Eco Boats Amsterdam

self drive boats amsterdam

This is what you get with Eco Boats Amsterdam

  • Sail through the Amsterdam Canals
  • Sail in the centre of Amsterdam
  • Or sail through Amsterdam East
  • No boating licence/experience needed
  • Choose from 4 different boats
  • You get a private boat
  • All boats are electric and quiet
  • Cruise eco-friendly through the canals
  • Additional activities: plastic fishing, quiz
  • Steering is done with a steering wheel
  • Includes cushions and a route map
  • Bring your own food and drinks
  • The minimum duration is 2 hours
  • Starting from €50 per hour
Reserve a boat
sail yourself in amsterdam

Rules for self-drive boats on the Amsterdam Canals

At Eco Boats Amsterdam, you are allowed to sail yourself without a boating license; you steer the boat. No worries, it’s not difficult. We explain everything clearly before you depart. Please read the navigation rules in advance to be well-prepared. We highlight some important rules:

  • Music on board is forbidden
  • You are not allowed to sail on the IJ
  • The captain must remain sober
  • The captain must be at least 18 years
  • Keep to the maximum capacity
sail yourself amsterdam with activity

Sail with electric boats in Amsterdam

We prioritise the environment and keeping the Amsterdam canals clean. Do you share this value? All our boats are electric, minimising their impact on the canals. Rent a boat and sail through Amsterdam on your own in an eco-friendly way.

Additional boat activities

  • Plastic fishing: €3 per person

You will receive nets and garbage bags on board, so you can fish for plastic from the canals while sailing.

  • Quiz: €3 per person

You will receive a fun quiz on board. Who will get the most answers correct? There is a version for children and adults.

Sail through Amsterdam Centre

  • Address: Zandhoek 22 Amsterdam
  • Near Amsterdam Central Station
  • Options: Prinsen Boat or Keizers Boat

8-Person Prinsen Boat

  • Space for 8 people
  • You are the captain
  • Electric boat
  • With a steering wheel
  • Equipped with seat cushions
  • Starting from €50 per hour

12-Person Keizers Boat

  • Space for 12 people
  • You are the captain
  • Electric boat
  • With a steering wheel
  • Equipped with seat cushions
  • Starting from €60 per hour

Sail through Amsterdam East

  • Daniël Goedkoopstraat 1 Amsterdam
  • Near Station Amsterdam Overamstel
  • Options: Amstel Boat or Heren Boat

7-Person Amstel Boat

  • Space for 7 people
  • You are the captain
  • Electric boat
  • With a steering wheel
  • Lounge cushion set
  • Starting from €50 per hour

10-Person Heren Boat

  • Space for 10 people
  • You are the captain
  • Electric boat
  • With a steering wheel
  • Lounge cushion set
  • Starting from €60 per hour

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?

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

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.
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 am – 1o pm

+31 (0) 6 216 171 11