Amsterdam Light Festival Open Boat Tour

4.7(14,241)

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Small-group cruise on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival with illuminated art and historic buildings.
Your open-air festival adventure!

Cruise through Amsterdam’s glowing canals in a comfortable open boat or deck lounge. Watch radiant artworks reflect across the water and enjoy live commentary.

























































Why choose an Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise?

✔️ 75-minute canal cruise on the official festival route

✔️ Choose between semi-covered sloep or deck lounge boat

✔️ Board from Starboard Dock, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Central Station, or Anne Frank House

✔️ Heated seating or blankets for winter comfort

✔️ English-speaking guide or audio commentary onboard

✔️ Clear, unobstructed views of illuminated artworks

✔️ Amsterdam Light Festival entry fee included

✔️ Option to have unlimited drinks

Amsterdam Light Festival installation glowing over canal during small-group cruise.

Things to know before booking your tour

  • Festival dates: The Amsterdam Light Festival runs from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026, offering eight enchanting weeks of evening canal illumination.
  • Boat type: Depending on your selection, you’ll sail on an open sloep or a semi-covered canal boat with a rear deck lounge for outdoor views.
  • Departure points: Board at Starboard Dock, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Central Station, or Anne Frank House depending on your ticket type and departure time.
  • Weather considerations: Blankets and heated seats are provided where available, but winter evenings can be cold, so wear warm layers for comfort.
  • Accessibility: Some boats may not be fully accessible. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator in advance for details.

Amsterdam Light Festival open boat vs standard covered cruise

FeatureOpen boat cruiseStandard covered cruise

View

Unobstructed views of artworks

Through glass windows

Experience

Open-air, close to water

Fully enclosed comfort

Atmosphere

Lively, social, immersive

Quiet, sightseeing-focused

Boat type

Open sloep or rear deck lounge

Fully glass-roofed boat

Photo quality

Clear night photography

Occasional light reflection

Best for

Night lights & photography

Relaxed indoor sightseeing

Highlights of your open boat cruise

Amsterdam Centraal Station

Sail past the majestic Centraal Station, its Neo-Renaissance façade glowing against the night sky. Reflections ripple across the water as festival artworks illuminate one of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks.

Hortus Botanicus

Glide by one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, where centuries-old greenhouses shimmer under vibrant lights. The surrounding canal reflects bursts of color from nearby festival installations.

Magere Brug

Pass beneath the famous Skinny Bridge, adorned with hundreds of white bulbs that shimmer over the Amstel River. Its timeless elegance contrasts beautifully with the surrounding festival glow.

Herengracht

Admire the grandeur of Herengracht, lined with stately canal houses and arched bridges. During the Light Festival, its calm waters mirror contemporary artworks set between the city’s historic façades.

Grachtengordel

Cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt, a masterpiece of 17th-century design. The Light Festival transforms this historic network of waterways into a glowing panorama of art and reflection.

Brouwersgracht

Sail along Brouwersgracht, known for its charming warehouses and flower-draped bridges. The tranquil waterway becomes even more captivating when illuminated by colorful light displays along its curved path.

Haarlemmersluis

Go past this historic lock connecting the Singel to the IJ. As you glide under softly lit arches, modern artworks interplay with centuries-old stonework and the gentle sound of moving water.

De Negen Straatjes

Catch a glimpse of Amsterdam’s boutique-filled Nine Streets, where narrow bridges cross glowing canals. The warm shopfront lights blend with festival reflections for a scene straight from a postcard.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

Admire the grand Dutch National Maritime Museum, its courtyard lit in striking colors during the festival. The monumental architecture and glowing reflections evoke Amsterdam’s deep maritime legacy.

NEMO Science Museum

Spot NEMO’s green copper exterior glowing under colorful projections. Its sloped roof and modern design create a striking contrast to the historic canals surrounding it.

VOC Ship

Sail beside the full-scale replica of an 18th-century Dutch East India Company ship. During the festival, its masts and rigging sparkle with light, creating a magical nautical silhouette.

IJ River

Drift across the IJ River, a wide expanse of still water mirroring Amsterdam’s illuminated skyline. Contemporary architecture and festival artworks create a breathtaking panorama of color and reflection.

Anne Frank House

Pause near the Anne Frank House, its quiet canal setting offering a moving contrast to the city’s brightness. The softly lit façade adds a contemplative note to your journey.

Golden Bend

Admire the wealth of Amsterdam’s Golden Bend, where the grandest canal houses stand illuminated. The mirrored water and refined façades showcase the city’s elegant past in a radiant light.

Plan your visit

  • Festival period: Runs from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026, filling Amsterdam’s canals with illuminated artworks for eight spectacular winter weeks.
  • Lighting schedule: Lights turn on at 4:30pm between November 27 and January 4, and from 5pm between January 5 and January 18.
  • Lights out: Artworks switch off at 11pm from Wednesday to Saturday and 10pm from Sunday to Tuesday.
  • Special exceptions: From December 20 to January 4, lights stay on until 11pm nightly. On December 31, installations switch off earlier at 9pm.
  • Best viewing time: Arriving around dusk offers the most balanced experience. Expect soft evening light, fewer crowds, and striking transitions as the festival begins to glow.
  • Starboard Dock: Located near Rembrandtplein, easily reachable by tram or foot. Arrive 10 minutes early for boarding instructions and guide introduction.
  • Oudezijds Voorburgwal: Near Dam Square, this central canal point is just a short walk from major hotels and Amsterdam Centraal Station.
  • Anne Frank House: Found along Prinsengracht, a scenic area easily reached by tram 13 or 17 from Centraal Station in about 10 minutes.
  • Central Station: Located right outside Amsterdam Centraal Station’s main exit, just a few minutes’ walk to the canal dock departure area.
  • Heated seating: Boats feature warm seating and cozy blankets to ensure comfort throughout your evening Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
  • Unlimited drinks: Your cruise may offer you the option of complimentary beverages throughout the cruise, served conveniently while you admire illuminated artworks along the festival route.
  • Open boat views: Semi-covered electric boats offer clear panoramic views of the canals and installations without window reflections blocking photographs.
  • Expert guide: An English-speaking local guide accompanies every group, sharing insights about light artworks, artists, and canal landmarks.
  • Wheelchair access: Due to the open boat format, boarding may not be suitable for all mobility levels; contact the operator for details.
  • Assistance on request: Staff are available at the dock to help guests with boarding or seating when advance notice is provided.
  • Comfort measures: Heated cushions and blankets are provided for warmth, ensuring guests remain comfortable throughout colder winter evenings.
  • Restroom availability: Open boats do not have onboard toilets, but facilities are available at the boarding dock before departure. That said, traditional boats with back decks do have restrooms onboard.
  • Arrival time: Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. Late arrivals may not be accommodated due to fixed festival schedules.
  • Safety first: Life jackets are available onboard and must be worn only if instructed by the guide or captain.
  • Weather conditions: Cruises operate in most weather; semi-covered designs and blankets ensure comfort during rain or cold evenings.
  • Respectful enjoyment: Please keep noise to a minimum during guide commentary and avoid obstructing other guests’ views or photographs.

How to make the most of your open boat cruise

  • Layer smartly: Even with heated seating, open-air breezes can feel colder on the water. Layer lightweight thermals under your coat for steady warmth throughout the cruise.
  • Bring touchscreen gloves: You’ll want photos, but removing gloves constantly gets uncomfortable. Touchscreen-friendly gloves help you capture shots without freezing your fingers.
  • Pick your timing: The first few evening cruises show installations against twilight skies, while later ones offer deep contrasts and fewer boats passing by.
  • Secure loose items: Phones, scarves, and small bags can slip easily when the boat moves or turns. Keep them zipped or on your lap during the ride.
  • Ask your skipper: Skippers often know the best angles or slower sections along the route. A quick request can help your group get the best view.
  • Rotate seats: Take turns on the outer seats or at the deck lounge to enjoy the best photo spots and angles.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Amsterdam Light Festival Open Boat Tour

Is the boat covered?

Some boats are open sloeps, while others are semi-covered with a back-deck lounge offering open-air views.

How long is the cruise?

Each cruise lasts around 75 minutes and follows the official Amsterdam Light Festival route.

Are there multiple boarding points?

Yes, depending on your ticket type, you can board from Starboard Dock, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Central Station, or Anne Frank House.

Will it be too cold in winter?

No, boats provide heated seating or blankets. Dress warmly for outdoor comfort during evening cruises.

Is there live commentary?

Yes. Some boats feature a live English-speaking guide, while others provide audio guides in Dutch and English.

Are refreshments available?

Some cruises offer drink options; this depends on the ticket type and boat operator.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes, families and children are welcome to enjoy the illuminated artworks together.

What happens if it rains?

The semi-covered and deck lounge boats provide overhead shelter, but if you go on open sloeps, make sure to carry a raincoat or a poncho.

Is photography allowed?

Absolutely. You can take photos and videos throughout the cruise; just be mindful of fellow guests.

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