Sightseeing Cruises

Amsterdam Light Festival Covered Canal Cruise

Friends toasting drinks on Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise.

Man pointing at illuminated canal view during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.

Illuminated swan sculptures on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival cruise.

Silhouette of a person viewing illuminated art installation during Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise.

Duration

1 hr 15 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.1/5(144)

Barry H

Group

Verified booking

Feb 2026

The boat tour was enjoyable. The art was acceptable, the swans were particularly beautiful, but the rest was not particularly noteworthy. The captain made the tour much better, which is why it receives 5 stars.

Yaroslav K

Couple

Verified booking

Jan 2026

It was an unforgettable adventure. The festival's facilities themselves are magnificent, especially the Windows, Swans, and Antennas. The Nemo Museum looks fantastic. The evening canal cruise itself was incredibly inspiring. The windows and roof of the ship provided excellent views, and it was warm and comfortable.

Peters A

Couple

Verified booking

Jan 2026

Beautiful cruise boat light festival in The Amsterdam canals. Beautiful lights to see and behold the canals and illuminations. On the evening the city is different than usual. Illuminated houses, silhouettes illuminated in different locations etc.

Beatrice B

Couple

Verified booking

Jan 2026

The commentary accompanying the light festival was very good. Amsterdam in the dark, and glimpses into the sometimes beautifully decorated homes, gave a different view of Amsterdam than when seen on foot and during the day.

Marianna V

Group

Verified booking

Jan 2026

Very interesting cruise, the captain was really brilliant and nice, I recommend it to everyone to get a full view of the salient parts of the city

André C

Family

Verified booking

Jan 2026

Well organized, easy to arrive and easy to board. Guide with good humor and providing good information about buildings and sightseeings. My only frustration is that I was expecting more from the light festival in Amsterdam. The monuments could be more illuminated.

Sail for 75-mins along the official festival route, gliding past over 20 illuminated artworks that transform Amsterdam’s historic canals into glowing nighttime art.

Listen to an engaging audio guide in English and Dutch sharing the stories, inspiration, and creative process behind each dazzling festival installation.

Settle into a warm enclosed boat offering panoramic windows, complimentary WiFi, and a convenient onboard restroom for a smooth and comfortable festival journey.

75-minute canal cruise on official Light Festival route

Audio guide in English & Dutch about art and artists

Heated, closed boat seating

Free WiFi on board

Restroom on board

Meals and drinks (hot chocolate and gluhwein available for purchase)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Tips/gratuities

Transfers to/from departure point

TOTAL DURATION75 minutes
FREQUENCYEvery 15 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
1 Boarding point
Damrak 22
Get direction
Sights covered
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Hortus Botanicus
Magere Brug
Herengracht
Grachtengordel
Brouwersgracht
Haarlemmersluis

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

144 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Germany, Belgium, United Kingdom and over 22 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Barry H
Group
Verified booking
Feb 2026
The boat tour was enjoyable. The art was acceptable, the swans were particularly beautiful, but the rest was not particularly noteworthy. The captain made the tour much better, which is why it receives 5 stars.
André C
Family
Verified booking
Jan 2026
Well organized, easy to arrive and easy to board. Guide with good humor and providing good information about buildings and sightseeings. My only frustration is that I was expecting more from the light festival in Amsterdam. The monuments could be more illuminated.
Lothar B
Family
Verified booking
Jan 2026
The geese taking off and the illumination of the building as well as the children's work are particularly impressive. Thank you very much!
Yaroslav K
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
It was an unforgettable adventure. The festival's facilities themselves are magnificent, especially the Windows, Swans, and Antennas. The Nemo Museum looks fantastic. The evening canal cruise itself was incredibly inspiring. The windows and roof of the ship provided excellent views, and it was warm and comfortable.
Peters A
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
Beautiful cruise boat light festival in The Amsterdam canals. Beautiful lights to see and behold the canals and illuminations. On the evening the city is different than usual. Illuminated houses, silhouettes illuminated in different locations etc.

What to bring

Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.

Carry your earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

What’s not allowed

Outside food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, smoking, vaping and large bags and luggage are not allowed on this experience.

Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Accessibility

The experience may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Please check with the operator in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.

Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

Additional information

Hot chocolate and gluhwein are available for purchase.

The boat is heated and covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during winter months.

The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.