How much does boating in Amsterdam cost?
Planning to explore Amsterdam from the water and want to know what to expect pricewise? It helps to compare your options before you book. You might be looking for a relaxed canal cruise, a boat you can steer yourself or a private trip for your group.
Below, we explain the main costs in a straightforward way. You’ll see what is usually included, which details are worth checking and which option fits your plans best. A canal cruise is often the simplest choice: you reserve your seat, step on board near Amsterdam Central Station and enjoy the city while an experienced skipper takes care of the route.
Canal cruise with skipper: what is the price per seat?
A canal cruise with a skipper is a relaxed choice when you want to enjoy Amsterdam from the water without arranging the route yourself. You simply book your seat, step on board, and let the skipper guide you through the canals. This option suits couples, families and visitors who want an easy, comfortable trip.
| Canal Cruise Amsterdam | Ticket prices |
|---|---|
| Adults | € 19,50 |
| Children | € 9,25 |
For a regular canal cruise, you pay a ticket price per person. That means you do not have to book the whole boat to enjoy a fair price. Small group? Then you only pay for the seats you need. Travelling with children? A reduced child fare can make the total cost lower.
How much does a boat trip in Amsterdam cost?
Prefer to be your own skipper? At Mokumboot, you hire the boat, not per person. This is a great option when you want to spend a few hours on the canals with friends or family. The boats are easy to steer and suitable for small groups of up to 8 people.
| Duration | Prices |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | € 97,50 |
| 3 hours | € 140,- |
| 4 hours | € 170,- |
Because you pay one price for the boat, the cost per person depends on your group size. With 2 people, the price per person is higher than with a fuller boat. You decide where to go, how slowly you cruise and when to pause for the view.
How much does a private canal cruise in Amsterdam cost?
A private canal cruise is ideal when you want the boat to yourselves. You sail with your own group, without other passengers on board, and an experienced skipper takes care of the route. Mokumboot private cruises are suitable for groups of up to 35 people.
Sailing time |
Price sloop |
Price tugboat |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hours | € 425,- | € 425,- |
| 2,5 hours | € 530,- | € 530,- |
| 3 hours | € 640,- | € 640,- |
You pay for the private boat, including skipper. With 30 people, a 2-hour private cruise at € 425,- comes to about €14 per person, excluding extras. That makes it an excellent choice for a birthday, drinks cruise, family gathering or company outing where everyone can enjoy the canals together.
Packages: boating with food and drink
Looking for more than just a cruise through the canals? A package combines boating with food, drinks, and a shared experience. Depending on the package, you either pay per person or for the entire boat. It’s an effortless way to plan an afternoon or evening out without having to organise everything separately.
| Package | Price indication | Price basis |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Boat | From €68 | Per person for a 2-hour cruise |
| Pancake Boat | From €62 | Per person for a 2-hour cruise |
| Cheese Fondue / Onion Soup Boat | From €72.50 | Per person |
With a package, your canal cruise, food, and drinks are arranged together. Because several elements are included, the price is different from a standard canal cruise ticket or a self-drive boat rental.
If your main goal is simply to spend time on the water, a regular canal cruise or boat hire is often the most budget-friendly option. If you’re planning a celebration, team outing or social gathering and want everything organised in one booking, a package offers a convenient all-in-one solution. You know the costs upfront and can focus on enjoying your time together on Amsterdam’s canals.
What additional costs should I account for?
Before booking, it’s worth checking whether any extra charges apply alongside the advertised price. This is especially relevant for self-drive boat rentals and private group cruises, where deposits, tourist tax and specific booking conditions may be part of the total cost.
If you hire a boat yourself, a security deposit of € 100,- is required before departure. This can be paid by debit or with credit card. If the boat is returned on time and in the agreed condition, the full deposit will be refunded.
Amsterdam also charges a tourist tax of € 2,70. Depending on the type of cruise or rental, this amount is added to either the ticket price or the boat hire fee.
Families travelling with children can benefit from a reduced children’s fare on the regular canal cruise, with tickets priced at € 9,25.
Cancellation policies vary by product. Most cruises and boat rentals can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. Certain packages follow different conditions. For example, the Pizza Boat offers free cancellation up to 12 hours in advance. Separate cancellation rules may also apply during major Amsterdam events, including King’s Day and Pride celebrations. Checking the terms beforehand helps you avoid any surprises and gives you greater flexibility when planning your day on the water.
Saving money on boating
Want to sail more often or keep your costs lower? A strip card is a smart choice if you regularly hire a boat at Mokumboot. It lets you enjoy the Amsterdam canals at a better rate. Please note that strip cards only apply to boat hire.
Looking for a flexible gift? Choose a gift voucher. You can give someone a canal cruise or boat trip without choosing a date straight away. They can plan their time on the water when it suits them best.
Which boating option suits you best?
Want to enjoy the canals without any hassle and pay per person? A canal cruise with a skipper is the easiest choice. You book your seat, step on board, and let the skipper take care of the route. It works well when you’re travelling alone, as a couple or with a small group.
Prefer to steer the boat yourself and pay per boat? Choose boat hire. This often offers better value when you sail with several people within the allowed capacity.
Planning a trip for a larger group? A private cruise gives you your own boat, a skipper, and more room to shape the experience around your plans. Want food and drinks included? Then a package is the most convenient fit.
Sail yourself or with a skipper?
Ready to choose?
Want to know exactly what your time on the water will cost? Check the current prices and departure times for the canal cruise, view availability for boat hire or get in touch about a private cruise or package.
That way, you know what to expect before you step on board and can enjoy Amsterdam’s canals without any surprises.
