Private Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour

75 minute cruise
Experience the Magic of Light Art on Your Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Official Partner logo of the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027 Edition 15
From €290

Quick Details

Explore the Amsterdam Light Festival

on this Wonderful Private Boat Tour

Cruise in style and book our private Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour. Perfect for company outings, birthdays or a magical winter evening with friends and family.

Celebrate the 15th Amsterdam Light Festival on Your Own Private Boat

Step aboard your own private electric boat and experience the spectacular 15th edition of Amsterdam Light Festival from one of the best possible viewpoints: the water.

From 27 November 2026 until 3 January 2027, Amsterdam Boat Adventures will take you along the official festival route as the canals become a spectacular open-air gallery of light art.

For this special anniversary edition, there is no single theme. Instead, local, national and international artists each bring their own perspective to the city. Along a brand-new festival route featuring iconic locations such as the Nemo, Magere Brug and Amstelsluizen, you will discover 20 unique light artworks and experience Amsterdam from a completely different perspective after dark.

A Magical Winter Evening on Amsterdam’s Canals

Cruise quietly through the illuminated city as remarkable works of light art appear in, above and alongside the canals. From our small open boat, you will enjoy clear, immersive views of the artworks, reflections and historic surroundings without crowded decks or glass windows between you and the festival.

Your friendly local captain will guide you along the official route while sharing stories and background about the artworks, artists and Amsterdam itself. With the entire boat reserved exclusively for your group, you can relax, enjoy the atmosphere, take photos and experience the festival together at your own pace.

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, arranging a company outing, planning a special date night or simply enjoying a winter evening with friends and family, a private Amsterdam Light Festival cruise turns the festival into an experience you can truly share together.

Your Own Private Front-Row Seats

Experiencing Amsterdam Light Festival from a private small boat brings you remarkably close to the artworks.

Without high sides or enclosed glass windows, you can fully appreciate the scale, colours and reflections of the installations as they interact with Amsterdam’s canals and historic architecture. The intimate setting also means there are no strangers on board, leaving you free to enjoy the evening entirely with your own group.

Warm, Cozy and Made for Winter

Amsterdam may be chilly in winter, but we make sure the atmosphere on board stays cozy.

Settle into heated seat cushions, wrap up in our warm blankets and enjoy a complimentary glass of Glühwein while cruising through the illuminated canals. If the weather turns wet, our rain canopy can be used to keep the experience comfortable while maintaining excellent views of the festival.

Your Local Captain & Private Guide

Your captain is more than just your skipper. Throughout the cruise, they will bring the festival to life with stories about the artworks, the artists and the city around you.

Because this is a private cruise, the experience feels much more personal. Ask questions, chat with your captain or simply sit back with your group and enjoy the lights.

Why Choose Our Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise?

  • Your Own Private Boat: Enjoy the entire boat exclusively with your friends, family, colleagues or clients.
  • Official Festival Route: Experience the 20 light artworks along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route.
  • Unobstructed Views: Our small open boat offers immersive views without glass windows or crowded viewing areas.
  • Ideal for Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, date nights, family gatherings, company outings and winter celebrations.
  • Cozy Winter Comfort: Heated seat cushions and warm blankets help keep you comfortable on chilly evenings.
  • Complimentary Glühwein: Warm up with traditional mulled wine while enjoying the illuminated city.
  • Live Local Guide: Your captain shares stories and insights about the artworks, artists and Amsterdam throughout the cruise.
  • Perfect for Photography: Get close to the artworks and enjoy excellent angles for capturing the lights and reflections.
  • Quiet & Electric: Glide silently through the canals aboard our fully electric boat.
  • All-Weather Ready: A rain canopy is available when needed, so Amsterdam weather does not have to spoil the experience.
 

As an official Amsterdam Light Festival partner, Amsterdam Boat Adventures offers a personal and up-close way to experience one of the city’s most spectacular winter events.

Skip the crowded boats and experience the festival with just the people you choose to bring.

Book your private Amsterdam Light Festival cruise and turn a winter evening in Amsterdam into something truly memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Unfortunately not. Our permit allows a maximum of 12 guests per boat, and we strictly adhere to this for licensing reasons.

Absolutely! Children of all ages are welcome aboard our private Amsterdam Light Festival cruise. The relaxed atmosphere and magical light installations make it a wonderful experience for the whole family.

Yes, babies are very welcome on board. Please note that they do need to be included in the total number of guests, as our permit allows a maximum of 12 people per boat.

1 or 2 foldable buggies can be brought along and stored on board during the tour.

The Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 until 17 January 2027.

Our Private Amsterdam Light Festival cruises operate from 27 November 2026 until 3 January 2027. Our final Light Festival cruises take place on 3 January, after which we close for the winter season.

Please check the booking calendar for exact cruise dates and departure times.

Our private Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour runs for about 75 to 90 minutes, allowing you to relax, take photos, and fully immerse yourself in the light artworks and stories as we follow the official festival route through the canals.

Yes, complimentary Glühwein (mulled wine) and Tea is included during the cruise.

Cold drinks are available for sale.

Yes. Your local captain doubles as your live guide, sharing stories and background information about the artworks.

Our private Amsterdam Light Festival cruise is typically conducted in English. Dutch-speaking captains are also available on request. Please contact us before booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferred language.

We make sure you stay cozy and comfortable. The boat is equipped with heated cushions, warm blankets, and a rain canopy if needed. Dressing warmly is also recommended, especially on colder evenings.

Yes. Our boats are equipped with a rain canopy, so the tour can run comfortably in most weather conditions while still offering excellent views of the light artworks.

Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance, as the Amsterdam Light Festival is very popular and our private boat cruise often sell out.

Yes, your dogs are very welcome on board and on our private cruises you can even bring more than 1 along.

Shared Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour – Small Group Experience

Choose our shared ALF boat cruise and let the Amsterdam Light Festival’s twinkling light art installations work their magic as we glide through the canals. With a maximum of 12 guests on our open boat, you’ll enjoy an intimate, relaxed experience while soaking in the city’s most enchanting event.
Alternative

From € 290

Experience the Magic of Light Art on Your Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

Official Partner logo of the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027 Edition 15

Shared Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour – Small Group Experience

Choose our shared ALF boat cruise and let the Amsterdam Light Festival’s twinkling light art installations work their magic as we glide through the canals. With a maximum of 12 guests on our open boat, you’ll enjoy an intimate, relaxed experience while soaking in the city’s most enchanting event.
Alternative