Rent a boat in Amsterdam

Boat rental in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. Notorious for its artistic heritage, impressive canals and Golden Age legacies, it’s definitely a unique city that should be on your bucket list.

Why you should think about boat hire in Amsterdam?

Boat hire in Amsterdam is a great way to experience the city from another view. There really is no better way to spend a sunny day than boating on Amsterdam's lovely waterways with friends or family. Choose between hiring a skipper and enjoying a relaxing cruise or be the captain of your own boat.

Can you rent a boat in Amsterdam with/without a skipper?

You can rent a boat with or without a skipper in Amsterdam, although currently, our range of boats for charter with a skipper is wider.  If you aren’t an experienced sailor, it might be better to rent a boat with a skipper, so that you can take in the beautiful city without worrying about the technicalities of sailing your vessel.  If you’re an experienced boatsman, however, and you want a bit more freedom with the places you visit, you may prefer to hire a boat without a skipper.

Is Amsterdam boat rental possible without a license?

It is possible to hire a boat in Amsterdam without a license providing the boat fits certain specifications.  The boat in question has to be smaller than 15 m and can’t exceed a maximum speed of 20 km/hour (12.5 miles/hour).  In fact, if you’re planning a family vacation and have children over 12, they can even steer the boat, provided that its maximum speed is less than 13 km/hour.

Weather and sailing conditions in Amsterdam

The weather and sailing conditions in Amsterdam vary greatly throughout the year and must be taken into consideration when planning your Amsterdam boat hire.

In the winter, which stretches from December until March, the average high temperature during the day can be from 9°C at the beginning of winter to about 5°C in January, and the night time temperature can drop to around -1°C.  In general, the winter months rarely receive more than 60 hours of sunlight per month.

The summer months (June-August) also have fairly mild temperatures, rarely reaching higher than 22°C during the day and sometimes dipping to about 12°C at night.  There can also be a lot of rain during the summer, with the rainfall in August usually exceeding 80 mm.  The summer months do receive a lot of sunlight, though - generally more than 200 hours per month.

The autumn in Amsterdam stretches from September until November and the temperature during these months is usually pleasant.  There can be a lot of rainfall, however, with October being the wettest month and receiving 91 mm (3.58 inches) of rainfall and the windier conditions can make sailing a little more difficult.

The spring in Amsterdam falls in April and May.  April is typically the driest month in Amsterdam, receiving, on average, 39 mm (1.54 inches) of rainfall.  The temperatures can be rather cold, though, especially at the beginning of Spring.

What to do with your boat hire in Amsterdam

Explore the unique winding canals on board your boat hire in Amsterdam. From culture to beer drinking, stopping at one of the many famous museums in Amsterdam is an absolute must. Did you know there are around 75 in total? Amsterdam is also home to some seriously delicious restaurants with a variety of cuisines so when you’re all cultured out, be sure to go and indulge.

Most popular ports and sailing areas to visit during your Amsterdam boat rental

The busiest port in Amsterdam is the Port of Amsterdam, which is currently the 4th busiest port in Europe and has multiple connections with busy ports in other countries via the North Sea.  It is currently the 2nd largest port in the Netherlands, the largest being the Port of Rotterdam.

You can also go sailing in IJmeer, a lake from which you can sail to both the fortress island of Pampus and Muiderslot castle, two sights that are well worth visiting during your boat rental in Amsterdam.

If you’re a fan of old buildings, you can also make your way down the Amstel River and witness the beauty of the old architecture up close.  If you feel like venturing onto dry land for a while, you can even stop off at the Nemo Science Museum, the National Maritime Museum, or walk over Skinny Bridge.

If you fancy taking in a slightly more traditional sight, you can cruise over to Zaanse Schans, a more traditional, residential dutch area.  This is also the place to go if you want to see some traditional dutch windmills as well as escaping the crowds for a while.

When to rent a boat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam weather is at its finest in July and August. This is the perfect time to rent a boat because the days are long and seem to last forever. On average, the days are around 15 hours long and the sun rises as early as 5.30am and the sun sets at 10pm. 

How much does it cost to hire a boat in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, the cost of boat rental varies depending on the type of boat you want to rent and the duration of your charter.

Renting a fishing boat in Amsterdam costs around $1,107 for half a day, $2,213 for a single day charter, and $15,494 for a week.

Renting a sailing boat in Amsterdam typically costs from around $907 for a single day charter and $2,711 for a week.

How to get to your boat hire in Amsterdam

Schiphol airport is renowned for being one of the largest in Europe. It is the main international airport of the Netherlands and is located just 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam. 

If you’re coming from London, you can also get a direct train to Amsterdam, which takes less than 4 hours and you no longer need to stop off at Brussels, Belgium on the way, as was necessary in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam

How much does it cost to rent a boat in the high season and the low season in Amsterdam?

The average cost of renting a boat in Amsterdam is around $666 per day during the high season, and approximately $579 per day during the low season.

What is the daily cost of a skipper in Amsterdam?

The cost of a skipper varies depending on the destination and the boat owner. In Amsterdam, you can expect to pay an average of $105 per day for a skipper.

What types of boats are available for rent in Amsterdam?

In Amsterdam, you can rent various types of boats, such as Without license, Houseboat or Motorboat.

Which boat manufacturers are the most popular in Amsterdam?

The leading boat manufacturers in Amsterdam are Dufour and Princess Yachts.

Is it possible to rent a boat in Amsterdam without a license?

In Amsterdam, there are 3 boats available for rent without a license. Additionally, many boats can be rented with a skipper.

Good to know