Canal Motorboats

750 jaar Amsterdam
koningsdag amsterdam

King’s Day on the Canals

King’s Day in Amsterdam is legendary, and you can be right in the middle of it! Imagine this: you’re cruising past other party boats, music fills the air from the streets, and everywhere you look people are dancing and smiling. Bonus: from the water, you get the best view without having to mingle in the crowds on the streets.

Choose from:

  • Rent a small private boat with a captain
  • Rent a large private boat with a captain
  • Buy public tour tickets

More about King’s Day

feestdag amsterdam

Amsterdam Pride

The Canal Parade during Gay Pride is a spectacle of color, music, and love. DOck your boat directly on the parade route and be part of this amazing celebration! Book a boat for you and your friends so you can celebrate Pride together in the only place you really need to be: the Amsterdam canals.

Choose from:

  • Rent a private boat and sail to a spot on the route
  • Rent a private boat with a skipper (spot on the route)

More about Pride

light festival amsterdam

Amsterdam Light Festival

As the days grow shorter, the Amsterdam Light Festival brings light and magic to the canals. Step aboard your own private boat or join us on our public tour boat. During the light festival, you’ll cruise past breathtaking light artworks that transform Amsterdam. An evening to remember!

Choose from:

  • Rent a private boat and sail yourself
  • Rent a private boat with a captain
  • Get public tour tickets

More about the light festival

Other fun holidays in Amsterdam

  • Concert on the Amstel: May 5, 2025

This enchanting concert marks the festive conclusion of Liberation Day in Amsterdam. The event often attracts high-profile guests, including the king, queen, and prime minister, who enjoy the musical performances alongside the audience.

  • Prinsengracht Concert: August 20, 2025

The Prinsengracht Concert is the largest open-air classical music concert in the Netherlands. The event is accessible to everyone and provides a platform for young talent, making it a feast for the ears in a beautiful setting.

  • Canal Festival: August 15 to August 24, 2025

During the Canal Festival, visitors experience music in all its forms at unique locations throughout the city. From classical sounds to jazzy rhythms, there’s something for everyone, ensuring that both young and old can enjoy this musical experience.

  • Arrival of Sinterklaas: November 15, 2025

Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) visits Amsterdam every year. With his cheerful helpers, he arrives in the city, bringing gifts and joy for the children. Amsterdam always welcomes the good saint with open arms during his arrival.

Every five years, Amsterdam comes alive with SAIL, a spectacular event that fills the canals and harbors with impressive tall ships from around the world. For several days, visitors can admire the beauty of these monumental sailing ships and enjoy various activities around the water.

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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

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.  

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

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

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Opening hours

Mon till sun: 10 am – 1o pm

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07