Canal Motorboats

1. Order a picnic basket

What could be more enjoyable than a nice picnic in the sun? And you don’t even have to pack up your own basket and tow it along all day. Just order one, for example, from Picnic Company. This company has a wide range of choices: from a high tea to tapas, from sandwiches to a Provençal lunch. You can pick up these treats yourself by boat from a house boat on the Nieuwe Prinsengracht canal without even having to disembark!

Location: Nieuwe Prinsengracht 86 G, 1018 VV Amsterdam

2. Bitterballen: the perfect bar and boat snack

It doesn’t get more Dutch than this: a platter of warm and fresh bitterballen! Order something at Bar Bitterbal. They have over 25 different varieties. Ready for a twist? Try out, for example, the crayfish bitterbal, or the vegetarian one filled with red beet. You can find this place at the Utrechtsestraat, therefore it’s easiest to reach by water by mooring at the Herengracht. Enjoy!

Location: Utrechtsestraat 18, 1017 VN Amsterdam

3. Breakfast on the boat

Up and about early to be ahead of water traffic rush? Then consider breakfast aboard. We recommend Prins Heerlijk. You’re welcome all day for a delicious croissant or, for the ones with a really healthy appetite, a full English breakfast. Very important of course: takeaway service is available. This place is most easily reached by water via the canal called Oudezijds Voorburgwal.

Location: Prins Hendrikkade 57, 1012 AC Amsterdam

4. Sushi for sharing

Sushi is a typical example of a meal which you can easily share with friends on a boat. Order your favourite mix of sashimi, maki, nigiri and grilled bites à la carte and enjoy together in your boat. A nice place which is easy to reach from the water is Genki on the Reguliersdwarsstraat.

Location: Reguliersdwarsstraat 26, 1017 BM Amsterdam

5. Fresh pizza

Another ideal meal to share with your friends and, also very important, easily to eat without needing cutlery or plates is pizza. Amsterdam has many good places along the canals where you can order and takeaway pizza. Try, for example, San Marco at the Amstelkade. Really fresh pizza which you can pick up from the water edge door where you can tie your lines.

Location: Amstelkade 148A, 1078AW 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

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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