Canal Motorboats

The best events in Amsterdam

Below is a list of the best events in Amsterdam in 2024. We have listed the best events on the canals of Amsterdam. Rent a boat in Amsterdam and enjoy all the fun the city has to offer.

1. King’s Day – April  27, 2024

Koningsdag, also known as King’s Day, is the day we celebrate the birthday of our King Willem-Alexander. Everyone knows that Amsterdam is the place to be on that day. The city turns completely orange and there are parties everywhere, especially on the canals.

Find out more about Kings Day in Amsterdam.

2. Concert on the Amstel – May 5, 2024

Concert op de Amstel is a wonderful concert and a traditional festive ending to Liberation Day in Amsterdam. It’s very nice to admire from the canals.

More information about Concert on the Amstel.

3. Amsterdam Gay Pride – July 27 to August 4, 2024

Amsterdam Gay Pride is a much-attended event in Amsterdam every year. In fact, it is one of the biggest LGBTQ events in the world. Celebrations take place all over the city and the highlight is of course the famous colourful boat parade on the canals.

Find out more about Amsterdam Gay Pride.

4. Grachtenfestival – August 23 to September 1, 2024

The Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) is a unique way to experience music at very special locations in Amsterdam. From classical music to jazz, there is something for everyone. Fun to experience from the canals.

More information about Grachtenfestival.

5. Prinsengracht concert – August 24, 2024

The Prinsengracht concert is the largest open-air classical concert in the Netherlands and provides a stage for many young talents. You can experience the concert from your own boat. Will you be there?

More information about Prinsengracht concert.

6. Entry of Sinterklaas – 16 November 2024

This is a great activity for the kids! Because of course, Sinterklaas does not skip our capital. Admire the steamboat and wave to Sinterklaas and the Pieten from the canals.

More information on Sinterklaas entry.

7. Amsterdam Light Festival – November 28, 2024 to 19 January 2024

Everyone knows that Amsterdam Light Festival is the winter festival of the Netherlands. This is something you really have to experience. The city is exuberantly lit up by various light installations by different artists. Very impressive and beautiful to cruise past and admire.

More information about Amsterdam Light Festival.

8. SAIL Amsterdam – August 20 to August 24, 2025

This event takes place every 5 years on the water in and around Amsterdam, so it won’t be again until 2025. The city will then be visited for several days by a gigantic fleet of monumental ships from all over the world. Visitors can cruise between the ships and see them inside as well.

More information about SAIL Amsterdam.

Rent a boat for an event in Amsterdam

Would you like to experience these special events from the comfort of your own boat during a boat trip? You can! Book easily a boat on our website. Are all our boats already booked? Then take a look at the site of our sister company Eco Boats Amsterdam. Of course, they are also located in the centre of Amsterdam. They might still have a boat available for you there, but be quick because it’s rented out fast!

What do our customers say?

How does it work?

Discover Amsterdam in a unique way with Canal Motorboats! Reserve your boat, choose a date and time, come to our rental, and sail through the canals! Fun on the water guaranteed!

  • Choose a boat, date and time
  • Place your reservation
  • Come to our boat rental
  • Sail through Amsterdam

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

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07