Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise

From€28
1h 30m
Amsterdam, Netherlands

About this activity

Experience Amsterdam's enchanting Light Festival on a 90-minute canal cruise with unlimited drinks and snacks, showcasing the city's vibrant art installations.

Highlights

  • Cruise through Amsterdam's canals
  • View stunning light installations
  • Enjoy unlimited drinks onboard
  • Savor complimentary light snacks
  • Experience the city's festive atmosphere

Full description

Set sail through Amsterdam's picturesque canals on a 90-minute cruise during the annual Light Festival. Marvel at the city's stunning light installations while enjoying unlimited drinks and light snacks onboard. This festive journey offers a unique perspective of Amsterdam's art scene, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere and artistic brilliance.

Included / Excluded

  • 90-minute canal cruise
  • Unlimited drinks
  • Light snacks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

1

Pass by: Explore Amsterdam by visiting its UNESCO-listed canals. We'll pass by the best highlights in Amsterdam. From The Dancing Houses to the Seven Brigdes. On the Amstel and underneath the Skinny Bridge, all to be seen from our canal boat.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: Great to take photo's of these Art works (they are a limited time in Amsterdam )

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Pass by: Paas by this beautiful basilica

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Pass by: The NEMO building as the striking, copper-green shape rising high above Amsterdam's eastern docklands. Architect Renzo Piano had a clear vision for his design of the NEMO building, with its very own piazza 22 metres above water level.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: Skinny bridge, listen carefully to your local guide who tells you about the legend of the Skinny Bridge

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Pass by: The Herengracht; Often referred to as the “Gentlemen’s Canal,” it is renowned for its historic charm and elegant 17th-century canal houses.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Pass by: The Haarlemmer Sluis is a historic sluice (lock) located in Amsterdam, near the junction of the Singel and the IJ River. It was built to regulate water levels in the city’s canals and to prevent flooding, an essential function in a city below sea level. Dating back to the 16th century, the Haarlemmer Sluis reflects Amsterdam’s long history of water management and engineering innovation.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival dates; check the festival schedule before booking.
  • Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; early arrival is recommended for preferred seating.
  • The cruise is wheelchair accessible; please inform the operator in advance for assistance.

Know before you go

  • Dress warmly, as evenings can be chilly on the water.
  • Arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
  • Bring a valid ID if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Departure point right in front of Central Station
  • The route and duration (75 minutes) may vary each time depending on external factors.
  • On the day itself (depending on the weather conditions) we decide to cruise with an half open or covered boat (with some shelter for rain).
  • On cold days, please wear warm, clothes, as cruising on water can get cold
  • On Rainy days, please wear suitable clothing
  • We only serve alcoholic drinks for travellers 18 years old and above (proof of ID can be asked for). Minor travellers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drink
  • Our welcome snack may contain traces of nuts, and these traces might also be present on the boat itself (in case of severe nut allergies)

Traveler reviews

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536 reviews
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Great tour and tour guide

The tour was perfect! We are non drinkers so having a choice of tickets with or without drinks was nice. We weren’t crowded, so everyone had a chance to take great pictures and the seats were comfortable. Jack, our Captain was relaxed and provided great commentary as we cruised. His insights were not too much, and not too little…but combined w/ the super quiet electric engine, you were able to hear the sounds of the city around you. Again, for us, that was perfect! I highly recommend this tour.

halljudApr 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great single ride

We decided spontaneously to go on a tour. Since the weather was not so good, we were the only guests. Our boatmaster Mark was very nice and explained everything we wanted to know. The tour was a lot of fun for us, the boat is very cozy.

comicc197Mar 26, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great experience!

Bob gave us an amazing experience. He was very funny, charismatic, and friendly. He did an amazing job! He knew the history and answered all our questions. Loved it!

Passenger281906Feb 7, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Memorable, beautiful boat ride through famous Amsterdam canals

Awesome, peaceful, and informative boat ride through the famous Amsterdam canals. The light exhibits were very neat! Loved the atmosphere on the boat at nighttime, with snacks and drinks. Mike (captain) and Gerardo (guide) were very knowledgeable, welcoming, and created a memorable atmosphere.

Rajet_VJan 22, 2026VIATOR

Lovely canal cruise

We had a great experience during this cruise. We were 4 friends enjoying Amsterdam over a short week end. Mark the captain and Jamie were fun and entertaining. They were quite knowledgeable about the city. We also had a drink included in our trip. The boat was comfortable and it wasn’t too cold.

alexpearlsJan 21, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Departure point right in front of Central Station The route may vary each time depending on external factors. On the day itself (depending on the weather conditions) we decide to cruise with an half open or covered boat (with some shelter for rain). On cold days, please wear warm, clothes, as cruising on water can get cold On Rainy days, please wear suitable clothing We only serve alcoholic drinks for travellers 18 years old and above (proof of ID can be asked for). Minor travellers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drink