Boat rental in Giethoorn: options and packages
With us you can choose from quiet electric whisper boats (4-12 people), sloops (electric boats, 8-14 people), traditional punters, canoes, kayaks and SUP boards. Through the central booking system you see each company’s current availability by the hour or day. For groups and companies there are complete packages combining boating, dining and activities, for example together with a boat tour, e-choppers or an extended dinner.
See all boat types and packages
When should you choose to rent a boat in Giethoorn?
With a rental boat you see the village up close: you sail past thatched farmhouses, under wooden bridges and across the Bovenwijde lake. It is a day out for couples, families and groups of friends, and it takes you away from the crowds on the footpaths. You set your own pace, can picnic along the way or moor at a terrace, and reach places you cannot get to on foot. A separate guide explains in which situations a boat trip is a good fit.
Read how others plan their boat day
What you need to know about renting a boat in Giethoorn
For almost all boats you hire through us you do not need a boating licence, and often no experience either. Before you leave, the rental company gives a short explanation of how to operate the boat, the motor, the steering and the route. You must be at least 16 to steer a whisper boat or sloop yourself. The information guide tells you more about types of boat, rules, how busy it is in each season and useful extras.
These are the main boating rules in Giethoorn:
- Tour boats always have right of way.
- Keep to the right (starboard) as much as possible.
- Do not moor under or near bridges.
- On most of the village canal, from post 1 to post 5, traffic runs one way.
- Respect residents’ privacy and avoid unnecessary disturbance, including noise.
- Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited and checked by the water police.
Read the overview of rules and options
How long can you rent a boat for?
You rent a boat by the hour or by the day. Rental companies usually set a minimum of 2 to 3 hours. That is generally how long you need for a reasonable trip through Giethoorn, and if you want to see the highlights of the village from the water, we recommend at least two hours. On busy days it can take longer to complete the planned loop, for example because of crowds on the village canal.
The standard route runs through the village canal and back to the starting point via the Bovenwijde. You receive a small map and the routes are marked on the water. You can also plan your own route.
If you rent for a whole day, you are under less time pressure. You can then leave the bustle of the village behind, picnic along the way and moor at a terrace or for lunch.
How renting a boat works in practice
You choose the type of boat online (for example whisper boat, sloop or punter), and enter the date, duration and any extras, such as a picnic basket, cool box or route map. After your reservation you receive all the details by email: the exact pick-up address, start time, instructions and the conditions for changing and cancelling. On the day itself you report to the rental company, receive an explanation and sail the standard village or nature routes at your own pace. The instruction guide describes the preparation and the rental day step by step.
Read the step-by-step plan for renting and sailing
Where do you find information, contact details and booking links?
All the information about renting a boat in Giethoorn is on this page and in the guides below. Through the ‘Boating’ page you reach the different boats and boat tours. You book directly through our booking system, where you see all boats and packages clearly. If you have questions, you can use the contact page. For larger groups you can request a separate group brochure with tailor-made options.
Find all contact details and booking pages
Do you need to book in advance?
Hiring a boat on the spur of the moment sometimes works, but we recommend booking in advance. In high season, at weekends and in holidays, most boats are often booked well ahead, especially in sunny weather. In spring and on weekdays it is quieter and walking up works more often, but even then there is no guarantee that the boat you want is still free.
Booking is also wise in the late season, because then about 90% of the boats are taken out of the water for maintenance. Through our booking system you see exactly when which boat is available, and you pay the same price as with the rental companies themselves. That way you know for sure that you will actually get on the water.
Start renting a boat in Giethoorn right away
If you want to rent a boat in Giethoorn now, you can book online straight away. You select the boat type, choose the date, fill in your details and pay securely. Changing or cancelling is possible under the rental company’s conditions, and some rental companies offer a bad-weather guarantee. After your reservation you receive an email confirmation with the pick-up address and all practical details.
Get started with your reservation
Here you find all boat rental in Giethoorn in one place, from whisper boats to sloops and complete packages.
Which boats can you rent in Giethoorn?
In Giethoorn you can choose from several types of boat. Most are electric and easy to steer, so no boating licence is needed.
Whisper boats: quiet and eco-friendly
A popular choice. Whisper boats are electric and make hardly any noise, so you take in the stillness of the water and nature and can simply hear each other along the way. They produce no emissions and so put less strain on the waterways and the plants and animals in the area. More about renting a whisper boat in Giethoorn
Sloops: comfortable and spacious
Sloops (electric boats) are sturdy, have more seating space and suit families or groups of friends. They are electric; some boats can have a small sun canopy. A sloop is wider and longer than a whisper boat, sits more stably and has a higher side. It has a console with a steering wheel and a set of cushions. Whisper boats are less suitable for people with limited mobility.
Traditional electric boats
These boats are inspired by the classic look of Giethoorn punters, but fitted with a modern electric motor. A punter-sloop is an oak punter built at a punter yard: stable, with an electric motor and cushions. A good choice if you want a rustic sail with a little extra comfort. More about traditional electric punters
Sailing punters with a punt pole
A punter (traditional wooden boat) is propelled with a long wooden punt pole. It has no motor, so all you hear is the water. Suitable for a short trip through the village canals.
More about sailing in a sailing punter or traditional punter
Canoe, kayak and SUP
If you are sporty and want to paddle yourself, there are canoes and kayaks. With stand-up paddleboarding you stand on a board and move yourself along with a paddle. It is most pleasant early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Boat tour or boat with a skipper
If you are going with a large group, you can rent several boats (book these in advance) or book a boat tour. If you would rather not steer yourself, you can take a boat with a skipper.
Life jackets, dogs and swimming
Every boat rental company has life jackets available, for example for children. Dogs are allowed on board, as long as you return the boat clean of dog hair. Some rental companies ask a small contribution for cleaning; this is stated when you book. In almost all places the water is no deeper than 1 metre. Swimming is possible in Giethoorn and the authorities regularly check that the water is of good enough quality. Read more about swimming in Giethoorn.
Boating in Giethoorn with the whole family
A boat trip through Giethoorn is fun for young and old. The waterways are easy to follow, the boats are stable and you set your own pace. Children can help steer, count bridges or picnic on the water.
More tips for a day in Giethoorn with children:
See tips for boating with children in Giethoorn
Boating routes: from village to nature reserve
From Giethoorn you can sail several routes: through the village canals, across the lake or through the quiet nature reserve around it. On the village canal you steer more precisely than on the lakes, where you have plenty of space.
Popular routes include:
- Village route: through the canals and under wooden bridges
- Nature route: past reed beds, meadows and peat ponds
- Round trip of Giethoorn: a varied route through both parts of the village and across the lake
How to choose a route, where to set off and what you pass along the way is covered in the blog about boating in Giethoorn:
Boating routes in Giethoorn
Boating in Giethoorn even in a bit of drizzle
A few raindrops need not stop you. In bad weather the village is quieter. Put on a warm coat or rain poncho and you have a Dutch boat trip. We do not have covered boats: you sit outside. Only a sun canopy is sometimes possible.
You are not tied down either: with the rental companies you can cancel or move your booking under the rental company’s conditions. If the weather looks gloomy, you still have plenty of time to change your plans. Some companies even offer a bad-weather guarantee: if the weather is really poor when you arrive, you may still cancel or rebook on the spot.
Tips for a successful boat trip
- Book in time
Especially in high season or in fine weather, boats are quickly fully booked. So book online in advance. - Set off early
In the morning it is often quieter on the water, so the day starts calmly. - Choose the right boat
With children or older people? Then a whisper boat with cushions and a backrest is pleasant. For groups a sloop is more comfortable. - Bring something tasty
A small picnic, a drink or a snack board on board makes it extra enjoyable. You may bring your own food and drink. - Protect yourself from the sun
Think of sun cream, a cap or hat and perhaps sunglasses. You burn faster on the water than you think. - Respect the peace and nature
Keep it quiet in the narrow canals, sail at walking pace and give nature (and other boaters) space. - Take photos, but look around too
Photos are fun, but also simply look around you along the way. - Boating with children? Make it fun!
Give them binoculars or let them play captain. - Do not be caught out by the weather
Check the weather forecast beforehand and take a rain jacket if in doubt.
