Cruise past the lights on a roomy, covered and heated 1951 boat, for up to 12 guests
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 4h before departure
From €319.72
·1 hour & 30 mins
Cruise past the lights on a roomy, covered and heated 1951 boat, for up to 12 guests
Every winter Amsterdam turns its canals into an open-air gallery. The Amsterdam Light Festival is back for its 15th edition, from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, with light art by artists from all over the world. The artworks sit along and above the canals, so the best seat is a boat.
This is an evening cruise on Curaçao, a roomy historic boat from 1951 that you book for your group only, up to 12 guests. She is silent on electric power, covered and heated, with soft cushions, blankets and space to stretch out. It is your own private lounge boat on the canals, made for families, friends and bigger teams.
The cruise takes 1.5 hours and runs in the evening, when the artworks are lit and it is properly dark. We sail the official festival route past the artworks, the same route on every cruise. Your skipper is a born-and-raised Amsterdammer who tells you what you are looking at, with a few canal stories on the way.
There is a pay-per-drink bar on board with beer, wine and soft drinks. You can pay by cash or card after the cruise. You can also bring your own drinks for a corkage fee, or add an unlimited drinks option when you book. Bites boxes and cheese or charcuterie platters can be added at checkout and will be waiting on board.
We meet at Brouwersgracht, opposite no. 64, at the jetty. There is no toilet on board, but the skipper can stop along the canals whenever someone needs one. Dogs are welcome on private cruises. You can cancel for free more than 48 hours before departure. Between 24 and 48 hours before departure you get 50% back, and within 24 hours there is no refund.
“Brilliant. Loved it. Just us and one other couple. Beer (our guide) was fantastic. Highly recommend.”
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!”
Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise on Curaçao departs from Brouwersgracht 64, 1, 1013 ED Amsterdam.
The cruise lasts 1 hour & 30 mins.
Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise on Curaçao is a private charter for up to 12 guests — you have the whole boat to your own group.
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, one built in 1915 and one 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 CoursePrices for this private charter start at €315.
This cruise includes Free Cancellation, Last minute availability, Roof in case of rain and Bar Onboard.
Yes — unlimited drinks are included in the price of this cruise.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own drinks on board this cruise.
This boat has rain cover, so you stay dry on board if the weather turns.
Yes, this is an open boat rather than an enclosed one, and it has rain cover for when the weather turns.
Yes, this boat has heating on board, which keeps it comfortable in colder weather.
Yes, this cruise is pet-friendly, so your dog is welcome on board.
Yes, this cruise offers free cancellation.
You can book this cruise up to 4 hours before departure.
Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise on Curaçao is operated by Off Course and can be booked directly through BoatLocal.
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.
Up to 8 guests · from €248
