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Canal Motorboats

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07

Self drive boats Amsterdam

Rent a boat and sail yourself in Amsterdam with the very first and oldest boat rental in the city! You are the captain and are allowed to sail without a license. Best service, lowest prices, and a Super Deal discount of €20 on weekdays (Mon-Fri).

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Rent a boat and sail yourself
CMB - Zelf Varen - Branding

Rent a boat and sail yourself in Amsterdam with a discount

We currently have a Super Deal. You will receive a €20 discount when you rent a boat on weekdays to sail yourself through Amsterdam. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout. Seize your chance now and cruise cheaply along the beautiful Amsterdam canals.

Note: The discount is only valid from Monday to Friday.

 

Self-drive boats with discount
CMB - Zelf Varen - Brug de Grachten

The first and oldest boat rental in the city

Canal Motorboats is the very first and therefore the oldest boat rental company in our capital. Since 1996, we have been renting boats to thousands of tourists and local guests every day. We have grown significantly in recent years and have expanded our fleet enormously with brand new boats specially made for us. And all this while our rates have not increased. We believe it is important to share our love for boating with you and to keep it accessible to everyone.

Self-drive boats in Amsterdam and more

Did you know that in addition to renting a boat and sailing yourself, you can now also choose a large private tour boat with a skipper and buy tickets for our public boat tour from Amsterdam Central? Anything is possible with Canal Motorboats!

self drive boats amsterdam

Boating on your own in Amsterdam with Canal Motorboats

  • Cruise yourself on the Amsterdam canals
  • The boat is private and entirely for you
  • No license or experience required
  • All boats are electric and quiet
  • Choose from 5 locations in Amsterdam
  • Includes seat cushions
  • Includes a route map
  • Bring your own food and drinks
  • Fun activities available
  • The minimum duration is 2 hours
  • Low rate from €45 per hour
In addition to the regular boat rental fee, we are obliged to charge city tax at €2.70 per person. This applies to all boat rentals in Amsterdam.
best canal routes amsterdam
rent a boat amsterdam centre
Ontbijt aan boord van een zelfvarende boot

Rules for self drive-boats Amsterdam

You are allowed to sail yourself in Amsterdam without a license with us. You are the captain and steer the boat. Don’t worry, it’s not difficult. We explain everything before you depart. However, make sure to read the rules carefully beforehand so you are prepared. We highlight some important rules:

  • Music on the canals is forbidden
  • You are not allowed to go on the IJ
  • The captain must remain sober
  • The captain must be at least 18 years old
  • Keep to the maximum capacity
Check all rules

Rent self-drive boats in Amsterdam with an activity

Do you want to do a fun activity while boating on the Amsterdam canals? You can do this for a low rate per person!

Plastic fishing: €3 per person

Not only is it a lot of fun to do, but it’s also good for the environment. As the name suggests, you will receive nets and garbage bags on board, so you can fish for plastic from the canals while sailing in Amsterdam.

Quiz: €3 per person

Do you want to learn more about the city in a fun and competitive way? Then choose the quiz. You will receive a fun quiz on board. There is a version available for both children and adults, making it enjoyable for everyone!

  • First and oldest boat rental
    We exist for a reason for so long
  • 3 locations in Amsterdam
    Choose your own location
  • 5 stars on TripAdvisor
    1,400 reviews with 5 stars
  • Super Deal Discount
    €20 discount (Mon-Fri)

What do our customers say?

Read more reviews

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 location, and sail through the canals! Fun on the water guaranteed!

  • Select 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?

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.

The boats available for self-driving are suitable for a maximum of 8 people. Fewer is also allowed.

No, you don’t need a license to be able to rent one of our boats. You do have to be over the age of 18 to drive the boat. Also, please read the boating rules before departure.

All ages are welcome at Canal Motorboats. However, you must be at least 18 years old to operate the boat.

No, you don't need experience to operate the boat. We will explain everything. You do need to read the canal rules that apply in Amsterdam.

We hope that this does not happen, but should it happen we charge €30,- for each 15 minutes late. Do you think you will be late? In that case, call us immediately.

  • Up to 48 hours before the start of the reservation, the renter can change the reservation free of charge, up to one year after the originally booked date. Full cancellation? In such a case, the renter owes Canal Motorboats 50% of the total agreed rental rate. Within 48 hours before the start of the reservation, cancellation is not possible, and the renter owes Canal Motorboats 100% of the total agreed rental rate. If the reservation is made within 48 hours, changes or cancellations are not allowed.
  • In case of hazardous weather conditions (such as storms or thunderstorms), only Canal Motorboats can change the reservation free of charge to a later date to be determined by the renter, up to one year after the originally booked date. This is provided that the payment for the canceled reservation is converted into a credit; no refund of the paid amount will take place. Canal Motorboats will inform the renter about this.
  • Please note: A rescheduled booking cannot be rescheduled again.
  • King's Day, Gay Pride, and other events cannot be canceled at all. The cancellation conditions do not apply during events such as: King's Day, Gay Pride, the Prinsengracht concert, SAIL, and more. Cancellation by the renter is not possible. Only Canal Motorboats can cancel the agreement.

View our terms and conditions for more information.

You can call us at that time to ask if this is possible because of other reservations. If you are late bringing the boat back without permission we will charge you €30 per 15 minutes late.
Read the most frequently asked questions

Please contact us

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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

Customer service
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Contactgegevens Canal Motorboats
Zandhoek 22
1013 KT Amsterdam

KVK: 33290675
BTW: NL805666230B01

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

Monday till Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00

Please contact us

Contact the best boat rental company in Amsterdam

Contact
+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07