About this activity
Editor's Note
I’ve spent a good decade watching operators fight over occupancy rates during the winter slump, but the Amsterdam Light Festival is one of those rare instances where the hype actually matches the RevPAR. Most "canal cruises" are frankly overpriced tourist traps where you’re packed in like sardines, but this specific electric boat setup feels different. It’s a bit provocative to say, but maybe the industry is finally realizing that travelers want more than just a seat—they want a warm blanket and a drink that doesn't cost ten Euros extra every time you're thirsty. While the "Legacy" theme this year asks what we leave behind, most tour companies just leave behind a trail of plastic waste; seeing this done on an electric boat is a refreshing change of pace for a city that’s often drowning in its own popularity.
About the Tour
Experience the fourteenth edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival from the best vantage point possible—the water. This year’s theme, Legacy, invites you to reflect on what we preserve and what we leave behind through twenty stunning installations created by international artists. Running from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026, this event transforms the historic canal belt into a glowing open-air gallery.
What to Expect on Board
Forget the drafty, loud diesel boats of the past. You’ll board a modern, fully electric vessel designed to keep you shielded from the winter chill while offering panoramic views of the art.
- Warmth & Comfort: Settle in under cozy blankets as the boat glides silently through the "vibrant heart" of the city.
- Unlimited Refreshments: The onboard bar is truly open. Enjoy a steady flow of beer, wine, glühwein, hot chocolate, or soda.
- The "Legacy" Theme: As you pass the 20 luminous artworks, your skipper or host will share the personal stories and monumental concepts behind each piece.
- Local History: Beyond the art, you’ll pick up fascinating facts about the canals themselves and the evolution of Amsterdam.
Tour Highlights
- Duration: A curated cruise through the major festival routes.
- Eco-Friendly: 100% electric propulsion, ensuring the only thing you leave behind is memories.
- Snacks: A welcome snack is provided to kick off your journey.
Its a rare opportunity to see the city's UNESCO-listed canals illuminated by world-class light design while enjoying the luxury of a heated, inclusive environment. Whether you're here for the "Legacy" art or just the glühwein, this is how winter in Amsterdam was meant to be experienced.
Highlights
- Join the highest-rated Amsterdam Light Festival cruise — two editions in a row.
- Delve into art piece stories with onboard narration by the captain and host
- See the city in a whole new light on a magical and 100% electric canal cruise
- Stay warm with blankets and enjoy (optional) unlimited drinks from the boat bar
- Discover the cityscape transformed through illuminated art installations
Know before you go
- Due to the high activity on the canals during the light festival, the boat can experience delays.
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
The Starboard Dock
Golden Bend
Boat cruise
Herengracht
Boat cruise
Grachtengordel-West
Boat cruise
Haarlemmersluis
Boat cruise
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Boat cruise
NEMO Science Museum
Boat cruise
Magere Brug
Boat cruise (5 minutes)
Arrive back at:
The Starboard Dock