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Saloon boat sailing through the Amsterdam canals

Rent a Saloon Boat in Amsterdam

Picture your group drifting past Amsterdam’s canal houses, drinks poured and music playing, while someone else takes the wheel. That is a day on a saloon boat: your own private boat with a skipper, for 12 to 75 guests, on the water in any season.

Our saloon boats in Amsterdam

Pick the boat that fits your group. Our saloon boats seat from 12 up to 75 people, priced per hour, so a short afternoon or a long evening both work. Rates start from EUR 225 per hour, with larger boats up to EUR 350 per hour. The group splits the cost between you.

Enjoy the view of the Titanic

What makes a saloon boat different

A saloon boat is a classic canal boat with an enclosed, heated cabin. That is what sets it apart from an open sloop, and what lets you cruise in comfort all year, rain or shine. Open the windows and roof when the sun is out, and close them when it turns.

Saloon boats are also the larger, more comfortable boats in our fleet, and music is allowed on board, which makes them the natural pick for a sit-down dinner, a night out or any group that wants space and shelter over the open air.

Saloon boat packages: dinner, drinks and BBQ sorted

Rather not plan every detail? Pick a ready-made package and we arrange the boat, skipper, food and drinks around one theme. On a saloon boat the favourites are a three-course dinner cruise, a borrel with drinks and bittergarnituur, a BBQ on board, or a cocktail evening under cover. Each is priced per person, from 10 people up.

How renting a saloon boat works

Booking a saloon boat is quick.

  1. Choose your saloon boat, or a ready-made package.
  2. Request a free, no-obligation quote with your date and group size.
  3. We confirm the details, and your boat is booked.

A skipper comes with every boat, so there is nothing else to organise. On the day, you just step aboard.

The Roos saloon boat at the quay, ready to depart

Add food, drinks and extras

The trip is yours to fill. Drink packages start with soft drinks, beer and wine, and you can upgrade to bubbles or premium spirits. For food, keep it simple with snacks, go for sharing platters, or sit down to a three-course menu, which the covered saloon makes easy in any season. Smoking is not permitted on board. Have a look at the foodbook when you plan, and tell us what you fancy when you request your quote.

Saloon boat or open sloop?

The choice comes down to the weather and the mood. A saloon boat is covered and heated, so it works all year and suits a sit-down dinner or a winter evening, with music allowed on board. An open sloop is social and airy, best for a sunny afternoon and a group who want the open air, with a canopy you can close if it rains. If the open air is what you are after, see how to rent a sloop in Amsterdam instead, or browse the full range of boats you can rent in Amsterdam.

Dinner cruise in Amsterdam’s canals
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Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, family outing or just because. Leave the rest to us.

Prefer a shared cruise?

Not every group needs a whole boat. If you are under about eight people, a private saloon boat can feel large for your numbers. In that case a shared canal cruise is the better value: join others and pay a fixed price per person.

All-inclusive Amsterdam canal cruise – featured image

A saloon boat for a company outing or celebration

A saloon boat suits far more than a day out with friends:

  • Company outing: catering and a skipper take the pressure off the organiser, and a single quote keeps the finance simple.
  • Team outing: get everyone off-site and onto the water, with the day handled end to end.
  • Birthday or special occasion: mark it on the canals, with catering to match.
  • Bachelor party: a private boat, your own soundtrack, and a skipper who knows the route.
  • Family outing: covered and comfortable for all ages, whatever the weather.

Because the saloon is warm and covered, it comes into its own for winter events and the light season, when the canals turn into the main event. The city can close the canal belt between 00:00 and 07:00, so late trips are planned around that. Tell us the occasion when you request a quote, and we match the boat and the plan to it.

All-inclusive Amsterdam canal cruise – featured image

The canals and routes you will sail

  • Architecture route
  • Canal route
  • Red Light District route
  • Plantage route
  • Culinary route

The architecture route takes you past 23 architectural highlights in Amsterdam. You’ll cruise along modern icons of steel, concrete, aluminium and glass around the IJ with impressive views. From striking shapes and unique hotels to redeveloped industrial sites: the perfect route for architecture enthusiasts.

Boat sloop Amigo on Amsterdam water

You only truly discover Amsterdam from the water. The city has a rich history dating back to the 13th century and grew into a world city during the 17th century. To accommodate that growth, the canal ring was built — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still the beating heart of the city. As you cruise through the canals, you’ll see the unique mix of historic buildings and modern influences. Our skippers don’t just navigate smoothly through the city, they also share the best stories along the way.

Amsterdam’s city walls at night

On a canal cruise through Amsterdam you’ll quickly pass the Wallen, the famous Red Light District in the oldest part of the city, between the Warmoesstraat and the Zeedijk. Besides the red-light area, there’s much more to discover, including the impressive Oude Kerk. This route is perfect for history lovers who want to experience the rich city centre from the water. Note: sail clockwise due to one-way traffic on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal. Our skippers know the route inside out.

NEMO Plantation Route by boat

Want to experience Amsterdam in a different way? Choose the Plantage Route and cruise through the greenest part of the city. During this relaxing trip you’ll pass highlights like NEMO, the Maritime Museum, Artis and the Tropenmuseum. With all the water and greenery around you, it almost feels like you’ve left the hustle and bustle behind. The perfect mix of nature and city life.

A restaurant in Amsterdam by the water

Amsterdam, our capital, has developed into one of the most cultural cities in the West in recent years. This is clearly noticeable in the culinary scene as well. During a trip along the culinary route, you’ll experience this for yourself. The route takes you past the best spots for tasty dishes, refreshing drinks or a delicious ice cream. You can moor at these locations, but you can also enjoy the on-board service.

Something to celebrate? Rent a tailor-made saloon boat with us!

Looking for a business dinner cruise or a cozy drinks reception in a stylish setting? Our luxury saloon boats in Amsterdam offer the perfect ambiance for company outings and special occasions. Through personal contact we tailor everything to your wishes and fully adapt the boat — from an elegant dinner with tables to an open drinks area with cocktail tables. We take care of everything so your outing is perfect down to the last detail.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can fit on a saloon boat?

Our smallest saloon boats are ideal for 12 people, perfect for an intimate drinks reception or dinner. The medium-sized saloon boats can accommodate up to 30 people, and the largest ones up to 75. This means there is a suitable saloon boat in Amsterdam for every group size.

How much does it cost to rent a saloon boat in Amsterdam?

Renting a saloon boat in Amsterdam starts at €225 per hour for a small saloon boat accommodating up to 12 people. A medium-sized saloon boat for up to 30 people starts at €275 per hour. Large saloon boats for 50 to 75 people are available from €350 per hour. An experienced skipper is always included. Request a free quote for a bespoke price.

What are the advantages of a saloon boat?

A saloon boat is ideal for all weather conditions. In summer, the windows and roofs can be opened, and in winter, you can sit comfortably inside. In addition, the boats are larger, allowing you to sail with a large group. Ideal for a company outing.

In which cities can I cruise with a saloon boat?

At the moment, we only offer saloon boats in Amsterdam. But don’t worry, in Volendam and Haarlem you can cruise with our luxury sloops.

How many people can I have on a saloon boat?

That depends on the boat. We have boats for 12 to over 100 people.

When can I rent a saloon boat?

You can reserve a saloon boat all year round. We adjust the boat according to the weather.

Do you also hire boats during public holidays?

Absolutely! We also operate on all major holidays. Think of events like the Light Festival, Pride Parade, King’s Day, and many more. Ask us about the possibilities.

Is smoking allowed on board?

No, for everyone’s health, smoking is not allowed on the boats.

Is there a minimum number of people required on the boat?

We have different boat sizes for groups between 8 and 150 people. For groups smaller than 8 people, we recommend our individual tickets for a canal cruise.

If I request a quote, am I committed to it?

No, if you make a request, it is completely non-binding and free! Once you have received the quote, you can simply indicate whether you agree or not.

Can I steer the boat myself?

No, our boats are operated by our experienced local skippers. This way, you can sit back and enjoy your day.

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