Canal Motorboats

Ahoy future colleague!

Hey skipper, do you have your Small Boat Licence (Klein Vaarbewijs) and a love for Amsterdam’s waterways? Then this captain vacancy was written for you. Come sail with guests through the most beautiful canals in the world, share stories that stay with people long after they’ve stepped off the boat, and do it all alongside a team that genuinely loves the job. Sounds good? Read on and apply.

Where will you work?

We have seven locations across Amsterdam and we’re growing fast. Our fleet runs to 64 self-propelled sloops, 6 large sloops, and 1 saloon boat, and you could be captain of any of them. The fleet is spread across our two companies, Eco Boats Amsterdam and Canal Motorboats, so when you join us you work for both. No two days will ever be quite the same.

Fun Fact: Canal Motorboats has been sailing Amsterdam’s canals since 1996 – making it the longest-running boat rental in the city.

What will you be doing daily?

  • Greeting guests at the quay and making them feel welcome
  • Cruise Amsterdam’s canals as captain
  • Keeping the boat guest-ready between trips
  • Ensure all those aboard are safe at all times
  • Sharing fun and fascinating stories about the city along the way
  • You become a proud ambassador for Amsterdam and its canals
  • Giving every single guest an experience they won’t forget

Who are you?

  • 18 years or older
  • You have a valid Small Boat Licence (Klein Vaarbewijs) – mandatory requirement
  • You hold a VHF Radio Certificate (Marifon Certificaat)
  • You’re open to working towards your SVH diploma – we will support you
  • Reliable and comfortable taking responsibility
  • Friendly, communicative, and naturally at ease with guests
  • Available at least 2 days a week, weekends included
  • Fluent in Dutch and English
  • A third language is a great bonus
  • Experience in hospitality or tourism? We’d love to hear about it

What’s in it for you?

  • The best job in Amsterdam (seriously, we really mean it)
  • Competitive pay plus tips from guests who had a great time – thanks to you
  • Flexible hours – let us know when you’re available
  • Certified sailing hours counting to an Advanced Sailing Certificate (Groot Vaarbewijs)
  • Dinner budget allowed on evening shifts
  • Regular drinks and company days out with the team

Apply for the job

Can you picture yourself as captain of one of our boats? Apply right now! Who knows, you could be out on the Amsterdam canals with the best team in the city in only a week!

Apply now

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    Where can you find us?

    What do our customers say?

    Do you have a question?

    Yes, dogs are more than welcome! You can either rent a boat with your dog in Amsterdam or enjoy a canal cruise where your dog is allowed on board.

    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

    We are located at various spots in Amsterdam, depending on the boat you’ve booked. Where you start, you will also finish. Rent a boat and sail yourself:
    • Zandhoek 22, 1013 KT Amsterdam
    • Westerdoksdijk 705, 1013 BX Amsterdam
    • Nassaukade 341, 1053 LZ Amsterdam
    • Polonceaukade 20, 1014 DA Amsterdam
    • Borneosteiger 8, 1019 KM Amsterdam
    Boarding locations for shared cruises: 
    • Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam
    Boarding location for private cruises:
    • Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam
     

    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

    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.  

    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

    In addition to the regular boat fee, we are required to charge city tax at €2.60 per person. This applies to all boat rental companies in Amsterdam.

    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!
    Read the most frequently asked questions

    Please contact us

    Can't find what you're looking for? We're happy to help.

    Contact the best boat rental company in Amsterdam

    + 31 (0) 20 422 70 07
    info@canalmotorboats.com

    Opening hours

    Monday till Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00

    Discover Amsterdam with Canal Motorboats

    Sailing without a licence
    Buy a boat tour ticket
    Private boat tour with captain
    Lowest rates
    Multiple pick-up locations
    Amsterdam City Centre Area
    Extra: quiz, silent disco, plastic fishing
    Perfect for group outings
    All boats are electric
    Opening hours

    Monday till Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00

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    Please contact us

    Contact the best boat rental company in Amsterdam

    + 31 (0) 20 422 70 07