Canal Motorboats

The best events in Amsterdam

Below is a list of the best events in Amsterdam in 2023. 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, 2023

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, 2023

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 22 to August 6, 2023

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 11 to August 20, 2023

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 19, 2023

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 – November 2023

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 30, 2023 to 21 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?

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

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Did not find what you're looking for? We are happy to talk to you.

Opening hours

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 21:00

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07