Amsterdam offers countless opportunities for water activities that are perfect for groups, corporate outings, and special occasions. From classic canal cruises to culinary boat trips and themed tours: there’s a fun water outing for everyone. The five most popular water outings in Amsterdam are: a guided canal cruise, a culinary boat trip, renting a private boat, theme cruises, and trips outside the city center. These options each offer a unique way to discover Amsterdam from the water.
Guided canal cruise – why is this still number one?
A canal cruise with a professional guide remains the most popular water activity because you learn about Amsterdam’s history and architecture in a relaxed way. During such an Amsterdam cruise, you sail past the famous canal houses from the Golden Age, the Magere Brug, and other iconic sights while an experienced guide tells interesting stories.
What makes a canal cruise so special? You get a completely different view of the city than from the street. The canals were designed as transport routes and you see the beautiful canal houses exactly as they were meant to be seen. A standard cruise lasts about one to one and a half hours, which is perfect for getting a first impression of Amsterdam.
The best time for a canal cruise is in the morning or early evening, when the light is beautiful and there’s less traffic on the water. In winter, many boats have heated cabins, so you can sail comfortably even in cold weather.
Culinary boat trip – how do you combine sailing with delicious food?
A culinary boat trip combines enjoying the Amsterdam canals with delicious food and drinks on board. You can choose from different concepts: from a relaxed high tea cruise to an extensive three-course dinner while sailing through the city. This type of water outing Amsterdam is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or romantic outings.
How does dining on board work exactly? Most culinary cruises have a fully equipped kitchen or work with catering companies that serve fresh dishes on board. Popular options are drinks cruises with snacks and beverages, lunches with local specialties, and dinner cruises with multi-course menus.
A culinary boat trip usually lasts between two and four hours, depending on the chosen arrangement. The beauty is that you slowly sail through the canals while eating, allowing you to explore the city in a very relaxed way. For corporate outings, this is a great way to get to know colleagues better in a casual atmosphere.
Renting a private boat – when do you choose your own boat?
Renting a private boat with a skipper gives you the freedom to create your own program and is ideal for groups that want privacy and flexibility. With a private cruise, you determine the route, duration, and program on board yourself. This makes boat rental Amsterdam perfect for corporate outings, weddings, birthdays, or other special moments.
Private boats come in different sizes, from small boats for 10 to 12 people to large salon boats that can accommodate 150 or more guests. Smaller boats are perfect for intimate groups and can sail through all canals. Larger boats are ideal for corporate parties and often have more facilities, such as a bar, music system, and space for catering.
The big advantage of a private boat is that you’re not bound to fixed times or routes. Want to stay longer at a beautiful spot? No problem. Want to sail a specific route that suits your group? That’s all possible. The skipper knows the best spots and can adjust the program to your wishes.
Theme cruises – what special concepts are there?
Theme cruises offer a unique twist on sailing Amsterdam and are often seasonal or focused on specific interests. The Amsterdam Light Festival (December through January) is extremely popular, for example, where you sail in the evening past illuminated artworks specially created for the festival.
Other popular themes are architecture cruises, where an expert explains the special building styles along the canals, historical cruises that delve deeper into the city’s history, and photography trips for people who want to take the most beautiful photos. There are also music cruises with live performances on board.
Seasonal concepts, such as Christmas cruises in December or blossom cruises in spring, make use of what Amsterdam has to offer most beautifully at that moment. These theme cruises are often available for a limited time, so booking early is important. They usually last between one and a half and three hours, depending on the concept.
Sailing outside the canals – where else can you go?
Amsterdam has much more to offer than just the inner city canals. Cruises on the Amstel, the IJ, and to destinations like the Zaanse Schans or the IJsselmeer give you a completely different perspective on the region. These group water activities are perfect for longer outings and larger groups.
A trip on the Amstel takes you past rural areas and historic country estates while still staying close to the city. Sailing on the IJ gives you views of modern architecture and Amsterdam’s harbor. For a full day out, you can sail to the Zaanse Schans, where you can see traditional windmills and crafts.
The IJsselmeer offers the possibility for real sailing trips and is perfect for team building activities. These longer trips usually last half to a full day and can be combined with lunch or dinner on board. The beauty of sailing outside Amsterdam is that you have lots of space and get a feeling of freedom that you don’t have in the city.
How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with water outings in Amsterdam
We offer all the mentioned water activities from our heart of Amsterdam, at the Singel. With more than ten years of experience, we know exactly how to make corporate boat outing arrangements and other water outings unforgettable. Our fleet consists of different boat types that all sail electrically for a quiet, clean experience on the water.
What we arrange for you:
- Complete peace of mind from planning to execution
- Choice of different boat sizes (12 to 175 people)
- All-inclusive arrangements with catering and drinks
- Experienced skippers and hostesses
- Flexible routes through Amsterdam and surroundings
- Customization for your specific wishes and budget
Whether you’re planning an intimate group outing or organizing a large corporate event, we’re happy to think along about the best approach. Our team has experience with all types of water outings and ensures that everything is arranged down to the last detail. Contact us to discuss your water outing in Amsterdam: we’re happy to make it something special!
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