Amsterdam Light Festival Private Boat Tour

Capture festival installations clearly without outdoor crowds from your heated sightseeing boat.

• Boat type: Traditional sightseeing cruise boat with a large glass roof and warm interiors.
• Everything you get: The cruise runs 75 mins along the official Light Festival route. You can board near Centraal Station, Restaurant Loetje, Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House. Onboard, expect heating, wide glass views, a toilet, free Wi-Fi, a well-stocked bar, and a skilful captain and both multilingual audio commentary and personal stories from the skipper.
• Why choose this: Winter weather does not interfere, since the heated glass-roof boat keeps the festival experience comfortable while showcasing the artworks clearly.
• Upgrades: Choose unlimited beer, wine, and soda to enjoy on the ride, or a back deck lounge for open-air perspectives.

Inclusions #

• 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

• Board from near Centraal Station, Rijksmuseum, Restaurant Loetje or Anne Frank House (as per option selected)

• Heated & covered boat with a glass roof

• Audio guide in Dutch and English

• Skilled captains & friendly skippers with unique stories

• Unlimited drinks (beer, wine & soda) (as per option selected)

• Free Wi-Fi

• Lounge on the back deck (as per option selected)

• Restroom on board

What to bring

• Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.
• Carry your earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

What’s not allowed

• Sharp metallic tools or objects, and non-folding wheelchairs and baby strollers are not allowed on this experience.
• Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Accessibility

• This experience is difficult for people with reduced mobility, since there are a few steps that you would have to climb to board the boat.

Additional information

• The boat is heated and covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during the winter months.
• The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.
• The cruise operates from three different departure locations. Please ensure you check your confirmation email and arrive on time at the correct location.

What to bring

• Please wear weather-appropriate clothing.

What’s not allowed

• Due to cruise restrictions, your pets are not allowed on board.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The food served may contain the following allergens: gluten, milk, mustard, and traces of peanuts, nuts, and sesame

Additional information

• Children up to and including 3 years old may board for free. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 years can board with discounted tickets. Children older than 12 pay the same price as adults.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please arrive 15 mins before your departure.
• All boats are covered, allowing you to be warm and comfortable regardless of the weather. During winter, most boats have plenty of blankets on board to keep you warm.
• The boats mostly sail within the city centre, where the water stays very calm, so they can sail in almost any weather.
• If a cruise cannot take place due to extreme weather circumstances, the company will contact you to reschedule your ticket to another date.
• This experience includes alcoholic beverages. Availability is subject to age restrictions and local laws. Please carry a valid ID. Drink responsibly.
• A fairly big step has to be made into the boat; stewards will assist with this.
• Large bachelor and birthday groups are not allowed on this trip.

Inclusions #

• 60-min Amsterdam canal cruise

• Boarding from Centraal Station

• Live commentary

• Local skipper and host

• Luxury heated saloon boat

Additional paid upgrades:

• Boarding from Anne Frank House

• Glass of bubbles upon boarding

• Selection of delicious bites

Accessibility

• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

• Most boats have a roof that can close fully and have central heating on board. So even if it is cold outside, you will be warm inside the boat. The boats mostly sail within the city centre, where the water stays very calm, so they can sail in almost any weather.
• If a cruise cannot take place due to extreme weather circumstances, the company will contact you to reschedule your ticket to another date.

Inclusions #

• 90-min Amsterdam canal cruise

• Boarding from Hard Rock Cafe Pier

• Audio guide in English, French, Russian, Spanish, German, Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese, Turkish, Polish, Czech, Croatian, Indonesian, Cantonese, Korean, and Hindi

• Earphones

• Snack box (as per option selected)

• Wine and cheese box (as per option selected)

Happy Holidays Evening Cruise

• Boarding from Heineken Experience Pier

• Choice of Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) or hot chocolate

• Slice of boterkoek (buttery cake)

Sail the canals quietly on an electric boat designed for small, cozy groups of up to 30 guests.

• Boat type: Luxury modern boat running on 100% electric power with covered roofs
• Everything you get: Settle into a fully electric boat for 75-mins with an intimate group of just 30 fellow travellers. Your experienced captain navigates while the guide explains festival artworks. Blankets keep you warm & the Amsterdam Light Festival fee is included.
• Why choose this: An exclusive small-group cruise with only 30 guests allows you to get clear views of the festival lights and an overall personalised commentary.
• Upgrades: Choose unlimited beer, glühwein, hot chocolate & soft drinks, and enjoy a snack.

Inclusions #

• 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

• Board from City Centre or Starboard Dock (as per option selected)

• Fully modern, electric boat with covered roof

• Experienced guide and professional captain

• Up to 30 guests on-board

• Amsterdam Light Festival fee

• Blankets on-board

• Unlimited beer, glühwein, hot chocolate, and soft drinks (as per option selected)

• Welcome snack (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Food & drinks (unless specified in your chosen ticket option)

• Personal expenses

• Transportation to and from the meeting point

What to bring

• Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, and large bags and luggage are not allowed on this experience.
• Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience, except on the private cruise.

Accessibility

• Accessibility assistance: Some boats may be wheelchair and stroller accessible, while others may not be. For detailed accessibility information, please contact the operator in advance at sail@starboardboats.nl or +31 6 19909425.

Additional information

• Cruises are conducted in English.
• The boat is covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during winter months.
• The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.

What to bring

• Tickets and ID: Have your entry ticket and a valid ID ready for a smooth boarding experience.
• Earphones: Bring your own earphones to enjoy the official Amsterdam Light Festival audio guide.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and drinks: Outside food and beverages are not permitted on this experience.
• Prohibited items: Sharp metallic tools or objects, as well as large bags or luggage, are not allowed on board.
• Pets: Pets are not permitted on this experience due to venue restrictions.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair access: The cruise is wheelchair- and pram/stroller-accessible. Please reserve in advance so the crew can prepare any necessary boarding assistance.

Additional information

• Food and drinks: Food and additional drinks are available for purchase on board.
• Heating and cover: The boat is heated and covered, though outdoor areas may still feel cold during the winter months.
• Festival dates: The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival from November 26, 2026, to January 17, 2027, with multiple evening departures.
• Views: Visibility of the light installations may vary depending on weather conditions and how busy the boat is.

Inclusions #

• 90-minute cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

• Official Amsterdam Light Festival audio guide in Dutch, English, and German

• Onboard restroom (as per option selected)

• Cruise aboard an open boat or a covered and heated boat (as per option selected)

• Departure from Hard Rock Cafe or A'DAM Tower (as per option selected)

• Snack box (as per option selected)

• Wine and cheese box (as per option selected)

• Experienced host or guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Snack box (chips, popcorn, stroopwafels, nuts, water, or soft drink), unless included in the ticket

• Drinks (available for purchase)

Admire glowing artworks on a 75-minute Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise, with a host sharing stories behind illuminated installations along the canals.

• Starting point: Board near Amsterdam Centraal Station or at The Starboard Dock on the Amstel, depending on your selected option.
• Everything you get: Enjoy a 75-minute Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise with a professional guide aboard a shared boat following the curated route.
• Sights covered: Follow the official Amsterdam Light Festival route past illuminated art installations along the canals and riverfront.
• Why choose this: See the Amsterdam Light Festival without rushing between installations, with a curated canal route that brings the city’s best-lit artworks together in one seamless experience.
• Upgrades: Choose from saloon, open, or covered boats, with options for unlimited drinks and snacks or a discounted 9:45 pm departure.

Inclusions #

• 75-min Amsterdam Light Festival cruise

• Experienced English-speaking guide and professional captain

• Amsterdam Light Festival fee

• Heated traditional saloon canal boat (as per option selected)

• Semi-open electric canal boat (as per option selected)

• Modern electric boat with covered roof (as per option selected)

• Unlimited mulled wine, beer, and other drinks (as per option selected)

• Board near Amsterdam Centraal Station (as per option selected)

• Cruise limited to 30 guests (as per option selected)

• Board at Starboard Dock (as per option selected)

• Blankets on board (as per option selected)

• 37% discount at 9:45 pm (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Drinks (for packages without drinks included)

• Transportation to/from the meeting point

• Cruises on New Year’s Eve

What to bring

• Tickets and ID: Carry your entry ticket and a valid ID for a smooth check-in.

What’s not allowed

• Prohibited items: Sharp metallic tools, smoking, and drugs are not allowed on this experience.
• Pets: Pets are not permitted on this experience due to venue restrictions.

Accessibility

• Guide dogs: Certified guide dogs are allowed on this experience.

Additional information

• Winter comfort: Boats are heated and covered, but outdoor areas can still feel cold during the winter months.
• Festival dates: The cruise runs during the Amsterdam Light Festival from November 26, 2026, to January 17, 2027.
• Departure times: Multiple evening departures are available throughout the festival period.
• Intoxication before boarding: Guests who appear intoxicated before boarding may be denied entry to the cruise.
• Intoxication during the cruise: If a guest becomes disruptive due to intoxication, the cruise may be ended, and they may be asked to leave the boat.

What to bring Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Rijksmuseum

• Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.

What’s not allowed Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• Outside food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, and large bags and luggage are not permitted on this experience.
• Your pets are not permitted on this experience, except for the private cruise option.

Rijksmuseum

• Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
• Flash photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.
• Cash payment is not accepted at the museum's cafes and shops.
• Large bags and luggage, skateboards, musical instruments, and folding bikes are not permitted on this experience.

Accessibility Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• For detailed accessibility information, please contact the operator in advance at sail@starboardboats.nl or +31 6 19909425.

Rijksmuseum

• This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
• For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.
• People who are unable to independently navigate through the museum may bring one companion with them for free. You can pick up an entrance ticket for a companion at cash register 1.

Additional information Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• Cruises are conducted in English.
• The boat is covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during the winter months.
• The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.

Rijksmuseum

• Your ticket allows you to enter the museum up to 15 mins after the time mentioned on the ticket.

Inclusions #

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

• Fully modern, electric boat with a covered roof

• Experienced guide and professional captain

• Up to 10 guests

• Amsterdam Light Festival fee

• Blankets on-board

Rijksmuseum

• Entry to the Rijksmuseum

• Access to all exhibitions

Exclusions #

Amsterdam Light Festival Small-Group Cruise

• Food & drinks

• Personal expenses

• Transportation to and from the meeting point

What to bring Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Moco Museum Amsterdam

• Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.

Moco Museum Amsterdam

• Pack earphones for your audio guide experience.

What’s not allowed Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Moco Museum Amsterdam

• Outside food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, and large bags and luggage are not permitted on this experience.

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• Your pets are not permitted on this experience, except for the private cruise option.

Moco Museum Amsterdam

• Drones and hats are not permitted on this experience.
• Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
• Flash photography is strictly prohibited at the venue

Accessibility Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• For detailed accessibility information, please contact the operator in advance at sail@starboardboats.nl or +31 6 19909425.

Moco Museum Amsterdam

• This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
• For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Additional information Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• Cruises are conducted in English.
• The boat is covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during the winter months.
• The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.

Moco Museum Amsterdam

• Available facilities: restroom and free Wi-Fi.
• Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to guests without guardians under the age of 16 years.
• Children under 7 years old do not have to pay a ticket and can visit the museum for free. However, reserve a free child (0-6) ticket for them.

Inclusions #

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

• Fully modern, electric boat with a covered roof

• Experienced guide and professional captain

• Up to 10 guests

• Amsterdam Light Festival fee

• Blankets on-board

Moco Museum

• Skip-the-line entry to Moco Museum

• Access to all exhibitions

• Audio tour via your smartphone in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese & Spanish

Exclusions #

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• Food & drinks (unless specified in your chosen ticket option)

• Personal expenses

• Transportation to and from the meeting point

Sip on unlimited drinks as you cruise through the Amsterdam Light Festival, taking in illuminated artworks from the comfort of a heated boat.

• Starting point: Board at an Amsterdam canal pier; your exact departure location will be provided in your confirmation voucher.
• Everything you get: A 75-minute Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise aboard a heated boat, with a German audio guide, unlimited beer, wine, and soda, a local host, and an onboard restroom.
• Sights covered: Cruise past Amsterdam Light Festival installations, illuminated bridges, and canal houses reflected across the city's waterways after dark.
• Why choose this: Enjoy a relaxed, all-inclusive evening on the canals, combining unlimited drinks, heated comfort, and insightful commentary while taking in the festival from one of its best viewpoints.

Inclusions #

• 75-min Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise

• Cruise aboard a heated boat

• Audio guide in German

• Unlimited drinks (beer, wine, and soda)

• Local host on board

• Restroom on board

Exclusions #

• Food

What to bring

• Tickets and ID: Keep your entry ticket and a valid photo ID ready for a smooth boarding process.

What’s not allowed

• Pets: Pets are not permitted on this experience due to venue restrictions.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair access: This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Boarding: Boarding the boat requires climbing a few steps, which may make access difficult for guests with reduced mobility.
• Stroller access: Prams and strollers are not permitted on board.

Additional information

• Festival dates: The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival from November 26, 2026, to January 17, 2027.
• Crowds: Even with a pre-booked time slot, short waiting times may occur during busy periods.
• Arrival: Please arrive at your designated boarding point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
• Weather: If rain is forecast, we recommend bringing an umbrella, as the boarding area is not covered.

What’s not allowed

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• Outside food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, and large bags and luggage are not allowed on this experience.
• Due to cruise restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Accessibility

Amsterdam GVB Pass

• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• For detailed accessibility information, please contact the operator in advance at sail@starboardboats.nl or +31 6 19909425.

Additional information

Amsterdam GVB Pass

• Children up to 4 years old travel for free on public transport.
• For questions about bookings, visit the Help Centre.

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• Cruises are conducted in English.
• The boat is covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during the winter months.
• The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.

Inclusions #

Amsterdam GVB Pass

• Validity: Pass valid for 24/48/72/96 hours (as per option selected)

• Access to:

  • Unlimited travel on all GVB trams, GVB (night) buses, GVB metros, and GVB ferries
  • Bus 369 from Sloterdijk to Schiphol Airport (every 15 mins)

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route
• Board from City Centre
• Fully modern, electric boat with covered roof
• Experienced guide and professional captain
• Up to 30 guests on board
• Amsterdam Light Festival fee
• Blankets on board

Exclusions #

Amsterdam GVB Pass

• Access to regional buses (Connexxion, EBS, and Syntus) or the train (NS/Dutch railway)
• Round-trip transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on the regional train (NS/Dutch railway)

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• Food & drinks
• Personal expenses
• Transportation to and from the meeting point

• Download the GVB app.
• This digital pass lets you tap and ride any public transport in Amsterdam. Simply add it to your GVB app or Apple Wallet on your mobile phone for a convenient, digital travel companion.
• You can change between public transport lines as many times as you want.

Validity:

• Your pass is activated at the timeslot chosen on the check-out page and is valid for the number of 24-hour periods chosen. For example, if you select a 48-hour pass and take any public transport at 3pm on a Monday afternoon, your pass is valid till Wednesday 3pm.