Canal tour events Amsterdam
Amsterdam Light Festival
- Stunning light artworks and canals
- Experienced captain on board
- Comfortable panoramic view
- Private cruise possible
Amsterdam is always buzzing with activity, and at Mokumboot, we ensure you’re at the heart of it all. Whether it’s a festival, parade, or any special occasion, our boats offer you the best seats in the house. With a memorable canal cruise, you’ll experience Amsterdam’s vibrant events up close, all from the water. Join us for an unforgettable view of the city’s lively celebrations!
Rent a canal boat in Amsterdam at Mokumboot
Easily rent a canal boat online
From € 97,50 for two hours of boating in Amsterdam
Reserve a boat
Boat rental with 7 locations in Amsterdam
Minimum boating time of 2 hours
Call now and sail today
No boating license required, rent from 18 years old
Call +3120 210 5700
King’s Day Amsterdam
King’s Day takes place every year on 27 April and celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. It is the largest national celebration in the Netherlands and one of the most exciting days to visit Amsterdam. If 27 April falls on a Sunday, the celebrations move to 26 April.
For international visitors, King’s Day can feel unlike any other city festival. The entire country dresses in orange to honour the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. Streets fill with music, open-air markets and parties, while Amsterdam’s canals become packed with decorated boats and celebrating locals.
What to Expect
During King’s Day, Amsterdam transforms into one giant open-air festival. Across the city, locals sell second-hand items at street markets known as “vrijmarkten”, musicians perform on bridges and squares, and thousands of people gather along the canals from early morning until late at night. On the water, the atmosphere becomes even more spectacular. Boats cruise slowly through the canals with music, dancing and groups of friends celebrating together. From your Mokumboot experience, you become part of the event instead of simply watching from the side. You’ll pass crowded canal bridges, floating DJs, orange decorations and some of the liveliest scenes Amsterdam sees all year. The canals can become extremely busy, but that is exactly what makes the experience so memorable. For many visitors, King’s Day offers a rare opportunity to experience Dutch culture in its most energetic and social form.
When & How to Plan
- Date: 27 April each year (or 26 April if the 27th falls on a Sunday)
- Best time on the water: Between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Duration: Private boat rentals and cruises are typically available from 2 to 4 hours
- Booking: King’s Day cruises often sell out months in advance, sometimes as early as February
- Price: Event-specific pricing varies depending on boat type and group size
Tips for Visitors
- Wear orange clothing to join the local tradition
- Arrive early, as roads and canals become very crowded throughout the day
- Bring drinks and snacks if you are renting a private boat
- Expect loud music, busy canals and large crowds across the city centre
- Choose a canal cruise if you want to experience the atmosphere without spending the entire day in packed streets
Pride Amsterdam
Every summer, Pride Amsterdam celebrates freedom, equality and diversity with one of the world’s most unique LGBTQ+ events. The festival usually takes place during the first weekend of August and attracts visitors from across the globe.
Amsterdam has long been known as one of Europe’s most open-minded and LGBTQ+-friendly cities. The Netherlands was also the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. Pride Amsterdam reflects this progressive history with a week full of celebrations, performances and community events throughout the city. The highlight of the festival is the famous Canal Parade, where decorated boats travel through Amsterdam’s canals instead of traditional city streets.
What to Expect
During the Canal Parade, more than 80 colourful boats sail through the canals with music, performances and dancing crowds onboard. The atmosphere is welcoming, energetic and inclusive, with thousands of spectators gathering along the water to celebrate together. Experiencing Pride Amsterdam from a boat gives you a completely different perspective compared to standing on the crowded canal sides. Instead of watching the parade from a distance, you become surrounded by the music, colours and excitement as boats pass close by. The canals turn into a floating festival where locals and international visitors celebrate side by side. Throughout the city, you’ll also find live performances, street parties, rainbow decorations and open-air celebrations. Even visitors unfamiliar with Pride events quickly feel part of the atmosphere thanks to Amsterdam’s relaxed and friendly character.
When & How to Plan
- Dates: Usually the first weekend of August
- Canal Parade timing: Approximately 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM
- Duration: Event cruises generally last between 2 and 3 hours
- Booking: Pride cruises are among Amsterdam’s most popular summer experiences and often sell out weeks or months ahead
- Price: Prices vary depending on the type of cruise or private boat rental
Tips for Visitors
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and water during warm summer weather
- Book early if you want a boat experience during the Canal Parade
- Expect busy public transport and crowded canals throughout the weekend
- Wear colourful clothing if you want to join the festive atmosphere
- Be respectful and open-minded — Pride Amsterdam celebrates inclusivity and equality
Amsterdam Light Festival
Every winter, Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city’s canals into an open-air exhibition filled with light installations and contemporary artworks. The festival usually runs from late November until mid-January and features creations by artists from around the world. Each year follows a different theme, allowing artists to explore ideas through light, colour and technology. Many of the artworks are placed directly along the canals or above the water, making a canal cruise one of the best ways to experience the festival. For visitors travelling to Amsterdam during winter, the Light Festival offers a quieter and more atmospheric side of the city.
What to Expect
During the festival, illuminated sculptures, projections and interactive artworks appear throughout Amsterdam’s historic canal belt. Reflections shimmer across the water while boats slowly cruise past installations designed specifically for viewing from the canals. Unlike the busy atmosphere of King’s Day or Pride, the Amsterdam Light Festival feels calm and intimate. The city’s bridges and canal houses become beautifully lit against the dark winter sky, creating a cosy evening atmosphere that is ideal for couples, families and small groups. A canal cruise allows you to follow the official festival route comfortably without navigating crowded walking paths. From the water, you enjoy uninterrupted views of the artworks while learning more about the installations and the yearly festival theme.
When & How to Plan
- Dates: Late November until mid-January
- Duration: Most Light Festival cruises last between 75 and 90 minutes
- Best time: Evening cruises after sunset
- Booking: Weekends and holiday periods are especially popular, so advance booking is recommended
- Price: Prices depend on cruise type and seating options
Tips for Visitors
- Dress warmly, as Amsterdam evenings can become cold during winter
- Bring gloves, scarves and layered clothing for comfort on the water
- Choose an evening cruise for the best visibility of the artworks
- Covered boats or boats with blankets offer extra comfort during colder weather
- Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends during the festival period
Planning Your Event Visit
Amsterdam’s biggest canal events are incredibly popular and often sell out quickly, especially during King’s Day, Pride Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Light Festival. To avoid disappointment, it’s recommended to book your cruise or private boat well in advance, particularly for weekend and evening tours. Depending on the type of experience you choose, you can enjoy private boats, shared cruises, covered seating areas and flexible tour durations. Many boats also include extra comforts such as blankets, drinks or catering options, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the atmosphere on the water.
Because Amsterdam weather can change quickly throughout the year, many canal cruises continue operating in most conditions. Covered boats provide extra comfort during rain or colder evenings, which is especially welcome during winter events like the Amsterdam Light Festival. Experiencing these events from the canals also gives you a completely different perspective of the city. Rather than standing in crowded streets, you become part of the celebration itself while cruising through the heart of Amster
Our customer experience
Good experience. Lucas was very helpful
in the last week
Jan with the beard and skipper Timo were fantastic!!
in the last week
Jan with the beard and Timo are fantastic, highly appreciated their guide style on the tour
in the last week
Very entertaining tour! Jan with the beard and Timo were very extremely friendly and made our day!
in the last week
I rent boats from Mokumboot often. Great and reliable service. The boats itself are great for upto 6 people. They are also very accomodative of requests, once I had to pickup earlier and droppped off 10 mins later, and it was all cool. Last time I rented a boat, I took it off the zuid route, and proposed to my gf on the mokumboot. It was a surreal experience for me, especially because she said yes :D. Will highly recommend these boats!
in the last week
Contact us
Curious about Amsterdam’s upcoming events or want to learn more about our canal cruises? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Call us at or email sales@mokumboot.nl. We’re here to answer any questions and provide all the details you need to make the most of your time in Amsterdam. Let us help you plan an unforgettable adventure on the canals!
