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Canal Motorboats

+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07

Frequently asked questions categories

Canal cruise tickets
General questions
Private boat with skipper
Sail yourself

Frequently asked questions categories

Canal cruise tickets
General questions
Private boat with skipper
Sail yourself

How can we help you?

Contact EN

Do you have questions that are not answered in our FAQ or do you have a special request? Please contact us.
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General questions

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!

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.

Sail yourself

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

  • 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.

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.

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.

Private boat with skipper

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

Our private boat tours with skipper and open bar are available for rent from €44.50 per person for 1.5 hours or longer. This depends on the additional requests, such as catering and extra activities. Each boat has space for 30 people.
  • Open Bar Boat: from €44.50 per person
  • Beers & Bites Boat: from €49.50 per person
  • Pizza & Drinks Boat: from €54.50 per person
  • Tapas & Drinks Boat: from €59.50 per person
  • Customize: Request a quote

Our private boats for up to 30 people can be either open or partially covered. We have a partial cover available, and we decide at the beginning of the day whether the boat will be open or partially covered.

We typically depart just before Amsterdam Central Station, at Stationsplein 18, with our private cruise boats. Would you prefer to depart from a different location? Please contact us.

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.

You can choose from several additional options when you rent our private canal cruise boat:
  • Open bar (beer/wine/soft drinks)
  • Catering
  • Activity
  • Alternative boarding location

It is not allowed to bring your own food and drink during a private canal cruise. 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.)

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

Canal cruise tickets

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 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.

Our tour boats can be either open or partially covered. We decide this at the beginning of the day, depending on the weather.

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 canal cruise through Amsterdam Central takes about 1 hour.

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?

Read more reviews

Where can you find us?

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

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!

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
Read the most frequently asked questions

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Did not find what you're looking for? We are happy to talk to you.

Contact us

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

Opening hours

Mon till sun: 10 am – 10 pm

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Discover Amsterdam with Canal Motorboats

Sail yourself without a license
Buy a sightseeing tour ticket
Private cruise with a captain
Lowest rates
Multiple boarding locations
Around Amsterdam city center
Extra: quiz, silent disco, plastic fishing
Perfect for group outings
All boats are electric
Sail yourself All boat tours
Customersupport
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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

Mon till sun: 10 am – 10 pm

Plan your next trip on KAYAK.

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Contact us

Contact us
+ 31 (0) 20 422 70 07