Renting a sloop on the Kagerplassen
8 h€ 180-260 Calm
A full day cruising between the little islands and reed beds of the Kagerplassen, just outside Leiden. Picnic on board, stop off in Kaag for coffee.
The Kagerplassen stretch between Leiden, Warmond and Sassenheim, forming a network of lakes, small islands and narrow waterways. An electric sloop is the nicest way to explore: quiet, stable and skipper-free to operate under 20 km/u. Rental companies are mainly based in Warmond and on the island of Kaag, with day rates of roughly 180 to 260 euros for a boat that fits six to eight people.
A full day gives you time for a leisurely loop: past Kaag towards the Norremeer, along windmills and tea houses, and a lunch stop at paviljoen De Tweede Kamer or near the ferry to Kaag. If you bring a picnic, you can moor somewhere sheltered. Along the way you pass sailors, paddleboarders and the old church of Warmond on the horizon.
Checklist
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Sloep reserveren
Picknick en drinken inpakken
Zonnebrand en windjack mee
Vaaruitleg goed beluisteren
Lunchstop kiezen
Sloep schoon retourneren
Reserve an electric sloop for six to eight people in Warmond or on Kaag at least a week ahead. Ask about the range and battery type.
Pack a cool bag with sandwiches, fruit, water and coffee. Bring sunscreen, a windproof jacket and a speaker for some soft music on board.
Get a briefing on the controls, charging points and restricted areas. Leave the harbour at a calm pace and set your first course towards het Zweiland or Kaag.
Halfway through, moor at a jetty or pavilion for lunch and a short walk. Stretch your legs and swap the helm for a bit.
In the afternoon, take a loop via the Norremeer and the narrow waterways back towards Warmond. Keep your distance from sailing boats and give way to them.
Return the sloop clean and on time. Wind down the day with drinks on a terrace in Warmond or Leiden and relive the highlights.
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For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Book early in the season, popular weekends fill up fast
- Ask whether a Bimini sun canopy is included
- Bring cash for small ferries and pavilions
- Check the wind direction, open lakes can get choppy
- Keep a power bank handy for navigation apps
Variations
- - Vaar door naar de Kaagerplas voor een rondje rond eiland Kaag
- - Combineer met een fietstocht door de bollenvelden tussen Sassenheim en Warmond
- - Kies een fluisterboot met kapitein als niemand wil sturen
- - Plan een avondtocht en eindig met de zonsondergang op het Zweiland
by PlayTryBe team