Rental of Self drive river boat in Holland, Amsterdam
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River cruise in Holland
Holland is the land of canals, tulips and mills! Its navigation network is vast, with a total of 269 waterways stretching over 3,732 kilometres. You will navigate by licence-free houseboat from Gouda to Harlingen via the Amsterdam canals, probably the most beautiful inland navigation in the world. It's the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday with friends or family. We offer you 4 bases to start your licence-free boat cruise in Holland: Vinkeveen, Hindeloopen, Loosdrecht, Alphen.
- Ideal for beginners
- Numerous bicycle paths
- Keukenhof in Lisse: the world's largest flower park
Cruise in Holland
Explore the Netherlands with its extensive canal network
Want to navigate by licence-free boat through quiet cities, tulip fields and famous castles? A river cruise on the Dutch canals will be ideal! During your stay, you can visit the famous Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, go to Gouda, known worldwide for its cheese, candles and stroopwafels (caramel waffles), or discover the works of Van Gogh in his famous museum.
Customer testimonials
4.9/5
(based on 13 ratings)
"We thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to do it again."
"I was satisfied with my stay; it met my expectations."
"To be done again."
"It was amazing! What an extraordinary adventure we had!"
"A great opportunity to be together with friends you haven't seen for a long time."
"Une forme de vacances très originale !"
"A great change from traditional holidays."
"Un excellent changement par rapport aux vacances classiques."
"C'était l'occasion rêvée de découvrir un peu les Pays-Bas pour la première fois."
"This was a perfect way to enjoy a little bit of The Netherlands for the first time."
"auto-translation :''Excellent stay but the restaurants in the Netherlands are really not good''"
"auto-translation :''One word: Awesome''"
Best current offers for the destination Amsterdam-Dutch Canals
From €390 / pers
Week of the 5/16/26 to 5/23/26
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €443 / pers
Week of the 5/22/26 to 5/29/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Continuous 220V electricity
Bimini Top
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €299 / pers
Week of the 5/15/26 to 5/22/26
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €448 / pers
Week of the 5/23/26 to 5/30/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Continuous 220V electricity
Bimini Top
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €305 / pers
Week of the 5/16/26 to 5/23/26
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €477 / pers
Week of the 5/22/26 to 5/29/26
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €449 / pers
Week of the 5/16/26 to 5/23/26
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €427 / pers
Week of the 5/18/26 to 5/25/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Continuous 220V electricity
Bimini Top
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €418 / pers
Week of the 5/16/26 to 5/23/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Continuous 220V electricity
Bimini Top
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €345 / pers
Week of the 5/1/26 to 5/8/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €450 / pers
Week of the 5/8/26 to 5/15/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €457 / pers
Week of the 5/13/26 to 5/20/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €465 / pers
Week of the 5/9/26 to 5/16/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 1
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €325 / pers
Week of the 5/2/26 to 5/9/26
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €330 / pers
Week of the 5/2/26 to 5/9/26
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €532 / pers
Week of the 5/20/26 to 5/27/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €360 / pers
Week of the 5/2/26 to 5/9/26
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €547 / pers
Week of the 5/22/26 to 5/29/26
- Max. people : 4
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220V socket
Electric toilets
Lock keepers operate all locks and some lifting bridges. Lock/bridge fee between €1 and €7. Depends on area and different per bridge/lock.
Opening hours: Locks are closed for lunch around 12:00-13:00 and for tea around 16:30-17:30.
Public holidays: Locks are closed on some public holidays.
In Hindeloopen-Stavoren area locks/bridges are open: 1st April to 31st October: Daily. Before 1st April: Closed on Sunday.
In Vinkeveen area locks/bridges are open: 15th April to 15th October: Daily. 1st - 15th April & 15th - 31st October: open with an appointment, lock closed on Sunday.
In one week round trip from Hindeloopen, it will not be possible to go to Amsterdam. To visit Amsterdam, we advise you to moor at Weesp (then take the train) or to Six Haven, behind Amsterdam Central Station.
In order to help you prepare your itinerary as efficiently as possible, please find below the main practical information regarding navigation, marinas, mooring, bridges and locks in the Netherlands.
👉 You will also find attached the river guide from our partner Le Boat, who operates the departure base in Vinkeveen. This document will serve as a reference throughout your boating holiday.
⚓ Marinas and Mooring
The Netherlands has a very strong connection with water: many houses are located along canals or lakes. For this reason, mooring is most often done in marinas.
Marinas are clearly indicated on waterway maps (blue boat symbol).
They offer visitor berths, and it is necessary to register with the harbour master upon arrival.
Each marina applies its own rates, generally between €1.50 and €2.50 per metre of boat per night.
Marinas usually provide basic facilities: drinking water and electricity on the pontoons.
It is strongly recommended to arrive at the marina in the early afternoon, as spaces may be limited.
Due to new regulations, licence-free boats can no longer enter Utrecht directly. Boats must stop at nearby mooring points listed below. From these locations, you can use public transport to reach the city centre. Estimated travel times to Utrecht by public transport:
Breukelen: 23 minutes by train (SPRINTER)
Loosdrecht: 1h15 by bus and train via Hilversum
Nieuwegein: 25 minutes by bus
IJsselstein: 23 minutes by bus
To make itinerary planning easier, we recommend using Google Maps.
🔴 Public and free mooring areas
These are indicated by a red buoy symbol on waterway maps.
To use these moorings, a dedicated mobile application is now required, which also allows you to pay directly for water and electricity consumption if needed.
Exact information and usage details are provided in the attached guide.
🌊 Mooring on lakes
Mooring on lakes is allowed during the day only (for example for swimming or fishing).
Overnight stays on lakes are not permitted.
“Wild mooring” (stakes, logs, etc.) is highly regulated and only possible in rare designated areas.
👉 Do not hesitate to ask the departure base team for advice during the boat handover.
🌉 Bridges and Locks
Each bridge has its own opening schedule.
Bridges located on major road axes may remain closed during rush hours, especially in the afternoon.
Waiting time for passage may vary, but generally does not exceed 30 minutes.
Lock keepers operate all locks and drawbridges. Please bring some cash, as this service may be subject to a fee (on average €8.50 depending on the region, bridge or lock). Most bridges, however, are free of charge.
Please note that you may need to call in advance to arrange access to certain locks and bridges in the Netherlands. It is therefore important to have a mobile phone that works in Europe throughout your cruise. We recommend purchasing a European SIM card before your arrival at the base for registration purposes.
Some passages may be chargeable:
Tips may be requested at small, less frequented bridges.
Urban locks may apply a fee depending on the size of the boat (approximately €3 to €6).
⚠️ Bridge clearance: please pay close attention to the available height, water level and any equipment on the boat (bimini, bicycles, etc.).
In many cases, bridges are low and require opening.
To signal your approach, it is generally necessary to:
– call by phone,
– sound the horn three times,
– or press the waiting button (bollard) located near the bridge.
🚢 Commercial vessels always have priority, including at bridges.
Opening hours (Vinkeveen area):
16 April – 31 May: 09:00 to 19:00
1 June – 31 August: 09:00 to 20:00
1 September – 15 October: 09:00 to 19:00
1 – 15 April and 15 – 31 October: on request
Locks are closed for lunch from 12:30 to 13:30 and from 16:30 to 17:30.
💡 Practical tip: the waterway network is very well organised and navigation is accessible, but anticipating bridge schedules and mooring availability will allow you to fully enjoy your boating holiday.
Here are several online resources to help you plan your itinerary on the Dutch canal network, including maps and useful tools to visualise waterways and locks:
📍 1. Application “Netherland Topo Maps” (Android only)
👉 Free mobile application that provides a detailed map of the Dutch canals.
➡️ It also allows you to plan your routes on Dutch inland waterways directly from your smartphone
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atlogis.netherland&hl=ln
📍 2. Application “Water Map Live” (iOS: iPad or iPhone only)
👉 “Water Map Live” offers a very comprehensive map of the waterways in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany on mobile or Apple tablet.
➡️ Bridges and locks displayed with their information
➡️ Marinas and mooring areas
➡️ Depth indications, buoys and navigation signage
➡️ Route planning and live navigation data
URL: https://apps.apple.com/gr/app/water-map-live/id1401918195
📍 3. Waterkaarten.app — interactive nautical chart (web/app, works on Android or iOS)
👉 Waterkaarten.app provides a detailed map of Western European waterways, with information on marinas, bridges, locks and obstacles.
➡️ Covers the Netherlands and other European countries (including France, Great Britain, Belgium and Germany) with options such as AIS, route planning, etc.
➡️ Available in English / German / Dutch, it is an excellent application to directly visualise key navigation elements (bridges, locks, marinas) on a modern and interactive map.
➡️ Allows you to plan an itinerary and visualise your route simply by entering your departure point / destination / intermediate stops.
➡️ 7-day free trial, then a subscription is required.
URL: https://waterkaarten.app/en/
🗺️ 4. Order a paper nautical chart
👉 Inland waterway charts – NV Charts
There are detailed nautical charts (paper or digital) available for inland waterways, including the Netherlands.
You can view and order these charts (by navigation area) — sometimes useful for leisure boating.
https://eu.nvcharts.com/nautical-charts/netherlands/
We remain at your disposal at any time and wish you a pleasant preparation for your boating holiday 🚤🌷.
You will find many well-equipped ports and moorings along the canal.
Everything you need to know about navigation on a licence-free boat in Holland
The Dutch navigation network is vast, with a total of 269 waterways. The most beautiful part to do by licence-free boat is from Hindeloopen to Vinkeveen via Amsterdam. You will navigate through typical Dutch towns and villages, tulip fields, windmills and you will discover the most famous medieval castle in Holland, Muiderslot.
During your Dutch canal cruise you will pass through several typical towns and villages such as Gouda, Alphen, Utrecht, the capital Amsterdam, Edam, Elburg, Sneek, Hindeloopen and Franeker.
For an unforgettable experience on the Dutch canals, you can go on a river cruise from the beginning of April to the end of October.
Travelling with CrisBoat
Crisboat has more than 90% of the French fleet of self drive river boats. Entrust us with your desires and your availabilities and we will shape your holidays on the water. Located in the heart of the Vienne, Crisboat is the leader in self driver river boat rental in France. Discover our team, made up of 6 experts ready to take up the challenge to design the cruise that will meet your expectations.
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
Cris Boat Blog
Detailed itinerary for your license-free houseboat cruise in the Netherlands
Gems to discover in Holland on a river cruise
The Netherlands, the perfect destination for a river cruise
Our destinations in France
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Franche-Comté
Navigate by licence-free boat through vineyards, postcard landscapes and gastronomy!
Mayenne and Anjou
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Brittany
Discover the folklore of Brittany, its traditions and the legend of King Arthur.
Alsace
A licence-free boat rental, with gastronomic stops and bike rides along the canals.
Lot
With its fascinating valley carved into the rock the Lot is the most picturesque river
Charente
Discover the river Francis I called the most beautiful in his kingdom.
Aquitaine
Go boating without a licence-free in Aquitaine and discover the land of gastronomy!
Ardennes
Cruise down the river and admire the surrounding Vosges mountains
"Good."