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Eco Boats Amsterdam

+31 (0)20 308 66 56

Holidays and events in Amsterdam

Planning to rent a boat during a holiday or event in Amsterdam? You can do that with Eco Boats Amsterdam! Check out which special days you can rent a boat and cruise the canals.

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Rent a boat and sail yourself Private boat with skipper Public canal cruise tickets
Amsterdam event

King’s Day Amsterdam

  • Date: April 27, 2026

The day we celebrate the birthday of our King Willem-Alexander. The city turns completely orange, and you’ll find festive celebrations everywhere, especially on the canals!

Options during King’s Day:

  • Rent a small private boat with a skipper
  • Rent a large private boat with a skipper
  • Public boat tour tickets

King’s Day info

gay pride amsterdam

Amsterdam Gay Pride

  • Date: August 1, 2026

This is one of the largest LGBTQ events in the world. The city hosts vibrant parties everywhere, with the highlight being the famous boat parade on the canals.

Options during the Pride:

  • Rent a private boat and sail yourself to your spot on the route
  • Rent a private boat with a skipper (spot on the route)

Amsterdam Pride info

light festival amsterdam

Amsterdam Light Festival

  • Date: the end of November 2026 until half January 2027

This is the winter festival of Amsterdam. Every year, the streets and canals of the city are beautifully illuminated by various light installations from international artists.

Options during the Light Festival:

  • Rent a private boat and sail yourself
  • Rent a private boat with a skipper
  • Public boat tour tickets

Amsterdam Light Festival info

Other fun events in Amsterdam

  • Concert on the Amstel: May 5, 2026

This beautiful concert is the traditional festive closing of Liberation Day in Amsterdam, often attended by the King, Queen, and Prime Minister.

  • Prinsengracht Concert: August 22, 2026

This is the largest outdoor classical concert in the Netherlands. It is accessible to a broad audience and showcases many young talents.

  • Grachtenfestival: August 7 to August 16, 2026

The Grachtenfestival introduces people of all ages to music in unique locations throughout the city. From classical to jazz, everyone will find something to enjoy.

This event takes place every five years on the waters in and around Amsterdam. The city is visited by a vast fleet of historic sea-sailing ships from all over the world.

  • Sinterklaas Arrival: Mid November, 2026

Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) never skips Amsterdam. With his steamboat and helpers, he brings gifts and joy to children every year. The city always gives him a warm welcome during his arrival

  • Sailing without a license
    Sail yourself in a private boat, no sailing license required.
  • Private boat tour with captain
    Book a private boat tour with space for 30 people.
  • Cruise tickets including a drink
    Come aboard and sail with us through Amsterdam in 1 hour.
  • 5 stars on TripAdvisor
    5,900 customers rate us with an average of 5/5 stars!

Why do customers choose Eco Boats Amsterdam

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Where can you find us?

Have a question?

All our self-drive boats are open. We can provide umbrellas in case of light rain.

Yes, absolutely! With us, you can easily go boating in Amsterdam with your dog. Whether you prefer to rent your own boat or join one of our canal cruises with your dog, your loyal four-legged friend is always welcome on board.

We are located at various spots in Amsterdam, depending on which boat you have booked. Where you start, you will also finish. Rent a boat and sail yourself
  • Zandhoek 22, 1013 KT Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centre location)
    • Prinsen sloep (8-person)
    • Keizers sloep (12-person)
  • Daniël Goedkoopstraat 1, 1096 BD Amsterdam (Amsterdam East location)
    • Amstel sloep (7-person)
    • Heren sloep (10-person)
Boarding locations for shared canal cruises
    • Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam (Amsterdam Central Station)
Boarding location for private cruises with skipper:
    • Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam (Amsterdam Central Station)

Certainly! You can hire a private large boat, including a captain and catering and/or activities. The private boat accommodates 30 people, ensuring exclusivity for your group, with catering options. 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 extra activities:
  • Plastic fishing
  • Silent disco
  • Amsterdam canal quiz
 

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 Extra activities for renting a large boat with a captain

We are open every day, all year round.
  • 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

In addition to the regular boat rental fee, we are obliged to charge city tax at €2.60 per person. This applies to all boat rentals in Amsterdam.

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
  • Tickets for our public canal cruise

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.
All frequently asked questions

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Contact us

+31 (0)20 308 66 56
info@ecoboatsamsterdam.com

Opening hours

Mon till sun: 10 am – 10 pm

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Contact details Eco Boats Amsterdam
Zandhoek 22
1013KT Amsterdam

KVK: 92297072
BTW: NL865984335B01

+31 (0)20 308 66 56
info@ecoboatsamsterdam.com
Opening hours

Mon till sun: 10 am – 10 pm

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+31 (0)20 308 66 56