Giethoorn boat rental

If you’re planning a trip to Giethoorn, the charming Dutch village famous for its canals, thatched-roof cottages and peaceful atmosphere, renting a boat is by far the best way to experience it.

Giethoorn Boat Rental offers an easy, convenient and scenic way to explore this fairytale-like village at your own pace. There’s a wide range of different-sized boats for fun friend and family outings, or even a romantic cruise with your loved one.

Tucked away in the province of Overijssel, about 90km northeast of Amsterdam, Giethoorn is often called the “Venice of the Netherlands” thanks to its picturesque canals, wooden bridges and car-free charm. Unlike Amsterdam’s bustling waterways, Giethoorn’s canals offer a serene escape where you can glide past historic farmhouses, lush greenery and quaint gardens.

There are around 2.600 people living in Giethoorn, and despite a small population, it attracts thousands of tourists each year who come to explore this special place by boat. For more information and great things to do in Giethoorn, have a look here.

Giethoorn boat rentals: what you need to know

A must-do when visiting Giethoorn is boating. While you can walk along the footpaths or cycle, a boat rental allows you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and explore hidden corners of the village that aren’t accessible by foot.

The departure pick-up point is at Binnenpad 88. Here you’ll find free parking, toilets and a kiosk for coffee and snacks.

Giethoorn Boat Rental offers an excellent selection of boats, so it’s easy to find something to suit your needs and the size of your group.

Types of boats available

Whisper boats

These are small, electrically powered boats that don’t make noise. They are environmentally friendly and allow you to enjoy the tranquility of Giethoorn. Seating capacities vary, and you can choose between a 4-, 5-, 6- or 8-seater boat.

Luxury boats 

Larger and more luxurious than whisper boats, sloops offer comfortable seating with cushions and backrests. They are ideal for families or groups who want some extra comfort. Boat sizes vary from a 4-person boat to one that seats 12.

Guided boat ride

Giethoorn Boat Rentals offers a guided tour so that you can take in the picturesque views of the beautiful village while relaxing. The shortest boat tour is around 60 minutes, though it can vary depending on traffic on the water.

During the cruise, which can accommodate 44 passengers, you’ll go through narrow canals, ride under charming bridges, and cross a shallow lake before returning to the boarding point. Along the way, the experienced skippers will share interesting stories about the history of Giethoorn.

Private cruise

For something a bit more intimate and bespoke, you can also opt for a 60-minute private cruise for up to six people, where your guide will take you beyond the usual tourist spots, revealing hidden gems that most visitors don’t get to see.

Boat routes

Giethoorn Village offers an app with four scenic sailing routes, each showcasing the unique charm and highlights of the area. Whether you ride for a shorter time or take a more leisurely cruise for a few hours, the app has an ideal route for you. There are four routes to choose from:

• Route 1 – 1 to 1.5 hours
• Route 2 – 1.5 to 2 hours
• Route 3 – 2 hours
• Route 4 – 3 hours

The app can be downloaded the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, users can browse the available sailing routes and select their preferred journey.

To ensure a seamless experience, customers are encouraged to install the app before setting sail. Those who have the app already installed will receive priority assistance from the service team.

Important things to know:

How to rent a boat

Booking is straightforward through their website. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season (spring and summer) when Giethoorn sees a high number of visitors.

Rental durations vary, with options ranging from one hour to a full day. If you want to explore beyond the village, a longer rental is recommended.

No boating experience? No problem! A major advantage of Giethoorn Boat Rental is that no boating license or prior experience is required. The electric boats are easy to operate, and you’ll receive a short instruction session before departure.

Boating guidelines in Giethoorn

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, there are some boating guidelines to follow:

• Keep to the right as much as possible.
• Bring snacks & drinks for a relaxing ride, especially if you plan to be on the water for a few hours.
• Check the weather forecast – boating is best enjoyed on a sunny day!
• Respect speed limits & boating rules
• Tour boats always have the right of way – make sure to give them space.
• Dogs are allowed on this boat.
• Mooring under bridges is not permitted.
• Give way to emergency services if they need to pass.
• The village canal is narrow, with a width of up to 3.5 meters and a depth of 60 cm, so navigate carefully.
• Be considerate of Giethoorn’s residents by keeping noise levels down and respecting private property.
• Boating under the influence is illegal – the water police conduct daily checks.
• One-way traffic rules apply in the village canal, so follow the designated direction.
• Expect congestion on busy days, as boat traffic in the village canal can be heavy.
• Peak hours are between 12:00 and 15:00, when the canals are at their busiest.

Our experience

Like anywhere in the Netherlands, seeing a city or village from the water is one of the best ways to explore and experience it. Renting a boat also means you have the freedom to explore – there’s no fixed schedule and you can set your own pace.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or group of friends, renting a boat is a memorable experience. We found that Boat Rental makes it incredibly easy and enjoyable to experience this fairytale-like village. With a variety of boats, a simple booking process and breathtaking scenery, it was the perfect way to explore Giethoorn. If you’re visiting the Netherlands and want a truly unique and relaxing experience, renting a boat in Giethoorn is a must!