SELF DRIVE BOAT AMSTERDAM

Electric canal boats that are easy to drive yourself, without a license!

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SELF DRIVE BOAT AMSTERDAM

amsterdam canal boat rental

Take a self drive canal boat out with friends or family

Renting a boat in Amsterdam is a great way to spend some quality time with friends or family. It’s extremely relaxing. It’s outdoor. And it’s just you and your clan. Bring some food and drinks. Enjoy the weather and the beautiful scenery. Time will fly!

Reserve my boat now!
Canal boat rental Amsterdam
Canal boat rental Amsterdam

Why rent a self drive boat?

  • safe, solid & reliable
  • easy to drive yourself
  • eco-friendly electric engine
  • personal instruction
  • > 4,5 star review scores
  • best rates in Amsterdam

  • safe, solid & reliable

  • easy to drive

  • eco-friendly

  • personal service
  • excellent reviews
  • best rates in town
Reserve my boat now!

How to arrange my self drive Amsterdam canal boat?

How to arrange my self drive Amsterdam canal boat?

1. book in advance
(online or by phone)

2. your boat will await you
(clean and charged)

3. you will receive instructions
(handling, routes, rules)

4. and off you go,
enjoy!

Self drive boat amsterdam

Don’t worry, be a happy skipper!

Your Boats4rent self drive boat is basic in a positive way. You can easily drive the boat yourself. Even if you don’t have any experience or license. Before departure we will give you a personal instruction about the handling and the basic rules. As long as you respect these, there is nothing to worry about.

Your self drive boat has a safe and solid construction and enough space for up to six people and some luggage. The electric engine is reliable and easy to operate. And the batteries will definitely last for the length of your trip.

So take it easy and enjoy!

Self drive boat amsterdam

How much to rent a self drive canal boat?

How much to rent a self drive canal boat?

Our electric canal boats are the most affordable in Amsterdam.
You can make a two hour tour from just €79.

Our electric canal boats are the most affordable in Amsterdam. You can make a three or four hour tour from just €79.

Rate per time slot (excl. 2,60 € p.p. tour tax) Mo-Sun
2 hours of sailing €89 (or €79*)
3 hours of sailing €99 (or €89*)

Discount!

*Depart at 09:00, 09:30 or 10:00 am and take advantage of a 10 euro discount!
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What did others think of their self-drive canal boat?

What did others think of their self-drive canal boat?

Do you want to find out how others experienced their Amstercan canal boat tour?
Then have a look at our many hundreds of reviews on Google and Tripadvisor.
Our average score on both is more than 4,5 stars.

Do you want to find out how others experienced their Amstercan canal boat tour? Then have a look at our many hundreds of reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. Our average score on both is more than 4,5 stars.

Robin Smets (Google)

“Had an amazing boat ride with my girlfriend through the canals. The staff is very helpful and pleasant and the boat is just what you need to see the city from the water. We both life in Amsterdam, but this is still the best way to explore our beautiful city and feel like a tourist in your own town.”

Fgbpar (Tripadvisor)

“We had a wonderful afternoon strolling the canals of Amsterdam. The boat is very easy to drive and safe. Fay guided us on how to fly the boat and handed us a map of the canals and she was very charming with our children. Unforgettable!!”

Svenja Appuhn (Google)

“We had a great time with our electric boat on the small rivers. The crew was super helpful and nice, the prices are affordable and the place is easy to find. Would recommand this adventure to anyone.”

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Amsterdam electric canal boat

What do our self-drive canal boats look like?

Rent a canal boat Amsterdam

Our self drive electric canal boats are made of blank aluminium. Hence the boats are leightweight and very solid at the same time. The boat type is called ‘schouw’. For many centuries the wooden and steel versions of this type of boat have been used on Dutch lakes and rivers for professional fishing and also for sailing.

Rent a self drive boat Amsterdam

What do our self-drive canal boats look like?

Our self drive electric canal boats are made of blank aluminium. Hence the boats are leightweight and very solid at the same time. The boat type is called ‘schouw’. For many centuries the wooden and steel versions of this type of boat have been used on Dutch lakes and rivers for professional fishing and also for sailing.

Rent a canal boat Amsterdam
Rent a self drive boat Amsterdam

Frequently asked questions about our self drive canal boats

Yes, that’s right! All of our boats have an electric propulsion. The power comes from the batteries on board, that we charge with renewable energy. So you canal boat is zero emission and silent. Which is convenient for you and good for the environment.

It’s a piece of cake! We’ll explain before your departure. You don’t need any license nor experience.

Nope. You may drive our boats without any license or experience. Just pay attention when we explain the handling, the basic rules and nice routes.

We charge our boats every night. After that they can sail for a full day. So you don’t need to worry about that. And you don’t need to make any fuel stops either.

Don’t expect a powerful or fast boat. The official speed limit on the Amsterdam canals is just 6 km/h and our boats go about 5 km/h. This is walking speed, allowing you to have a good look at all the beauty surrounding you. You’ll be surprised what you can see in a couple of hours.

Our boats have a license and an insurance for a maximum of six people.

The length of our boats is appr. 5 meters and they are appr. 1,70 meters wide. Even at full capacity (six people) there is still some space for some bags, food and drinks.

Not at all. Although our self drive boats have the zero emission electric engine and the aluminium hull in common, they are not exactly the Tesla’s of the Amsterdam canals. They are rather basic and slow. We do provide free foam seats to sit on, a good map and life vests. And the electric propulsion guarantees a smooth and silent ride. But please don’t expect any luxury for the best rates in Amsterdam.

Yes, hand luggage is no problem at all.

No. During your trip, it’s always on. And there is no lock on board. Of course you may leave the boat for a break. But please make sure to always keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t get stolen.

Our boats are rather basic. Foam seats, life vests and a large laminated map are included. But if you want a cooling box or blankets you’ll have to bring them yourself. There is no electricity socket and no sound system on board. Music is forbidden on the Amsterdam canals.

All of our boats are completely open and self operated.

For other types of rental boats (larger and more luxurious, with a captain) we recommend our colleagues of Sloepvrienden, E-boats and Rent a Boat Amsterdam.

And for a complete overview of all sorts of Amsterdam canal tours please check the Amsterdam Canal Tour Selector.

Reserve your self drive canal boat in advance!

Renting a self drive canal boat on the Amsterdam canals is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Even more when the sun is out. So make sure to book early!

Renting a self drive canal boat on the Amsterdam canals is popular with locals and visitors alike. Even more when the sun is out. So make sure to book early!

Book my self drive canal boat >>

Boat tour with skipper for up to 35 people – relax and enjoy!

Don’t feel like steering yourself, but still want to enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the water? Then book a spacious boat or an original tugboat with a skipper at Boats4rent. Both boats come with comfortable seating, soft cushions, and optional catering to complete your experience. From snack platters to lunch or a fresh burger – you choose how elaborate your cruise will be. Use the calculator below to instantly get your price and easily submit your request. We’ll take care of the rest!

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