Rent a licence-free boat on the Dutch canals
Crisboat - Expert in river boat rental for over 20 years
Boat rental in Holland. Discover the highlights of this river cruise between Harlingen and Gouda
From Vinkeveen, there are many routes to choose from. You can sail to Hindeloopen-Stavoren and navigate through tulip fields, Dutch villages and castles, to Alphen or to Amsterdam for a river cruise through the heart of Holland's capital. To navigate in Holland, you have 4 departure bases: Vinkeveen, Hindeloopen, Loosdrecht, Alphen.
Cities and villages to discover during your cruise
The canals of the Netherlands: an ideal destination for a first boating holiday
Navigation in Holland is easy and ideal for beginners. The locks and bascule bridges are operated by lock keepers. Please note that locks are subject to a charge of between €1 and €7 depending on the location. Please note that the locks are closed for lunch from 12:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 17:30. During your stay, you will find many well-equipped ports and moorings along the canal.
You can start your licence-free canal cruise from Vinkeveen, Hindeloopen, Loosdrecht or Alphen.
Before you start your boat trip, you will receive a one-hour briefing on how to steer the houseboat and then receive a provisional boating licence.
We will provide you with the canal map, you just have to follow it and let yourself be guided to explore the canals of the Netherlands with your boat.
- Ideal for beginners
- Numerous bicycle paths
- Keukenhof in Lisse: the world's largest flower park
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.
The Dutch Canals - our suggested cruises
Vinkeveen
round trip
Hindeloopen
round trip
Alphen
round trip
Loosdrecht
round trip
Vinkeveen
round trip
Loosdrecht
round trip
Alphen
round trip
Loosdrecht
round trip
Alphen
round trip
Vinkeveen
round trip
Hindeloopen
round trip
Vinkeveen
Hindeloopen
Vinkeveen
round trip
Loosdrecht
round trip
Hindeloopen
Vinkeveen
Alphen
round trip
Vinkeveen
Hindeloopen
Hindeloopen
Vinkeveen
Hindeloopen
round trip
Vinkeveen
round trip
Loosdrecht
round trip
Alphen
round trip
Loosdrecht
round trip
Alphen
round trip
Vinkeveen
round trip
Hindeloopen
round trip
Vinkeveen
Hindeloopen
Hindeloopen
Vinkeveen
Loosdrecht
round trip
Alphen
round trip
Vinkeveen
round trip
Hindeloopen
round trip
Hindeloopen
round trip
Loosdrecht
round trip
Alphen
round trip
Here is the list of possible cruises in Holland
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 €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 €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 €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 €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 €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 €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 €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 5/16/26 to 5/23/26
- 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
Customer testimonials
4.6/5
(based on 20 ratings)
"It was the adventure of a lifetime."
"Easy navigation, very relaxing stay."
"I really enjoyed the experience, and the comfort on the boat was acceptable. However, I felt that we were left to ourselves a little too quickly. I would have liked more explanation about how the locks and movable bridges work, as well as about the mooring points."
"Splendid, relaxing."
"Very good :)"
"Varied trip possible in 3 days."
"Very relaxed - the nature and landscapes are worth seeing."
"Relaxant et facile. Cirrus B parfait pour deux, nous n'avons pas navigué très loin. C'était parfait."
"Relaxing and easy. Cirrus B perfect for 2. We did not go far. It was perfect."
"It was an exciting and enjoyable experience."
"Adventure and relaxation combined."
"A relaxing holiday."
"The most beautiful thing for me was the scenery, and the lovely little towns."
"A very pleasant cruise."
"Beautiful holiday"
"We had a great river boat cruise!"
"auto-translation :''Very nice cruise despite the gloomy weather''"
"Very pleasant area, good mix of towns and countryside"
"auto-translation :''An extraordinary adventure''"
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
"Great."