Eco Boats Amsterdam

Amsterdam hosts concerts, events and festivals on an almost daily basis. Of course, there are a few highlights that you really should experience while cruising the canals. We’ve listed the best canal events in Amsterdam for you.

By the way, don’t forget to rent a boat in time! We are usually fully booked more than a month in advance.

Amsterdam Light Festival – November 30 2023 to 21 January 2024

This is Amsterdam’s leading winter festival. Each year, the city’s streets and canals are exuberantly illuminated by various light installations from international artists. Hire a boat and visit them all.

King’s Day – April 27 2024

The day on which we celebrate the birthday of our King Willem-Alexander extensively. The city turns completely orange on this day and everywhere you look, there’s a party going on. Read more information about King’s Day.

Concert on the Amstel – May 5 2024

This wonderful concert is the traditional festive end of Liberation Day in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Gay Pride – July 27 to August 4 2024

This is one of the biggest LGBTQ events in the world. There are parties everywhere in the city. The highlight, of course, is the famous colourful boat parade on the canals. More information about Amsterdam Gay Pride.

Prinsengracht concert – August 17 2024

This is the largest classical open-air concert in the Netherlands. It is open to a wide audience and provides a stage for many young talents. A fun detail: the stage is on a pontoon and the audience can listen from their own boat. Be sure to register if you want to attend the concert.

Grachtenfestival – August 23 to September 1 2024

The Grachtenfestival introduces young and old to music in a different way at special locations in the city. From classical music to jazz, everyone will find something to their taste.

Entry of Sinterklaas – November 2024

Sinterklaas never skips Amsterdam. With his steam boat and his Pieten, he brings presents and fun to the children every year. The city always gives him a warm welcome during the entry.

Amsterdam Light Festival – November 28 2024 to 19 January 2025

This is Amsterdam’s leading winter festival. Each year, the city’s streets and canals are exuberantly illuminated by various light installations from international artists. Hire a boat and visit them all.

SAIL Amsterdam – August 20 to August 24, 2025

This event takes place every 5 years in Amsterdam. For a few days, the city will be visited by a gigantic fleet of monumental ships from all over the world. Visitors can sail between the ships and see the inside of them.

Amsterdam boat event tip

Are all our boats booked? Please take a look at the website of our sister company Canal Motorboats, also located in the heart of Amsterdam. Perhaps you can still hire a boat there! You can also rent a boat on other days when there are no events. Tip: cruise past the most beautiful bridges in Amsterdam.

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

+31 (0) 6 216 171 11