Canal Motorboats

Ahoy future colleague!

Hey captain, do you have a Small Craft License (Klein Vaarbewijs) or are you willing to obtain one? Apply for the captain position and cruise the beautiful canals of Amsterdam with our guests. You’ll welcome guests on board, ensure safety, and share interesting stories during the cruise. Check out the job opening and apply.

Where will you work?

We are located at 4 locations in Amsterdam and growing rapidly. Our fleet consists of a total of 57 self-navigable boats and 6 large boats, of which you will be the captain. This is divided between our two boat rental companies: Canal Motorboats and Eco Boats Amsterdam. If you apply with us, you will work for both boat rental companies. No day will be the same!

Fun fact: Canal Motorboats has been around since 1996, making it the longest-standing boat rental company in Amsterdam.

What will you be doing?

  • Welcoming customers on the dock
  • Cruising the canals
  • Making the boat ready between cruises
  • Ensuring safety on board
  • Providing interesting and informative stories on board
  • Being an ambassador for the city of Amsterdam
  • Ensuring the guests get an unforgettable experience

Who are you?

  • You are 18 years or older
  • You have a Small Craft License
  • You have a Marifoon Certificaat (Short Range Certificate)
  • You are independent and responsible
  • Presentable, customer-oriented and communicative
  • Available at least 2 days a week, including weekends
  • Proficient in both Dutch and English
  • A third language is a plus
  • Experience in the hospitality industry is a plus

What do you get?

  • The most enjoyable job in Amsterdam
  • A competitive salary + tips
  • Flexible working hours, you choose when you work
  • Make hours towards the Large Craft License
  • A dinner budget for evening shifts
  • Fun gatherings and company outings

Apply for the job

Do you see yourself as a captain on one of our boats? Who knows, you might be working with the coolest team on the Amsterdam Canals next week already.

Email your motivation and CV to info@canalmotorboats.com

Where can you find us?

What do our customers say?

Do you have a question?

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 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
  • 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.

Yes, life jackets for children are available for free. Are you with a large group of children? Please contact us beforehand to make sure we have enough life jackets available.
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

Discover Amsterdam 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