General FAQ

• What is BoatNow?

  BoatNow is an independent platform where you can rent a boat. We have the largest selection of boats in Amsterdam (over 115). On the website or in the app you can filter on boat type, number of passengers etc. and ask for an offer for up to 5 boats. You can use the BoatNow website or app to browse through all the available boats and book your favourite well in advance, but you can also choose 'Boat Now' in the app: within an hour you can be on the water and experience the beauty of Amsterdam in a very special way.

• What is a free request?

  Like it says, a request for a boat totally free of charge. You let us know which boat(s), how many people and at which date and we will check the availability. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

• What is the difference between Boat Now and Boat Later in the app?

  With Boat Now we guarantee you to step aboard a boat in under 60 minutes from now. With Boat Later you can be assured of the availability of your favourite boat well in advance.

• What if no boats are around on the app?

  We’ll still contact you by phone to see how we can help you out. Perhaps there is a boat available a few tram stops away!

• Are all boats always available?

  We have unique tools to determine whether or not a particular boat is available. Send us a Free Request and we’ll let you know.

Boats FAQ

• Whose boats am I renting?

  We do not own any boats. All of the boats we offer are from shipping companies in Amsterdam, with a license and sailed by experienced captains.

• Am I renting a licensed boat?

  All the boats displayed on our app or website are licensed by the City of Amsterdam.

• How about safety on board?

  All the boats displayed on the app or website are licensed and in compliance with the latest rules and regulations. The canals of Amsterdam are very safe and you don't have to worry about getting seasick. The captain will always make sure that you feel comfortable and safe on board. Do not hesitate to ask questions about safety. Life vests are always on board and you can request special life vests for children.

• Where am I being picked up?

  You can choose over 150 pick up locations throughout the city.

• How long are we going to be on the water?

  You’ll need at least an hour to experience the majestic canals of Amsterdam. Therefore we have set this as the minimum. Beyond the first hour, the sky is the limit.

• Which different types of boat can I rent?

  There are four different types of boat: Big Boats (Over 20 people), Open Boats (with a 360 degree view), Romantic Boats (for just the two of you), and Saloon Boats (classical).

• Can we hop on, hop off?

  Ask us in advance, we’ll ask the captain.

• What are the facilities on board?

  Per boat an overview of facilities is given. Therefore you know exactly beforehand if there is a toilet on the boat or that a roof will shield you from Dutch rain.

• Can the captain arrange something to drink and/or eat on board?

  This depends on which boat you pick. You can see in the specifications per boat if they offer this catering service or not. The shipping companies that do offer this service have special bites/menu's/wine lists that we can send you. We’ll ask you by email/phone what you prefer.

• Can I bring my own food/drinks?

  Always specify this in your request, the shipping company might charge you a fee for this, known as a corkage fee. Various boats have the costs of this corkage fee specified.

• Can I change or cancel my order?

  Once you have placed a free request you can always change/cancel it by email/phone. We’ll contact you first to specify the details. When we have confirmed the booking it is always possible to make some adjustments. If the boat is already on its way to the pick-up location and you want to cancel it last minute you'll have to pay the full price.

• Which routes do the boats take?

  All of our boats are located in Amsterdam and they usually tour the canals throughout the city. Since you rent a private boat, it's you that decides where to go to specifically. Do you want a boat tour that goes outside of Amsterdam we're also happy to help. Please contact us or specify your requirements in your request.

Payments FAQ

• How do I pay?

  The shipping company will send you an invoice. If you would like to pay on board, with creditcard or in cash, you need to request this explicitly.

• How much will it cost to rent a boat?

  On the app/website you can exactly see what the total price per boat/hour/person is. No surprises afterwards.

• Do I pay BoatNow for renting a boat?

  No, our platform is completely free for the end-user.

• Is it cheaper to rent the boat from a shipping company or for a captain him/herself?

  No, we ask exactly the same price as the companies and captains do.

• What if my tour was not as expected?

  We always aim to deliver the best experience and service on the Canals of Amsterdam. If something went wrong please contact us as soon as possible so we can help you out. The captain is there to help you so make sure to inform him and ask questions if you need anything. Once the tour is over, the captain is already paid so the longer you wait to file a complaint or request a refund, the more difficult it will become for us to help you.

Captains FAQ

• I am a boat owner and would like to list my boat on BoatNow. How do I add my boat to the site?

  You can offer your boat for sale via the button "Offer boat" in the whole world. With the exception of Amsterdam, where you will need an operating licence.

• How can I contact you if I have any further questions?

  You can always call us on +31 (0) 652000201 or send us an email at info@boatnow.com. You can also use the chat on our website.