Canal Motorboats
Canal Motorboats
5
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Full view
About
Canal Motorboats is the very first and therefore oldest boat rental company in Amsterdam. With us, you can rent boats that you may sail yourself without a licence and for the best price. Don't want to sail yourself? Or are you with a large group? Then book our private cruise boat with an experienced captain. You can also purchase tickets for the best public canal tour through Amsterdam. We offer everything! There is a reason why we have been around for so long.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,427 reviews
Excellent
1,261
Very good
121
Average
21
Poor
7
Terrible
17
Nestless
San Pedro de Alcantara, Spain228 contributions
Aug 2021
I booked a 3 hour rental which was really easy to do via their website. The rental location is about a 25 minute walk from the centre which was really nice as you basically walk along the Prince. We (3 of us) were joined by another family with their 2 children so I booked the larger of the boats. The boat was really easy to drive, the rental people gave good instructions and a map of the canals which was easy to follow.
We bought along drinks and snacks for our 3 hour tour and really enjoyed the whole afternoon. As it takes about 15mins to boat into the centre, I would recommend booking for at least 2 hours, however we found 3 hours to be the perfect amount of time.
We bought along drinks and snacks for our 3 hour tour and really enjoyed the whole afternoon. As it takes about 15mins to boat into the centre, I would recommend booking for at least 2 hours, however we found 3 hours to be the perfect amount of time.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elissa S
Riga, Latvia1 contribution
May 2020 • Friends
Rented a boat for 2 hours on a public holiday in Amsterdam, and it was a great experience! Was a bit late to start, however they were flexible for making sure we had the full 2 hours that we booked. The man making sure the boats coming in and out was very knowledgeable and told us how the boat worked and made sure we knew where to go with the canal map!
During the corona times, they are thoroughly cleaning the boat and keeping the distance between people waiting both on and off the boat. Would definitely book with them again.
During the corona times, they are thoroughly cleaning the boat and keeping the distance between people waiting both on and off the boat. Would definitely book with them again.
Written May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evan Reeves
1 contribution
Jul 2021
The employees here at this team were very helpful and friendly. They gave us a clear and concise explanation about the rules and regulations regarding the boat.
The boat was in good operational order and clean. We had enough room (on the "Green Boat") for 6 adults and 4 young children comfortably. The boat turns easily enough and was easy to navigate on some very narrow canals.
If there was one suggestion to offer it would be to have a separate throttle for the boat instead of on the motor. As a result you have to twist the throttle on the boat the entire time of the ride. Other boats that I've rented have a separate lever for throttle, which makes it nice so that you can relax and enjoy the views.
Be sure to arrive a few minutes early if you want to maximize your time. It takes some time to go through the registration and instructions before you're able to ride.
The boat was in good operational order and clean. We had enough room (on the "Green Boat") for 6 adults and 4 young children comfortably. The boat turns easily enough and was easy to navigate on some very narrow canals.
If there was one suggestion to offer it would be to have a separate throttle for the boat instead of on the motor. As a result you have to twist the throttle on the boat the entire time of the ride. Other boats that I've rented have a separate lever for throttle, which makes it nice so that you can relax and enjoy the views.
Be sure to arrive a few minutes early if you want to maximize your time. It takes some time to go through the registration and instructions before you're able to ride.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roxanne B
Germany9 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Our supposedly awaited day gone to worst. We were very excited to have our first canal cruise experience but the staff who assisted and gave instructions was way ruuuddddeeeee and racist. This guy should not allowed to work at this kind of job. We are your customers and you should always treat us properly. This guy (short guy wearing black and with scratches on his leg) who gave instruction spoke to us in a very rude way and full of arrogance. Dude a little advice, when giving an instruction to your FIRST TIME customer, you should pinpoint exactly where was the way AND not only giving it by words (scripted) specially we are not familliar with the street’s name. Your arrogance will lead you nowhere. This guy belittle and insulted us infront of other customers ( showing off to the ladies besides us by insulting us) saying we dont speak english? And we are not so sure if we really know how to speak english? He said it thrice! Check of how you give instructions first. We are professionals dude! And you are not! basing alone with how you treat your customer. It doesnt mean that we are Asians you will treat us that way. We paid for your services and we did not pay to be maltreated of someone like you. I cant express enough my dismay to this company. I will not ever recommend this company to others, feeling superior! You should train your staff to treat customer properly and fairly and not base on their race. We went to Amsterdam to enjoy and not to be a victim of self centered little guy! This company does not deserve even 1 star. (Btw, Alfred was very nice and accomodating, I hope he will receive kudos that he deserved)
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nahnum
Auckland Central, New Zealand15 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Great experience being able to drive the boat yourself! Super easy to drive (all electric) and the very helpful guys recommend a route for the duration (our trip was 2 hrs) but you can choose 3 or 4 hrs too. Went down Prinsengracht to Amstel and back up via Herengracht. Highly recommend this experience!
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexis
1 contribution
Aug 2022
This was my second time using canal motorboats having originally been recommended to them by a friend. There are a number of companies in Amsterdam that offer similar types of boat rental, and of the ones I've tried they are the best. Their pricing is extremely competitive, perhaps because their location although still central central is less obvious than some of their competitors. Their laid-back style could potentially be a bit frustrating if you are on a tight schedule, but in my opinion this is more than made up for by the benefits of a relaxed and flexible trip. Like all such rental boats, they are (too?) sensibly speed limited. For the uninitiated, that might be a bit frustrating, but it is no different elsewhere. In fact, their boats have been on the good end of the spectrum in my experience.
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor M
18 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Excellent service - very nice staff.
Boats are a very good size.
Motors are a bit strange as they take some time to react.
Location is a bit far from center but I think all the boat rental companies are similar
Overall would definitely go back.
Boats are a very good size.
Motors are a bit strange as they take some time to react.
Location is a bit far from center but I think all the boat rental companies are similar
Overall would definitely go back.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicolas H
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Friends
I went on a vacation to Amsterdam. I had heard of the beautiful canals in Amsterdam. The perfect place to see is Canal Motor Boats, it is a nice place. Perfect to see Amsterdam while cruising through the waters without an annoying sound of the motor, because of the motor is electric. I would recommend this experience to everyone who visits Amsterdam
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timea V
26 contributions
Sep 2021
We rented a Blue boat (with a steering wheel and comfier seat compositions) for 6 of us. Upon arrival, our Boat assistant (Ties) was exceptionally helpful and lenient, while advising us on the must-know swiftly, to the point yet with a hint of humour.
We had a great time, the boat worked well (once you get used to its nuances :) and we made it back after our little cruise :)
We had a great time, the boat worked well (once you get used to its nuances :) and we made it back after our little cruise :)
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott B
229 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This is one of the highlights of our family trip to Amsterdam. What an amazing way to see, and experience Amsterdam - piloting your own boat through the canals. In about two hours you can go up and down two of the major canals, taking in most of the city.
The staff was friendly and helpful, and the boats are very easy to use. These boats, like most boats in the canal, go at a maximum of about 5 miles an hour. So very little worries about crashing or capsizing.
We got a significant discount with the I Amsterdam card and by booking on a certain day and time. This can get pricey, so see if you can get discounts.
The staff was friendly and helpful, and the boats are very easy to use. These boats, like most boats in the canal, go at a maximum of about 5 miles an hour. So very little worries about crashing or capsizing.
We got a significant discount with the I Amsterdam card and by booking on a certain day and time. This can get pricey, so see if you can get discounts.
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're glad to hear that your boat experience was a highlight of your family trip! Piloting your own boat through the canals is truly a unique way to discover the city. We're also happy to know that the staff made your experience even better. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure!
Written November 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If i remember well it was like 50 hours for 1 hour. And we were alone on the boat, no guide
But you have a map and the guy in charge is really nice, he is gonna explain you everything
It's really easy
Written April 9, 2019
Can you take food and drink on the boat?
Written March 6, 2019
Dear Lucy,
Please do! Just make sure the captain stays sober.
Hope to see you soon.
Written March 9, 2019
Is it possible to do evening hire so that we can take in Amsterdam in night lights ?
Written September 11, 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.