Eco Boats Amsterdam

Do a fun activity while cruising the Amsterdam canals

You read it right, we offer free activities when renting a boat, provided there is sufficient equipment. Put it in the comments when making a reservation if you want to make use of this. Do you have special wishes or would you like to organise another outing? Then pelase contact us. We’re happy to help!

Tip: Fun to do with the company as a team outing!

  • Plastic fishing
  • Scavenger hunt

Plastic fishing

Cleaning is fun, during plastic fishing in Amsterdam. You may have heard about it before: you go out on the canals with a boat to fish plastic from the canals of Amsterdam. You do this with scoop nets that you get from us. And at Eco Boats we only rent out electric boats. So you also cruise the canals eco friendly!

Why plastic fishing?

What do you do to keep the planet clean? Do you think it is important for everyone to help out? We agree with you. Amsterdam is our home base and, like everyone else, we love our beautiful canals, which have been on the World Heritage List since 2010. Together, we all ensure that these beautiful canals remain so wonderful. Will you help?

How does plastic fishing work?

We recommend 2 hours for plastic fishing, of course you can also go longer. This will give you enough time to collect as much plastic and other waste as possible. You rent a boat from us, and we’ll provide the scoop nets and garbage bags. It is best to separate the waste directly on board.

  • First you book a boat (when booking, put in the comments that you want to go plastic fishing)
  • You’ll get a map, scoop nets and garbage bags on board
  • We’ll explain all the rules before you set off
  • There are also blankets, cushions and life jackets for children on board to make the cruise comfortable

What did others think of plastic fishing?

“Plastic fishing with Eco Boats Amsterdam was really good. While exploring Amsterdam, you can really mean something to the city. That’s nice.” – Chantal

“Everyone got competitive! Everything that didn’t belong in the canal was taken away. Really great fun to do together.” – Alex

“The children found it extremely interesting. Wonderful to see how they did their best and later told their parents why it is so important.” – Mirna

Mention during booking

Want to experience this too? You can! It can be added for free when you book a boat. You can rent a boat online. Please put in the comments that you want to go plastic fishing, or you can call or email us. Still have questions? Feel free to contact us.

Scavenger hunt on the water

Would you like to discover Amsterdam in an interactive way? Then a scavenger hunt is perfect as an outing with family, friends or colleagues. There’s a lot to discover on Amsterdam’s canals, and how fun is it to do so in game form during a scavenger hunt!

Why go on a scavenger hunt?

Cruising the canals in Amsterdam is fun to do. Would you like to make it just a bit more interactive and get to know Amsterdam better at the same time? Then a scavenger hunt is a great idea. Discover Amsterdam’s rich history and cruise past its most beautiful spots.

How does the treasure hunt work?

We recommend that you allow at least 2 hours for the scavenger hunt for the location in the Center. For location East at least 3 hours. You can then go on a beautiful route during which you will be given various assignments to discover Amsterdam. Work together to get answers to the questions. Want to make it a bit more challenging? Then rent several boats and create different teams. Which team will finish the scavenger hunt first?

  • First you book a boat. Put in the comments that you want to do a scavenger hunt.
  • You will be given a map and tasks to complete during the boat ride.
  • We will explain all the sailing before you set off.
  • There are also blankets, cushions and life jackets for children available to make the boat trip comfortable.

What did others think of the scavenger hunt?

“Rented several boats, very friendly service and the boats are very comfortable. Very fun scavenger hunt done with the team and definitely worth repeating.” – Farred

“The scavenger hunt was fun to do. We did this during a family day. Not only the kids, but also the adults really enjoyed it.” – Jesse

“An incredibly fun way to get to know Amsterdam with the team. And enjoyed the beautiful canals in between. ” – Myrthe

Please mention when booking

Want to experience this too? You can! It can be added for free when you book a boat. You can book online, put in the comments that you want to do the scavenger hunt, or you can call or email us. Still have questions? Feel free to contact us.

Why do customers choose Eco Boats Amsterdam

Where can you find us?

Have a question?

We offer three options:
  1. Rent an electric boat that you may sail yourself, no boating license required.
  2. Rent a private canal boat with a captain and space for 30 people (The IJdok), including additional packages like catering and activities.
  3. 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.
  • 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

Certainly! You can hire a private large boat, including a captain and catering and/or activities. The IJdok boat accommodates 30 people, ensuring exclusivity for your group. Or you can rent multiple smaller boats that you can sail yourself. This means you are the captain. No boating licence needed! You can choose between different boats.  

In addition to the regular boat rental fee, we are obliged to charge tourist tax at €2.50 per person. This applies to all boat rentals in Amsterdam.

The rates vary per boat. We offer 4 different self-drive boats. You rent a boat for a minimum of 2 hours, and pay a low amount per hour for any additional time.

Certainly! You can hire a boat with us during various events, such as King's Day, Gay Pride, and the Amsterdam Light Festival. The rental 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 canal cruise. Not only is it a fun activity, but it's also environmentally friendly! Learn more about plastic fishing. This can be booked at no extra cost for both self-piloted boats and private canal cruises. It's important to notify us in advance. You can do this by including 'plastic fishing' in the comments when making a reservation.

This depends on the boat. This way, you can choose which boats fits your needs.

You can rent a self-drive boat from us at two locations. Where you pick up the boat, you must also return the boat.
  • Location Centre: Zandhoek 22 1013 KT Amsterdam. Check the directions to this location.
  • Location East: Daniël Goedkoopstraat 11096 BD Amsterdam. Check the directions to this location.
Read all frequently asked questions

Or contact us

Have not found what you are looking for? We are happy to assist you.

Opening hours

Mon till sun: 10:00 – 21:00

The benefits of Eco Boats Amsterdam

Option 1: Sail yourself without a license
Option 2: Buy a sightseeing tour ticket
Option 3: Private cruise with a captain
From 1 to 30 persons
Choose from various boats
Electric, whisper-quiet, and clean
Guaranteed a fun day
Perfect for group outings
Around Amsterdam city center
+31 (0) 6 216 171 11