Boat rental and canal tours
Rent a boat
- Sail yourself
- also during the Amsterdam Light Festival
- No boating license required
- Max. 8 persons
- Free cancellation
Amsterdam Light Festival
Edition 15 will take place from Thursday, November 26, 2026, to Sunday, January 17, 2027 (closed on December 31). At Mokumboot, you can participate in the Amsterdam Light Festival in two different ways: rent a sloop yourself with our boat rental Amsterdam service to sail the route, or enjoy a private cruise with a skipper.
Choose your canal cruise in Amsterdam
Discover Amsterdam’s canals the effortless way with Mokumboot’s canal cruise, where comfort, magnificent views and local charm come together for an unforgettable experience.
Rent a private boat in Amsterdam
In the mood for an exclusive private boat tour through the Amsterdam canals? Discover our packages and step on board for an unforgettable experience!
Cheese Fondue or Onion Soup Boat
Private tourThe ultimate autumn and winter outing! Sail for 2, 2.5 or 3 hours through the canals and enjoy creamy cheese fondue with crusty bread and delicacies. Not a cheese lover? No worries, we also have a homemade onion soup to feast on.
- Choice of: 2, 2.5 or 3 hours sailing
- Freshly made cheese fondue or onion soup
- Includes unlimited beer, wine & soft drinks
- Own skipper
- Cancel free of charge up to 12 hours in advance
Sailing through Amsterdam
Sail yourself or let our skippers take you on a tour through the beautiful canals.
Fleet of 80 boats
The largest electric fleet in Amsterdam.
Environmentally friendly sailing
Explore the canals with a silent, emission-free boat.
Why choose Mokumboot?
At Mokumboot, we make boating through Amsterdam easy, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
- Central boarding locationnear Amsterdam Central Station
- Flexible options: from public cruises to private sails.
- Electric, silent boats– sustainable and peaceful.
- Friendly, experienced skipperswho know every canal story.
- Comfortable, stylish boatsfor any weather.
- Personal servicefrom a local team that loves what they do.
Our customer experience
Thank you Ingrid for giving us a warm welcome and detailed explanation of the boating routes.
in the last week
Loved the boat ride. It was a truly unique way to experience Amsterdam. Ingrid was absolutely helpful and ensured we were well prepared for the experience.
in the last week
Ingrind was friendly, and the boat ride was awesome and first time experiencing it 👍🏻
in the last week
Ingrid was super helpful & sweet. Most enjoyable boat ride ever!
in the last week
We had so much fun and Ingrid was so nice!
in the last week
Discover Amsterdam’s Historic Canal Belt from the Water
Amsterdam’s canals tell the story of the city in a way that streets alone never fully can. During this guided canal cruise Amsterdam experience, you’ll travel through the UNESCO World Heritage canal belt while centuries of history unfold around every corner. Grand merchant houses stand beside cosy houseboats, old warehouses sit next to modern cafés, and each bridge reveals a slightly different perspective on the city. As the boat moves quietly through the waterways, your skipper shares stories that connect Amsterdam’s past with the atmosphere you experience today, creating a tour that feels both informative and personal from beginning to end.
The route begins near Amsterdam Central Station before passing the impressive St. Nicholas Church and the historic Schreierstoren, where sailors once said goodbye to loved ones before long journeys at sea. From there, the cruise glides towards the city’s famous canal belt, where elegant canal houses lean gently over the water and centuries-old bridges frame the view ahead. You’ll pass the Anne Frank House, one of Amsterdam’s most meaningful historic landmarks, before sailing through the Jordaan district with its quieter canals and relaxed local atmosphere.
Further along the route, the Seven Bridges appear perfectly aligned across the water, creating one of the city’s most photographed views. The tour continues towards the Magere Brug, also known as the Skinny Bridge, whose white wooden structure has become one of Amsterdam’s best-known symbols. Along the Amstel River, wider views open beside grand buildings and waterside terraces, while the Golden Bend showcases the wealth and architecture of the Dutch Golden Age. By the time you return to Central Station, you’ll have seen Amsterdam from the perspective that locals and visitors alike consider the city’s most beautiful.
Classic Canal Cruise
This is the canal cruise Amsterdam experience most visitors imagine when planning their trip to the city. Over the course of one relaxed hour, you’ll travel through the historic canal belt while local skippers share stories about Amsterdam’s history, architecture, and everyday life on the water. The route combines famous landmarks with quieter canals that many visitors would otherwise never discover on foot. Whether you choose a daytime departure filled with sunlight reflecting across the canals or an evening cruise as the bridges begin to light up, the atmosphere always feels calm, welcoming, and unmistakably Amsterdam. Departures every 30 minutes from Central Station. Tickets from € 19,50 per person.
Evening Canal Cruise
As daylight slowly fades, Amsterdam takes on a completely different character from the water. The canals become quieter, lights reflect softly across the surface, and the city feels calmer than during the busy daytime hours. Our evening canal cruise offers a more atmospheric side of Amsterdam, perfect for couples, friends, or anyone wanting to experience the city at a slower pace after sunset. Wrapped in a blanket on cooler evenings, you’ll pass illuminated bridges, glowing canal houses, and lively terraces while your skipper shares stories about Amsterdam after dark. Evening departures available throughout the week. Tickets from € 19,50 per person.
Boarding point at Amsterdam Central Station
You can board your canal cruise right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station. The departure point is located at Stationsplein 28, 1012 AB Amsterdam, directly in front of the station. Walk out through the station’s main entrance towards the canals and you’ll quickly spot our boats waiting along the dock. Because nearly every tram, metro, train, and bus connection passes through Central Station, reaching the boarding location is easy from anywhere in the city. From here, your Mokumboot adventure begins as you sail straight into Amsterdam’s historic canals.
Stationsplein 28
1012 AB Amsterdam
sales@mokumboot.nl
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Departure Times
During high season, our canal cruises depart every 30 minutes between 10:00 and 21:00, giving you plenty of flexibility when planning your day. In quieter months, schedules may vary slightly depending on the season and weather conditions. Many visitors choose a daytime cruise to see the city clearly in natural light, while others prefer evening departures for a more atmospheric experience. The live booking calendar always shows the most accurate departure times and real-time availability.
Tickets and prices Canal Cruise Amsterdam
A guided canal cruise Amsterdam experience with Mokumboot starts at € 19,50 for adults and € 9,25 for children. Considering the central location, live commentary from local skippers, and the comfort of our electric boats, it’s one of the easiest and best-value ways to explore the city. Travellers who book early can also take advantage of seasonal discounts and special offers available through the online booking system.
| Ticket options | Prices |
|---|---|
| Adults | € 19,50 |
| Kids | € 9,25 |
Private Boat Tours
If you’re celebrating something special or travelling with a larger group, a private boat tour offers a more personal way to experience Amsterdam from the water. You’ll have your own skipper, flexible departure times, and the freedom to shape the atmosphere around your occasion, whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, work event, or relaxed afternoon with friends. Catering, drinks, and custom routes can all be arranged to suit your plans, while larger boats can accommodate groups of up to 35 people. Private cruises start from € 425,- depending on the duration and group size.
Rent a Boat — Sail Yourself
For travellers who prefer exploring independently, renting your own boat offers the freedom to experience Amsterdam at your own pace. No boating licence is required, and our electric boats are designed to be easy to operate even for first-time captains. You can cruise through quieter canals, stop for a picnic, or simply drift through the city while creating your own route. With several pick-up locations across Amsterdam and boats suitable for up to 8 people, it’s a fun alternative for adventurous visitors looking for a more independent day on the water. Rentals start from € 97,50.
Audio tour in multiple languages - discover at your own pace
Discover Amsterdam in a unique and flexible way with the Amsterdam Mokum Tour. With your smartphone as your personal guide, you independently explore the city’s highlights while listening to engaging stories and facts along the way.
Benefits of the Amsterdam Mokum Tour
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Completely self-guided, no tour guide required
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Available in 5 languages: EN, NL, DE, FR, and ES
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Start and pause whenever you like
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Ideal for solo travelers, families, and groups
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Get to know the city in an interactive and relaxed way
Boat rally game Amsterdam
Looking for a fun and original group activity on the water? With the Boat rally game by Mokumboot and Monsterevents, you step aboard an electric sloop with your team and set off on an adventure through the canals of Amsterdam.
You depart from one of the pick-up locations in the city and sail independently in teams through the canals. Along the way, you follow a route full of surprises and receive all kinds of tasks, questions and challenges that you solve together. Working well together, navigating smartly and thinking quickly are the keys to winning.
The route takes you past some of Amsterdam’s most beautiful sights: historic canal houses, bridges and lively quays form the backdrop of your game. Every correct answer and completed challenge earns points, and the team with the highest score wins.
The sloops are silent, electric and easy to operate. You don’t need a boating licence. The Boat rally game is perfect for company outings, team building or large groups who want to experience the city from the water in a fun and active way.
About Mokumboot
At Mokumboot, we’re your go-to destination for Amsterdam water adventures. Whether you’re seeking a serene self-guided journey or prefer the expertise of a professional skipper, we have options to suit every preference. As a leading sailing company in Amsterdam, with seven convenient boat rental locations scattered across the city, embarking on your aquatic excursion has never been easier. Our fleet includes luxury boats, ensuring comfort and style throughout your voyage. Plus, our services are available seven days a week, from 09:00 to 22:00, providing flexibility to fit your schedule. Whether you’re planning a leisurely canal cruise departing from Central Station or a customized route exploration, Mokumboot has you covered. Come aboard and experience Amsterdam’s iconic waterways like never before.
See Amsterdam the Way It Was Meant to Be Seen
There’s a reason so many travellers say their canal cruise becomes the highlight of their Amsterdam trip. Watching the city unfold from the water offers a calmer, more intimate perspective that busy streets and crowded squares simply can’t match. With local skippers, quiet electric boats, and departures directly beside Central Station, Mokumboot makes discovering Amsterdam feel easy from the very beginning. Join the thousands of visitors who step aboard with us each year and experience the city from its most beautiful angle.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s sometimes possible to join a canal cruise on the spot, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially during spring, summer, and weekends when Amsterdam is busiest. Popular departure times often sell out quickly, particularly afternoon and evening cruises. Reserving online only takes a few minutes and guarantees your preferred time slot, making the rest of your day easier to plan once you arrive in the city.
Our canal cruises continue in most weather conditions, and the boats are prepared for typical Amsterdam weather. Many boats can be covered when needed, and blankets are available during colder or rainy days to keep the experience comfortable. Some visitors even find that the canals feel more atmospheric when rain creates reflections across the water and the city lights begin to glow.
Yes, all public canal cruises are guided in English by local skippers who share stories throughout the route. Rather than listening to pre-recorded audio, you’ll hear live commentary that feels more personal and interactive. Guests are welcome to ask questions during the tour, whether about Amsterdam’s history, architecture, or local recommendations for the rest of their visit.
Small snacks are welcome on board during most cruises, and selected tours also offer drinks packages with beer, wine, and soft drinks included. To keep the boats comfortable for everyone, large meals and excessive alcohol are not permitted during public tours. If you’re looking for a more customised experience with catering, a private cruise may be the better option.
You’ll find Mokumboot at Stationsplein 28, directly beside Amsterdam Central Station. Exit the station towards the waterfront and you’ll see our boats docked along the canal nearby. The location is easy to reach by train, tram, metro, bus, bike, or taxi, making it one of the most convenient starting points for a canal cruise in Amsterdam.
Most of our public canal cruises last approximately one hour. That gives you enough time to experience the historic canal belt, see Amsterdam’s most famous sights from the water, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on board without taking up your entire day. It fits easily into almost any Amsterdam itinerary, whether you’re staying for a weekend or longer.
Yes, families regularly join our canal tours and children are very welcome on board. Reduced ticket prices are available for younger guests, and life jackets can be provided when needed. Many children enjoy spotting bridges, houseboats, and passing boats during the cruise, while parents appreciate the relaxed pace and comfortable seating throughout the journey.
Bookings can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. We understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly, especially during city trips and holidays, so we aim to keep the process as flexible and stress-free as possible. Full cancellation details are always shown clearly during the booking process.
Most public cruise boats do not have toilet facilities on board, so we recommend using the public toilets inside Amsterdam Central Station before departure. Since the station is located only a short walk from the boarding point, it’s easy to prepare before stepping aboard for your canal cruise.
Absolutely. In fact, many visitors consider a canal cruise one of the best photo opportunities in Amsterdam. The low position on the water gives you unobstructed views of bridges, canal houses, and historic streets that are difficult to capture from land. Whether you’re using a phone or professional camera, there will be plenty of memorable moments throughout the route.
