About this activity
Editor's Note
I’ve spent enough years tracking occupancy rates and lead times to know when a "seasonal special" is just a cash grab, but the Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the few that actually delivers on the hype. While most operators just want to pack people like sardines to hit their RevPAR targets, this specific canal cruise feels like a genuine breath of fresh air (albeit cold air). They’re using stylish electric boats—which, let’s be honest, is how all city cruises should be by now—and they haven't sacrificed the "small group" feel for volume. Honestly, if you aren't on the water during this festival, you’re basically missing the whole point of being in Amsterdam during the winter months. It’s a bit of a cliché, sure, but it’s a cliché that actually works when there's a blanket and a hot chocolate involved.
About the Tour
Experience the city’s 750th anniversary in the most immersive way possible. As an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/2026, this tour offers a front-row seat to the fourteenth edition, themed Legacy. This year, twenty international artists explore what we leave behind through stunning light installations that transform the historic Canal Belt into a luminous outdoor gallery.
Why This Tour Stands Out
While the "big bus" style canal boats are everywhere, this experience focuses on intimacy and sustainability. You’ll board a brand-new, electric eco-friendly boat that glides silently through the water, allowing you to hear the skipper’s stories without the drone of a diesel engine.
- Small Groups: With a maximum of 28 passengers, you won't be fighting for a view.
- The Anniversary Ritual: 2025 marks Amsterdam's 750th birthday. This edition of the Light Festival is a key part of the year-long celebration, making it a historic time to visit.
- Eco-Conscious Comfort: The boats are half-open for the best views of the art, but we don't want you freezing. Free blankets are provided, and you can opt for hot chocolate (with or without cream) and snacks to keep the winter chill at bay.
What You’ll See
Beyond the "Legacy" light installations, the route covers the soul of the city. You will pass by the Dancing Houses, glide under the iconic Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), and see the Schreierstoren from the water. Whether it's the monumental installations or the personal stories told through light, your local English-speaking skipper will guide you through the significance of each piece.
Language & Logistics
Don't worry if your English is a bit rusty. While the skipper provides live commentary in English and Dutch, there is a free digital booklet available via QR code. You can follow along on your phone in Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, German, French, or Italian.
- Meeting Point: Conveniently located right in front of Amsterdam Central Station.
- Dates: The festival runs from 27 November 2025 to 18 January 2026.
- Dress Code: It's winter in the Netherlands! Dress warm; the water breeze is no joke, even with the blankets.
Highlights
- Cruise with GetYourGuide’s top-rated provider for Amsterdam boat tours
- English & Dutch speaking local skipper, and Free digital booklet in 8 languages
- We cruise with (half) covered boat for the best experience.
- Stay warm with blankets and enjoy (optional) unlimited drinks
- Small group tour of maximum 28 passengers,
Know before you go
- Our local skipper guides the tour in English. We have a free international guide booklet on board, explaining the sights in languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and English
- Duration of the cruise is 75 minutes, but this could be longer in case of traffic jam on the water.
- 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)
- As it is winter time, and cruising on water can get cold, please wear warm clothes.
- On the day itself (depending on the weather conditions) we decide to cruise with an half open or covered boat (with shelter for rain). This provides some shelter from rain, on rainy weather we do advise to wear rain proof clothes.
What to bring
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
Stationsplein 18
NEMO Science Museum
Boat cruise
Magere Brug
Boat cruise
Herengracht
Boat cruise
Grachtengordel
Boat cruise
Haarlemmersluis
Boat cruise
Arrive back at:
Stationsplein 18