Gold Trusted Service Award
Gold Trusted Service Award
Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Rosette
Boating expertise since 1969
With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
Compass
18 amazing destinations
Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
Boat
World’s largest fleet
We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
Buoy
No boat license required
That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.

Boating holidays in the Netherlands

76 reviews

The Netherlands' landscape of canals, windmills and chocolate-box towns is just waiting to be explored by boat

Boating is a way of life in Holland, so come on board and discover the best way to see this beautiful country! Make friends with the friendly Dutch nation on the waterways, admire the traditional windmills that border your cruising routes, head off on the waterside cycle routes or moor up in smart new marinas where modern facilities are plentiful and good.

Boating holidays in Holland are great for

  • City break in Amsterdam
  • Fishing, cycling & watersports
  • Festivals & events
  • Relaxed pavement café atmosphere

Regions in Netherlands

Extend your holiday in the Netherlands and explore beyond the waters...

Our Dutch cruising region is vast, so why not team up a canal boat holiday in the Netherlands with an additional pre or post cruise night in the Dutch capital or maybe a longer stay by taking in some cities and sights further afield.

 

Here's our recommendations:

Amsterdam

You can cruise right into central Amsterdam during your canal boat holiday, but there is so much to do here, you'll probably want to come back for more. So why not stay a few nights before your flight home? An 'IAmsterdam' card can give you access to many of the city's top attractions and free public transport for the duration of your stay. Sit on Europe's highest swing, over 100 metres above the ground, or learn the history behind the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. Whatever you choose to do, you can never spend too long in Amsterdam.

Groningen 

Only an 80-minute drive from our base in Hindeloopen, is the lively historic city of Groningen. Perfect for shopping, the city also hosts a vast array of arts and culture and the view from Martinitoren, its 96-metre high 500-year-old church steeple, is simply stunning. From the Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival every August to its very own culinary treat, the Groninger koek, Groningen is a part of the Netherlands you won't want to miss out on visiting.

The Hague

Less than an hour on the train from Amsterdam and home to the U.N's International Court of Justice is The Hague, full of remarkably gothic architecture and a beautiful pier. While our canal boat cruises don't reach this destination, a train via Gouda from our base at Vinkeeven will have you there in 90 minutes. Don't miss one of the two amusement parks found in the district.

 

Reveiw of cruising in the Netherlands...

"The base staff were extremely kind and helpful. She took her time to understand what were hoping to see and do on our short vacation in the Netherlands and guided us through the alternative waterways. She explained the different options clearly and helped us make the right decision for our vacation. The Netherlands were great for a short vacation! We went to Muiden, Weesp and down to Maarsen and Utrecht. It was so picturesque and quite relaxing. Beautiful scenery and mooring next to the windmill in Weesp was a treat."

R. Lee Tussing, Horizon 2-S