Canal Motorboats

superdeal_2023_EN

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 for 2 hours 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 for a maximum of 2 hours of self-boating in Amsterdam.

 

Self-drive boats with discount
rent a boat drive yourself amsterdam

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
  • Easy to steer with a steering wheel
  • All boats are electric and quiet
  • Choose from 4 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 of €50 per hour
In addition to the regular boat rental fee, we are obliged to charge city tax at €2.60 per person. This applies to all boat rentals in Amsterdam.

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

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!

What do our customers say?

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

  • Choose 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.

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.

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.

No, you don't need an insurance. We have our own insurance. You do have to pay an excess of maximum €250 in case of accident or damage, provided that you report the damage or accident to us immediately. Please note: do you not report the damage immediately, do you not abide by the rules as stated in the general terms and conditions or does damage occur due to misbehaviour and not following the instructions of the staff? Then you are not insured and you are liable for the full amount of the damage. This can be more than the excess of €250. The amount will be settled afterwards.

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

No, it is forbidden to go on the IJ with the boat. This applies to all boats rented in Amsterdam.

No, you are not allowed to play music on the boat due to noise disturbance. You can receive a fine for this, so please refrain from doing so! Check all boating rules.

It is allowed to bring your own food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, when you rent a boat that you can sail yourself. However, it is crucial for the boat driver to remain sober, so it is advisable to determine in advance who will be the designated driver. Please note that this rule only applies to self-sailing boats. On larger boats such as the IJdok (cruise boat for 30 people), it is not allowed to bring your own drinks and food. If you prefer catering, we are happy to arrange it for you. Note: These rules do not apply on King's Day and Gay Pride. On these days, it is allowed to bring your own food, but not drinks. Drinks will be provided by us on these days.
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