Boat Hire Amsterdam: The Complete Guide (2026)

Amsterdam is one of the few cities in the world where you can rent a boat, step aboard without any prior experience and immediately find yourself in the middle of an UNESCO World Heritage site. No licence, no guide, no fixed schedule. Just you, a quiet electric engine and 165 kilometres of navigable canals.

This guide covers everything: what types of boats you can hire, what it costs, where to pick up, what the rules are, and which providers are worth your time.

What kind of boats can you hire?

The most popular option is the electric sloep: a flat-bottomed open boat that fits 6 to 8 people, powered by a silent electric motor. You do not need a boat licence to operate one. Most boats are self-explanatory and providers give you a short briefing before departure. Not only that, these boats are pretty easy to handle!

Other options include canal bikes (pedal-powered, good for 2 to 4 people) and kayaks and canoes (for those who want to get closer to the water).

For special occasions, you can hire a private sloep with skipper, which falls more into the cruise category.

How much does boat hire cost?

Prices vary by provider and duration:

Electric sloep (2 hrs): from €97.50 per boat Electric sloep (3 hrs): from €140 per boat Electric sloep (4 hrs): from €170 per boat Canal bike: from €24 per boat per hour Kayak: from €15 per person per hour

Most providers charge per boat, not per person, which makes it good value for groups. A sloep for 8 people at €140 works out to €17.50 per person for 3 hours on the water.

Do you need a licence?

No. In Amsterdam, electric sloeps up to a certain size and speed can be operated without a boat licence. Every provider listed on this platform offers boats in that category. You will receive a short briefing before you leave the dock covering steering, speed, right of way (VERY important) and how to handle bridges.

One thing to keep in mind: larger vessels and commercial tour boats have (or take) priority on the canals. Keep to the right and give way when in doubt. Matter of fact: just always give way if you’re not familiar. Better to be safe!

Where do you pick up?

Most providers have multiple departure points across the city. The main areas are:

Centrum and Jordaan: closest to the main tourist area and the iconic grachtengordel De Pijp and Amstel: good starting point for the southern canals and Amstel river Oost and Weesper: quieter waters, less busy than the centre West and Noord: great for escaping the crowds

If you want to cruise the most famous canals, pick a central departure point. If you prefer quieter water and fewer tour boats, head east or south.

What are the rules on the canals?

Keep your speed low: maximum 6 km/h in the canals, most boats for hire won’t go faster anyways Stay to the right Give way to larger vessels and commercial boats Do not moor on the canal walls unless at a designated spot No swimming from the boat inside the city canals Alcohol is allowed on board but you are responsible for safe navigation The skipper never drinks alcohol, just like regular traffic. Be aware of bridges: some have fixed clearance and not all boats fit under all bridges at all times with passengers sitting right up ;).

Which providers are on OnTheCanals?

We list all major boat hire providers in Amsterdam with verified prices, departure locations and direct booking links. Current self-guided boat hire options on the platform include Mokumboot, Eco Boats, Canal Motorboats, Boaty, Boats4rent.

Each listing includes the departure address, group size, duration options and price.

Use the filters on the activities page to show only self-guided boat hire, or browse by departure location using the map.

Tips before you go

Book in advance: weekend slots fill up fast, especially in summer. Some providers are fully booked weeks ahead.

Arrive a few minutes early: the briefing takes around 10 minutes and you do not want to eat into your on-water time.

Bring sunscreen and layers: the canals can be surprisingly exposed, and Amsterdam weather changes quickly.

Pack your own food and drinks: most providers allow you to bring a picnic on board. A cold bottle and some cheese makes it considerably better.

Check the early slot: several providers offer a €10 discount for departures at 09:00 or 09:30. The canals are also much quieter at that time.