinsengracht towards Artis Zoo.
  • Then turn right onto Plantage Muidergracht.
  • Continue until you reach Entrepotdok and turn right into Nieuwe Vaart, then immediately left.
  • Go straight ahead past the National Maritime Museum and NEMO.
  • Turn left at NEMO towards the Oosterdok.
  • Go straight across the Oude Schans and Zwanenburgwal.
  • Then turn left at the Opera House towards Amstel.
  • After you’ve reached the Amstel, turn into the Herengracht.
  • Keep going until you can turn left on the Brouwersgracht and return to the Westerdok via the Korte Prinsengracht.

View this route through Amsterdam

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

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

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
+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07