Private Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour
Your own small open boat for the Light Festival, with Glühwein, heated cushions and a live guide
Exceptional
2,848 reviews
What guests loved most
Canada G.H.
“Thank you, dear Adam. My family and I, who came from Canada, really had a great time on your boat an…”
Book up to 2h before departure
From €324.80
·1 hour 15 minutes
About this tour
15th Light Festival • 27 Nov - 3 Jan • Your own boat for up to 12 • 75 min
Book the whole boat for your group and see the 15th Amsterdam Light Festival from the water. The cruise takes 75 to 90 minutes and follows the official festival route past 20 light artworks. This edition has no single theme. The new route passes NEMO, the Magere Brug and the Amstelsluizen.
The boat is small, electric and open on the sides. You get a clear view of the artworks and easy photos, with no glass in the way. Nobody else is on board, so you can take your time and ask your captain anything.
What's included
- The whole boat for your group, up to 12 guests
- Complimentary Glühwein and tea
- Heated seat cushions and warm blankets
- A rain canopy when the weather needs it
- A local captain who is also your live guide
- The Amsterdam Light Festival fee of €7.50 per person, which is already in the price
What's not included
Other drinks are sold on board. You can also bring your own drinks.
Good to know
- Cruises run from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The festival itself runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
- The permit allows 12 guests at most, babies included. One or two foldable buggies can stay on board.
- Children of all ages are welcome. Dogs are welcome too, and you can bring more than one.
- The tour is in English. Dutch-speaking captains are available on request, so contact the operator before booking.
- Dress warmly. A hat, scarf and gloves help on a winter evening on the water.
Meeting point
Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1, next to the side entrance of the H'ART Museum. Look for the mini pier on the canal side. Your captain waits at the boat 10 to 15 minutes before departure. It is about a 5 minute walk from Waterlooplein metro station.
“Thank you, dear Adam. My family and I, who came from Canada, really had a great time on your boat and I wanted to share my experience with you.”
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
- Change date or time up to 24 hours before departure
- Add guests up to 1 hour before departure
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before departure are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled
- No-shows and late arrivals are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling; the boat departs on time
- To cancel, use the "Cancel booking" link in your confirmation email, or contact the operator by phone or WhatsApp on +31648464743 or at [email protected]
- Weather: tours run in most weather, including rain and snow, and the boats have a cover. A tour is only cancelled in unsafe conditions (severe weather warnings or technical issues); then you can reschedule or get a full refund
- Mild weather such as clouds or regular rain is not a reason to cancel
What guests say
Canada G.H.
August 2026
“Thank you, dear Adam. My family and I, who came from Canada, really had a great time on your boat and I wanted to share my experience with you.”
Natalie P.
August 2026
“Captain Adam was great! Funny, engaging and shared awesome info about the city. It was very cool to learn some history and see the city from a different viewpoint. Highly recommend!”
Michael S.
August 2026
“This was a fantastic canal cruise without the crowds and commercial crap! Bring your own snacks and drinks (if you want) and enjoy the ride. Great history and cultural information about Amsterdam that wasn't blasted over a loudspeaker Much more intimate setting and interactive experience. A very personal tour and low-key experience. Highly recommended!”
Johanna B.
August 2026
“It was our first time in Amsterdam and we were looking for a good tour with an open cruise and with a little group. Then we found this. It was really really beautiful. We loved it! It was easy to come to the start and Jamie our Tourguide was really nice and friendly. He talked about Amsterdam and the history and showed us some special places. U could ask him anything and it was really chill. So it’s worth the money!”
Masha F.
August 2026
“Adam was awesome. We loved the tour.”
Leslie C.
August 2026
“We had the best experience with Captain Griffin! He was so knowledgeable and made the whole experience memorable!”
Danielle S.
August 2026
“Perfect canal tour. Interesting commentary. Leisurely pace. Personalized service.”
C P.
August 2026
“We had an enjoyable and informative canal tour with Captain Gus. It is smaller than some which is what we wanted offering a more interactive experience.”
Lyndsey H.
August 2026
“Artilla, our tour guide, was wonderful and had a lots of interactive stories vibing off our chats. It made for a personal and relaxed style tour in a quiet and eco friendly electric boat. Would recommend it over the larger boats and we also enjoyed having our own food whilst others had the on board offering. It was chill and a great morning. Do it.”
Fabio D.
August 2026
“Wonderful experience. Captain Joao was great, gave us a lot of interesting information and was replied to every question we had. It was like having a cruise with a friend from Amsterdam.”
Diane W.
August 2026
“We had a fantastic 1 1/2 hour boat trip with Attila who was very friendly and had a great sense of humour. He was very knowledgeable and interesting and clearly loves his job. Would highly recommend this if you want a smaller group (12 people max) as you get to explore some of the smaller canals too. Would give 10 stars if we could 😊”
Peter
August 2026
“Captain Eddie took me and some friends around on a canal tour and shared plenty of history and stories. He's friendly and knowledgeable. Was a great addition to our visit to Amsterdam.”
Stefania G.
August 2026
“Eddie is very friendy and funny, he knows the story of the city of Amsterdam very well, recommended!”
Justin O.(.
August 2026
Sierra E.
August 2026
“Captain Guys was great! We had a wonderful night tour 10/10”
Claire N.
August 2026
“We had a fantastic trip with Captain Gus. Very relaxed, lots and lots of interesting sights and stories! It’s a little boat which enables you to see the smaller canals. The start point is away from the crowds which is also a bonus! We were warmly welcomed aboard. Highly recommended”
Ben W.
August 2026
“We stumbled across this tour when walking around Amsterdam. Captain Eddie was very friendly and answered all our questions about Amsterdam and Dutch culture. It felt like an authentic tour with a local. We would recommend for anyone looking to experience the iconic Amsterdam canals.”
Diana D.
August 2026
“Attila was a lively and informative guide and driver who managed our unruly group of nine (three families) with grace. It was a wonderful way to finish off our trip. I love the sophisticated boat without loudspeakers or gimmicky decoration. Being able to bring our own food was really nice as well though beer is very affordable at €4 a can if I remember right. Must do if you can!”
Katie M.
August 2026
“Excellent small boat trip. Really friendly local guide guss very funny and knowledgeable. Recommend.”
James L.
August 2026
“My family and I loved the trip around Amsterdam with Guus! Very informative, great humour and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Would highly recommend to anyone.”
Who This Is For
Great for
- Groups who want the whole boat to themselves
- Celebrations and group outings (up to 12 guests)
- Guests who would rather bring their own drinks on board
- Winter and rainy days — the boat is covered and heated
Maybe not for
- Anyone hoping to join an existing group — the whole boat is booked at once
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this cruise depart from?
Private Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour departs from Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1, 1018 DS Amsterdam.
How long is this cruise?
The cruise lasts 1 hour 15 minutes.
How many people can join this cruise?
Private Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour is a private charter for up to 12 guests — you have the whole boat to your own group.
How much does this cruise cost?
Prices for this private charter start at €320.
What is included on this cruise?
This cruise includes Free cancellation (24 hours before departure), Glühwein and tea included, Heated cushions, Blankets, Rain canopy, Live guide on board, Private boat, BYO drinks allowed, Pet friendly and Festival fee included.
Can I bring my own drinks on board?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own drinks on board this cruise.
What happens if it rains?
This boat has rain cover, so you stay dry on board if the weather turns.
Is this an open boat?
Yes, this is an open boat rather than an enclosed one, and it has rain cover for when the weather turns.
Is the boat heated?
Yes, this boat has heating on board, which keeps it comfortable in colder weather.
Can I bring my dog on this cruise?
Yes, this cruise is pet-friendly, so your dog is welcome on board.
Can I cancel this cruise for free?
Yes, this cruise offers free cancellation.
How late can I book this cruise?
You can book this cruise up to 2 hours before departure.
Who operates this cruise?
Private Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour is operated by Amsterdam Boat Adventures and can be booked directly through BoatLocal.
Can we customize our route, or celebrate a special occasion on board?
Yes — as a private charter, you have the boat to yourselves and can work with the captain on the route within your booked time. Celebrating a birthday or other occasion? Let us know in advance (or in the booking note) and we'll do our best to help set things up.
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About Amsterdam Boat Adventures
Amsterdam Boat Adventures
Captain Jamie and Bente founded Amsterdam Boat Adventures in the spring of 2018, after Jamie secured the official permit to run canal cruises in the city. What began as a single boat has grown into a two-boat, family-run company with a small team of captains — each one guiding personally, choosing the narrow inner canals the big glass-roofed boats can't reach.
View all cruises by Amsterdam Boat Adventures