SAIL 2025 Amsterdam: Everything You Need to Know

SAIL is one of the world’s largest and most iconic nautical events, and it only happens once every five years! That makes SAIL 2025 a truly unmissable experience. This edition is particularly special—it is the first SAIL since 2015 due to a COVID-related cancellation in 2020, and it also coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. Mark your calendars! This spectacular event will run from Wednesday, the 20th to Sunday 24th of August 2025.

Over five incredible days, SAIL celebrates everything from magnificent tall ships and historic vessels to modern watercraft, all while showcasing Amsterdam’s proud maritime heritage. The banks of the IJ River will transform into a vibrant harbour buzzing with activity. Hundreds of ships from around the world will be moored while thousands of visitors flock to take in the sights, sounds, and celebrations.

Highlights include:

• SAIL-in parade: See thousands of boats join the the tall ships on their parade into the city center.
• Close-up views of majestic tall ships: Get a unique perspective of these iconic vessels.
• Guided tours by the crews: Step aboard and discover how these incredible ships conquer the world’s oceans.
• A lively harbour atmosphere: Enjoy the festivities, complete with stunning views and a bustling programme of events.
• Night shows: Each night SAIL is ended with a show featuring lights, music, and of course fireworks!
• SAIL-out parade: On the last day of SAIL, all Tall Ships gather to set sail towards sea again.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special 10th edition of SAIL. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend!

On this page:

• Visitor information
• Do I need tickets?
• SAIL 2025 Program
  • Activity map
  • SAIL-In Parade
  • SAIL-Out Parade
• What to expect?

SAIL isn’t just about the ships. It’s a vibrant cultural festival that hosts a variety of activities on land and water, offering something for visitors of all ages. From live music and food markets to educational programmes, the event brings together a diverse community of maritime enthusiasts, locals, and international travellers.
If you’re wondering why this is such a significant event, it’s the sheer scale and history. First held in 1975, SAIL Amsterdam gathers majestic tall ships worldwide, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step aboard these floating masterpieces and engage with sailors, their stories, and nautical traditions.

Visitor information

Visitors need to understand how the event is set up. On both the first (20th of August) and last day (24th of August) of the event, the crews are busy preparing the ships, so they can not be visited. Visitors are welcome on the boats from the 21st of August to the 23rd of August. The last edition of SAIL was held in 2015 and drew an estimated 2,3 million visitors. Therefore, booking accommodation on time is highly advisable, as the period already falls in high season.

Hotels & accommodations

August is already a peak month for tourism in Amsterdam, and the millions of visitors attending SAIL2025 will increase the demand for accommodation even further. Therefore, make sure to book as soon as possible! Especially if you are looking for unique accommodations such as a houseboat in Amsterdam or a 5-star hotel, you should already make a reservation or be willing to compromise.

The event locations are on the IJ-river’s north and south banks. Therefore, if you want to stay within close vicinity of the event, you can look for hotels in the city centre or hotels in Amsterdam Noord, on the opposite side of the water.

Stay up-to-date with the SAIL2025 App for Android & iOS

SAIL2025 has launched an app that visitors are recommended to use for the latest updates, events and activities.

• Android App
• iOS Iphone App

Do I need tickets for SAIL 2025?

One of the best things about SAIL Amsterdam is that the event is free to attend, making it accessible to everyone. Visitors don’t need general admission tickets to enter the docking areas, watch the boats, or enjoy many festivities along the harbour. You can stroll along the waterfront, take in the breathtaking views, and enjoy the lively atmosphere without spending a dime.

However, some special activities and experiences may require tickets or advanced booking. For instance:

• The SAIL-In parade on the 20th of August when the ships sail in from the sea locks in IJmuiden towards Amsterdam
• The SAIL on-stage evening concerts
• SAIL 2025 cruises
• Guided tours aboard the tall ships
• The SAIL-Out parade on the 24th of August when the ships set sail back to sea

Due to their high popularity, tickets for these paid experiences often sell out quickly, make sure to book in time if you want to participate in one of the parades.

Are there still tickets?

Yes, we still have a few spots left to enjoy the full SAIL experience. We provide two options: a shared tour or a private tour.

• The private tour is on our James Bond-style boat, with a very decent price
• The private tour offers you the best seats for you and your friends. Check out these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Shared tour

This is your ticket to the true heart of SAIL. Hop aboard our classic, James Bond-style boat for a one-hour tour that puts you right in the middle of the cosy chaos of thousands of boats celebrating the festival. Feel the incredible energy from the water as you join the massive flotilla, becoming part of the spectacle itself. For just €35, it’s the most stylish way to be in on the action.

Private  tour

The quays will be packed for SAIL 2025. Don’t just watch from the shore – get right in the middle of the action. Experience this once-in-a-lifetime event from the absolute best seat in the house: your own private boat. With unlimited drinks flowing, you can raise a glass as your skipper navigates you past the incredibly tall ships and historic fleets. This is your chance to escape the crowds and make some real memories with your crew.

We’ll get you a front-row seat for the main events, from the massive Sail-In Parade to the spectacular nightly fireworks show over the water. A private tour is the most comfortable and exclusive way to see it all. Still looking for a last-minute SAIL cruise? Trust us, this is how you do the festival right.

SAIL 2025 program

During the five days of SAIL2025, there’s a program packed with fun activities. For the most complete and up-to-date overview, we recommend using the aforementioned SAIL App. However, to give you an idea, we’ve listed some of the highlights for you below.

Activity map

On both the North banks and the South banks of the IJ-river, you will find activities and festivities. From Amsterdam Central Station, you’ll have to walk eastwards, towards the “Eastern Docklands”, where most tall ships as well as the Ferris wheel can be found on “Java-Island“. In the Northern part of Amsterdam, which can be reached with ferries (free of charge) or the subway, there are various stages with (live) music and performances.

Click here to enlarge/download

Day 1 – Wednesday, the 20th of August

The first day of the event is all about the ships coming in from the sea locks in IJmuiden. For visitors in Amsterdam, the spectacle of the ships coming in starts around 14:00, when they can witness the thousands of boats sailing along the Tall Ships. However, most ships can not yet be visited as they need time to moor and prepare for visitors.

SAIL-In Parade

10:00 – 18:00 – The SAIL-In Parade is one of the most spectacular happenings of the Event. Thousands of boats join international Tall Ships that enter Dutch inland waters from the sea locks in IJmuiden. Together in a massive parade, they set sail towards the capital.

Do you want to become a first-hand witness of this once-in-a-lifetime event? Check out the options below:

The picture above shows the route that the SAIL-In parade will follow. From the sea locks in IJmuiden, the boats sail towards the city centre of Amsterdam. The route is approximately 22 kilometres and will take about 3 hours to complete. The first boats are expected to arrive around 14:00, it will take till the evening for all boats to arrive and moor at their docks.

Would you like to join the SAIL-In parade with your own boat? You can register for free here!

Salute Protocol

14:00 – 18:00 – Each Tall Ship is ceremonially greeted with two canon shots, after which the anthem of their home country is played.

Sail on Stage Concert

21:00 –  22:30 Concertgebouw Orchestra Young ft. Karsu, Laetitia Gerards & Lucas van Lierop – promoted by Booking.com.  Tickets are available here.

Night show

22:30 -23:00 –  featuring lights, music and fireworks.

Day 2 – Thursday, the 21st of August

Visit ships & festivities

10:00 – 20:00  The second day of the festival is the first day visitors can see ships up close and take guided tours aboard. Near the ships, there will be plenty of festivities, facilities, and food stalls, making it a pleasant experience for visitors. It is recommended that you install the SAIL2025 app to stay up to date and make reservations.

Piermachocheltocht – Weird boat parade

13:00 – 15:00 This unpronounceable Dutch word stands for “alternative boat”, the parade is a fun gimmick, free to participate. Participants can join the parade with anything that floats but looks nothing like a normal boat.

Sail on Stage Concert

21:00 –  22:30 Dutch Music night featuring Jan Smith and 3J’s. Tickets are available here.

Night show

22:30 -23:00 –  featuring lights, music and fireworks.

Day 3 – Friday, the 22nd of August

Visit ships & festivities

10:00 – 20:00  Visitors can see ships up close and take guided tours aboard. Near the ships, there will be plenty of festivities, facilities, and food stalls, making it a pleasant experience for visitors.

Crew Parade

15:00 – 17:00 Thousands of crew members of the Tall Ships will gather on Dam Square, for a march with music and performances as an ode to crew members from around the world.

Sail on Stage Concert

21:00 –  22:30 Electronic Dance Music: line-up will be announced soon! – promoted by Heineken. Tickets are available here.

Night show

22:30 -23:00 –  featuring lights, music and fireworks.

Day 4 – Saturday, the 23rd of August

Visit ships & festivities

10:00 – 20:00  Visitors can see ships up close and take guided tours aboard. Near the ships, there will be plenty of festivities, facilities, and food stalls, making it a pleasant experience for visitors.

Sail on Stage Concert

21:00 –  22:30 SAIL 2025 presents: Waves of Music! Featuring Davina Michelle, Rolf Sanchez, Numidia & more… Tickets are available here.

Day 5 – Sunday, the 24th of August

SAIL-Out parade

14:00 – 19:00  The tall ships start preparing for departure in the morning and thus can no longer be visited. However, there’s one last closing ceremony to SAIL 2025; the SAIL-Out Parade. The Tall Ships set sail towards IJmuiden accompanied by enthusiasts waving the vessels farewell.

This is your last chance to see the Tall Ships in Amsterdam for the upcoming 5 years! Don’t want to miss out?

Cruises along the Tall Ships

Even without SAIL 2025, a canal cruise is an absolute must-do in Amsterdam. Needless to say, with all these majestic Tall Ships in the city, it is an activity that can not be missed when you’re around! Cruises start from €32,50 and are available from the 20th to the 23rd of August. A cruise is not only a wonderful way to see the Tall Ships from a unique angle, but it also includes a contribution to SAIL2025 to preserve this magnificent event for future generations! Check out the various options below to see the event from the water, and make sure to book in time! Are you visiting in a group? You can also book a private canal cruise instead.

What to Expect at SAIL 2025 Amsterdam

Wondering what will make your visit to SAIL 2025 unforgettable? Here’s what you can expect at the event:

1. The Tall Ships Parade

The opening day of SAIL 2025 kicks off with one of the most iconic spectacles of the festival, the Parade of Sail. Hundreds of magnificent tall ships and other vessels sail into Amsterdam’s IJ harbour in an extraordinary procession. Imagine towering masts, billowing sails, and stunning craftsmanship gliding through the waters while crowds cheer from the shoreline. It’s an awe-inspiring sight that captures the magic of maritime history.

2. Step Aboard Historical Vessels

During the festival, visitors can explore many of the ships up close by boarding them dockside. Meet the crews, learn about life aboard, and hear fascinating stories of adventure and exploration. It’s a rare opportunity to experience maritime history firsthand.

3. On-Water Activities

Besides viewing the ships, you can also take part in the action! Book a spot on one of the sailing excursions or smaller boats that allow you to join the Parade of Sail or get a close-up view of the event from the water. This is your chance to feel like a sailor for a day.

4. Cultural and Educational Programmes

SAIL isn’t just a visual spectacle—it’s an educational experience, too. There will be fascinating programmes designed to teach visitors of all ages about maritime traditions, innovations in modern seafaring, and the role of water transport in global trade and sustainability. Families with children can also enjoy workshops and interactive activities tailored for young minds.

5. Food and Entertainment

Get ready for an array of delicious dining options as the waterfront lights up with food stalls, gourmet trucks, and pop-up vendors. From traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisines, there’s something to satisfy every palette. The evenings come alive with live music performances, theatre, and dazzling fireworks displays that create a perfect end to each day.

6. Community Atmosphere

One of the most delightful aspects of SAIL is its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re a lifelong sailor, a history buff, or just someone looking to enjoy a vibrant festival, you’ll find a welcoming community of fellow attendees. Strike up a conversation, share stories, and make lasting memories with people from across the globe.

Photo credits:

• Sail.nl
• Flickr – user H. Bos