Eco Boats Amsterdam

amsterdam light festival route

Rent a boat and captain it yourself

Rent a boat at Eco Boats Amsterdam and cruise the light route on your own during the Amsterdam Light Festival. You’ll receive a map with a route we’ve carefully planned for you to pass by the artworks. Additionally, the festival offers a digital map for €7.50 via their website, which includes all the artworks, background information, and official routes.

Please note: You can start the light route from 5:00 PM, with a minimum rental duration of 3 hours.

Rent a boat and sail yourself
private boat rental amsterdam light festival

Rent a private boat with skipper

Would you prefer to rent a private boat for a larger group during Amsterdam Light Festival? Step aboard one of our private boats, perfect for up to 30 people. The rental includes a skipper, warm blankets, and optional extras like unlimited drinks and catering. Ideal for a company outing or an enjoyable evening with friends and family!

  • 1.5 hours: from €400
Private boat with skipper
amsterdam light festival 2025 2026

Tickets for the Light Festival canal cruise

Join our Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise and enjoy a magical evening with a warm drink in hand! Perfect for a family outing, a romantic date, or a fun evening with friends or colleagues. Departing near Amsterdam Central Station, the cruise takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and passes by the stunning artworks along the light route. Our modern sloops, with their semi-covered design, ensure a unique experience.

  • Children: from €15
  • Adults: from €30
Tour boat tickets

Boating during Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival returns from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. Although the theme of the fifteenth edition has not yet been announced, you can look forward to spectacular light artworks illuminating Amsterdam’s canals and streets.

At Eco Boats Amsterdam, you can choose from the following options:

  • Private boat for up to 8 or 12 people (self-skippered)
  • Private boat with a skipper for up to 30 people
  • Tickets for a 1-hour and 15-minute boat tour

Amsterdam Light Festival opening hours

The light installations are on daily from 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM. During the Christmas holidays, the lights also stay on until 11:00 PM every day. The only exception is New Year’s Eve, 31 December, when they switch off earlier at 9:00 PM.

Sail past the most beautiful works of art

From hundreds of submissions, the jury has selected several breathtaking artworks. After months of preparation, these pieces will finally be unveiled to the public. While the artworks are also accessible via a walking route, they truly shine when viewed from the water. The shimmering canals enhance the beauty of the pieces, set against Amsterdam’s iconic waterways.

Unique outing in Amsterdam

At Eco Boats Amsterdam, we can’t get enough of this festival every year. Both our customers and we return from it amazed year after year. From our sloops, this festival is a true delight to watch. You glide silently past all the beautiful light effects, which are often combined with the architecture of the Amsterdam waterways. Come visit Eco Boats Amsterdam and experience a magical evening on the water! The light route is highly recommended! 

Please note: The artwork shown in images is from previous editions of the Amsterdam Light Festival.

Why our guests love Eco Boats Amsterdam

Where can you find us?

Have a question?

Partly. Routes can be adjusted based on your preferences, within local regulations and time limits.

Yes, as long as you do not block traffic or create unsafe situations.

When renting a self-drive boat, you must stay within the designated sailing area shown on your map.

No problem. Contact us and we will guide you. Our boats are also equipped with GPS so we can always locate and assist you.

Yes. When renting a self-drive boat, you will receive a canal map and route suggestions prior to departure.

Yes, babies are welcome on board all our cruises. Please note that they count toward the maximum number of passengers permitted on the boat.

Yes. The municipality can issue fines for violations such as playing music, unsafe boating, or entering restricted areas.v

Yes. Our boat rentals are easy to operate and you receive easy instructions beforehand. Always follow the canal rules and stay alert. These rules can be found on the navigational map provided prior to departure.

No. Swimming in Amsterdam canals is unsafe and not allowed.
All frequently asked questions

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Opening hours

Mon till sun: 10 am – 10 pm

+31 (0)20 308 66 56