Renting a drinks boat in Amsterdam city centre: tips & prices

Renting a drink boat in Amsterdam city centre via Event op het Water means having a drink together on a private boat with a captain, while the canals pass you by. The boat can accommodate up to 35 people and unlimited drinks are included in the boat package. This way you can enjoy a relaxed cruise with your company without taking over the helm yourself.

Of course, you want to know in advance where you are boarding and what to expect on board. The boarding and alighting location for group packages in Amsterdam is Oosterdokskade 8, about a five-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. That makes the event boat on the Water a convenient choice if you meet with your company in the center.

In this article you can read how a drink boat trip goes and what influence the group size and content have on the price. You will also find out what you pay attention to with drinks and comfort on board, so you can determine whether a private cruise with skipper suits your plans.

Key points

• You know where you are getting off and how the location relates to Amsterdam Central Station.
• Find out which questions about toilet facilities and comfort are useful to include in your choice.
• The price depends on the chosen content of the cruise; read what you pay attention to with drinks and packages.
• You will gain insight into what a private cruise with a captain entails and for which group size it is suitable.
• Learn how to take shelter, heating and changeable weather into account when planning your cruise.

Is there a toilet on board?

Whether there is a toilet on board varies from boat to boat and depends on the type of vessel and layout. So don't assume that every drink boat has the same facilities. For a short trip, a toilet can weigh less than for a longer stay together. For guests who walk less easily, the facilities can be important.

Which permits, safety rules and accessibility facilities apply to drinks boats? Permits and safety features relate to the vessel and sailing; accessibility varies by boat layout. So when choosing, look not only at the arrangement, but also at what your company practically needs.

Include the toilet in your preparation. Think about who goes with you, how long you sail and how much room to move. In the case of a mobility impairment, boarding, thresholds and the layout on board are just as relevant as the presence of a toilet. A skipper can explain the route and the course of the cruise; the available space depends on the chosen ship. Include practical wishes in your choice of boat.

The arrangement also affects how the space is used. During drinks, guests may get up more often, walk around, or gather around a table. Catering also requires space for food and serving. So think about whether your company mainly wants to sit, have a drink or move around the salon. A suitable layout makes sailing more comfortable.

Group size is a second practical factor. Drinks boats in Amsterdam are available for groups of 10 to 100 or more people. The capacity says something about how many guests can take with them, but not automatically about the space around seats, tables or the toilet. So adjust the boat to the number of guests and to their needs. For a family outing with children, other facilities can be important than for a drink with colleagues.

Keep changes in mind too. A booking for a drink boat in Amsterdam can be changed up to 48 hours in advance. Use that opportunity to communicate changes in your company or arrangement in a timely manner. In this way, the planning can better match who actually goes along. When organizing, write down your wishes for toilet, boarding, seating and drinks together. Then you discuss the practical points at once and know better what to expect during the cruise.

Boarding location at Amsterdam Central Station

For group packages, the boarding and alighting location is at oosterdokskade 8, 1015 DH Amsterdam. From Amsterdam Central Station you can walk there for about five minutes. That central departure point is useful when you meet at the station. Agree in advance that everyone walks to the same address. This will prevent colleagues or relatives from waiting on different Quays.

Plan your arrival around the time of departure, not at the last minute. Share Oosterdokskade 8 with the whole group and designate one person as the meeting point. They can count whether everyone is there before you walk to the boat. Are you coming with a colleague who doesn't know Amsterdam? Please include the name Amsterdam Centraal as a recognizable starting point for the walk.

The boarding location may vary per cruise. Group packages depart from the agreed Quay; a different cruise may have a different departure point. Therefore, use the address from the booking information and don't just base your route on words like ‘centrum’ or ‘bij Centraal’. That way you know where you're going and where you're going.

A fixed location makes planning easier, but make sure you have a clear appointment. Share with all guests:

• Oosterdokskade 8 as departure and return address.
• Amsterdam Central Station as a landmark, about five minutes walk.
• Who gathers the group and who keeps in touch with latecomers.
• The departure time as stated in your booking.

With a group outing, this is extra practical. Think of relatives who first gather at the station or colleagues who travel from different parts of the city after working hours. Agree that everyone is waiting on the quay, not scattered around the station area. This allows the group to board together, without unnecessary searching.

A clear appointment also helps with an evening trip. The Amsterdam Light Festival 2026-2027 takes place from Thursday 26 november 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027; on 31 december the festival is closed. If you sail during that period, make the Quay and departure time clear in the group App. This way, everyone can enjoy the canals in a relaxed manner, without losing sight of the boarding location.

Do you want to combine the stepping stone with a suitable group outing? Include Oosterdokskade 8 in your planning and request a quote for your desired cruise.

Price and drinks included

The price of a Drinks cruise depends on the boat, group size, sailing time and content. You will receive a price after a request for quotation. The number of people, the duration and the chosen packages play a role. Therefore, compare not only the total amount, but also what is included.

For a party, the difference between a fixed price per person and a price for the entire boat is particularly relevant. With an amount per person, the number of participants plays a direct role. A boat Price works differently: it can remain the same if fewer guests go with it. In Amsterdam, a minimum purchase of 10 people applies for a drink boat trip. So do not automatically count on a lower total for a smaller group.

Drink packages can determine how much you can budget in advance. A basic package may include beer, wine and soft drinks; a package may also include unlimited drinks. Pay attention to which drinks are included and whether snacks are part of the same choice. This prevents you from comparing a drink-only package with a combination of drinks and snacks.

An open bar and an arrangement are not necessarily the same thing. An open bar is all about the available drinks; an arrangement can also contain a fixed content. Think about what suits you: a relaxed drink or a more extensive get-together with food. For a company outing, a pre-selected package can make it easier to distribute costs.

The sailing time also counts. In Amsterdam, a drink boat trip takes 1.5 or 2 hours. Think about how much time you want to spend drinking together and sailing through Amsterdam. A longer Cruise can give more space for conversations and snacks, while a shorter trip fits a compact program. The chosen duration therefore belongs next to the drinks in your comparison.

A pancake boat is another kind of outing on the water. The name refers to a meal-oriented interpretation, while a drink boat is mainly about drinking together. Compare the offer with the plans of your company: for a drink, the drinks and possible snacks are important, while a meal can be better suited to a family outing.

Before booking, make a note of the expected number of people, the desired sailing time and the drinks you want. Add any appetizers. This way you can request a quote based on clear wishes and compare arrangements fairly. A group estimate helps to avoid only looking at the price per person.

Do you want to tailor the content to your company? Request a quote with the number of people, the desired duration and your preference for drinks.

Shelter, heating and boating in bad weather

A canopy and heating contribute to comfort in rain or cold, but the design differs per boat. In advance, compare the seating area, shelter and possibilities for sitting inside. This way you can choose a vessel that suits your wishes, for example with shelter for friends during a fresh evening.

What are the cancellation conditions and rules in case of bad weather? The arrangements for cancellation, rescheduling and sailing in bad weather are in the terms of the booking. Those conditions determine what steps are possible if the weather turns.

Make your choice practical. Think of guests who like to sit outside, but also someone who prefers to stay dry. A covered space can then help, while an open boat on the contrary gives more view from the water. Heating can be pleasant at lower temperatures, but is not a matter of course on every boat. Adjust the choice to the season, the group composition and the desired atmosphere.

Before booking, make a note of what weather conditions you want to take into account, such as rain, wind and falling temperatures. Also note whether everyone wants to be able to sit inside during the cruise. With those wishes you compare boats and packages better. This way, not only the view or the group size determine your choice.

On festive days, it may be wise to take into account additional crowds in the city. On such days, consciously Plan the meeting and arrival of friends. Agree on where everyone will meet and take into account your route to the boarding point. A clear plan helps to start the cruise relaxed, even when the environment feels busier.

Sailing yourself is a different choice than a trip with a skipper. In Amsterdam, a small boat for self-sailing is available for up to 8 people. Whether a sailing license is required depends on the rules that apply to the chosen vessel. So do not assume the same conditions for every boat; the choice of boat and the way of sailing are decisive.

Those who want to sail themselves must distribute the tasks on board. One person controls the boat; others can help with the preparation and company. With a drink boat with skipper you do not have to organize that role yourself. Choose what suits your plans: sailing yourself requires active participation, while a cruise with a skipper gives space to enjoy together.

For your choice, use these short steps:

• Make a note of whether shelter and heating are important to you.
• Decide whether you want to sail yourself or go with a skipper.
• Make arrangements about bad weather and cancellations when booking.
• Schedule a clear collection appointment for april 27 or May 5.

Barge with captain in Amsterdam city centre

A drink boat with captain combines sailing and togetherness. In Amsterdam city center it is a private boat with captain for up to 35 people. The boats are electric and sail with a skipper. Therefore, your company does not have to direct itself. You can talk, have a drink and watch the Amsterdam canals from the water.

Which boats can you rent in the center of Amsterdam? You can choose an electric private boat with captain, suitable for up to 35 people. Other boats in Amsterdam are available for groups of 10 to 100 or more people, depending on the vessel.

Which drink boat rental companies sail through the Amsterdam canals in the city center? Several rental companies offer cruises; choose a provider with a private boat, captain and group capacity that matches your company. In addition, pay attention to the chosen content, such as a drink arrangement or another group event.

The difference with self-boating is primarily practical. With a captain, you do not have to appoint a driver within the group. That's nice when everyone wants to participate in the drinks. An electric boat also sails without your company having to drive the route itself. You can therefore use the cruise as a relaxed part of a birthday, get-together with friends or company outing.

The maximum group size makes the choice more concrete. For a drink boat in Amsterdam Center, a capacity of up to 35 people applies. Therefore, count in advance who will go and compare that number with the capacity of the boat. A smaller group can pay more attention to the desired atmosphere and layout. A larger group should take into account the maximum capacity of the chosen vessel.

A skipper takes care of the sailing, while you organize the meeting. Think in advance what the purpose of the trip is: catch up, celebrate something or bring colleagues together. That helps in choosing the duration and arrangement. With a clear plan, the trip becomes a joint outing, not just water transport.

Make your choice with these practical points:

• Determine how many people will go with you and allow for a maximum of 35 people.
• Choose whether a private cruise with captain suits your plans.
• Tailor the drinks package to the occasion and the company.
• Plan the cruise as part of your day or evening in Amsterdam.

Are you looking for an electric private boat with captain for a group in Amsterdam city center? Include the desired group size and content in your application.

Event on the Water: private cruise

Event op het Water organizes private cruises in Amsterdam with a professional skipper. Choose a private cruise for sailing together, or a drinks boat package when drinks are central. In this way, the interpretation matches your company and the occasion, without anyone from the group having to sail.

When choosing, think about the number of guests, the desired atmosphere and whether you want to have a drink or eat together. For a meal-oriented cruise there is also the BBQ boat package. The price depends on the chosen content and group composition; request a quote for your plans.

Do you want to discuss the possibilities for your cruise? Visit eventophetwater.nl and contact Event on the Water.

Make your cruise a special get-together

If you have a cocktail boat if you want to rent in Amsterdam center, first choose what feeling your day should get. Will it be a relaxed get-together, a festive drink or a meal with a view of the city? This choice helps to determine the appropriate content and makes planning clearer.

Event op het Water organises private cruises and Amsterdam Cruises. For eating together there is the BBQ boat package. With your application, consider what the purpose of the cruise is and what you think is important. So the conversation immediately goes about a suitable interpretation, not just about the boat.

A cruise is an original way to spend time together and Experience Amsterdam from the water. Turn your ideas into a plan and find out which interpretation fits it.

Have fun organizing your special moment on the water!

Frequently asked questions about the borrelboot

What do you get with a drink boat in Amsterdam?

You get a private cruise, including skipper and catering staff. The cruises include unlimited beer , wine & soft drinks. The content depends on the chosen arrangement. A drink Cruise is all about sailing and drinking together; food is not automatically included. For example, choose the BBQ boat package if you also want a meal on the water. So the speed fits your plans.

How many people can go on a boat?

This varies by boat. A borrelboot in Amsterdam Centrum can accommodate up to 35 people. Other boats may have a different group size, so look at the capacity of the chosen vessel. For your planning it is useful to also include children and possible supervisors. This way you know how many places you need and you avoid choosing a boat that does not fit the group.

Is the boat always private?

At Event op het Water, the cruises are 100% private: only your group will join. No single tickets are sold for individual passengers. This means that you share the boat with your own group, for example friends or colleagues, and not with other bookings. A private cruise goes well with a celebration where you want to stay together. When choosing, discuss which atmosphere and interpretation are important for your group.

Is the boarding and alighting location the same?

For group packages, you leave and end at the same location: Oosterdokskade 8, Amsterdam. Therefore, agree with your group to gather there together. Share the address with everyone in advance, especially when guests travel separately or do not know Amsterdam. Also check the departure time in the booking details. This way the group knows where the sailing starts and where everyone goes ashore again afterwards.

Is there unlimited drinking on board?

Yes, unlimited beer, wine & soft drinks are included. Other beverages do not automatically fall under that description. Keep that in mind if guests have specific preferences. Food is also not included in a Drinks cruise. For a cruise with food, you can choose, for example, the BBQ boat package. Tell your party in advance which drinks and food are included in the cruise.

How much does it cost to rent a speedboat in Amsterdam city centre per hour?

The price depends on the group size, the chosen boat, the duration and the package. You will receive a price after a request for quotation. An hourly rate is not always the best basis for comparison: also look at what is included in the cruise. In your application, state how many people are coming and what interpretation you are looking for. This way you can assess the costs for your plans.

What capacity and group sizes are possible on a drinks boat?

A maximum of 35 people applies to the borrelboot in Amsterdam Centrum. The capacity varies per vessel and arrangement, so adjust the boat to your actual group size. Count everyone before you capture the momentum. This way you avoid only going by the term 'drink boat', while the seats and available space can vary per boat. For larger groups, a different type of private boat may be more appropriate.

What is included in the rental price, such as skipper, drinks and snacks?

The cruises of Event op het Water include skipper, catering staff and unlimited beer, wine & soft drinks. Snacks or a meal are not included in every package. The BBQ boat package has a different dining experience than a Drinks cruise. Compare what the chosen package offers and match it to your program. This way you know in advance what to expect on board.