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Eco Boats Amsterdam

+31 (0)20 308 66 56
amsterdam light festival 2025 2025 partner sail amsterdam

Frequently asked questions categories

Canal cruise tickets
General
Private boats with skipper
Rent a boat and sail yourself

Frequently asked questions categories

Canal cruise tickets
General
Private boats with skipper
Rent a boat and sail yourself

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General

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.

Plastic fishing is only possible when you rent a boat to sail yourself. You can fish for plastic while sailing for a low rate of €3 per person. You will receive all the necessary equipment on board to fish for plastic from the canals during your boat trip, including nets and garbage bags. It’s not only a lot of fun, but also good for the environment!

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

Rent a boat and sail yourself

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.

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 start, you also finish. Check all route descriptions.
  • Zandhoek 22, 1013 KT Amsterdam
  • Daniël Goedkoopstraat 1, 1096 BD Amsterdam

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.

  • Up to 48 hours before the start of the reservation, the renter can change the reservation free of charge, up to one year after the originally booked date. Full cancellation? In such a case, the renter owes Canal Motorboats 50% of the total agreed rental rate. Within 48 hours before the start of the reservation, cancellation is not possible, and the renter owes Canal Motorboats 100% of the total agreed rental rate. If the reservation is made within 48 hours, changes or cancellations are not allowed.
  • In case of hazardous weather conditions (such as storms or thunderstorms), only Canal Motorboats can change the reservation free of charge to a later date to be determined by the renter, up to one year after the originally booked date. This is provided that the payment for the canceled reservation is converted into a credit; no refund of the paid amount will take place. Canal Motorboats will inform the renter about this.
  • Please note: A rescheduled booking cannot be rescheduled again.
  • King's Day, Gay Pride, and other events cannot be canceled at all. The cancellation conditions do not apply during events such as: King's Day, Gay Pride, the Prinsengracht concert, SAIL, and more. Cancellation by the renter is not possible. Only Canal Motorboats can cancel the agreement.
View our terms and conditions for more information.

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 when you rent a boat in Amsterdam with us. 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.

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 private xl boat with captain (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.)

Private boats with skipper

Our private boat tours with skipper and open bar are available for rent from €44.50 per person for 1.5 hours or longer. This depends on the additional requests, such as catering and extra activities. Each boat has space for 30 people.
  • Open Bar Boat: from €44.50 per person
  • Beers & Bites Boat: from €49.50 per person
  • Pizza & Drinks Boat: from €54.50 per person
  • Tapas & Drinks Boat: from €59.50 per person
  • Customize: Request a quote

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

We typically depart just before Amsterdam Central Station, at Stationsplein 18, with our private cruise boats. Would you prefer to depart from a different location? Please contact us or put this in the remarks when making a reservation. We have to charge extra for this.

When cruising with our private canal boat, you have several additional options to choose from:
  • Open bar (beer/wine/soft drinks)
  • Catering: multiple options
  • Alternative boarding location
  • Extra activity: quiz or silent disco

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.

Our private boats for up to 30 people can be either open or partially covered. We have a partial cover available, and we decide at the beginning of the day whether the boat will be open or partially covered.

It is not allowed to bring your own food and drinks during a private canal cruise. 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.)

Canal cruise tickets

  • 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

Our tour boats can be either open or partially covered. We decide this at the beginning of the day, depending on the weather.

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,-

The canal cruise through Amsterdam takes approximately 1 hour.

The boat will return here as well.
  1. Amsterdam Central Station. The address is Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam.

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

Lees meer beoordelingen

Where can you find us?

Have a question?

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.

Plastic fishing is only possible when you rent a boat to sail yourself. You can fish for plastic while sailing for a low rate of €3 per person. You will receive all the necessary equipment on board to fish for plastic from the canals during your boat trip, including nets and garbage bags. It’s not only a lot of fun, but also good for the environment!

Yes, we have life jackets for children available. This is free of charge.
All frequently asked questions

Or contact us

Did you not find what you are looking for? We are happy to assist you.

Contact us

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

Opening hours

Mon till sun: 10 am – 10 pm

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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
Sail yourself All boat tours
Customer Services
Navigation
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

Plan your next trip on KAYAK.

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Contact us

Contact us
+31 (0)20 308 66 56