Amsterdam Light Festival – Private Evening Cruise
Your own heated 1971 Venetian water taxi among the light art
Exceptional
109 reviews
What guests loved most
Sara T.
“Amazing experience and fantastic service. Really enjoyed our time exploring Amsterdam on the water w…”
From €476.21
·2 hours
About this tour
15th Light Festival • Private heated Venetian boat • Up to 8 guests
See the 15th Amsterdam Light Festival from Venice, a 1971 Venetian water taxi that is yours alone for the evening. The boat is electric, so it is quiet on the water. It is covered and heated, and there are blankets on board. Your captain steers while you look at the light artworks along the canals.
On board
Venice is a varnished wooden boat with cream benches and a teak floor. It takes up to 8 guests. There is a bar on board with champagne, prosecco, wine, beer and soft drinks, which you pay for on top of the cruise. You can also order a cheese platter from a local cheesemaker, and other bites can be arranged in advance. Bringing your own drinks is possible, but the operator charges a corkage fee.
Good to know
- The festival runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The lights are on from 16:30 to 23:00 every day, and until 21:00 on 31 December.
- Departures are at 16:30, 19:00 and 21:30. You choose the length when you book: 2, 2.5 or 3 hours.
- The operator shows a 5.0 rating from 186 guest reviews on its own website.
- You can cancel up to 48 hours before departure.
- The boat is not wheelchair accessible. Call the operator if you have questions about access.
Meeting point
The boat leaves from the Apollo Hotel, Apollolaan 2, in Amsterdam-Zuid. Pickup somewhere else in Amsterdam is possible for an extra charge that depends on the distance. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before departure. You can call the operator on +31 6 4214 8055.
“Great excursion from the boat captain Diederick”
Food & drinks on board
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- Full refund or credit when you cancel at least 48 hours before the activity starts
- Full refund or credit if the operator cancels because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances
- Contact us by phone to cancel or to ask about a cancellation
- No-shows are charged the full price
- Guests receive a full refund or credit when they cancel at least 48 hours before the start of the activity. Guests also receive a full refund or credit if the operator cancels because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Call the operator to cancel or to ask about a cancellation. For no-shows the full price is charged.
What guests say
Sara T.
August 2026
“Amazing experience and fantastic service. Really enjoyed our time exploring Amsterdam on the water with a beautiful boat. Our captain Diedrik was humorous, knowledgeable and pleasant. Overall a fantastic experience and would highly recommend.”
Emma B.
August 2026
Re P.
August 2026
“Great excursion from the boat captain Diederick”
Martin C.
August 2026
“DJ was an excellent guide. Looking forward to do it again !”
Mikhail M.
August 2026
Jeff B.
August 2026
“Great cruise, great boat, great guide!!!”
Graham S.
August 2026
“Thank you for an amazing memorable night with family. Thanks to Diederick”
Tyler K.
August 2026
Roberto V.
August 2026
“Must do if you’re in Amsterdam. Best way to tour the canals. Captain was 10/10.”
IDan G.
August 2026
“Great trip and guys Great trip we really enjoyed very recommended”
Pooya H.
July 2026
“Amazing boat tour with a great tour guide. Definitely recommend it.”
Nikki H.
July 2026
“Deidrick was an amazing tour guide, Amsterdam has so much character and this was the perfect way to see it. *Chefs kiss*”
Oleksii S.
July 2026
Arianna C.
July 2026
“fabulous experience! high recommend to anyone wanting to see a lot of Amsterdam without walking everywhere. Driver was informed and kind, thank you!!!”
Aziz F.
July 2026
“Excellent experience with Prestige Boats Amsterdam. This has been the highlight of our trip so far. Great way to see the city and get a better sense of the layout. Service was top notch, relaxed, and quite informative at the same time. Our captain was very professional and kind (and that is despite my rambunctious toddler trying to run everywhere). Very comfortable boat as well. It's a beautifully restored Venetian taxi boat from 1971; the electric engine is super quiet and adds to the quality of the experience.”
Justin B.
July 2026
“Dedrick was our captain and he was amazing. Had a knowledge of the history of the town. He was very personable with the kids.”
Andreita G.
July 2026
“Excelente recorrido, y el capitán excepcional! Gran servicio”
agustin S.
July 2026
“very nice ride and excellent driver”
Evan K.
July 2026
“Deiterich is a beauty”
Nijat A.
July 2026
Who This Is For
Great for
- Groups who want the whole boat to themselves
- Celebrations and group outings (up to 8 guests)
- Winter and rainy days — the boat is covered and heated
- Visitors who want to see the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water
Maybe not for
- Anyone hoping to join an existing group — the whole boat is booked at once
- Guests who need a toilet on board — this longer cruise does not list one
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this cruise depart from?
Amsterdam Light Festival – Private Evening Cruise departs from Apollo Hotel, Apollolaan 2, 1077 BA Amsterdam.
How long is this cruise?
The cruise lasts 2 hours.
How many people can join this cruise?
Amsterdam Light Festival – Private Evening Cruise 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 €469.17.
What is included on this cruise?
This cruise includes Whole boat for your group, Private captain, Heated and covered Venetian water taxi, Blankets on board, Bar on board, drinks ordered separately and Cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
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.
Who operates this cruise?
Amsterdam Light Festival – Private Evening Cruise is operated by Prestige Boats Amsterdam 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.
Can I book last-minute, and how fast is my booking confirmed?
Yes, as long as a time slot is still open for booking on this page. Every booking is confirmed instantly online — no waiting to hear back. Each available time shows its own booking cutoff, so grab a spot before it closes if you're booking for the same day.
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About Prestige Boats Amsterdam
Prestige Boats Amsterdam
Prestige Boats Amsterdam is run by brothers Stijn and Vince, who converted a 1971 Venetian water taxi named Ca' Foscolo — built by the renowned Cantiere Celli boatyard in Venice — into a fully electric, silent private charter boat. Handmade from solid mahogany and restored with care for its original Italian character, it's one of roughly 500 such taxis left in the world. The boat can pick up anywhere in Amsterdam, has a convertible heated roof for year-round use, and private charters start from €299.
View all cruises by Prestige Boats Amsterdam