Which boat tours and packages are available in Giethoorn?
On Giethoorn.com you can book several kinds of boat tours, each with its own focus. The main differences are duration, route and what you get besides the sailing. All boat tours use comfortable, covered boats with windows that can be opened fully in good weather. The boats are also easy to access for people with limited mobility, and pets (such as your dog) are welcome. We advise booking in advance, so that you are sure of a place, a guaranteed trip and the right boarding location.
1-hour Giethoorn boat tour: village + Bovenwiede
Do you want to see classic Giethoorn in a short time? Then choose the Giethoorn boat tour (1 hour). You sail through the historic village and across Lake Bovenwiede, and along the way the skipper tells you about the history and the sights. This boat tour suits all ages and fits well if you combine Giethoorn with lunch, a museum visit or a walk.
2-hour Weerribben-Wieden boat tour: village + nature reserve
Do you also want to sail outside the village? Then choose the Weerribben-Wieden boat tour (2 hours). This trip goes through Giethoorn and across the lake, and then deep into Weerribben-Wieden National Park. This package is especially for nature lovers: you sail more slowly and for longer, and you have a better chance of spotting special birds and other animals along the way, depending on the season and time of day.
Book the Weerribben-Wieden boat tour
Boat tour with a stop (groups of 10 or more)
Are you coming with a larger group? Then our boat tour with a stop in the centre is a good option. First you sail for 1 hour through Giethoorn and across the lake. After that you have a 1-hour break in the village. The stop is handy if you want to walk around together, visit a museum or go into a shop. This package is tailor-made and therefore suitable for families, teams and company outings.
For group requests you can call our information point on +31 (0)521 360 099.
Extra option: luxury or VIP boat tour
Do you want to sail in a slightly more exclusive way (for example with more comfort, privacy or a special programme)? Then you can also look at a luxury or VIP version with us via VIP tours in Giethoorn.
Which extras can I add to my boat tour?
For groups the biggest extra is the stop in the centre: you then also have time to see Giethoorn on foot.
There are also practical extras that you do not have to arrange anything for yourself:
- Covered sailing with windows that can be opened: pleasant in changeable weather.
- Accessible boats: comfortable boarding if you have limited mobility.
- Dog on board: you do not have to plan your visit around your pet.
- Commentary from the skipper: you know what you are looking at.
What are the price indications for the different boat tour options?
The exact price depends on the date, time, availability and (for group tours) the programme. As a rule of thumb:
- 1 hour is generally the most accessible option in price and time.
- 2 hours costs more, because you sail for longer and go further into the nature reserve.
- Groups and VIP are tailor-made: you pay for exclusivity, planning and any stop(s).
Online you see the current rates and available times straight away for the product you choose.
Why am I considering a boat tour in Giethoorn?
Giethoorn is built around the water, so from the boat you see the canals, bridges and views through to the other side at their best. You do not have to navigate or steer yourself, so you can simply look around.
You sit comfortably and get context: an experienced skipper tells you about Giethoorn, the surroundings and the sights along the way, so you also know what you are looking at. If you have little time, that is handy: in one hour you see the historic village and the lake, and in two hours the nature of Weerribben-Wieden is added.
Compared with other activities (such as only walking or sailing yourself), a boat tour is low-threshold: suitable for all ages, accessible for visitors with limited mobility, and your dog can come along. Because our boats are covered and the windows can be opened, you are also less dependent on the weather forecast when the weather changes.
Which boat tour option suits me?
Which boat tour suits you depends on what matters to you: speed, nature, depth, freedom or ease.
Step 1: choose based on your interest
- I want a taste of Giethoorn: choose the 1-hour boat tour through the village + Bovenwiede.
- I come for nature and peace: choose the 2-hour Weerribben-Wieden boat tour.
- I am coming with a group and want a break: choose the group boat tour with a stop in the centre (10 or more).
- I want something more exclusive or luxurious: look at the VIP options.
Step 2: look at these factors when choosing
- Time in your plans for the day: 1 hour almost always fits; 2 hours needs more room (but you also see more).
- Make-up of your party: with children or (grand)parents, comfort and accessibility are often decisive.
- Need for freedom: do you want to wander around yourself after sailing? Then a group stop makes sense.
- Season and weather: sailing under cover gives certainty; the nature experience can differ per season.
Step 3: assess the value of the package
Besides the price, also look at what you get for it:
- Route value: do you only see the village, or also the lake and the nature reserve?
- Experience value: do you want commentary from a skipper and a carefree sail?
- Extras: will you really benefit from a stop in the centre?
Torn between 1 hour and 2 hours? Choose 2 hours if you are visiting Giethoorn specially for the nature or will not be back soon. Choose 1 hour if you mainly want to see the village and plan other activities for the rest of the day.
Conclusion
With us you book an accessible 1-hour village boat tour or a 2-hour nature trip through Weerribben-Wieden. If you come with a group, there is a boat tour including a stop in the centre. Choose the duration and route that fit your day and book in advance. Do you want to sail today? Then check the available times and book directly.
