Amsterdam: Light Festival Cruise w/ Unlimited Drinks & Snack
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
Amsterdam’s canals, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010, were engineered during the Dutch Golden Age to manage water and fuel global trade. Each winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival transforms these waterways into a glowing gallery of international art.
The 2025/2026 edition, titled Legacy, marks the festival’s 14th year and coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, celebrating rituals, memory, and what the city leaves for future generations.
Highlights
- Official partner of Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/2026 – Legacy edition
- Silent electric boat with half-covered or fully enclosed roof for comfort
- Small group max. 28 guests for an intimate experience
- Live English & Dutch commentary + free digital guide in 8 languages
- Unlimited hot & cold drinks (option) + welcome snack with blankets provided
Full Description
Glide through Amsterdam’s winter wonderland on a sleek, silent electric boat as the city’s canals shimmer with 20 monumental light artworks. Your local skipper shares insider stories about the Legacy theme, the 750-year-old city, and hidden gems along the route.
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- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
Snuggle under a warm blanket while sipping unlimited hot chocolate (with or without whipped cream), mulled wine, coffee, tea, or soft drinks—perfect for frosty evenings. The welcome snack fuels your journey as illuminated bridges and glowing sculptures reflect on the water.
From the futuristic NEMO Science Museum to the iconic Skinny Bridge, every turn reveals a new masterpiece. This 75-minute cruise is more than sightseeing—it’s a cozy, eco-conscious celebration of art, history, and Amsterdam’s enduring spirit.
Why Choose This Experience?
As GetYourGuide’s top-rated canal tour provider, this cruise combines sustainability, intimacy, and exclusivity. The electric boat produces zero emissions, and the small group size ensures personal attention from your skipper.
Official partnership with the Light Festival guarantees prime viewing of every installation. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, the multilingual digital guide and optional drinks package make this a hassle-free, magical winter highlight.
What’s Included
- 75-minute electric boat cruise through Amsterdam Light Festival
- Small group experience (max. 28 passengers)
- Live commentary in English & Dutch by local skipper
- Free digital guide booklet (QR code) in 8 languages: English, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese
- Cozy blanket for every guest
- Unlimited drinks (hot chocolate, mulled wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks – when option selected)
- Welcome snack (may contain traces of nuts)
- Half-covered or fully enclosed boat (weather-dependent)
- Skip-the-line boarding
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Reserve now, pay later flexibility
- Eco-friendly silent electric propulsion
Itinerary
- Starting location: Stationsplein 18 (in front of Amsterdam Central Station)
- Cruise past NEMO Science Museum (illuminated)
- Cruise under Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)
- Cruise along Herengracht with light art reflections
- Cruise through Grachtengordel (Canal Belt) UNESCO zone
- Cruise by Haarlemmersluis and glowing installations
- Return to: Stationsplein 18
Pricing
From $30 per person
Meeting Point
Stationsplein 18, directly in front of Amsterdam Central Station by the water. Look for the dark green Eco Boats beach flag and staff in branded shirts.
How to get there
- From inside Central Station: Exit through the main entrance (IJzijde), turn left, walk 2 minutes along the water to the tram stops.
- By tram: Lines 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 stop directly at Stationsplein.
- By metro: Lines 51, 53, 54 exit at Centraal Station – 3-minute walk.
- From Dam Square: 10-minute walk via Damrak or tram 2/11/12 (3 stops).
Good to Know
What to bring
- Warm, waterproof clothing (hat, scarf, gloves recommended)
- Sturdy, warm shoes with good grip
- Smartphone or tablet (for digital guide QR code)
- Camera (low-light mode for night shots)
- Reusable water bottle (refillable at bar)
Know before you go
- Tours run from 27 November 2025 to 18 January 2026
- Duration may extend to 90 minutes due to canal traffic
- Welcome snack may contain traces of nuts – inform crew of severe allergies
- Boat is half-open or covered depending on weather – rain gear advised
- Digital guide works offline once downloaded via QR code
- No restroom on board – use facilities at Central Station before departure
Reviews
- Arrived early and loved the banter with our skipper—knowledgeable, funny, and made the Light Festival magical! A winter must-do.
- Wonderful guide with captivating stories; the glowing artworks from the water were breathtaking. Highly recommend the drink option.
- Personable skipper, cozy blankets, and perfect views of the light installations. Best way to experience Amsterdam in winter.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
Is the boat heated?
Yes, the electric boat features heated seating zones and a weather-adaptive design. On colder nights, the roof fully encloses while side panels remain transparent for unobstructed views of the light artworks. Warm air circulates gently from under the benches, and each guest receives a thick fleece blanket. The skipper adjusts ventilation to prevent fogging on windows. Hot drinks flow freely (with the unlimited option), keeping hands and hearts warm. Crew monitors temperatures and offers extra blankets on request. Even in sub-zero conditions, guests report staying comfortably warm throughout the 75-minute journey.
What drinks are included in the unlimited option?
The unlimited package includes hot chocolate (with or without whipped cream), mulled wine (non-alcoholic version available), coffee, tea (herbal, black, green), and soft drinks (cola, sprite, orange). Served in eco-friendly reusable mugs with lids to prevent spills. Refills are self-service at the onboard bar station—simply show your wristband. Premium spirits, beer, and wine are not included but can be purchased separately. The welcome snack (stroopwafel or cookie) pairs perfectly with hot drinks. Crew can prepare specialty requests like extra-strong coffee or cinnamon-spiced cocoa.
Can I join if I don’t speak English or Dutch?
Absolutely—the live commentary is in English and Dutch, but every guest receives a QR code linking to a detailed digital guide in 8 languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, German, French, and Italian. The guide includes maps, artwork descriptions, and historical facts synced to GPS locations. Download it before departure (works offline). Illustrations and audio options enhance the experience for visual learners. Crew members assist with QR scanning and can translate key announcements. Families often use the multilingual guide to keep everyone engaged.
Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the boat is step-free with a wide hydraulic ramp (supports 350 kg) for easy wheelchair and stroller access. Designated spaces secure mobility aids, and the lower deck has an accessible restroom with grab rails. Book the “accessible” option online or call ahead—staff confirm vessel assignment within 1 hour. The route avoids low bridges and locks, ensuring smooth sailing. Crew assists with boarding and disembarking. Guide dogs are welcome (water bowl provided). For severe mobility needs, private charters with extra space are available.
What happens if the festival is canceled due to weather?
The Amsterdam Light Festival rarely cancels, and cruises operate in rain, snow, or wind thanks to the covered electric boat. Only extreme conditions (ice on canals or storm warnings) may lead to rescheduling—guests receive full refunds or alternative dates. The boat’s enclosure protects from precipitation while LED lights on artworks remain fully functional. In fact, light reflections on wet surfaces often enhance the visual spectacle. Crew monitors forecasts and communicates via email/SMS if changes occur. Over 98% of scheduled cruises run as planned during the festival.
