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Amsterdam: Self-Drive Boat Rental

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$140.31 /group
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About the activity

Experience Amsterdam like a true local with your own boat rental. Grab the wheel, hit the canals, and discover the Dutch capital from the water.

  • Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets
    Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Private tour
    Avoid crowds with an exclusive experience.
  • Live guiding
    English
  • Duration
    2 hours
  • Includes
    • 2 hours boat rental
    • cushions to sit
    • Map of Amsterdam
    • Paddle
    • Light on the boat when it gets dark
    • Life jackets for children
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • Private boat & and cruise at your own pace
  • 2-hour boat rental
  • Feel free to bring your own food & drinks or even your pet, dogs are welcome
  • Each boat has a steering wheel. Easy to use and fun to drive

Description

Want to experience Amsterdam like a true local? Grab the wheel and hit the water with Canal Motorboats: The oldest self-drive boat rental company in town.

No experience or license needed, you can be the captain. Just a real Amsterdam adventure with your own crew. We’ll get you started, and you take it from there.

Ideal for groups of friends, families, and anyone who wants a fun way to explore the city.

Why choose Canal Motorboats?
It's Amsterdam’s original boat rental since 1996. Trusted by thousands of locals and visitors.

✔ Private boats, just for you
No strangers on board, just you and your crew on a private boat.

✔ You’re the captain
Anyone 18+ can drive. We'll show you how, and then it's all yours.

✔No-nonsense boating
Affordable, straightforward rates. You book, you steer, you enjoy.

✔ Electric boats
Better for the canals, better for you.

✔ Multiple pickup spots across the city
From Amsterdam Centre to Amsterdam East.

✔ Private boats for rent:

Private boats for up to 8 people
• Pick-up and drop-off: Zandhoek, Westerdoksdijk, Nassaukade, Westerpark (Amsterdam Centre)

Private boats for up to 7 people
• Pick-up and drop-off: Borneosteiger (Amsterdam East)

Please note: where you pick-up the boat, you must also return it - in time.

Practical information
• 2-hour boat rental
• No music allowed on board
• Captain must be 18+ and stay sober
• The River IJ is forbidden
• Dogs are also welcome
• Bring your own snacks and drinks
• Kids? We got life jackets for them!



Ready for a laid-back Amsterdam adventure on the canals? Book your self-drive boat today and explore Amsterdam in the best way possible.

Good to know before you go
  • Rental time: 2 hours, if you require more ask our staff at check in
  • 2 Departure locations (depending on which boat you choose): Amsterdam Centre – Zandhoek 22 or Amsterdam East – Daniël Goedkoopstraat 1
  • No music allowed on board
  • The captain must be at least 18 years old and stay sober
  • Sailing on the River IJ is not allowed
  • Dogs are welcome!
  • We have life jackets for kids available
  • Feel free to bring your own food & drinks
  • Boats must be returned to the same location as departure
  • Cancelation policy is 48 hours-
  • Excessive alcohol and or drug consumption is strictly prohibited.
  • Any fines for gross misconduct (such as excessive alcohol consumption) are for the renter.
  • There is a €250 excess in case of damage and accident, this will be settled afterwards. Please note that if you do not report damage/accident immediately or damage due to misbehavior, you are not insured. The excess of €250 is then not valid and you are liable for the full damage amount.
Meeting point

location Nassaukade

Location: Zandhoek 22

Reviews & Ratings

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?
Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.
2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?
You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.
3. What is a private tour?
Private tours offer more advantages and benefits than regular tours. You will have your own private guide for the duration of the tour. You can also customize the itinerary to your specific interests and needs.
4. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?
Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.
  • Participant
    0-99 years
May 2025
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