The best boat tours in Amsterdam’s canals

Amsterdam Light Festival 2025

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Renting a boat for the Amsterdam Light Festival

Want to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival in a unique way? Rent a boat with Amsterdam Boat Company and cruise past the breathtaking light installations illuminating Amsterdam’s canals. The 2025–2026 edition takes place from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Choose your tour option:

  • 75-Minute Shared Boat Tour 
    • € 39,75 per person, including unlimited drinks
    • € 19,90 for kids, incl. drinks
    • Led by top guides on fully electric, authentic Dutch boats, complete with a captain

  • 1.5-Hour Private Boat Tour

    • An exclusive experience tailored for your group
    • Enjoy the festival in peace and comfort aboard your own private boat

Demand for canal cruises is high, so be sure to book early as our boats fill up quickly!

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amsterdam light festival from a boat

A look at the boat with Amsterdam Light Festival?

Join us on the boat to get a great impression of what a tour during the Amsterdam Light Festival looks like at Amsterdam Boat Company.

People enjoying the amsterdam light festival from a boat

What to expect

  • A 75-minute or 1.5-hour cruise
  • Experienced skipper & hostess
  • A fully covered electric boat
  • Canopy in bad weather
  • Toilet on board
  • Fleece blankets to keep you warm
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What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event that brightens the city with art and creativity during the winter months. During the festival, Amsterdam’s canals are transformed into a magical light spectacle, with artists from around the world presenting their unique light installations. The 14th edition will take place from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Each year, the festival centers around a unique theme that inspires artists to express their creativity. The theme for this edition is Energy.

Visitors can enjoy a captivating fusion of art, technology, and nature, creating an enchanting experience. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and offers the perfect opportunity to discover the city from a whole new perspective.

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Amsterdam light festival from a boat

Meet our crew!

Skipper of Amsterdam Boat Company
Customers enjoying a Boat tour with food and beverages
Customers enjoying a Boat tour with food and beverages
Customers enjoying a Boat tour with food and beverages
Customers enjoying a Boat tour with food and beverages
Customers enjoying a Boat tour with food and beverages

Book your private boat for the Amsterdam Light Festival here

Want to be assured of a spot during this popular event? Book easily now through our website and make sure you don’t miss anything from the beautiful light artworks.

People enjoying the amsterdam light festival from a boat

Canal tour during the Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual spectacle that lights up the canals of Amsterdam with enchanting works of art. Book a boat with Amsterdam Boat Company and view the impressive light installations from the water, while enjoying a drink.

Our experienced skippers will make sure you don’t miss a thing about the festival. Whether you are sailing with friends, family or colleagues, we will ensure an unforgettable experience.

Companies that sail with us

Our reviews

A small sample of our 10,000+ reviews

 

Marco Hanselmann

Everything is beautiful. Requesting and booking via Whatsapp was easy and simple. We booked the boat for 30 people. There was also enough drinks until the end of the tour.

Joep van Acht

Very nice a comfortable boat, electric motor so no noise, easy to talk to each other.

Suzanne Beving

For staff outing with the team took a fun boat ride! Staff was friendly and helpful! We enjoyed the snacks and drinks and were able to float around the canals unimpeded.

Frequently asked questions about boating during the Amsterdam Light Festival

Are you considering Amsterdam Boat Company to rent a boat in Amsterdam? We’d like to clarify some common questions for you!

The festival begins in the Court Garden at the Light Garden, where you can admire the first works of light art. We start our tours from Stationsplein or any other desired location in the city center.

Yes, this is possible by agreement. We do ask for a corkage fee as a contribution. Do you prefer snacks or drinks included with your cruise? Both drinks and snacks can be ordered. From beer, wine and soft drinks to wine tastings, snacks, appetizers, pizzas and extensive dinners.

The festival features 20-30 light installations designed by artists from around the world. These unique works of art make the festival a visual highlight.

Our tours last about 75 minutes, or 1.5 hours based on your choice. This gives you enough time to admire all the light installations from the water. If you book a boat before 5 p.m., regular times apply.

Yes, a boat tour is perfect for special occasions and corporate outings. Whether it is King’s Day, Gay Pride or a team outing, we provide a unique and unforgettable experience.

All our boats are equipped with flexible canopies that can be adjusted for any type of weather. In rain, they can be fully closed, or partially opened for protection from wind or sun.

Yes, all of our boats have toilets. The Zaza features a private and spacious restroom for your comfort, while the Mosi Jo also has a toilet on board that folds out from the front deck, a bit more compact, but fully functional.

  • Convenience: Always a skipper on board, so you don’t have to worry about steering.
  • Personal service: Comprehensive explanations and always available for questions.
  • Affordability: Competitive rates in Amsterdam.
  • Luxury: Beverage packages and a hostess on board for optimal relaxation.
  • Environmentally friendly: Sail quietly and cleanly with our 100% electric boats.

Book your boat for the Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the highlights of the year, and from the water, the experience is even more magical. Don’t want to miss this event? Then be quick about it. Choose your cruise:

  • 75 minutes Shared Boat Tour – including unlimited drinks: € 39,75 p.p.
  • 1.5 hours Private Boat Tour – from € 330,-
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amsterdam light festival