The Amsterdam Light Festival is a renowned annual event that transforms the city’s iconic canals into a mesmerizing display of light and art. For those seeking an intimate and immersive experience, a small boat tour presents a unique opportunity. Limited to just 8 passengers, this tour offers a personalized cruising adventure with captivating live commentary and a selection of refreshing beverages. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this enchanting experience is not to be missed.
Key Points

- Intimate small boat tour (max 8 passengers) offers personalized experience to explore the Amsterdam Light Festival’s captivating light art installations.
- Live commentary from the captain provides historical, cultural, and artistic insights, enhancing the immersive and educational experience.
- Delightful selection of beverages, including mulled wine, wines, and beers, complement the festive atmosphere of the tour.
- Highly rated with a 100% recommendation rate and 5-star reviews, highlighting the tour’s exceptional quality.
- Convenient booking options, including a "reserve now, pay later" policy and free cancellation, make it an accessible and flexible choice.
The Renowned Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is a renowned annual event that transforms the city’s canals and public spaces into a dazzling display of illuminations and light art installations.
Running from December to January, the festival attracts visitors from around the world to experience the captivating light displays.
Intricate and creative, the festival features a diverse array of installations, from floating light sculptures to mesmerizing projections.
Whether you’re strolling along the canals or cruising on a boat, the Amsterdam Light Festival offers a unique and enchanting way to explore the Dutch capital during the winter months.
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Exploring the Festival by Small Boat
How better to experience the mesmerizing Amsterdam Light Festival than from the tranquil vantage of a small boat? This personalized tour offers a unique perspective, with a maximum of 8 passengers and live commentary from the captain. Enjoy a selection of beverages, including alcoholic options like Glühwein, wine, and beer, as well as non-alcoholic choices. The tour departs from a convenient location, easily accessible by metro, tram, or bike. With a 100% recommendation rate and 5-star reviews, this small boat experience is the perfect way to learn about the beauty of the Amsterdam Light Festival.
| Boat Capacity | Tour Duration | Drinks Included | Meeting Point | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 passengers | Seasonal | Alcoholic & non-alcoholic | Mauritskade 1 | From $76.46 |
Personalized Cruising Experience

Although accommodating a maximum of 8 passengers, this small boat tour offers a truly personalized cruising experience along Amsterdam’s illuminated canals.
The captain’s live commentary enhances the experience, providing insights into the festival and its art installations.
Travelers can enjoy a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including:
- Glühwein
- Wine
- Beer
- Soft drinks
With easy access via metro, tram, or bike, and a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival, this tour is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water.
Captivating Live Commentary
Enhancing the personalized cruising experience, the captain’s live commentary provides insightful perspectives on the captivating light art installations along Amsterdam’s canals.
Sharing fascinating historical and cultural anecdotes, the captain’s expert narration brings the festival to life. Passengers gain a deeper understanding of the artistic concepts and creative processes behind the illuminations, elevating the tour into an immersive and educational experience.
The captain’s engaging storytelling sparks wonder and awe, complementing the mesmerizing visual displays. With this added layer of insight, the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise offers a truly memorable and enriching journey.
Beverages Included for Your Enjoyment

The Amsterdam Light Festival cruise includes a delightful selection of beverages for passengers to enjoy throughout the tour.
Theres some good:
- Glühwein, a warm and spicy mulled wine, perfect for sipping as the boat glides through the illuminated canals.
- A variety of wines, both red and white, to complement the festive atmosphere.
- Refreshing beers, offering a crisp and thirst-quenching option.
- Non-alcoholic choices like Coca-Cola, sparkling water, and still water, ensuring there’s something for all.
These included drinks enhance the overall experience, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the enchanting Amsterdam Light Festival.
Convenient Meeting and Pickup Location

The Amsterdam Light Festival cruise departs from a convenient location in the heart of the city.
The meeting point is at Mauritskade 1, 1091 EW Amsterdam, Netherlands, with boarding at Amstelhaven 1. It’s easily accessible via metro, tram, or bike.
Guests should arrive 20 minutes early to enjoy a complimentary welcome drink, like Glühwein, coffee, or tea.
The location offers a hassle-free start to the tour, allowing guests to focus on the stunning light displays along the canals.
With clear directions and a central meeting spot, the tour is designed for maximum convenience and a seamless experience.
Booking Details and Cancellation Policy
Although the Amsterdam Light Festival tour is a popular experience, the booking details and cancellation policy provide ample flexibility for guests. The tour is priced from $76.46 per person, and a convenient "reserve now, pay later" option is available.
Furthermore:
- Guests can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
- Confirmation is received immediately at the time of booking.
- The tour has a 100% recommendation rate from travelers, based on 14 reviews.
- The overall rating is 5.0, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Acclaim from satisfied participants underscores the tour’s popularity, with travelers unanimously recommending the experience.
The Light Event Amsterdam by Small Boat tour boasts an impressive 100% recommendation rate from 14 total reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the tour, awarding it a remarkable 5.0-star rating across Viator and Tripadvisor.
Guests highlight the personalized, intimate nature of the small boat cruise, allowing them to fully enjoy the festival’s enchanting light displays.
The on-board commentary from the captain further elevates the experience, making this tour a must for anyone visiting Amsterdam during the Light Festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Number of Passengers on the Tour?
The tour has a maximum of 8 passengers. This intimate small boat experience allows for personalized views of the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminations and light art installations.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?
No, guests are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on board. The tour includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, so there’s no need to bring anything else. The crew provides everything to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Is the Cruise Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. The boat has a ramp for easy boarding, and the captain can assist passengers as needed. Accessibility is provided to ensure all guests can fully enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival experience.
Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The capacity is up to 8 passengers, so you can reserve the entire boat for your party. This provides a personalized and exclusive experience during the Amsterdam Light Festival.
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
Yes, children are allowed on the tour. The tour can accommodate families, with a minimum age requirement of 0 years old. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any specific age policies or child pricing.
The Sum Up
This small boat tour offers a truly enchanting way to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival. With a maximum of 8 passengers, it provides an intimate and personalized experience, complete with live commentary and a selection of beverages. Visitors can enjoy the festival’s mesmerizing light installations while gliding through the illuminated canals. This unique opportunity is not to be missed for those seeking a magical and memorable evening in Amsterdam.
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