ROUTES
ROUTES
So much to explore!
The Amsterdam canals are the number one attraction in town. The first canals served to defend the city and for water regulation. Mainly in the 17th century, when Amsterdam developed to the richest and most important trade centre in the world, many more canals were constructed to transport goods from all over the world.
Nowadays, they are not just a reminder of this era, but also an iconic symbol of the beauty of Amsterdam. Therefore, a private boat rental to tour some of the best canals of Amsterdam should rank top on ever visitor’s bucket list. Including yours!
How to make an awesome canal tour?
How to find your way?
At first sight the Amsterdam canals may seem pretty overwhelming: there are many, they are curvy and some look rather similar. However, with the right help it is actually quite easy to find your way.
You will get a large, custom made map of the Amsterdam canals. This map contains route suggestions and other useful information. Before your departure we will personally explain the map and our route suggestions to you.
Then it’s up to you: follow our suggestions or go your own way.
165+
canals
1680+
bridges
2500+
houseboats
unlimited
sightseeing!
Where can you go?
You can explore almost the whole city center with our canal boats.
A great boat tour on some of the most scenic and popular canals and a part of the Amstel river takes about three hours. Then you will get to see a significant part of the World Heritage area, the Jordaan area, a nice stretch of the Amstel and a fair bit of the eastern city center.
If you want to stay out longer, you could consider a four hour or even a full day rental. That would also allow for exploring some other parts of the city, further to the West, South and/or East.
For your own safety only a few areas are strictly forbidden: the IJ, the Kostverlorenvaart and the Nieuwe Herengracht.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boats4rent provides suggested routes to help you explore Amsterdam's canals. Upon departure, you'll receive a large, custom-made map featuring these routes and other useful information. Before setting off, staff will personally explain the map and route suggestions, allowing you to follow their recommendations or choose your own path. For more details, visit the Routes page.
A great boat tour covering some of the most scenic and popular canals, along with a portion of the Amstel River, takes about three hours. This duration allows you to see a significant part of the World Heritage area, the Jordaan district, a stretch of the Amstel, and parts of the eastern city center. For more information, refer to the Routes page.
For safety reasons, certain areas are strictly forbidden for boating: the IJ, the Kostverlorenvaart, and the Nieuwe Herengracht. It's important to adhere to these restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. More details can be found on the Routes page.
No, you don't need a boating license or prior experience to rent a boat from Boats4rent. Their electric boats are easy to operate, and they provide personal instruction before you set off to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. More information is available on their FAQ page.
Each boat from Boats4rent can accommodate up to 6 people. This capacity ensures a comfortable and safe experience while navigating the Amsterdam canals. For more details, visit their FAQ page.
Boats4rent offers competitive rates for boat rentals in Amsterdam. A 2-hour rental costs €89, while a 3-hour rental is priced at €99. Additionally, there's a €2.70 tourist tax per person. Departing between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM qualifies you for a €10 discount on your rental. For more details, visit their pricing page.
Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own food and drinks on board. This allows you to enjoy your favorite refreshments during the boat trip. Please ensure that the skipper remains sober, so include some non-alcoholic beverages for them. More information is available on their FAQ page.
For reservations, Boats4rent opens at 9 AM. They close half an hour before the sun goes down, which means their closing time varies from 7 PM in early spring and late autumn until 9:30 PM during summer. More information is available on their FAQ page.
Yes, Boats4rent collects a mandatory tour tax of €2.70 per person on behalf of the city of Amsterdam. Apart from that, everything you need for a nice tour on the canals is included in your boat hire. More information is available on their FAQ page.
Boats4rent highly recommends booking your Amsterdam boat rental in advance. For any other day than today, your online reservation includes the payment, either by Ideal, Paypal, or credit card (all methods of payment are free of surcharges). More information is available on their FAQ page.