Question 1

Why should I rent my own boat?

Accepted Answer

It gives you freedom! Much more than if you take a standard canal cruise. Read more about the 7 advantages of boating on your own in Amsterdam.

Question 2

Can I really sail the canals myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course you can! You don't need any experience or a boating licence. Before departure, we give you a thorough personal briefing. After that, sailing on your own is very easy. Besides, it never goes fast on the Amsterdam canals. The maximum permitted speed is only 6 km/h, roughly walking pace.

Question 3

What are the requirements for renting a boat?

Accepted Answer

You don't need a boating licence or any experience. Common sense, a sense of responsibility and respect for others are the most important things. On the water we call that 'good seamanship'. We also ask you to bring a valid ID.

Question 4

What should I think about before visiting us?

Accepted Answer

Good preparation is half the battle! Check out our checklist for a successful boat rental here.

Question 5

What is the minimum age?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 18 years old. If you are not yet 18, an adult must be present to rent and steer the boat.

Question 6

Can we bring music?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately! It is legally prohibited to play music on the Amsterdam canals. Even soft music is not allowed. Please respect this rule to minimise nuisance for local residents! The fine for violations is €220!

Question 7

Is smoking allowed on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's fine as long as you dispose of your cigarette butts properly. Please don't throw them in the battery compartments (that can be explosive) or in the water.

Question 8

What about alcohol and drugs?

Accepted Answer

There must be at least one 'designated driver' on board: the helmsman must remain sober. The others are welcome to have a drink or smoke, as long as they behave properly without causing nuisance for others.

Question 9

Where can I find your terms and conditions?

Accepted Answer

Boats4rent is a trade name of Boaty B.V. You can view the current terms and conditions here.

Question 10

What kind of boats do you rent out?

Accepted Answer

We like to keep things simple and efficient. That's why we rent out one type of boat. Our electric boats are specially designed and built for easy and safe self-navigation through Amsterdam. A maximum of six people are allowed on board. Everyone still has plenty of room and there's space for your belongings too. You sail electrically, so nice and quiet and clean.

Question 11

How many people are allowed on board?

Accepted Answer

You can sail with a maximum of six people per boat. This is related to the insurance and the permit.

Question 12

Is it OK to bring a baby on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes, no problem! The most practical thing is to bring your baby in a travel cot or a Maxi-Cosi. There's a good chance your baby will be rocked to sleep. We have small life jackets. Please let us know in advance if you need them. We'll have them ready for you. Good to know: a baby life jacket only works properly if your baby is wearing a swim nappy or no nappy at all.

Question 13

Is it OK to bring a dog on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course, no problem!

Question 14

What is the speed of your boats?

Accepted Answer

The maximum permitted speed on the Amsterdam canals is 6 km/h. Our boats go about 5 km/h, which is roughly walking pace. That's not fast, but it has its advantages. It's safe and easy to steer yourself. And you have all the time to look around and enjoy all the beauty the Amsterdam canals have to offer. In two or three hours there's a whole lot to see!

Question 15

Do you also have covered boats?

Accepted Answer

No. If you prefer to rent a partially covered boat, you can contact our colleagues at Boaty Boat Rental in Amsterdam South. NOTE: Since the start of the 2023 boating season, the covered boats at Boaty are no longer available.

Question 16

Can I also rent a houseboat from you?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately we don't rent out houseboats. But we do have a list of useful tips for renting a houseboat in Amsterdam.

Question 17

I'd like to sail with you. How do I arrange that?

Accepted Answer

If you want to sail today, it's best to call us: 020-7009377. For all other days, we ask you to book online.

Question 18

Is it necessary to book in advance?

Accepted Answer

On weekends and during holidays we're often fully booked. And in good weather, also regularly on weekday afternoons and evenings. That's why we recommend always booking your boat in advance. If you want to sail today, you can call 020-7009377. For all other days you can book online. You don't need to worry about the weather. If the forecast doesn't look good for your booking day (very dense fog, persistent rain, thunderstorm or storm), you can cancel free of charge even on the day itself. You'll receive a full refund. In other cases, the cancellation period is 24 hours in advance. Of course, you can always reschedule your booking to another date free of charge.

Question 19

What if my preferred time slot is no longer available?

Accepted Answer

It could be that your preferred time slot is already fully booked. Our booking system is always completely up to date and shows which alternative times are still available. If those times don't suit you, you could check with our colleagues at Boaty Boat Rental in De Pijp.

Question 20

Can I reschedule my booking?

Accepted Answer

It's always possible to reschedule your booking to another day or time free of charge.

Question 21

Can I cancel my booking entirely and get the rental amount refunded?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. We apply the following cancellation conditions: 1. Up to 24 hours before the start of your trip, you can cancel free of charge. A full refund will be given. 2. In case of bad weather (such as very dense fog, persistent rain, thunderstorm or storm), it is possible to cancel even on the day itself. In this case too, you will receive a full refund. Note: During major events such as King's Day and Gay Pride, different rules may apply due to high demand for boats. Please contact us for more information.

Question 22

For how long can I rent a boat?

Accepted Answer

You can choose between 2 or 3 hours of sailing. For the corresponding rates, you can view our price table.

Question 23

What is the earliest start time?

Accepted Answer

You can sail with us from 9:00 AM. Early renters who start between 9:00 and 10:00 AM are doubly rewarded. First, you benefit from our super-affordable morning rates. And second, in the morning the canals are usually wonderfully quiet.

Question 24

What is the latest possible return time?

Accepted Answer

We close half an hour before sunset. In midsummer you can sail until 9:30 PM, and in spring and autumn you must return earlier. In our booking system you can see per day what the latest possible option is.

Question 25

Where does our boat trip start and end?

Accepted Answer

Your boat trip starts and ends at our boat rental on the edge of the Jordaan, in the canal opposite Nassaukade 155. This is in many ways an ideal spot to start and finish your canal trip through Amsterdam. The location is on the west side of the city centre and is easily accessible by bike, car and public transport. The Jordaan is a very popular, cosy and lively neighbourhood. Here you'll find plenty of nice restaurants and cafés to enjoy a bite and/or a drink before or after your boat trip.

Question 26

Do you have other locations?

Accepted Answer

No, Boats4rent has one conveniently located location: our own jetty on the edge of the Jordaan on the west side of the city centre. Our other location at Westerpark is temporarily closed because you can no longer sail into the centre from there due to construction work on a nearby bridge. If you'd prefer to start and finish your trip in Amsterdam South, you could consider renting your boat from our sister company Boaty Boat Rental.

Question 27

Where can I sail to in 2 or 3 hours?

Accepted Answer

We provide you with a clear water map with beautiful sailing routes through the Amsterdam canals. We'll explain it to you personally before departure. A two-hour rental is already sufficient for a lovely route through the Amsterdam canals and the Amstel. From our berth you're immediately in the Jordaan. And a few minutes later you're already sailing along the Prinsengracht. If you choose a three-hour rental, in addition to the Jordaan, the canal belt, the Amstel and the Plantage neighbourhood, you can also sail an extra stretch through the eastern city centre (e.g. past Artis, the Maritime Museum, NEMO and the Waterlooplein) or take in an extra stretch of Amsterdam South.

Question 28

Can we stop somewhere along the way? Can we leave the boat unattended?

Accepted Answer

You can decide for yourself when to take a break. There are plenty of opportunities along the way to use the toilet or pick up some food and drinks. However, you're not supposed to leave the boat unattended. Someone must always keep an eye on it. In case of theft, you are fully liable.

Question 29

Can I sail on the IJ / to Amsterdam North / NDSM / IJburg / Nieuwe Meer?

Accepted Answer

No. Our boats are perfectly suited for the Amsterdam canals and the Amstel. But the areas mentioned above are strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Question 30

What are the prices?

Accepted Answer

Our rates are guaranteed to be the lowest in Amsterdam. You can already sail for two hours from €69 (morning rate, on weekdays and also at weekends). On top of that, there's only the municipal tourist tax of €2.70 per person. For a complete overview of our rates, you can view our price table.

Question 31

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the municipality charges a tax of €2.70 per person on boat trips. Other than that, everything you need for a boat trip on the Amsterdam canals is included in our rates: a personal briefing, fully charged batteries (so you never need to refuel), seats, water map, life jackets, insurance and VAT. The only thing you need to bring yourself is appropriate clothing and delicious food and drinks for the journey.

Question 32

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

To avoid disappointment, we recommend always booking online in advance. You pay when making your booking, just like a plane ticket or a ticket for a festival, concert or show. You can pay with iDeal, PayPal or credit card (no additional charges). You'll immediately receive a confirmation of your booking by email.

Question 33

Do I need to leave a deposit?

Accepted Answer

To rent a boat, we ask you to bring a valid ID (passport, ID card or driving licence). Additionally, at departure we ask for a deposit of €100 by debit or credit card; cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Question 34

How does your deposit system work?

Accepted Answer

How our deposit system works depends on how you made your boat reservation. Scenario 1: You booked and paid for your boat online in advance through our booking system. You already made your payment online and only need to pay a deposit upon arrival. The deposit is held via a card reservation. A card reservation means you've authorised the payment – the money stays in your account – but this amount is not immediately available for other transactions. Rest assured, if there are no disputes or problems, the card reservation is automatically released after 24 hours. Scenario 2: You rented a boat by phone, email or on location and made no payment through our online booking system. In this case you'll be asked to pay both the rental and the deposit in one transaction. After charging, the payment is split into two parts: 1) the rental price for the boat, and 2) the deposit. The deposit is automatically refunded after processing if there are no disputes. This entire process typically takes 3-5 business days.

Question 35

What about the insurance?

Accepted Answer

Insurance is included in your boat rental. We also explain the most important rules before departure, so you can enjoy your time on the water without worries.

Question 36

Can I rent multiple boats for a company outing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! With both colleagues and clients, self-steering through the Amsterdam canals is an original and popular activity. Rent multiple boats for up to 6 people each. Prefer a company outing with skipper for up to 35 people? Book via Mokumboot.

Question 37

Can I rent a boat on King's Day, Gay Pride / Canal Pride or for the Amsterdam Light Festival?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Renting your own boat is a great way to celebrate King's Day, Gay Pride or the Amsterdam Light Festival! On these days, different conditions and rates apply.

Question 38

Do you also have gift vouchers?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Buying a gift voucher is very simple. Choose a gift voucher for 2 or 3 hours now and give an unforgettable experience!

Question 39

Do you also have loyalty cards?

Accepted Answer

Of course! At Boats4rent we offer various loyalty cards. Order a loyalty card and sail 5 times for the price of 4!

Question 40

Can we rent one or more boats for a bachelor/bachelorette party?

Accepted Answer

No, bachelor/bachelorette parties are NOT welcome.

Question 41

Do you also provide catering on the boats?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't provide catering ourselves. This allows us to focus all our attention on renting out our boats. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Near our berth there's a large Albert Heijn supermarket (Cornelis Troostplein 11). If you prefer to have the food and drinks for your group catered, let us know your wishes. We'll be happy to put you in touch with the best provider.

Question 42

Are the boats also available with a skipper?

Accepted Answer

No, we only have boats for self-steering on the canals. Don't worry about it. They're designed and built to be very easy to steer yourself. Even without a boating licence or experience. Of course, you'll receive a thorough personal briefing before departure! Would you prefer to rent a boat with a skipper? Check out our special page about renting a boat in Amsterdam or take a look at the Rondvaartvergelijker.

Question 43

Is it possible to have boats prepared at another location and/or to pick them up?

Accepted Answer

That depends. We only do this for large groups and on quiet days. Let us know your wishes. We'll be happy to look into what's possible for you.

FAQ's

FAQ's

General

The boats

Booking, rescheduling, cancelling

Planning: times, location, routes

Prices, payment, deposit, insurance

Special occasions: company outing, King's Day, Gay Pride, Amsterdam Light Festival, gift voucher, loyalty card

Catering, boat with skipper, boats at other locations

About Boats4rent