See the light festival up close on a cozy, open boat with warm blankets and clear views all around.
Exceptional
2,848 reviews
What guests loved most
Canada G.H.
“Thank you, dear Adam. My family and I, who came from Canada, really had a great time on your boat an…”
Book up to 6 min before departure
From €30
·1 hour & 15 mins
Special Event from Nov 28th - Jan 4th • Minimum age 6 • Max 12 guests • 75 - 90 min
duration: 75 - 90 minutes
cancellation_summary: 24 hours in advance free cancellation
meeting_point: Nieuwe Keizersgracht # 1, Amsterdam
min_age: 6
max_age: 100
group_size: Maximum 12 people
accessibility: No
description: Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise: A Spectacular Journey Through Illuminated Canals
Step aboard for a magical evening cruise during the 14th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival, where this year’s theme is “Legacy”. Glide through the city’s iconic canals as they come to life with 20 mesmerizing light installations and sculptures, crafted by artists from around the world.
On our intimate, open boat, you’ll enjoy unobstructed, panoramic views of the breathtaking light art—perfect for capturing stunning photos without the hassle of windows or glare. We’ll navigate the official festival route, winding through the UNESCO-protected canal belt, offering you front-row access to Amsterdam’s most vibrant winter spectacle.
Join us for an unforgettable experience, where the city's beauty shines brightest in the darkest months of the year!
what_is_included: - Glühwein: Sip on complimentary mulled wine as you take in the sights.
- Heated Cushions
- Blankets
- Weather Protection: Rain canopy/cover in case of bad weather.
- Expert Commentary: Our captain will provide detailed explanations of the artworks.
- Rates include the special Light Festival contribution fee
what_is_not_included: Drinks: Available for purchase on board
- Heineken Beer = € 3
- Glass of Rosé or White Wine = € 4.00
- Bottle of Wine (Rosé or White) = € 16.00
- Water = € 2.50
- Soft Drinks: Coke (regular or zero), Fanta, Ice Tea = € 2.50 each
Snacks: Please feel free to bring your own snacks or drinks for the journey.
highlights: - Unmatched Views on an Open Boat
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival like never before on our small, open boat. With no windows or barriers, you'll have unobstructed views of the stunning light installations from every angle. This allows for the perfect photo opportunities and a more immersive experience, bringing you closer to the artwork and the city's enchanting canals.
Intimate and Personalized Tour
Our smaller boat size ensures an intimate and personal atmosphere, with a knowledgeable captain who will provide fascinating insights into each light sculpture and the festival's theme, "Rituals." With fewer passengers onboard, you'll enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable journey through the heart of Amsterdam's light-filled waterways.
Unique Festival Route
We follow the official Amsterdam Light Festival route, passing through the iconic UNESCO-protected canal belt. As you glide past some of the city’s most beautiful and historic landmarks, the interplay of light art and architecture will leave you in awe.
Perfect for All Weather
Our boat’s open design lets you enjoy the crisp winter air while wrapped up cozy with blankets provided onboard. If it’s cold or drizzly, no worries—we have a rain cover and even heated seats available to keep you warm, making this cruise an enjoyable experience no matter the weather.
check_in_details: - Check In with the Captain
You can check in directly with the captain at the boat. Please note that we do not have an office at the meeting point, so head straight to the boat upon arrival.
Arrive on Time
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure a smooth check-in process. Important: We cannot wait for late guests on our shared cruises, so make sure to be on time to avoid missing your tour.
what_to_bring: - Warm Clothing
Even though our boat is equipped with heated seats and blankets, it’s a good idea to dress warmly. The crisp winter air can get chilly during the evening, so layers, a warm jacket, scarf, gloves, and a hat are highly recommended.
Camera or Smartphone
The light installations are stunning and perfect for photos! Bring along your camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of the festival.
special_requirements: All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
faqs: ### Common Questions
1. Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the tour. However, we also offer a selection of drinks for purchase on board, including beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.
2. What happens if it rains?
Our boat is equipped with a rain canopy to keep you dry in case of uncertain weather. We also provide cozy blankets and heated cushions to ensure you're comfortable during cooler conditions, so the tour can continue regardless of the weather.
**3. Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely! Children aged 6 years and up are welcome aboard. Our relaxed and scenic boat tour is a great way for families to experience the beauty of Amsterdam Light Festival.
4. Can I bring my dog on the boat?
Yes, on our private boat tours you can bring all your dogs along.
5. Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, our boat is not wheelchair accessible due to the boat's size.
6. Do you provide live commentary during the tour?
Yes, our captain will guide you through the tour in English, offering live commentary with interesting facts and stories about the Amsterdam Light Festival and it's many light artworks and installations.
7. Is the boat electric?
Yes, our boats are fully electric! We pride ourselves on offering an eco-friendly cruising experience, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam's canals without noise or emissions. The electric motor ensures a smooth and quiet ride, so you can fully appreciate the light installations and the serenity of the canals.
Canada G.H.
August 2026
“Thank you, dear Adam. My family and I, who came from Canada, really had a great time on your boat and I wanted to share my experience with you.”
Natalie P.
August 2026
“Captain Adam was great! Funny, engaging and shared awesome info about the city. It was very cool to learn some history and see the city from a different viewpoint. Highly recommend!”
Michael S.
August 2026
“This was a fantastic canal cruise without the crowds and commercial crap! Bring your own snacks and drinks (if you want) and enjoy the ride. Great history and cultural information about Amsterdam that wasn't blasted over a loudspeaker Much more intimate setting and interactive experience. A very personal tour and low-key experience. Highly recommended!”
Johanna B.
August 2026
“It was our first time in Amsterdam and we were looking for a good tour with an open cruise and with a little group. Then we found this. It was really really beautiful. We loved it! It was easy to come to the start and Jamie our Tourguide was really nice and friendly. He talked about Amsterdam and the history and showed us some special places. U could ask him anything and it was really chill. So it’s worth the money!”
Masha F.
August 2026
“Adam was awesome. We loved the tour.”
Leslie C.
August 2026
“We had the best experience with Captain Griffin! He was so knowledgeable and made the whole experience memorable!”
Danielle S.
August 2026
“Perfect canal tour. Interesting commentary. Leisurely pace. Personalized service.”
C P.
August 2026
“We had an enjoyable and informative canal tour with Captain Gus. It is smaller than some which is what we wanted offering a more interactive experience.”
Lyndsey H.
August 2026
“Artilla, our tour guide, was wonderful and had a lots of interactive stories vibing off our chats. It made for a personal and relaxed style tour in a quiet and eco friendly electric boat. Would recommend it over the larger boats and we also enjoyed having our own food whilst others had the on board offering. It was chill and a great morning. Do it.”
Fabio D.
August 2026
“Wonderful experience. Captain Joao was great, gave us a lot of interesting information and was replied to every question we had. It was like having a cruise with a friend from Amsterdam.”
Diane W.
August 2026
“We had a fantastic 1 1/2 hour boat trip with Attila who was very friendly and had a great sense of humour. He was very knowledgeable and interesting and clearly loves his job. Would highly recommend this if you want a smaller group (12 people max) as you get to explore some of the smaller canals too. Would give 10 stars if we could 😊”
Peter
August 2026
“Captain Eddie took me and some friends around on a canal tour and shared plenty of history and stories. He's friendly and knowledgeable. Was a great addition to our visit to Amsterdam.”
Stefania G.
August 2026
“Eddie is very friendy and funny, he knows the story of the city of Amsterdam very well, recommended!”
Justin O.(.
August 2026
Sierra E.
August 2026
“Captain Guys was great! We had a wonderful night tour 10/10”
Claire N.
August 2026
“We had a fantastic trip with Captain Gus. Very relaxed, lots and lots of interesting sights and stories! It’s a little boat which enables you to see the smaller canals. The start point is away from the crowds which is also a bonus! We were warmly welcomed aboard. Highly recommended”
Ben W.
August 2026
“We stumbled across this tour when walking around Amsterdam. Captain Eddie was very friendly and answered all our questions about Amsterdam and Dutch culture. It felt like an authentic tour with a local. We would recommend for anyone looking to experience the iconic Amsterdam canals.”
Diana D.
August 2026
“Attila was a lively and informative guide and driver who managed our unruly group of nine (three families) with grace. It was a wonderful way to finish off our trip. I love the sophisticated boat without loudspeakers or gimmicky decoration. Being able to bring our own food was really nice as well though beer is very affordable at €4 a can if I remember right. Must do if you can!”
Katie M.
August 2026
“Excellent small boat trip. Really friendly local guide guss very funny and knowledgeable. Recommend.”
James L.
August 2026
“My family and I loved the trip around Amsterdam with Guus! Very informative, great humour and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Would highly recommend to anyone.”
Free cancellation 24h before departure time
Change time & day 24h before departure
Increase guests 1h before departure time
This operator's policy: Free cancellation 24h before departure time; Change time & day 24h before departure; Increase guests 1h before departure time.
This varies by cruise — check the feature badges and 'What's Included' section on this specific cruise page above for exactly what's covered (drinks, snacks, toilet, heating, and more) before you book.
Yes — shared cruises are booked per seat, so solo travelers, couples, and small groups can all join the same departure alongside other guests. Check this cruise page for how many seats you can book in one reservation.
Amsterdam Boat Adventures
Captain Jamie and Bente founded Amsterdam Boat Adventures in the spring of 2018, after Jamie secured the official permit to run canal cruises in the city. What began as a single boat has grown into a two-boat, family-run company with a small team of captains — each one guiding personally, choosing the narrow inner canals the big glass-roofed boats can't reach.
The exact departure point is shown on the map further down this page — click "How far is this from me?" for directions from your location. Once you book, the full address and directions are also sent straight to your confirmation email.
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.
