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Articles about boating, dining and celebrating in Amsterdam
Tips, costs and inspiration for drinks, corporate outings and dinners on the water in Amsterdam.
FeaturedDinner cruise in Amsterdam: all options and prices
A private dinner cruise with Amsterdam Boats starts at €112 per person. You cruise with your own group on a classic saloon boat while a high-end caterer serves dinner on board.
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23 September 2026
Hire a boat with skipper in Amsterdam for 15 to 40 people
23 September 2026
Hire a large boat in Amsterdam for 40 to 90 people
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34 articles
Saloon boat hire in Amsterdam: what it is and what it costs
A saloon boat with Amsterdam Boats costs from €275 per hour, including a professional skipper. You choose from eight historic saloon boats for 12 to 90 people.
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Amsterdam Light Festival by boat: see the light art from the water
The artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival are best seen from the water. With Amsterdam Boats you cruise privately on a heated saloon boat: from €295 per hour for a small group, or with drinks or dinner from €49.20 per person.
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High wine on a boat: wine tasting on the Amsterdam canals
A high wine on a boat with Amsterdam Boats starts at €79.95 per person, for groups of 10 or more. You taste a selection of wines with matching bites while cruising the canals privately.
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High tea on a boat in Amsterdam: two options compared
A high tea on a boat with Amsterdam Boats starts at €69.20 per person, for groups of 10 or more. You cruise the canals privately while sweet and savoury treats, tea and coffee are served on board.
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Romantic dinner on a boat in Amsterdam, also for two
A romantic dinner on a boat in Amsterdam is possible for two on a small private saloon boat from €275 per hour, or with your loved ones on a dinner cruise from €119.95 per person.
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Luxury canal cruise in Amsterdam: what makes it luxury and what it costs
A luxury canal cruise with Amsterdam Boats starts at €59.95 per person, or you can hire a luxury saloon boat with skipper from €275 per hour. You always cruise privately, with no other guests on board.
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Canal cruise with drinks and bites in Amsterdam
A private canal cruise with drinks and bites costs from €36.45 per person with Amsterdam Boats, for groups of 10 or more. You choose the format: from bitterballen to a luxury grazing table or Mediterranean tapas.
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Lunch cruise in Amsterdam
A private lunch cruise with Amsterdam Boats starts at €36.45 per person, for groups of 10 or more. The most popular lunch option is Fresh & Healthy on the Water, at €49.20 per person.
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How much does a canal cruise with food cost in Amsterdam?
A private canal cruise with food costs between €36.45 and €157.70 per person with Amsterdam Boats. A casual drinks or lunch cruise is around €50, a full dinner €112 to €158.
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Private canal cruise in Amsterdam: how it works and what it costs
There are two ways to book a private canal cruise with Amsterdam Boats: hire a boat with skipper from €275 per hour, or choose a package with food and drinks from €36.45 per person. Either way, the boat is for your group only.
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Evening canal cruise in Amsterdam: the canals by night
A private evening canal cruise with Amsterdam Boats starts at €46.20 per person for drinks with your own group, from 10 guests. With a smaller group, you can hire a saloon boat with skipper from €275 per hour.
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Business dinner or drinks on a boat in Amsterdam
A corporate cruise with Amsterdam Boats starts at €49.95 per person for a BBQ with open bar (from 30 guests), or at €79 per person for drinks with tapas (from 10 guests). You host your guests privately on a classic saloon boat.
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BBQ on a boat in Amsterdam: live grilling on the canals
A BBQ on a boat with Amsterdam Boats starts at €67.95 per person for groups of 10 to 40, or at €49.95 per person for corporate groups of 30 or more. In both cases a chef grills everything fresh on board.
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Sushi on a boat in Amsterdam
Sushi on a boat with Amsterdam Boats means the Luxury Sushi Cruise, from €79.95 per person for groups of 10 or more. You start with a glass of prosecco and enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sushi along the way.
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Beer boat, rum boat or spritz boat in Amsterdam
A beer boat, rum boat or spritz boat with Amsterdam Boats costs from €308 per hour, skipper included. These themed boats suit groups of up to 35 or 45 people.
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Boat hire in Amsterdam for a small group (2 to 12 people)
For a small group of 2 to 12 people, you can hire a historic saloon boat with skipper from Amsterdam Boats from €275 per hour. With 10 people, a 2-hour private cruise then costs about €55 to €59 per person, excluding catering.
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Dining on a boat in Amsterdam: how many guests fit at the table?
On the Amsterdam Boats fleet, between 8 and 60 guests can enjoy a seated dinner. Most boats take more guests for a buffet than for a seated dinner; the Bota Fogo, for example, seats 40 at the table and 60 for a buffet.
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How much does it cost to rent a canal boat in Amsterdam for a corporate event?
The cost of renting a canal boat for corporate events in Amsterdam ranges between €400 and €2500 per cruise, depending on group size, duration, and chosen package. Renting a sloop in Amsterdam for 10-15 people averages €400-€800, while larger groups of 50+ people should expect to pay €1200-€2500. The price is determined by factors such as season, day of the week, catering, and additional services.
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What should you pay attention to when renting a boat in Amsterdam?
When renting a boat in Amsterdam, you should pay attention to costs, permits, the right boat size for your group, boarding locations, and extra services. The most important factors are transparent pricing, a reliable provider with experienced skippers, and flexibility in arrangements to suit your specific wishes.
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What is the best time of year for private boat tours in Amsterdam?
The best time to rent a private boat in Amsterdam depends on your preferences and goals. Each season offers unique advantages: spring and summer boast the best weather and long days, autumn showcases beautiful colors and has fewer crowds, while winter provides an intimate, cozy atmosphere. The weather, canal crowds, and your desired experience collectively determine the perfect moment for your boat trip.
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What packages are available for a salon boat in Amsterdam?
For a salon boat in Amsterdam, various packages are available, from simple cruises to luxurious culinary experiences. You can choose from drinks reception packages, lunch or dinner cruises, themed voyages, and fully catered packages with professional crew. Most packages are fully customizable to your wishes and the size of your group.
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Should you choose a private boat tour or a group canal cruise for business events?
For business events, choose a private boat tour when you desire exclusivity, privacy, and full control over the program. A group canal cruise is suitable for informal team building or cost-effective networking events. The choice depends on your budget, group size, desired level of privacy, and the professional image you aim to project.
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What are the costs of different dinner packages on a boat?
The cost of dinner on a boat varies between €35-€120 per person, depending on the type of package. A simple drinks reception costs around €35-50 per person, while a luxurious 3-course dinner can cost €80-120 per person. The price depends on factors such as group size, type of catering, cruising duration, and season. Weekend packages are typically 15-25% more expensive than weekday cruises.
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How much does it cost to rent a boat in Amsterdam?
Renting a boat in Amsterdam costs between €150 and €800 per hour, depending on the group size, boat type, and desired service. For a standard sloop for 8 people, you can expect to pay around €200–€300 per hour, while more luxurious boats with a skipper and hostess for 20+ people can range from €500–€800 per hour. Most rental companies apply a minimum rental period of 2–3 hours.
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How much does an Amsterdam boat tour cost?
An Amsterdam boat tour costs on average between €15 and €50 per person for group canal cruises, while private boat rentals range from €150 to €500 per hour, depending on the boat size and service. The final price depends on factors such as the type of boat, group size, season, time of day, and desired extras, such as catering or a hostess.
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What does a BBQ boat cost for a large group in Amsterdam?
Renting a BBQ boat for a large group in Amsterdam typically costs between €800 and €2,500, depending on the size of your group, the duration of the cruise, and the catering arrangement. For groups of 30 to 50 people, you can expect to pay approximately €25 to €50 per person for a complete BBQ experience, including a skipper, hostess, and onboard BBQ facilities.
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What are the differences between boat types for large groups in Amsterdam?
The main differences between boat types for large groups in Amsterdam lie in capacity, comfort, and the type of occasion. Open sloops are suitable for smaller parties of up to approximately 12 people, while salon boats and canal cruise boats can accommodate groups of 20 to 100 people or more. Which boat type is best depends on the group size, the season, and the purpose of your cruise. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about boat types for large groups in Amsterdam.
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What is dining on a boat?
Dining on a boat combines the conviviality of eating together with the unique experience of cruising through the Amsterdam canals. You'll enjoy an extensive menu as you glide past historic facades and picturesque bridges. The combination of delicious food, professional service, and the beautiful views from the water makes it an extraordinary way to dine. From casual drinks cruises to luxurious multi-course dinners, there is a suitable option for every occasion.
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What do you wear for a dinner on a boat?
For a dinner on a boat, opt for comfortable, versatile clothing suitable for varying weather conditions on the water. Wear non-slip shoes, dress in layers, and choose materials that can withstand wind and moisture. Avoid high heels, loose scarves, and overly formal fabrics that are impractical on a boat.
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What does a summer corporate event in Amsterdam cost?
A summer corporate event in Amsterdam costs on average between €30 and €80 per person, depending on the activity, group size, and service level. For a canal cruise, costs typically range between €40 and €100 per person, including catering. The exact amount depends on several factors, which we will explain step by step below.
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Where are the best places to go boating in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a true water paradise, with thousands of kilometers of waterways just waiting to be explored. From Amsterdam's historic canals to vast lakes and picturesque waterways: there are countless places where you can enjoy wonderful boating. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adventurous boat trip through nature, the Netherlands offers something beautiful for every water sports enthusiast.
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