Eco Boats Amsterdam

Rent a boat on Amsterdam Gay Pride 2024

Naturally, you’d want to experience the boat parade directly on the canals. This way, you’re guaranteed the best view of the beautifully decorated boats. Eco Boats Amsterdam has secured a few spots on the canals during the Amsterdam Canal Parade. Because nowadays, you need a permit to moor a boat along the route. We’ll assign you a zone where you can dock your boat during the Gay Pride.

Rent a boat where you are the captain

Do you want to rent a boat that you can sail yourself? (no boating license required). With us, you rent the boat for the entire day, including the permit. You’ll have your own private boat with space for up to 7 to 12 people, depending on the type of boat you choose. Sail to your designated spot and enjoy the celebration!

Amstel Boat

  • €500 for the whole day
  • Including permit
  • Space for up to 7 people
  • Luxury cushion set
  • You’re the captain, so make sure there’s a designated driver
  • You rent a boat for the entire day from around 09:00 to 18:00
  • We will let you know the exact pick-up time

Prinsen Boat

  • €500 for the whole day
  • Including permit
  • Space for up to 8 people
  • Storage compartments under the seats
  • Separate seat cushions
  • You’re the captain, so make sure there’s a designated driver
  • You rent a boat for the entire day from around 09:00 to 18:00
  • We will let you know the exact pick-up time

Heren Boat

  • €600 for the whole day
  • Including permit
  • Space for up to 10 people
  • Luxury cushion set
  • You’re the captain, so make sure there’s a designated driver
  • You rent a boat for the entire day from around 09:00 to 18:00
  • We will let you know the exact pick-up time

Keizers Boat

  • €600 for the whole day
  • Including permit
  • Space for up to 12 people
  • Storage compartments under the seats
  • Separate seat cushions
  • You’re the captain, so make sure there’s a designated driver
  • You rent a boat for the entire day from around 09:00 to 18:00
  • We will let you know the exact pick-up time

Private boat with captain during Amsterdam Gay Pride

Prefer not to sail the boat yourself but enjoy the celebration in a private boat with a captain and space for up to 30 people? Rent the IJdok boat with your group.

  • The price includes an open bar with options for beer, wine, and soft drinks.
  • Note: food is not included. You may bring your own snacks.
  • You’ll have a private captain, so no need for a designated driver.
  • Boarding starts at 10:00 and lasts until approximately 18:00
  • Prime location on the Prinsengracht
  • Space for 30 people
  • Fixed rate of £4000 (including open bar)
  • Price includes permit

Note: Regular cancellation policies do not apply during Gay Pride. Refer to the general terms and conditions for more information.

Gay Parade Amsterdam rules

Of course we want everyone to have a nice day and enjoy it. That’s why it’s important to stick to the rules below. That way it stays fun for everyone and you can be sure that you will have a successful day, without any hassle.

  • Do not throw waste into the water or leave it on the docks. There is a special waste service where you can dispose of your waste.
  • Do not play music on the boat, this is forbidden and also unnecessary because there will be music on the canals.
  • The captain must stay sober. So decide in advance who will steer the boat.
  • Do not spray water at the parade boats.
  • Do not throw anything at the parade boats.
  • You may not swim or jump into the water.
  • Do not enter houseboats without permission of the owner.
  • Drink in moderation, it’s a long day.
  • Enjoy!

Check out all the other boating rules that apply in Amsterdam.

What is Gay Pride Amsterdam?

Amsterdam Gay Pride is in one word: spectacular! We promise you that. Every year we celebrate the fact that you can be yourself, no matter who you love. Whether you’re straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, it doesn’t matter! And that is something that can be celebrated. The whole city is one big festival and especially the canals are one big party.

When is Amsterdam Gay Pride 2024?

Gay Pride Amsterdam and its highlight: the Canal Parade is this year on Saturday, August 3th. This event is world famous for a reason. A beautiful boat parade can be seen on the canals and it’s one big party. You can experience this from close by if you hire a boat.

Enjoying the Amsterdam Canal Parade 2024

Once you’ve gone into your designated area, there are only two things left to do; enjoy and wave. Enjoy everything that passes together with your company, the tasty snacks and drinks you brought, the music and the atmosphere. Don’t forget to wave at the participants of the parade and ofcourse take many photos.

Rent a boat on another day

Would you rather cruise the canals on another day in Amsterdam? Of course you can! Eco Boats Amsterdam is open every day, all year round. Also during other events in Amsterdam like Kingsday you can rent a boat at Eco Boats Amsterdam.

Why do customers choose Eco Boats Amsterdam

How does it work?

Discover Amsterdam in a unique way with Eco Boats Amsterdam! Reserve your boat, choose a date and time, come to our rental, and sail through the canals! Fun on the water guaranteed!

  • Choose a boat, date and time
  • Place your reservation
  • Come to our boat rental
  • Sail through Amsterdam
Book now

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.

This depends on the boat. This way, you can choose which boats fits your needs.

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.

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