Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise: Electric Boat & Open Bar

Summary

Electric canal cruise through Amsterdam’s glowing festival lights with drinks and local stories

You’ll drift through Amsterdam’s canals during the Light Festival on a silent electric boat, wrapped in blankets with unlimited drinks at hand. A local guide shares quirky stories as you pass glowing art near NEMO Science Museum and along Herengracht. The cruise ends steps from Rembrandt Square’s lively bars—leaving you warm, maybe a little tipsy, and seeing Amsterdam in a new way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the city looked from the water—Amsterdam’s old houses leaning into the canal, all these wild colors bouncing off the glass. We’d just stepped onto this electric boat near Rembrandt Square, and our skipper (Jasper, who had that dry Dutch humor) handed out thick blankets. The air smelled like wet stone and glühwein, which honestly made me forget how cold my hands were. Someone behind us tried to pronounce “Herengracht” and everyone laughed, including Jasper. He told us it means “Gentlemen’s Canal”—I still can’t say it right.

I kept reaching for my mug of hot chocolate (with a splash of rum—don’t judge), watching these floating light sculptures drift past. There was one shaped like a giant origami bird near NEMO Science Museum; it looked almost alive in the dark. The boat was quiet except for clinking glasses and that low hum from the electric engine—no diesel smell, just this soft whirr underfoot. At some point we passed under Amsterdam Central Station, all lit up, and I realized you never see it from this angle unless you’re on the water. Kind of surreal.

We cruised along the Amstel River and then under what Jasper called “the most romantic bridge”—he winked but didn’t say why. Maybe he tells every group that? Anyway, by the time we looped back toward Rembrandtplein, people were trading stories about their favorite light installations and finishing off mugs of glühwein. It felt like being inside a moving living room with strangers who didn’t feel so strange by then. I still think about that view down Herengracht—lights tangled in bare branches over the water—and how quiet everything got for a minute before someone started humming something I couldn’t place.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

• Board fully electric boat
• Cruise along Amstel River
• Pass romantic Herengracht bridge
• View Amsterdam Central Station
• Cruise past NEMO Science Museum
• End near Rembrandt Square
• Enjoy unlimited drinks option

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes from start to finish.

Are drinks included on the light festival boat tour?

Yes, unlimited beer, wine, glühwein, hot chocolate, soda, coffee, and tea are included.

Is there pickup included for this Amsterdam canal cruise?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; boarding is near Rembrandt Square with public transport nearby.

Is the boat covered and heated during winter?

The boats are fully covered and come with cozy blankets to keep warm during winter cruises.

Can children join this Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers can be brought onboard.

Do they allow service animals on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this canal cruise.

What main sights do you see on this canal cruise?

You’ll see Herengracht canal, Amstel River, NEMO Science Museum, De Bijenkorf building, and finish near Rembrandt Square.

Is there an open bar on board?

Yes, there is an open bar with beer/wine/soda/coffee/tea/glühwein available throughout the cruise.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 75-minute electric canal boat ride through Amsterdam’s Light Festival with unlimited drinks—beer, wine, glühwein or hot chocolate—and cozy blankets provided by your local skipper. All fees and taxes are covered so you can just relax as you glide past illuminated landmarks before ending steps from Rembrandt Square’s restaurants and bars.