Rent a Canal Boat
A canal cruise on a tourist boat is nice — but exploring the canals yourself is unbeatable. In Amsterdam, Utrecht, and other cities, you can rent small electric boats without a license.
Options in Amsterdam
- Mokumboot — Small electric boats for 2–6 people. From 55 €/hour. No license required. Locations on several canals. Book online in advance!
- Boaty — Similar, slightly cheaper (from 50 €/hour). Bookable via app.
- Canal Motorboats — Slightly larger boats for up to 8 people. From 60 €/hour. Near Rijksmuseum.
- Classic Cruise — If self-driving is not your thing: Lovers, Blue Boat, or Stromma from 16 €/person (60–75 min.). Evening illuminated tours from 22 €.
Rules on the Canals
- Drive on the right, go slow under bridges
- No alcohol for the driver (0.5 per mille limit applies on water too)
- Avoid noise and loud music — residents are sensitive
- Do not enter narrow side canals (too narrow, too shallow)
💡 Tipp
The perfect canal experience: Rent an electric boat, pack Dutch cheese, bread, wine, and bitterballen (Albert Heijn at Dam or market) and cruise along the Prinsengracht at sunset. Cost for 4 people: approx. 80 € (boat + picnic). Priceless memory.
