Boat rental Haarlem

If you’ve ever dreamed of steering a luxury boat along Haarlem’s beautiful canals, but haven’t known where to start, Luxe Sloepen Haarlem has you covered. Renting a boat with them is easy and you’ll have fun being captain on the water, even if you’re a total beginner.

Located just 10 minutes from Haarlem’s centre, at the Haven van Heemstede, Luxe Sloepen makes exploring the city’s iconic canals and surrounding nature accessible for everyone. No licence? No problem. No boating experience? Also not an issue! Their team is there to guide you through all the boat basics, so you can hop aboard and ride away confidently.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam (or the Netherlands), a trip to Haarlem is a must! Just 20 kilometers west of Amsterdam Central, it’s a quick 15-minute train ride or a 20–30 minute drive, depending on traffic. You can also cycle along a scenic bike path that connects the two cities. The small city is charming with its historic streets, stunning canals, museums, cozy cafés and a lively market every Monday and Saturday. It’s a vibrant, authentic Dutch city and a less-crowded alternative to Amsterdam! We’ve compiled a list of our Haarlem highlights, which you can read here.

What to expect

The boats are 100% electric, making them quiet, environmentally friendly, and very easy to steer. Each boat can accommodate up to 12 people, so there’s plenty of room for friends, family and colleagues. Luxe Sloepen has seen many office and birthday parties onboard, along with memorable wedding celebrations. While great for groups, there’s also nothing stopping you from packing a picnic, and having a “date day” with your partner on the canals.

They’re designed for comfort too with custom-made cushions, phone charging ports, cupholders, music and a map of Haarlem. Often, it’s these “small” details that leave a big impression and enhance the overall experience. There’s also an onboard toilet for your convenience.

Flexibility is what sets this boating experience apart, and you can customise your experience to your liking. For example, you can be picked up and dropped off instead of getting your boat at Haven van Heemstede.

While you can bring your own drinks and snacks, the boat also offers a wide variety of refreshments to suit your preferences. You can enjoy unlimited chilled beer, wine and soft drinks and there are also unique experiences such as a BBQ boat, freshly made pizzas, or a relaxing lunch on the boat. The team is happy to accommodate your needs and create a custom menu and package for you.

Children (old and young) are welcome onboard, and in summer, you’ll often find families taking a dip in the water from their boat.

For safety, life jackets are available for children on request, though these aren’t mandatory (the responsibility lies with the parents though).

Whether you’re planning a chilled-out afternoon on the water or an evening ride under the golden hues of sunset, Luxe Sloepen has everything you need to make your trip memorable.

The route

There’s no set route and you get to choose how many hours you want to rent the boat for, so the ball (or boat?) is in your court. You can explore Haarlem’s quaint bridges, admire the charming architecture or stop and disembark to explore nature or even go shopping. The flexible itinerary means every trip feels unique, and you’re free to discover the city at your own pace.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips for renting a boat with Luxe Sloepen in Haarlem:

• Book in advance: Reserve your preferred date and time early, especially for weekends and holidays.
• Double-check your booking: Ensure you’ve included everything you need, like life jackets or optional extras such as food and drinks.
• Pack the essentials: Bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
• Monitor the weather: Check the forecast ahead of time, and prepare for unexpected changes by packing an umbrella and warm clothing.
• Follow safety rules: Adhere to Luxe Sloepen’s safety guidelines and local boating regulations.
• Watch the time: Plan your trip to ensure you return the boat to the agreed location, and on time.

Our experience

Sailing with Luxe Sloepen felt like a mini holiday. The boats were spacious and easy to steer, and the laidback atmosphere made it easy to relax and take in the sights. The little touches—like the comfy cushions and cupholders—made a big difference, and we loved being able to set our own pace.

At every turn, there was something beautiful to admire, from Haarlem’s picturesque canals to its peaceful green surroundings. It was the kind of experience where time flies by, and when it was over, we wished we’d booked the boat for a little longer.

If you’re looking for an easy, fun, and flexible way to explore Haarlem, Luxe Sloepen should be at the top of your list.