Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise

Explore Amsterdam Light Festival with KINboats
75 -90 minutes
Central Station
From 3 years

Amsterdam Light Festival Tour with KINboat

Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival from the most special perspective: the canals. During an Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise with KINboat you sail directly from Amsterdam Central Station, the ideal departure location in the middle of the city. From here our boatmen will take you along the official festival route, where twenty international artists present their light installations around the theme Legacy.

On the water, the artworks come fully to life: the colors reflect in the dark canal water, the historic facades provide a natural backdrop, and the gentle motion of the boat creates an almost cinematic experience. As you glide past light sculptures, projections and architectural installations, you will hear the stories behind the artworks and the city, told by boaters who experience the festival up close every year.

Whether you choose an open sloop, a traditional tour boat or a cozy enclosed sloop, each KINboat cruise offers unobstructed views, a relaxed atmosphere and a unique way to admire the light art. A cruise is not only comfortable and atmospheric, but also the most complete way to experience the festival.

Thanks to the departure point at Amsterdam Central Station, each tour is easily accessible. Step aboard, let the city reveal itself in light and discover why a canal cruise is the most beautiful way to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival.

Open Sloop: Authentic Amsterdam Experience

Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival as it was really meant to be experienced: in an open sloop, in the middle of the fresh outdoors and with unobstructed views of all the light artworks. The open sloop brings you closest to the art and the city, making each installation even more impressive. Perfect for adventurous visitors who love a pure and authentic way of boating.

Highlights

  • Best view of all artwork: fully open 360° view

  • Intimate & small-scale: small groups for a personalized tour

  • Direct contact with the city: feel the outdoors, hear the canals

  • Ideal for photos & videos due to unobstructed sight lines

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Kinboat open rondvaartboot vaart langs verlicht kunstwerk tijdens het Amsterdam Light Festival bij de Stopera, met weerspiegelingen in het water tijdens de avond.

Closed Sloop: Luxurious & Cozy, Drinks included

Enjoy the festival in an attractively lit, luxuriously enclosed sloop. With comfortable seating, heating and cozy lighting, this is the most cozy way to experience the festival from the water. Drinks are available on board so you can enjoy an extra hot chocolate, mulled wine or glass of wine during the trip.

Highlights

  • Luxury enclosed sloop with ambient lighting

  • Warm, comfortable seating throughout the cruise

  • Drinks available on board (hot & cold)

  • Intimate setting for couples, families and friends

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Traditional Tour Boat: Classic Tour in Warm Comfort

Board a traditional, fully enclosed canal boat and enjoy the Light Festival in classic Amsterdam style. Thanks to heated, sheltered seating, you’ll view the light installations in comfort – regardless of the weather. This cruise is ideal for those who like to cruise the canals warm, dry and relaxed.

Highlights

  • Fully covered & heated boat

  • Perfect for rainy or cold days

  • Large panoramic windows with clear view of all artworks

  • Relaxed atmosphere, suitable for all ages

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Blije gasten tijdens prachtig overdekte en traditionele amsterdam light festival cruise
Local, Enthusiastic Skippers

Our experienced skippers will tell you all about the city’s rich history. Enjoy friendly service and a personal canal tour.

Different boarding locations

For our canal cruises, we depart from various locations: near Central Station, the Anne Frank House, and the Rosewood Hotel. Choose where you want to board and experience the convenience of sailing with KINboat!

Free Cancellation

Flexibility is paramount at KINboat. Cancel for free up to 24 hours before departure and book with confidence for a worry-free canal cruise through Amsterdam.

5 out of 5 Stars on Tripadvisor

It is no coincidence that KINboat has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor. And that with over 5,000 reviews!

Frequently asked questions

KINboat’s canal cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival is suitable for all ages from 3 and up. Whether you are with friends, family or children, everyone can enjoy the magical atmosphere of the light festival from the water. The intimate setting of the boats provides a cozy and comfortable experience for both young and old.

KINboat offers a central boarding location for the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise: Central Station. This location is easily accessible and ensures that you can quickly and comfortably start your magical tour through the illuminated canals of Amsterdam. For other canal tours offered by KINboat, you can also board at the Anne Frank House.

The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from early November through the 2nd week of January.

From Sunday through Tuesday, the light installations can be admired from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.. From Wednesday through Saturday, the lights remain on until 11 p.m.

There are two exceptions: during the Christmas vacations, the light installations will be lit from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day. On Tuesday, Dec. 31, the lights will remain off.

With KINboat, enjoy a carefully crafted itinerary that takes you past the highlights of the festival while enjoying a delicious drink. Our enthusiastic skipper will bring the artworks to life with fascinating stories and interesting facts.

Yes, it is recommended to reserve tickets in advance because the tours sell out quickly.

KINboat stands for friendship, comfort, and friendly service

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