A guide to renting a boat
Diplomat.Today
We pride ourselves on providing authentic travel recommendations based on our experiences through unique images and visiting each destination. We may earn a commission if you purchase a product or book a reservation. Learn more >
I recently rented a boat as a group because I had friends in town visiting Amsterdam. This wasn’t my first time renting a boat in Amsterdam, but after this experience I felt like I covered enough ground to show different perspectives on how to really rent a boat for the right price.
After living in Amsterdam for a few years, getting on the water is one of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam. Many of the cruises are of course great, but with two families in two with little ones, avoiding crowds is essential.
My friends (wife, husband and baby) and my family, myself, wife and toddler, wanted a fun day in the sun. It was a beautiful sunny day so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to rent a boat and hit the canals.
Choosing the right boat for your Amsterdam adventure
When we embarked on our Amsterdam canal adventure, selecting the right ship made all the difference. You see, Amsterdam’s intricate network of canals beckons with its charm and history, and the best way to immerse yourself in this experience is by gliding gently through the water on a private boat.
The first consideration for our group, which included friends and their babies, my wife and our toddler daughter, was safety and comfort. We discovered that electric boats are environmentally friendly and offer a smooth and quiet ride – essential for keeping the little ones from starting. Renting a 100% electric boat allowed us to talk easily without engine noise and enjoy the soothing sounds of the water.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
- Size matters: Choose a boat that is spacious enough for your group. A medium sized sloop was perfect for our group.
- Features for comfort: Look for luxury boats with cushioned seats and an awning to protect from unexpected drizzle.
- Skipper or self-skipper: If you have no experience, choose a private boat with skipper. It’s stress-free and you’ll get insider commentary about the sights.
- Fleet quality: Select a reputable boat rental company in Amsterdam with a well-maintained fleet. This guarantees both safety and a pleasant experience.
- Accessibility: Make sure the boat is accessible to everyone in your group, especially if you are traveling with children or older guests.
We chose Mokumboot because they are known for their fleet of electric tour boats and opted for a private boat rental that suited our personal itinerary.
See related: Flower bicycles in Amsterdam to visit
Booking your boat: what you need to know
When getting ready for a unique experience with friends and family, it is essential that you secure the perfect vessel for boat rental in Amsterdam. Let us guide you through the key details to ensure a seamless adventure on the waterways of this charming city.
Firstly, determining the duration of your boat trip is crucial. Ask yourself: do we want a short excursion or a lengthy exploration? Normally you can expect to rent for a few hours so that we can choose our route and enjoy the Amsterdam atmosphere.
To start our water journey, it is easy to contact Amsterdam boat rental companies. They have a handy ‘contact us’ feature where you can ask questions or request a quote tailored to your needs. This is what we will consider:
- The number of people: We will take everyone into account, even our smallest sailors.
- Catering options: Do we want to have a picnic on the boat or enjoy the flavors of the city at local caterers?
- Professional skipper or self navigation: Do we have a boating license, or should we rely on a professional skipper?
- Budget: Finding an affordable option that doesn’t compromise the experience is critical.
Living in Amsterdam offers us unique opportunities, including the chance to take the helm and steer our boat through the city’s historic canals. Amsterdam’s canals are a marvel of urban planning engineering and a testament to the city’s Golden Age; navigating these waterways gave us a new perspective on this city.
We floated past the charming facades of the Jordaan, waved to the spectators on the bridges of the Prinsengracht and admired the stately houses along the Keizersgracht and the Herengracht.
- Crew and captain: Unlike a conventional canal cruise in Amsterdam, we were in control and created our own experience. Piloting our boat was easy, with every bend in the canal revealing new sights.
- Channel experience: The waters were calm and our electric boat was quiet, which enhanced the peaceful experience. When I took on the role of a local skipperOur friends enjoyed the scenery, and our little ones enjoyed the ducks and swans floating next to us.
Our path took us through the Oosterdok, where the modern cityscape contrasts with the 17th century canals. We ducked under low bridges and navigated tight bends, sharing knowing smiles with other boaters who were all part of this wonderful dance on the water.
Cruising through Amsterdam allowed us to witness the heartbeat of the city from an incredible vantage point that only the canals can provide. It has brought us closer together, not only to each other, but also to the essence of the heart and history of Amsterdam.
See related: Famous sights in Amsterdam to visit
Unmissable sights from the water
When you sail through the iconic Amsterdam canals, it feels like you are navigating through the veins of history. We rented our boat, ready for an intimate sightseeing tour with good friends and our little ones – it’s an adventure suitable for all ages.
The Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht form the main canals of Amsterdam’s central canal network and are simply beautiful. With their multi-story roofs, the canal houses seemed to nod approvingly as we passed by. During the cruise through Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum loomed majestically before us. Seeing this Dutch treasure from the water added a serene grandeur to our experience.
See related: Best bridges to see in Amsterdam
Tips for a smooth sailing experience
As we set off through Amsterdam’s iconic canals, we prepared ourselves with a few essential tips to ensure a wonderful day on the water. We’ve created a seamless cruising experience, even with little ones on board.
First we checked the weather forecast; clear skies and mild winds promised a perfect setting. Comfort on board is crucial, so we packed soft pillows and provided a heater on our boat, ready to ward off the cold. To keep the atmosphere serene, we chose a quiet route away from the crowds, and played soft music to complement the gentle lapping of the water against the hull.
Remember, a fun day out is all about creating memories. We tried plastic fishing; a playful but conscious activity that gave us the feeling that we were contributing to keeping the canals beautiful. Here’s what we recommend bringing for an unparalleled trip:
Finally, choose an open boat to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city, while the skyline provides a majestic backdrop to your water adventure!
Related Resources
