Amsterdam is a city designed to be seen from the water.

The houses lean differently when viewed from a canal. The bridges frame the sky in another way. The city feels softer, even in high season.

But renting a boat in Amsterdam is not one single experience. It changes completely depending on the type of boat you choose. This guide will help you decide what fits you best.

Renting a Boat for the Experience

If you are visiting Amsterdam and want to experience the canals in a more personal way than on a large tourist cruise, renting a boat is absolutely worth it.

There are two main options:

• Electric self-drive boats
• Boats with a skipper

They create very different atmospheres.

Electric Self-Drive Boats: Freedom and Adventure

I personally love electric self-drive boats. They are small, quiet, and intimate. You choose your route. You move at your own pace. You can bring snacks and drinks and create a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

But there are important things to understand. Amsterdam canal rules are simple but strict:

• The bigger boat goes first. Always.
• You must keep to the right.

Self-drive boats are the smallest vessels on the canal. That means when a large cruise boat approaches, you wait. You do not rush. You do not try to pass. For first-time drivers, this can feel intimidating. You will see large boats coming close. But if you stay calm and respect the rules, it is completely safe.

Self-drive works best when you are a group of three or four. You can take turns steering and fully enjoy the scenery. If you are just two people and neither has experience, one person will always be focused on driving. That changes the experience.

Boats With a Skipper: Relaxed and Effortless

If you want a more relaxed and seamless experience, I always recommend a boat with a skipper. You don’t think about rules or direction, simply enjoy the ride.

This is ideal for romantic evenings, anniversaries, special celebrations, or visitors who prefer comfort over adventure. Now, every company has a different vibe, and you will find formal ones and others that are simply like an extension of a terrace. Still, on the water, the atmosphere is calmer. You can fully focus on the city around you.

Renting a Boat for Photography

Now let’s talk about photography. Yes, you can absolutely take beautiful photos on a self-drive boat, but there are some important limitations.

Self-drive boats are small. The maximum capacity is usually six people. If I am photographing, I am one person. One person must drive (preferably not from your group). The rest is your group.

This makes proposals very difficult on self-driving boats. There is simply not enough flexibility or control over the situation.

For photography, the best scenario is: Someone outside your group drives the boat. That allows natural movement, space to position properly, a more stable composition, but also, if it is a self-driven boat, it gives us the possibility of changing turns to simulate you are alone on the boat and driving it for a moment, with the skipper as the boat's larger, this is not possible.

For proposals or important moments, I always recommend a skipper boat. It gives control, timing flexibility, and space to move.

When I Recommend Each Option

1) Choose a self-drive boat if: You are in a small group, want something casual and informal, and you don’t mind navigating.

2) Choose a skipper boat if: You want to fully relax, you are celebrating something special, and prefer comfort and smoothness.

Both can be beautiful experiences. It simply depends on your personality and your goal.

Amsterdam from the water is always special. The key is choosing the right type of boat for the experience you want to have.

If you’re unsure which option fits your plans, I’m happy to guide you.

See you soon in Amsterdam,

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam

Related Experiences in Amsterdam:

• See a real Amsterdam proposal session on a private boat here.
• A secret engagement proposal in Amsterdam with an added boat tour
• Booking your own boat in Amsterdam Canals: Summer edition
• Photographing a summer boat ride in Leiden: Documentary