Eco Boats Amsterdam

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.

  • Up to 48 hours before the start of the reservation? Then you can reschedule for free. Cancel completely? Then you will get 50% of the amount paid back.*
  • Within 48 hours before the start of the reservation? Canceling or reschedule is then no longer possible. You then owe the full amount.

In weather conditions where it is not safe to sail, only Eco Boats Amsterdam can decide to reschedule the reservation. The reservation will then be moved free of charge to a later date to be determined by the tenant (within one year after the booked date). We will of course contact you in this situation. *Note: special days such as King's Day and Gay Pride cannot be canceled at all.

You can always book a boat at short notice, provided there are still boats available. This can be done either by phone or online. However, we recommend booking a boat at least a few days in advance, especially when sunny days are expected.

You can call us at that time to ask if this is possible because of other reservations. If you are late bringing the boat back without permission we will charge you €30 per 15 minutes late.

We'd prefer it if that won't happen. Should it happen anyway, we will charge you €30 per 15 minutes late. Please call us if you think you're going to be late.

No, you do not have to pay a deposit. You have an excess of maximum €250 in case of accident or damage, provided that you report the damage or accident to us immediately. Please note: do you not report the damage immediately, do you not abide by the rules as stated in the general terms and conditions or does damage occur due to misbehaviour and not following the instructions of the staff? Then you are not insured and you are liable for the full amount of the damage. This can be more than the excess of €250. The amount will be settled afterwards.

No, you don't need an insurance. We have an insurance. But you do have an excess of maximum €250 in case of accident or damage, provided that you report the damage or accident to us immediately. Please note: do you not report the damage immediately, do you not abide by the rules as stated in the general terms and conditions or does damage occur due to misbehaviour and not following the instructions of the staff? Then you are not insured and you are liable for the full amount of the damage. This can be more than the excess of €250. The amount will be settled afterwards.

You have to bring some kind of identification (ID) and proof of your reservation. Also, you may bring your own drinks and food.

Yes, there will be a map of the canals on the boat. Also, you can take a look at popular canal routes or ask us for advice.

Yes, you are allowed to rent a boat in Amsterdam without a boating licence. You may drive the boat all by yourself, as long as you are 18 years or older. Also, please read the rules that apply on the Amsterdam Canals carefully before going on your trip.

No, you don't need any experience or a boating license to operate the boat. However, you must be at least 18 years old. Please be mindful of the navigation rules and familiarize yourself with them. We will provide instructions on how to operate the boat before you set off.

The minimum age is 18 years old to pilot the boat yourself.

It's crucial to obey to the rules that apply on the Amsterdam Canals. This helps prevent unnecessary fines and dangerous situations. We've compiled all the boating rules of Amsterdam for your reference. Please familiarize yourself with them before going on your journey.  

No, it is forbidden to go on the IJ with rental boats. This is not allowed by any boat rental in Amsterdam.  

No, music is not allowed on the vessel. It is therefore not allowed to take sound systems on board, even when they are switched off. The use of music on board may result in denial of access to the boat, and a fine may be imposed. The fine is €140 and is at your own risk. You agree to this when you rent a boat with us.

Yes, we have life jackets for children available. This is free of charge.

Our private canal boats with a captain can be rented starting from €292.50 for 1.5 hours. The cost depends on additional preferences such as catering and activities. The IJdok boat accommodates up to 30 people.
  • 1.5 hours - from €292.50
  • 2 hours - from €390.00
  • 3 hours - from €585.00
  • 4 hours - from €780.00

The private canal cruise boat (The IJdok) can accommodate up to 30 people.

You can choose from 3 boarding locations for the private canal cruises (30-person IJdok boat):
  1. Haarlemmerpoort, Amsterdam
  2. Koepelkerk, Amsterdam
  3. Herenmarkt, Amsterdam

Sure, you're more than welcome to take all the food and drinks with you when you rent the self-drive boats. Mind you, the captain needs to be sober and stay sober. Please mind that this is only allowed on the self-drive boats. On the bigger boats like the IJdok (30-person canal cruise boat) it's not allowed to bring your own drinks and food. We will arrange the catering for you if you want this. (Except on King's Day and Gay Pride, where it is allowed to bring your own food, but drinks will still be provided by us.)

When cruising with the IJdok, our private canal boat, you have several additional options to choose from:
  • Open bar (beer/wine/soft drinks)
  • Snack platter
  • Plastic fishing
  • Alternative boarding location

We can cruise past various highlights, such as:
  • Amsterdam's Canal District (Grachtengordel)
  • Anne Frank House
  • Oosterdok
  • Amstel River
If desired, our captain can provide explanations along the way about what you'll be passing by.

No, unfortunately, music is not allowed on the Amsterdam canals. This is determined by the municipality.

The IJdok boat (private canal cruise boat) can be open or closed. We always check the weather forecast first

  • Adults: €19.95
  • Children younger than 14 years old: €9.50
  • Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children): now from €58.90 to €55.00

Yes, families and children receive a discount on the ticket price of the canal cruise.
  • Adults: €19.95
  • Children younger than 14 years old: €9.50
  • Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children): now from €58.90 to €55,-

It is not allowed to bring your own food and drinks during a private canal cruise (on the IJdok boat). However, you can have food and drinks arranged through us. (Except on King's Day and Gay Pride, where it is allowed to bring your own food, but drinks will still be provided by us.)

Did you purchase a ticket for the canal cruise? You can board right in front of Amsterdam Central Station. The address is Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam. You will see the boat docked there. The boat will also return to this location. This serves as both the start and end location.

The canal cruise through Amsterdam takes approximately 1 hour.

The price includes a complimentary drink of your choice. Additionally, the captain will share interesting stories about the sights you'll be passing during the cruise.

We depart from Amsterdam Central Station and cruise for 1 hour, passing by the most popular spots in Amsterdam Center such as The Red Light District, The Skinny Bridge, The Amstel River, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht.

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