Boat Rental Amsterdam – Drive Yourself
You are the captain: in a quiet electric boat you cruise the canals without a licence – with friends, family and your own picnic.
Booking via our partner GetYourGuide – usually free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Do you need a licence to rent a boat?
No. Small electric boats under 15 km/h need no licence in the Netherlands. You get a short briefing before departure.
For how many people is a rental boat worth it?
From about four people, a rental boat is often cheaper per head than a group tour – and you have it to yourselves.
Where can you drive a rental boat?
Throughout the canal ring and the Jordaan. The wide Amstel and the IJ behind Central Station are usually off-limits.
Booking via our partner GetYourGuide – usually free cancellation up to 24 h before.
More boat tours in Amsterdam
Most booked1. Classic canal cruise
60–75 min · from €15 · 4.0–4.5 ★
- ✓Perfect for a first visit
- ✓Weatherproof glass-top boat
- ✓Multilingual audio guide
- ✓Frequent departures
Top rated2. Open boat canal tour
60 min · from €19.50 · 4.5–4.9 ★
- ✓Clear views & fresh air
- ✓Live guide
- ✓Drinks on board
- ✓Small groups
Perfect at night3. Canal cruise with dinner
75–120 min · from €30 · 4.3–4.8 ★
- ✓Sightseeing & food
- ✓Illuminated bridges
- ✓Romantic & relaxed
- ✓Pizza, pancakes, 4-course menu
Flexible4. Hop-on hop-off boat
24–48 h · from €25 · 4.0–4.4 ★
- ✓Get on and off as you like
- ✓Stops at museums
- ✓Great for multiple trips
- ✓Bus combo available
Active5. Pedal boat
1–2 h · from €12 pp · 4.3 ★
- ✓Sporty & fun
- ✓Your own pace
- ✓Great with kids
- ✓Budget-friendly
Group outing6. Private group boat tour
1–3 h · from €150 per boat · 4.8 ★
- ✓Only your group on board
- ✓Skipper drives
- ✓Route & time on request
- ✓Catering available
Premium7. Private luxury cruise
1.5–3 h · from €350 per boat · 4.9 ★
- ✓Historic saloon boats
- ✓Champagne & finger food
- ✓Tailor-made route
- ✓Weddings & corporate
Something different8. Harbour cruise
60–90 min · from €18 · 4.4 ★
- ✓Modern Amsterdam
- ✓Wide open water
- ✓Ferries & cruise ships
- ✓Striking architecture