Canal Motorboats

We offer three options:
  • Rent an electric boat that you may sail yourself, no boating license required.
  • Rent a private canal boat with a captain and space for 30 people (The IJdok), including additional packages like catering and activities.
  • Purchase a ticket for a canal cruise starting from Amsterdam Central, cruising through Amsterdam Center in 1 hour.

We are open every day, all year round. These are our opening hours:
  • Monday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Tuesday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Wednesday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Thursday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Friday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Saturday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 21:00

In addition to the regular boat fee, we are required to charge tourist 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 (The IJdok)
  • 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 IJdok boats (30-person boats), it's only allowed to bring your own food. We will arrange the drinks for you.  

When you rent a boat with us, you can go plastic fishing for free. We provide all the necessary equipment on board, including nets and garbage bags, allowing you to fish for plastic during your cruise. Not only is it a fun activity, but it's also environmentally friendly! This activity can be booked at no extra cost for the self-drive boats and private canal cruises. It's important to notify us in advance. You can book this by including 'plastic fishing' in the comments when making a reservation.

You can choose from various locations in Amsterdam. Please note: where you pick up the boat, you must also return the boat.
  • Location Amsterdam Centre: Zandhoek 22, 1013 KT Amsterdam. Check the directions for more information.

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.

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.

  • Up to 48 hours before the start of the reservation? Then you can move free of charge. Cancel completely? Then you will get 50% of the amount paid back.
  • Within 48 hours before the start of the reservation? Canceling or moving is then no longer possible. You then owe the full amount.

In weather conditions where it is not safe to sail, only Canal Motorboats can decide to move the reservation. The reservation will then be rescheduled free of charge to a date to be determined later by the tenant (within one year after the booked date). We will of course contact you.

View our terms and conditions for more information.

No, you do not have to pay a deposit. You have 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.

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.

There are some rules when you go boating in Amsterdam. For example, don't play loud music on the boat. Take a look at all the boating rules.

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.

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.

Make sure to bring a valid ID and a proof of reservation. Also, consider bringing tasty snacks and drinks for the journey. Sunglasses and sunscreen are pleasant for sunny days. Additionally, it can cool down quickly on the water, so for added certainty, bring a jacket or a warm sweater.

You determine the route if you choose to sail yourself. You are the captain and decide the route you want to take. Of course, we can also help you plan a beautiful route. If you book a cruise, we will determine the route. This can be discussed.

Our private canal cruise boats with a captain can be rented starting from £292.50 for 1.5 hours. This depends on additional preferences such as catering and activities. The IJdok boat accommodates up to 30 people.
  • 1.5 hours - from €292.50
  • 2 hours - from €390.00
  • 3 hours - from €585.00
  • 4 hours - from €780.00

The private canal cruise boat (IJdok) can accommodate up to 30 people.

You can choose from 3 boarding locations for the private canal cruise boats (30-person IJdok boat):
  • Haarlemmerpoort, Amsterdam
  • Koepelkerk, Amsterdam
  • Herenmarkt, Amsterdam

You can choose from several additional options when you rent the IJdok, our private canal cruise boat:
  • Open bar (beer/wine/soft drinks)
  • Bitterballen (Dutch snack)
  • Plastic fishing
  • Alternative boarding location

We can sail past various highlights, such as:
  • Grachtengordel (Canal Ring)
  • Anne Frank House
  • Oosterdok
  • Harbor
  • Amstel River
If desired, our captain can provide explanations along the way about what you will be passing.

No, unfortunately, playing music is never allowed on the Amsterdam canals. This is determined by the municipality.

The IJdok boat (30-person private canal cruise boat) can be both open and closed. We always check the weather forecast first.

It is not allowed to bring your own food and drink during a private canal cruise (the IJdok boat). You can have us arrange food and drinks for you. (Except on King's Day and Gay Pride, then it is allowed to bring your own food. However, drinks will still be arranged by us.)

These are the rates for a canal cruise ticket from Amsterdam Central Station:
  • Adults: €19.95
  • Children <14: €9.50
  • Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children): now from €58.90 to €55.00

Yes, families and children receive a discount on the canal cruise ticket price.
  • Adults: €19.95
  • Children <14: €9.50
  • Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children): now from €58.90 to €55.00

The canal cruise through Amsterdam Central takes about 1 hour.

Have you purchased a ticket for a canal cruise? You can board right in front of Amsterdam Central Station. The address is Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam. You will see the boat from our sister company, Eco Boats Amsterdam, docked there. The boat will also return to this location. This is both the boarding and disembarking location.

The price includes a complimentary drink of your choice. Additionally, the captain will share interesting stories about the sights you will pass during the canal cruise.

We start from Amsterdam Central Station and sail for 1 hour along the most popular places in Amsterdam Central, such as The Red Light District (De Wallen), The Skinny Bridge (De Magere Brug), De Amstel, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht.

What do our customers say?

Where can you find us?

Do you have a question?

We offer three options:
  • Rent an electric boat that you may sail yourself, no boating license required.
  • Rent a private canal boat with a captain and space for 30 people (The IJdok), including additional packages like catering and activities.
  • Purchase a ticket for a canal cruise starting from Amsterdam Central, cruising through Amsterdam Center in 1 hour.

We are open every day, all year round. These are our opening hours:
  • Monday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Tuesday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Wednesday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Thursday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Friday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Saturday: 10:00 - 21:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 21:00

In addition to the regular boat fee, we are required to charge tourist 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 (The IJdok)
  • 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 IJdok boats (30-person boats), it's only allowed to bring your own food. We will arrange the drinks for you.  

When you rent a boat with us, you can go plastic fishing for free. We provide all the necessary equipment on board, including nets and garbage bags, allowing you to fish for plastic during your cruise. Not only is it a fun activity, but it's also environmentally friendly! This activity can be booked at no extra cost for the self-drive boats and private canal cruises. It's important to notify us in advance. You can book this by including 'plastic fishing' in the comments when making a reservation.

You can choose from various locations in Amsterdam. Please note: where you pick up the boat, you must also return the boat.
  • Location Amsterdam Centre: Zandhoek 22, 1013 KT Amsterdam. Check the directions for more information.

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.
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

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 21:00

Discover the city from the water 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