Your canal boat
Easy self-drive, sturdy and zero emission canal boat hire
Our boats are designed and build to be operated by yourself. That’s great fun and really easy. You don’t need any license or experience for that.
The boats are sturdy, reliable and easy to control. Together with their compact size, limited speed and zero-emission electric engine that makes them ideal for exploring the Amsterdam canals and the Amstel river.
Of course you will receive a personal instruction before you leave from our jetty. In a couple of minutes we’ll show and explain everything you need to know for a safe and enjoyable Amsterdam canal tour.
Easy self-drive, sturdy and zero emission canal boat hire
Our boats are designed and build to be operated by yourself. That’s great fun and really easy. You don’t need any license or experience for that.
The boats are sturdy, reliable and easy to control. Together with their compact size, limited speed and zero-emission electric engine that makes them ideal for exploring the Amsterdam canals and the Amstel river.
Our rental boats come in two versions: completely open and partially covered*
All of our boats are the same when it comes to size, speed and maximum capacity (6 people). However, they come in two different versions: completely open boats, and partially covered boats (with a solar panel canopy).
When making your online reservation you can check the availability of both boat types. If both are available, the choice is up to you. There is no difference in price.
*As of the new sailing season 2023, the covered boats are no longer available.
Completely open canal boat
- best choice for sunbathers
- easier entry and exit
- unobstructed view
Partially covered canal boat*
- provides some shade from the sun
- provides some shelter from the rain
- even more eco-friendly (solar panel canopy)
*As of the new sailing season 2023, the covered boats are no longer available.
Enough space for 6 people
You can hire our boats for a maximum of six people. That’s the maximum for our license and our insurance.
The size of your canal boat is appr. 5.00 x 1.70 m. (16,4 x 5,6 ft.), about the same outside dimensions as a Range Rover. Even with six people on board of your boat there’s still space left for some hand luggage, food and drinks and your favourite pet.
Does your group have more than six people? Then you need to rent an additional boat. Or leave your mother-in-law at home.
Electric boating: peaceful, relaxing and good for the environment
Above all, we believe that hiring a canal boat should be a relaxing experience. That’s why our boats are easy to handle. The electric propulsion of our boats is zero-emission. It’s silent and low on vibrations. So you can really relax and have a good conversation on board.
The large batteries inside your boat are charged with renewable solar energy. They always provide enough autonomy for your trip.
Foam seats and life jackets included
Free foam seats are included with your canal boat rental. They provide some comfort and isolate from the cold or the heat of the metal benches, depending on the weather.
Life jackets are also included. We have these in three sizes: toddler, ‘Mini-Me’ and adult. Please let us know in advance if you need small size jackets for your miniature crew.
What if your preferred boat type is already fully booked?
We are the only Amsterdam canal boat rental with self-drive boats that are partly covered. So if that boat type is not available at the time of your liking, your only alternative is choosing another time slot.
In case you prefer a completely open boat and all open boats are already booked, you might want to try our colleagues of Boats4rent Boat Hire at the Westerpark (in the western city center). They have the same type of open boats and about the same service and rates.
Looking to hire a different type of private boat?
We don’t rent any large boats, luxurious boats or boats with a skipper. But of course we know where to get those. For that category of rental boats we recommend E-Boats and Sloepvrienden for the best deals.
For a comprehensive overview of just about all sorts of Amsterdam boat tours it’s a good idea to check the Amsterdam Canal Tour Selector.
