Rent a small boat without skipper

Self drive boats in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam you can also rent a small boat without a skipper. You don’t need a licence or experience for that. This is an attractive option for small groups (2-12 people) that would like to drive their own boat on the Amsterdam canals and the Amstel river. Pick-up and return of your boat are at the dock of the rental company. You have to navigate yourself and you may bring your own food and drinks.

Boaty Rent a Boat
Boaty has both open boats and boats with a partial cover for rent. Their dock is in the south of the city center, close to Hotel Okura. A nice city center tour on the Amstel river and some of the most beautiful canals takes three to four hours. It’s recommended to book your boat in advance.

Boats4rent Boat Rental
Boats4rent has open electric boats for rent. Their dock is at the attractive Westergasfabriek. From there it is only a short drive to the main canals and the Jordaan area.Boats4rent has an easy online booking tool, where you can reserve your boat for three hours, four hours or a full day.

Mokum Boot
Mokum Boot has open electric boats for rent from different locations. Mokum Boot has an easy online booking tool as well.

SloepDelen
The Sloep Delen boats are modern and electric, but styled after the old fashioned 'sloep' (clinker-built open boat). Sloep Delen has got two pickup locations at the edges of the city center.

Are you sure you want to go sailing yourself?

The municipality of Amsterdam also understands that it is fun to sail through the city. "Enjoy the boat trip and our beautiful city, but always keep in mind residents and other visitors", says Wouter Keuning, spokesman of the municipality.  He says that many people really have no idea about the sailing rules and that most of the fines they pay are for noise nuisance. 

Read on for useful sailing tips if you choose to sail yourself.

BoatNow sailing tips

  1.  It is forbidden to drive a boat after drinking any alcohol
  2.  Destination traffic such as large round-trip vessels and other large vessels have priority.
  3.  It is forbidden to moor in places where others may be disturbed. Think for example of houseboats and bridges.
  4. On some waterways, including the Prinsengracht, there is one-way traffic. If you see a white-red and white sign, you are not allowed to enter this canal.
  5. The maximum speed is 6 km per hour, with the exception of the Amstelroute, the Kostverlorenroute and the IJ.
  6. When it gets dark, you're obliged to sail with boat lights.
  7.  Do not use stakes or bollards for mooring.
  8.  Reduce noise nuisance for residents and others who want to enjoy themselves on the water