2 hours
€69
Discover Amsterdam's finest routes in 2 hours - ideal for the canal belt and the Amstel.
after 12:00: €79
+ €2.70 tourist tax p.p.
- Up to 6 people
- Electric & quiet
- No licence required
- Self-drive
Light Festival
Amsterdam Light Festival boat rental
View light art from your own boat - evening trips recommended.
- 4.5+ stars
- ~1,000 reviews
- From €69
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival from your own boat
At Boaty, we offer you the opportunity to rent your own boat and fully enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival. Our open boats allow you to effortlessly explore the canals and sail past the enchanting light artworks. Our boats are suitable for groups of up to 6 people, and you don’t need a boating license.
Renting a boat during the Amsterdam Light Festival offers numerous advantages. You decide how long you spend admiring the fascinating light artworks and which route you take.
How does renting a boat for the Amsterdam Light Festival work?
- easy online booking
- sailing between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM
- prices include ticket surcharge
- max. 6 people per boat
About the Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/2026
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water and enjoy the illuminated artworks from your own boat. The festival runs from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The lights are on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
However, please note the following exceptions:
- During the Christmas holidays (December 20 to January 4), the lights are on daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- On Sunday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the lights will be on until 9:00 PM.
Boaty offers you the chance to experience this festival from the water. This is the fourteenth edition of the Light Festival.
How much does it cost to rent a boat for the Amsterdam Light Festival?
Renting a boat during the Amsterdam Light Festival costs €89 for a 2-hour period. This price includes the Amsterdam Light Festival ticket surcharge. If you plan to admire all the light artworks at your leisure, it might be wise to book for 3 hours. The price for 3 hours is €99, which also includes the Amsterdam Light Festival surcharge. Don’t wait too long and book your boat online for the Amsterdam Light Festival now!
Choose your duration - rent a boat Amsterdam
Most popular: 3 hours from €89 in the morning. Book online from tomorrow.
3 hours
€89
after 12:00: €99
+ €2.70 tourist tax p.p.
- Up to 6 people
- Electric & quiet
- No licence required
- Extended routes
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Amsterdam?
Transparent prices, no surprises. Morning trips save €10 compared to afternoon and evening.
| Time of day | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 2 hours | €69 |
| Morning | 3 hours | €89 |
| Morning | 4 hours | €114 |
| Afternoon/evening | 2 hours | €79 |
| Afternoon/evening | 3 hours | €99 |
| Afternoon/evening | 4 hours | €124 |
Including: personal briefing, route map, cushions, life jackets and full battery. Excluding €2.70 tourist tax per person.
Rent a boat in Amsterdam from €89 for 3 hours, weekdays and weekends. Extend to 4 hours for a small extra fee. Choose a morning trip and save €10 instantly.
- Personal briefing before departure
- Route map included
- Comfortable cushions
- Life jackets all sizes
- Fully charged battery
Boat rental location Amsterdam - De Pijp
Our rental dock is in De Pijp, at Jozef Israëlskade (floating jetty next to Okura hotel). Navigate to Ferdinand Bolstraat 333 - we meet you at the dock.
Easy to reach by bike, public transport or car. Start your canal trip quickly.
Reserve your boatWhat guests say about renting with Boaty
Nearly 1,000 positive reviews and an average of 4.5+ stars on TripAdvisor, Google and Yelp. Guests especially appreciate our friendly service, clear briefing and fair prices.
Self-drive without a licence - how it works
Rent a boat without a skipper and choose your own route, pace and stops. Our boats are easy to steer and travel at walking pace. Before departure you get a short, clear briefing - even with zero experience.
Ideal for friends weekends, family outings, dates or company events.
Reserve your boat
Routes through the canals and along the Amstel
In 2 hours you can already cruise Amsterdam's finest routes. Choose from 4 set routes or create your own trip - past Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Rijksmuseum, Magere Brug and NEMO. You receive a route map with marked routes and personal tips.
Electric sloops - quiet, clean and comfortable
Our whisper boats are electric: cruise quietly through the canals with no engine noise or emissions. Room for 6 people, luggage, a picnic - and often your pet too.
No licence or experience? No problem. Personal briefing before departure. Life jackets in all sizes for a safe, relaxed day.
View our boats
What to bring on your trip?
Invite friends, family or colleagues (max. 6). Bring food and drinks. Sunny days: sunglasses and light clothing. Cooler days: warm sweater or umbrella.
More tips? See our frequently asked questions about boat rental in Amsterdam.
FAQs
About Boaty - Amsterdam boat rental since 2008
Boaty makes boating accessible: no hassle, no boat ownership needed. Just a relaxed day on the water with personal service and fair prices. Nearly 1,000 guests rated us 4.5+ stars.
More about Boaty
Ready to set sail?
Rent a sloop in Amsterdam from €89 for 3 hours. Book online from tomorrow - discover the canals your way.
Book my Boaty nowOnline from tomorrow · Sail today? Call +31 20 261 7061 · No licence required
Questions about renting a boat in Amsterdam?
Call us at +31 20 261 7061 or email info@boaty.nl. We are happy to help with personal route tips.
Contact us
Frequently asked questions
Want to sail today? Call us on +31 20 261 7061 - you can often still get on the water the same day. For tomorrow or later, book easily online.
No. At Boaty you can self-drive without a licence or experience. You get a short personal briefing before departure.
From €69 (2 hours morning) or €89 (3 hours morning). Afternoon/evening from €79 or €99. See our rates page for the full overview.
Maximum 6 people, including children. This is legally required and strictly enforced.
You must be at least 18 years old to rent and drive yourself.
Yes. You choose your route. You get a map with 4 suggested routes but may also cruise freely through the canals and Amstel.
Personal briefing, route map, cushions, life jackets and full battery. Only €2.70 tourist tax per person is extra.
Main rules: keep right and give way. We explain other rules before departure.
Yes, €100 by debit or credit card (not cash). Released within 24 hours if no damage. Refund usually takes 3-5 business days.
At Jozef Israëlskade in De Pijp, next to Okura hotel. Navigate to Ferdinand Bolstraat 333. Reachable by bike, public transport or car.