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Every winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival turns our canals into an open-air gallery, with incredible light artworks installed on, above and alongside the water. And in our opinion, there really is no better way to see them than from a small boat.

The 15th edition runs from 26 November 2026 until 17 January 2027, featuring 20 light artworks along a brand-new route through Amsterdam. Artists from the Netherlands and around the world have created works especially for this anniversary edition, making this winter a particularly special one to join us on the canals.

During the festival, our 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM shared cruises follow the Amsterdam Light Festival route.

We keep our groups small, so instead of squeezing onto a large sightseeing boat, you’ll experience the artworks from the comfort and intimate atmosphere of one of our boats. Grab a drink from the open bar, find your favourite spot inside or outside, and enjoy Amsterdam after dark with your captain.

These departures follow the Light Festival route from 26 November 2026 until 17 January 2027.

Absolutely — your boat, your choice.

On our 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM private cruises during the festival, you can follow the full Amsterdam Light Festival route, stick to our regular route through the historic canals, or ask your captain to create a combination of both.

And there’s actually a pretty good reason to consider the latter. While most of Amsterdam’s cruise boats head towards the Light Festival, the rest of the city’s canals become unusually quiet.

So if you’ve already seen the festival — or simply fancy something different — cruising through an almost empty canal district at night can be every bit as magical.

Yes, all our boats have a bathroom on board — nice ones, actually. No tiny cupboard where you have to fold yourself in half just to close the door.

Besides, offering an open bar without a proper toilet would be borderline criminal.

The cruise, drinks (full open bar: beers, wines, cava, lots of liqours, soft drinks, coffee & tea) snacks (light local sweet & savoury nibbels), local gossip (a.k.a. Amsterdam tea), stories you won't hear on a megaphone, and a chance to make friends - human ones, not seagulls, no AI. So, no hidden fees, no tourist traps, no surprise 'upgrade' charges. That's what we meant with the anti-tourist canal cruise.

Officially no. Unofficially, if your captain made you laugh, cry, or say 'wow' at least three times, feel free to toss a tip their way.

Possibly. It depends on availability at the time. The best way to check is to call us directly on +31 6 824 64 164 or have a look on the booking module on this website.

We depart from Singel 5, conveniently located near Central Station in the heart of the city. Please note that this address is a meeting point only, as we do not have an office at this location.

We'll wave from the water and dedicate a sad, slow sail-by in your honor. Jokes aside: please arrive on time, as the boat departs according to schedule.

Yes and no. Everyone's welcome - from toddlers to your gramps - but keep in mind: we don't have fancy ramps or lifts. Just the captain's steady hand and a little step to get on board. If you're unable to walk or move independently, this might not be your ideal cruise. We're charming, not wheelchair accessible.

Yes, definitely. While Dutch sailors joke about 'going down with the ship', we've got all the required safety stuff: checked, approved, and captain-certified. Honestly, you're safer with us than trying to cross an Amsterdam bike lane.

Always live. Always human. Always local. We don't do pre-recorded - that's for museum headsets and tourist traps. Our captains freestyle with stories based on who's on board and what's happening in the city. No two tours are the same. Boring isn't really our thing.

Ah yes, the crown jewel of our boat: a toilet! Not to brag (okay, a little), but we're one of the few canal tours with an actual loo on board. So go ahead, drink like a sailor, pee like royalty. We keep it clean, comfy, and convenient.

We kindly ask that you do not bring your own food or drinks. The boat has a well-stocked bar with quality wines, beers, and non-alcoholic options, as well as light snacks. This way you can simply relax and enjoy the experience without having to bring anything along. All included in the price.

Only if you want to. We don't follow a script, we follow the vibe. Want postcard-perfect views? Easy. Want to skip the tourist loop and cruise the quiet, hidden canals? Even better. You're the compass.

It is flexible. The captain can adjust the route to suit the mood on board and what is happening on the canals.

Unfortunately, we can’t welcome pets on board our shared cruises. However, if you book a private cruise, your four-legged companion is more than welcome to come along for the ride.

Yes, the boat is heated so you will stay warm even in the colder months.

Absolutely. This is an interactive experience and our captains enjoy answering questions, sharing stories, and engaging with guests.

Mainly English, with a sprinkle of Dunglish: our charming Dutch remix of English with some bonus weird expressions and strong accents. Some captains might throw in a bit of German or French if you're lucky (or unlucky?), but if you ask deep philosophical questions in Italian, well, good luck.

Of course. Whether you're feeling Titanic romance, 90s bangers, or moody jazz, we're vibe-flexible. Just let us know what floats your boat (even on shared cruises, you might get to DJ. But no promises. Last hand on the aux wins).

Sir, yes sir! We cruise morning, noon, sunset, and deep into the golden glow. Depends on the season and your mood.

A solid 90 minutes. Long enough to fall in love with the canals, short enough to still make your dinner reservation. Actually, sometimes the captain does it for you.

We're Dutch: we don't fear a little drizzle. And like our captains would say "you're not made out of sugar are you?" On our boat Sophie, there's a cozy indoor space and a roof over the back deck. You'll stay dry unless you really want that dramatic wind-in-hair, rain-on-face 90's music clip canal experience. Up to you.

Yes! The maximum group size is only 12. For each guest there is a seat indoor and outdoor, so whatever the weather, you will have the best seat available. Don't be fooled by pictures of spacious boats with little guests of our competitors to find out you are cramped in like a refugee boat upon arrival.