Amsterdam offers various team building activities on the water that bring teams closer together. From escape rooms on board and cooking workshops to interactive presentations and creative assignments: the possibilities are endless. The unique setting of Amsterdam’s canals creates a relaxed atmosphere where colleagues get to know each other in a different way. You can choose from different boat types and routes, depending on your group size and desired activities.
What makes team building on the water so effective for teams?
Team building on the water works so well because you are literally stuck together on a boat. There’s no escape to your phone or other distractions: you’re together on the water and that automatically creates connection. Amsterdam’s canals provide a unique, relaxed environment that is completely different from the usual office setting.
Water naturally has a calming effect. You only hear the soft, lapping sound of water against the boat, which creates a relaxed atmosphere. This peaceful environment makes it easier for team members to be open and truly engage in conversation with each other. Many people feel freer to be themselves when they’re away from their usual work environment.
The limited space on a boat also ensures that everyone automatically gets involved in the activities. There are no corners where people can hide or stay on the sidelines. This encourages natural interaction and collaboration between colleagues who normally might not talk much with each other.
What types of team building activities can you do on a boat?
There are countless team building activities possible on a boat, from interactive games to professional workshops. Escape rooms on the water are very popular, for example: teams must solve puzzles together while sailing through the canals. Cooking workshops on board combine creativity with collaboration, where teams prepare a meal together.
Quiz and game activities work excellently on boats because everyone sits close together and can participate. You can have teams compete over questions about Amsterdam, the company, or general knowledge. Creative workshops such as painting, photography, or even making music are also possible, with Amsterdam’s canals serving as inspiration.
For more business purposes, you can give interactive presentations, organize brainstorming sessions, or hold strategic planning sessions. The isolation on the water helps teams stay focused and think creatively. Walking dinners and drinks provide informal moments where colleagues get to know each other better.
Team challenges such as navigation assignments, where teams must determine the route together, also work well. Or have teams create stories together about the historic buildings you sail past: this combines creativity with Amsterdam’s unique environment.
How do you choose the right boat for team building activities?
The choice of the right boat depends on your group size and desired activities. For groups up to 12 people, smaller, intimate boats are ideal for personal conversations and workshops. Larger groups of 20 to 60 people need more space for movement and different activities simultaneously.
Think carefully about the type of activities you want to do. For cooking workshops, you need a boat with kitchen facilities. For presentations, a boat with audiovisual equipment is useful. Enclosed salon boats offer protection from weather and more privacy, while open boats provide more direct contact with the canals.
The season also plays a role. In winter, heated, enclosed boats are more comfortable, while in summer you can enjoy open boats with outdoor space. Also consider practical matters such as toilet facilities, bar facilities, and sufficient seating for everyone.
| Group Size | Boat Type | Suitable for Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 people | Small salon boat | Workshops, conversations, small quiz |
| 15-30 people | Medium-sized boat | Presentations, team games, drinks |
| 40-60 people | Large salon boat | Walking dinner, large quiz, multiple activities |
What are the best routes for team building boat trips in Amsterdam?
The classic canal route along the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and offers beautiful historic buildings as a backdrop for your team activities. This route is perfect for shorter team building sessions and gives everyone the chance to see Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage site.
For longer team building programs, you can choose routes along the Amstel, where you have more space and tranquility. Here teams can relax and enjoy the broader river while having more privacy for intensive workshops or conversations. The trip to the IJ offers modern skylines and a completely different perspective on the city.
Do you want to really focus extensively on team building? Then routes to Durgerdam, the Vecht, or even Volendam are ideal. These longer trips of 3 to 4 hours provide ample time for extensive activities, multiple workshops, and good conversations. Along the way, you see the Dutch landscape and together get the feeling of a real voyage of discovery.
The choice depends on how much time you have and what you want to achieve. Short canal routes are perfect for introductions and lighter activities. Longer routes to the region offer space for deeper team building and strategic sessions.
How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with team building on the water
We provide a completely worry-free team building experience on the water. With our fleet of different boat types, we can facilitate groups from 10 to 175 people, always having the perfect boat for your specific team building needs.
Our approach to team building on the water:
- Customized activities – we tailor all activities to your team and objectives
- All-inclusive arrangements – from catering to audiovisual equipment, everything is arranged
- Experienced guidance – our skippers and hostesses ensure everything runs smoothly
- Flexible routes – from short canal cruises to longer regional trips
- Complete peace of mind – you can focus on your team, we handle the rest
Whether you want to hold a small workshop or organize a large company outing, we have the expertise to make your team building on the water a success. Our experience with business groups ensures that we understand exactly what teams need for a successful day on the water. Contact us for personal advice about the possibilities for your team.
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