Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise — Your Floating Living Room
Cruise along the beautiful artwork in a heated saloon boat from 1920
Exceptional
59 reviews
What guests loved most
Shosh M.
“Brilliant. Loved it. Just us and one other couple. Beer (our guide) was fantastic. Highly recommend.”
Book up to 3h before departure
From €251.21
·1 hour & 30 mins
About this tour
Cruise along the beautiful artwork and enjoy all the other pretty lights Amsterdam has to offer
Step aboard Diana—our 1920s salon boat that’s as cozy as your living room, but on the water. With glass windows all around (no foggy views here) and a little heater keeping things warm, you’ll have the perfect front-row seat to Amsterdam Light Festival.
It’s just you, your crew (max. 7), and two born-and-raised Amsterdammers who know these canals like the back of their hand. Kick off your shoes, wrap up in a blanket, and let us show you the city glowing at its best.
We’ve got stories, hidden detours, and the festival from angles most people miss. Plus: cold beers, a good glass of wine, or something soft to sip while you drift.
This isn’t a show. It’s a vibe. Welcome aboard—or as we like to say, welcome home.
Pricing & extras
- 1.5 hours: €247.50
excluding city tax (€2.60/person)
excluding booking fee 6%
Drinks & Bites will be settled after the cruise.
But please select them now so we can prepare.
What's included
Intimate salon boat (max. 8 guests)
Panoramic glass windows—clear views, no fog
Heating + blankets for that snug, cozy feel
Local drinks on board: beer, wine & softs
Hosted by two born-and-raised Amsterdammers
Unique routes & stories you won’t find in the guidebook
Itinerary
Duration: 1.5 hours (€250) or 2 hours (€330)
Meeting point: Brouwersgracht, opposite nr. 64 (at the jetty)
What to bring: Just yourself—we’ve got the warmth, the drinks, and the vibes
Private only: max. 7 people per tour
Highlights
A front-row festival experience
Sail right into the heart of Amsterdam Light Festival on Diana, our intimate salon boat. With panoramic glass windows, you’ll catch every glowing artwork without the fogged-up views. Add a heater and blankets, and you’ve got the coziest spot in the city to watch the canals transform into an open-air gallery.
A boat that feels like home
Forget stiff chairs and tourist chatter—Diana is more like a floating living room. Kick off your shoes, lean back, and sip a cold beer, a good glass of wine, or something soft while the lights reflect all around you. Warmth inside, sparkle outside—it’s all about comfort and vibes.
Guided by locals, not scripts
We’re not guides with headsets—we’re Amsterdammers born and raised, with stories from growing up on these canals. We know the hidden detours, the quiet angles, and the best ways to slip past the crowds. With us, you don’t just see the festival—you feel the city.
“Brilliant. Loved it. Just us and one other couple. Beer (our guide) was fantastic. Highly recommend.”
Food & drinks on board
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancel up to 10 days before departure day
- Change time up to 7 days before departure day
- Change guests 24 hours before departure time
What guests say
Artem K.
August 2026
Mikey M.
August 2026
Shosh M.
August 2026
“Brilliant. Loved it. Just us and one other couple. Beer (our guide) was fantastic. Highly recommend.”
Clara S.M.
August 2026
“Un servicio y una experiencia de 10 de 10. Hubo un pequeño problema con la app en el momento de la reserva y tuvimos que cambiar la hora, pero el equipo nos llamó inmediatamente para avisarnos y gestionar la solución al momento. La gran sorpresa fue que, al final, disfrutamos de un tour completamente privado. Nuestra capitana fue fantástica: nos fue explicando datos súper interesantes que van mucho más allá del típico recorrido turístico convencional y nos llevó por canales preciosos que jamás habríamos conocido por nuestra cuenta. Repetiríamos sin dudarlo. ¡Totalmente recomendable!”
Cedrik J.
July 2026
“Oli was an incredible tour guide with a great little boat. He was engaging, we had a laugh, it was just amazing! We had a great time!”
Christos S.
July 2026
“Absolutely worth it. Captain Mare was especially great not only at steering the perfectly sized boat but also at giving us interesting facts about the city, the canals, the people and the culture. The 1,5 hours were just perfect for an afternoon boat ride. It was our first time in Amsterdam and this was the highlight of the trip.”
Roberto N.
June 2026
“An amazing trip through the canals of Amsterdam. The concierge was helpful and explained everything. Besides the option of the tour had been a nice surprise, allowing to see a new perspective of Amsterdam. To him a big thank you.”
Karel
June 2026
“The most amazing boat company in Amsterdam and the perfect way to see the canals.”
Jacckie E.
June 2026
“Was really great, would really recommend it to everyone”
JM
June 2026
“We had a delightful river cruise experience with Liam. Learnt lots about Dutch culture and spirit, sailed through some quiet but scenic routes, and generally enjoyed the views of the city from the water. Thank you Liam for being a professional host.”
Celeste P.
June 2026
“This tour was fantastic. We were on a lovely small boat, just my friend and I, and the route avoids the tourist hot spots. Liam was a brilliant captain - very friendly, knowledgeable and a safe driver. I would recommend this tour to anyone!”
Clare B.
June 2026
“Very enjoyable and informative boat trip. Beer has a relaxed approach. He is very skilled at navigating the canals and is knowledgable. Highly recommend!”
Camille S.
June 2026
“What a great way to see Amsterdam. Beer was a great guide. He shared with us the history of Amsterdam all the way through to modern day issues. The boat was beautiful and clean. It was the best way to start our vacation in Amsterdam.”
Susan D.
June 2026
“Lovely peaceful canal cruise with Beer. It was great to see the canals through the eyes of a local. Beer was a pleasure to cruise with and his c. 1915 boat is gorgeous! Would highly recommend!”
Dave C.
June 2026
“Excellent afternoon.”
Juanita T.
June 2026
“Incredible tour, amazing facts about Amsterdam. Really beautiful boat and amazing experience overall. 100% recommend”
Trond S.
May 2026
“Fantastic service! Our booking agency made a scheduling error, so our tour wasn't actually available when we arrived. As soon as the crew at Off-Canal Cruise realized the issue, they jumped right into action. They immediately contacted other local companies and managed to secure us a spot on a different cruise for the exact same time slot. The new tour was a bit more expensive, but Off-Canal Cruise completely covered the difference! It wasn't even their fault that the booking agency messed up, yet they still went the extra mile to save our day. Highly recommend their incredible customer support. Thank you!”
Sepatu S.
May 2026
“Great accommodating service. With a more original tour than the usual tourist boat ride. I highly recommend supporting small/family businesses in Amsterdam for a more authentic experience :)”
Fulco V.
May 2026
“Had a lovely evening touring the canals of my own city Amsterdam, quiet spots I had never been before. Thank you, Captain Beer, for your interesting background stories.”
Riley E.
May 2026
“The cruise was fantastic, and the captain was genuinely friendly throughout. Highly recommend to any tourists visiting for a new perspective of the canals!”
Boat Tour Departure Location
Who This Is For
Great for
- Groups who want the whole boat to themselves
- Celebrations and group outings (up to 8 guests)
- Guests who want unlimited drinks included
- 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 Cruise — Your Floating Living Room departs from Brouwersgracht 64, 1, 1013 ED Amsterdam.
How long is this cruise?
The cruise lasts 1 hour & 30 mins.
How many people can join this cruise?
Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise — Your Floating Living Room is a private charter for up to 8 guests — you have the whole boat to your own group.
How much does this cruise cost?
Prices for this private charter start at €247.50.
What is included on this cruise?
This cruise includes Free Cancellation, Amsterdam Light Festival, Roof in case of rain and Bar Onboard.
Are drinks included on this cruise?
Yes — unlimited drinks are included in the price of this cruise.
What happens if it rains?
This boat has rain cover, so you stay dry on board if the weather turns.
Is the boat heated?
Yes, this boat has heating on board, which keeps it comfortable in colder weather.
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 3 hours before departure.
Who operates this cruise?
Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise — Your Floating Living Room is operated by Off Course 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 Off Course
Off Course
Off Course is run by Jannah and Beer, a small team of Amsterdam locals who steer guests through quieter waters away from the tourist crowds and into the city's hidden corners — sharing the same spots they actually visit with friends, no fixed script. The fleet is two fully electric, restored saloon boats: Diana, built in 1915, and Curaçao, built in 1951 with a spacious sundeck. Onboard drinks are self-serve, and the vibe is deliberately relaxed — 'your floating living room.' Shared cruises run from €35 per person and private charters from €310, departing from Brouwersgracht 64 near the Jordaan.
View all cruises by Off Course