Renting a sloop on the Amsterdam canals for half a day
4 h€ 90-180 Calm
A compact four-hour route along the Amsterdam canals in a rental sloop, with time for a lunch stop and a few beautiful side canals.
Half a day on the Amsterdam canals is plenty for a relaxed loop through the city centre without feeling rushed. Count on four hours from the dock to drop-off, so plan for about three hours of actual sailing time. Rental companies around Westerpark, het Marineterrein and the Houthavens often offer a morning or afternoon block. Book two to three weeks ahead for the summer months, and pick a morning slot if you want to avoid crowds on the Reguliersgracht and Brouwersgracht.
A compact route runs along the Brouwersgracht to the Prinsengracht, a short loop through the canal ring and back via the Singel. Half a day costs roughly ninety to a hundred and eighty euros, often including instruction and excluding fuel. Bring water, sunscreen and a light jacket, and wear flat shoes on the dock. Keep alcohol to a minimum as the skipper remains responsible for the boat and everyone on board.
Checklist
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Ochtend- of middagblok geboekt
ID en pinpas mee
Route in hoofd of kaart
Korte stop gekozen
Zonnebrand en water mee
Schipper afgesproken
Handy & partners
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Book a morning or afternoon block and choose a rental company with a quick briefing so you have plenty of sailing time left.
At the start, listen carefully to the briefing on right of way, bridge clearances and how to moor safely on a busy canal.
Head along the Brouwersgracht to the Prinsengracht, and pick quieter side canals if the main artery is congested.
Plan a short stop for coffee or a sandwich, a mooring spot near a terrace is quicker than finding a spot along a wild bank.
Loop back via the Singel or the Herengracht, and keep at least thirty minutes spare for the return leg.
Return the boat clean, and check the fuel level and deposit settlement with the rental company together.
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For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Choose a morning block to get ahead of the afternoon crowds.
- Keep your phone battery topped up, a map and route come in handy on the way.
- Pick a sloop with a canopy for changeable days.
- Settle up with the rental company beforehand so you can leave quickly on return.
- Agree on who is skipper before you set off.
Variations
- - Vaar in plaats van centrum een rondje via het IJ en de Houthavens.
- - Combineer met brunch voor of na het blok.
- - Kies een avondblok voor lichte schemering en minder druk water.
- - Boek een fluisterboot voor zachte doorgang langs woonboten.
Atmosphere
by PlayTryBe team