Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise by Captain Dave
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Don’t miss out on the annual canal boat tour event! During the Amsterdam FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS (from November 27 to January 18, 2026), the city is illuminated by international light artists displaying their artwork throughout the city center.
Come and join us on this adventure. Get a first-class view and see the historic center of Amsterdam transforming into an open-air light art exhibition. All to be seen by boat.
The Festival of Light is one of the top 10 winter festivals in Europe
—The Guardian
We sail in a heated boat from 1928 with a silent electric motor. The ideal boat for exploring the canals of Amsterdam. The boat has heating, a toilet (a luxury), sunroof, sliding windows and outer deck. Want to sit outside, make sure you wear (warmer) clothes suitable for the weather.
Book direct for the best experience. Come and join us!
Captain Dave Amsterdam
#captaindaveamsterdam
Available options
Light Festival Tour— 8:30PM
Light Festival Tour— 8:30 PM<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Drinks included: Mulled wine and hot chocolate<br/>Light Tour with first-class view: We stick to a fixed route to see the best of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Boat tour with lively and personal guidance. <br/>Saloon boat from 1928: We cruise in a heated saloon boat with sliding windows, sunroof, and outer deck. Toilet on board. Rain or Shine! <br/>Amsterdam Light Festival : Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise —a beautiful cruise with first-class view on the artworks. Departure time: 8:30pm
Light Festival Tour— 4:30 PM
Light Festival Tour— 4:30 PM<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Drinks included: Mulled wine and hot chocolate<br/>First-class view Light Tour: We stick to a fixed route to see the best of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Boat tour with lively and personal guidance. <br/>Saloon boat from 1928: We cruise in a heated saloon boat with sliding windows, sunroof, and open aft deck. Toilet on board. Rain or Shine! <br/>Amsterdam Light Festival : Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise —a beautiful cruise with first-class view on the artworks. Departure time: 4:30 pm
Light Festival Tour— 6:30 PM
Light Festival Tour— 6:30 PM<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Drinks included: Mulled wine and hot chocolate<br/>Light Tour with first-class view: We stick to a fixed route to see the best of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Boat tour with lively and personal guidance. <br/>Saloon boat from 1928: We cruise in a heated saloon boat with sliding windows, sunroof, and open aft deck. Toilet on board. Rain or Shine! <br/>Amsterdam Light Festival : Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise —a beautiful cruise with first-class view on the artworks. Departure time: 6:30pm
What's included
Personable non-scripted guide, host and fully licensed captain in-one
Included Mulled Wine and Hot Chocolate
We cruise in a saloon boat with sliding windows, a sunroof and open aft deck
Heated boat and warm blankets
Toilet on board (light use only!)
90-minutes cruise with 1st class view of the open air exhibition 'Amsterdam Light Festival'
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
We depart from Herengracht 124-128 where we will also end the cruise
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
40 reviews
5★
38
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
5.0
57 reviews
5★
56
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommened for travelers with acute intestinal problems
Meeting point
I am waiting for you on the boat 'Jonckvrouw' in front of Herengracht 124-128
Important notes
Look for the boat named "Jonckvrouw" by Captain Dave Amsterdam. If you don't see the boat we will be at the dock 5-10 minutes before departure. Please do not ring the bell at the houses.
About Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Museum
2-3 hours
€20
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.
Museum
1.5-2 hours
€20
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.
Historical
1 hour
€16
Dam Square
Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.
Historical
1 hour
Free
Jordaan
Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.
Neighborhood
A few hours to explore
Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining
Must-Try Local Dishes
Stroopwafel
A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar
Bitterballen
Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal
Snack
Contains meat, gluten, and dairy
Haring
Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth
Dish
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians
Poffertjes
Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy
Popular Activities
Canal kayaking
Bike tours
Escape rooms
Canal cruises
Visiting parks and gardens
Spa and wellness treatments
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Dutch
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution
Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
- • Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey
Getting there
By air
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center
By train
Amsterdam Centraal
By bus
Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Getting around
Public transport
Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Jordaan
De Pijp
De Wallen (Red Light District)
Museumplein
Amsterdam-Noord
Day trips
Zaanse Schans
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.
Haarlem
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day
A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.
Utrecht
50 km from Amsterdam • Full day
A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.
Festivals
King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday)
Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October
Pro tips
- Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
- Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
- Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
