Which boat rental companies and options are there in Giethoorn?
In Giethoorn a lot revolves around boating. From a boat you see the village canal, the little bridges and the route towards the Bovenwijde lake. At Giethoorn.com you can therefore rent a boat in different ways: sail yourself, sail more comfortably with extra space, or sail with a skipper.
1) Renting a whisper boat (sail yourself)
Whisper boats are popular because they are quiet and easy to get started with. You do not need a boating licence and the rental company always explains how to operate the boat and the boating rules. That makes a whisper boat a logical choice if you are going out on the water in Giethoorn for the first time.
You can check availability and book straight away here: Whisper boats.
2) Renting a sloop (sail yourself, more comfort and space)
If you want a bit more room to sit or more comfortable sailing, a sloop (electric boat) is often a good option. Here too: no boating licence needed and you receive instructions beforehand. Sloops are pleasant for couples, families and smaller groups who want a quiet boat trip with just a little more seating space.
You can book via: Sloops.
3) Boat with a skipper (relaxed, no steering stress)
If you do not feel like steering yourself, choose a boat with a skipper. That is also handy if you are with a group and prefer to keep your attention on each other and the view rather than on manoeuvring in busy stretches of the canal.
See the options and book: Boat with a skipper.
Which packages are offered?
In practice a “package” is usually a combination of:
- Boat type: whisper boat, sloop or boat with a skipper.
- Rental duration: often a minimum of 2 to 3 hours for a trip.
- Day rental: nice if you want to be flexible and have less time pressure.
Our practical tip: for your first time, allow at least 3 hours, so you do not have to rush, especially not on busy days.
What does it cost to rent a boat?
The exact price depends on boat type, rental duration, season and availability. Because occupancy in Giethoorn can vary a lot (especially in sunny weather and at weekends), we work with live availability and current rates in our booking system. That way you immediately see what your option costs on your date and time slot.
This helps with your budget:
- Rental duration determines a large part of the price (2-3 hours versus a day rental).
- High season and weekends usually call for booking earlier; last-minute choices are then limited.
- A boat with a skipper is generally more expensive, because you get service and guidance.
Are there special packages for groups or events?
Yes. Besides separate boat rental you can also book packages with us, for example for families, groups of friends and company outings. Think of combinations with activities or a day programme. You can view and book all the options via: all packages.
Are you organising something bigger and want to collect inspiration or options first? Then you can also request a group brochure.
Why am I considering renting a boat in Giethoorn?
You sail past little bridges and houses, see the village at its own rhythm and choose how relaxed or extensive you make it. For many visitors the boat trip is the most important part of the day.
What do you experience on a boat trip?
From a boat you see the village differently than on foot: you sail through the village canal, take in (depending on your route) the open water of the Bovenwijde lake and alternate busy stretches with quiet side channels.
How does a boat trip fit into my day?
Sailing is done at a relaxed pace. You sit, look, talk and stop (with a day rental) when it suits you. It also works well for mixed groups: young and old can come along, and you do not need sailing experience. You receive instructions, and clear boating rules apply, such as keeping to the right and giving way to tour boats.
What are the benefits of renting a boat compared with other activities?
With a boat you see a lot without having to walk everywhere. Other activities are often tied to fixed times or locations; with a rental boat you decide your own start time, your route and your breaks. With a boat with a skipper you do not have to steer at all.
Which boat rental service suits my wishes?
The choice depends on your experience, your group and how much you want to do yourself.
Which boats are suitable for beginners?
If you are a beginner, you are usually best off with a whisper boat. You do not need a boating licence and you receive an explanation of how to operate it and of the route. Important to know: the village canal can be busy and for a large part there is one-way traffic from post 1 to post 5. That makes it clearer, but it does ask you to sail slowly and pay close attention.
If you do not want to steer at all, choose a boat with a skipper. You are on the water, but the manoeuvring is left to an experienced helmsman.
How do I decide which rental option suits me best?
- Choose your goal: do you mainly want to experience the village canal, or also the peace of the lake?
- Choose your duration: allow at least 3 hours for a “good trip”. When it is busy, a round can take longer.
- Choose your comfort: whisper boat = simple and quiet, sloop = roomier and more comfortable, skipper = fully relaxed.
- Choose your moment: on weekdays and outside high season it is often quieter on the water.
What should I consider when choosing additional services?
What you can also do: book in advance. We recommend this, especially in high season, at weekends and during holidays.
You can also consider:
- A skipper if you want comfort, guidance or ease for a group.
- Day rental if you want flexibility and no time pressure.
- Packages if you want to combine boating with a complete day programme.
Choose your date, boat type and duration and book straight away via book.giethoorn.com. That way you can be sure a boat is waiting for you at your moment.
Conclusion
You can rent a boat in Giethoorn in several ways: with a whisper boat or sloop you sail yourself (without a boating licence), and with a boat with a skipper you do not have to steer. Allow at least 2-3 hours in your planning, take the crowds and one-way traffic on the village canal into account, and book well in advance, especially on peak days. If you want to make a complete day of it, look at the packages.
