SloopsHire a sloop
Go to Sloops
Boating in Giethoorn: seeing the village from the water
Boating is a good way to get to know Giethoorn. The historic centre consists of narrow canals, wooden bridges and thatched farmhouses. Cars play hardly any part here, so the water links living, nature and culture.
Boating at a glance
From a boat you see Giethoorn in peace and quiet and reach places that cannot be visited on foot. For many visitors boating is the highlight of their visit.
- No boating licence needed
- Whisper boats, sloops and canal cruises
- Average boating time: 1 to 2 hours
- Quiet before 10:00 and after 16:00
- Suitable for beginners and families
Why boating belongs to your visit
Giethoorn is built around the water and almost all the sights lie along or beside the canals. On a boat you see the whole village centre in the calm of the water, combine nature and culture in one trip and set your own pace. Whether you sail yourself or take a canal cruise, a boat trip gives you a good picture of Giethoorn.
Choose how you want to sail
From your own whisper boat to a relaxed guided canal cruise: all the boating options in Giethoorn at a glance.
Whisper boatsHire a whisper boat
Go to Whisper boats
Boat with a skipperSail with a skipper
Go to Boat with a skipper
Exclusive toursVIP tours Giethoorn
Go to Exclusive tours
Canal cruisesBook a canal cruise
Go to Canal cruises
Canoes & kayaksHire a canoe
Go to Canoes & Kayaks
Stand-up paddleboardingHire a SUP board
Go to Stand-up paddleboarding
PuntersSail a punter
Go to Punters
SurfingWindsurfing
Go to Surfing
Sailing yourself: simple and accessible
Sailing yourself in Giethoorn is suitable for everyone, even without experience. After a short explanation you step aboard and sail on your own through the village and the surrounding nature reserve.
There are whisper boats (electric and quiet, suitable for the centre), comfortable sloops (suitable for longer trips), punters and canoes (for those who want to be active and close to nature), and larger boats for families and groups.
Canal cruise: relaxed and informative
If you would rather not steer yourself, you can take a canal cruise. You sail through the canals and learn more about the village, its history and the landscape along the way. The average duration is about 1 hour, and longer routes towards open water are also possible. Suitable for all ages and seasons.
Boating routes in Giethoorn
Depending on how long you sail, different routes are possible:
Village route
Through the historic centre past little bridges and farmhouses.
Nature route
Over open water with views of reed beds and birds.
Combination route
Alternate boating with a short walk or a break.
When you book you will receive clear instructions and route information.
Practical information about boating
- Boating licencenot needed
- Bookingbooking in advance is strongly recommended
- Best timeearly in the morning or later in the afternoon
- Parkingpossible near the boarding points, see parking in Giethoorn
Frequently asked questions about boating in Giethoorn
What does sailing yourself in Giethoorn involve?
You rent a boat without needing a boating licence and explore the narrow canals, wooden bridges and surrounding lakes yourself. Through Giethoorn.com you can choose from whisper boats, comfortable sloops (electric boats), punters (traditional wooden boats) or canoes. After a short explanation you step aboard and sail at your own pace past the historic thatched farmhouses and through the nature reserve.
Do I need a boating licence to sail myself?
No, you do not need a boating licence for the recreational rental boats. Giethoorn.com only lists boats that are easy to steer and intended for recreational use. When you set off you get clear instructions about the boat and the boating routes.
How long does an average boat trip usually take?
A boat trip through the village and the surrounding nature usually takes 1 to 2 hours. A guided canal cruise takes about 1 hour on average.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Giethoorn?
Current prices and availability can be found on Giethoorn.com, the booking platform where you reserve a whisper boat, sloop or canoe online in advance to sail yourself. The water is quietest before 10:00 and after 16:00.
How do I book a canal cruise in Giethoorn?
On Giethoorn.com you see the cruises with a skipper and the covered guided cruises in one overview, and you can book straight away. Book online in advance, especially at busy times, so you can be sure of a place.