What does a boat tour in Giethoorn look like?
On one of our boat tours an experienced skipper sails you comfortably, giving commentary along the way on Giethoorn, its history and what you see along the route. Depending on the boat tour you choose, you sail through the historic village, across Lake Bovenwiede and/or Weerribben-Wieden National Park.
What are the steps during the boat tour?
Choose your type of boat tour and book in advance
We advise booking in advance. That way you are sure of a place and a guaranteed trip, and you know exactly where your boarding location is. Especially in busy periods it can fill up quickly. After your reservation you receive a confirmation straight away with the relevant details.
Arrival and boarding
Arrive in good time at the boarding location given in your confirmation. Our tour boats are covered and have windows that can be opened fully in good weather. The boats are also easy to access for people with limited mobility.
The trip itself
During the boat tour the skipper takes you past the canals and bridges and tells you about the surroundings along the way. On the 1-hour boat tour you sail through the historic village and across Lake Bovenwiede. If you choose 2 hours, you go on into Weerribben-Wieden National Park, with a chance of spotting birds and other animals.
Optional: time ashore (on specific boat tours)
Are you with a group (10 or more)? Then there is a boat tour with a stop in the centre: you first sail for 1 hour, then have a 1-hour break in the village, and your programme then continues as agreed.
Return and the rest of your day
After mooring, you carry on with your visit to Giethoorn. Many guests combine sailing with a walk through the village or a visit to a restaurant or sights.
What should I bring to a boat tour?
With this basic kit you are well set:
- Your booking confirmation (digital is usually fine): handy for the time and boarding location.
- Layers of clothing: it can feel cooler on the water, even in the sun.
- A rainproof and windproof item: the boats are covered, but it is useful when boarding and getting off.
- Sunglasses and sun cream: windows can be opened in good weather and you sit in the light longer than you think.
- Camera or phone: for photos of the village, Lake Bovenwiede and the nature reserve.
- Water or a snack: especially if you are going walking or following a route afterwards.
Pets are welcome on our boat tours. For your dog, you may want to bring a short lead and something to drink.
How does it work with the tour guide (skipper)?
Think of the skipper as your “local” on the water. You do not have to steer or navigate; we take care of the route and safety, so that you can look and listen. You help mainly by:
- being on time (so that the trip can leave as planned);
- asking questions about history, bridges, nature or sights, which makes the tour more personal;
- being considerate of fellow passengers (for example when moving around the boat);
- matching your expectations to the duration: 1 hour is compact and varied, 2 hours is calmer and more focused on nature.
Why do I want to know what a boat tour looks like?
For many visitors the boat tour is the moment when they really get to know Giethoorn: you see the village from the water, hear stories you miss on foot and notice how close nature and culture are here. If you know in advance how the boat tour is built up, you make more informed choices and avoid discovering only on board that you actually wanted a different duration or focus.
Knowing in advance helps, because you then:
- choose the right boat tour: village experience (1 hour) or more nature and peace (2 hours);
- plan your day’s logistics better: you know when to leave, where to be and how to combine the boat tour with other activities;
- get more out of the commentary: if you already have a picture of the route and highlights, you listen more closely and ask better questions.
Preparing does not have to be elaborate. Mostly think about what you want: taking photos of the historic village and the bridges, or spotting animals in Weerribben-Wieden National Park?
How do I prepare for a boat tour?
A few tips for before and during the trip. It takes little time.
Before you go
- Book in advance for certainty of place, trip and boarding location.
- Choose the duration that suits your party: 1 hour fits well if you want to do several activities in one day; 2 hours is pleasant if you are looking for nature and peace.
- Check your party: are you going with someone who has limited mobility? Our boats are easy to access, but do arrive extra early so that boarding can be unhurried.
- Plan time to walk through the village afterwards, especially if you like taking photos from the bridges.
How do you improve your experience during the boat tour?
- Sit deliberately: if you want to look and photograph a lot, choose a spot with a good view and keep your camera ready when passing through the village.
- Listen with a purpose: make a mental note of 1 or 2 topics you want to know more about (such as history, nature or sights) and ask questions about them.
- Dress for the moment: windows can be opened fully in good weather. That is lovely, but because of the wind it can also feel a little cooler.
What should you arrange before going on a boat tour?
A short checklist:
- Reservation completed (and confirmation to hand)
- Time slot blocked in your plans for the day (including time to get there)
- Clothing in layers + sun protection
- If needed: things for your dog (lead, water)
Do you want to secure a boat tour right now? With us you can choose, among others, the 1-hour boat tour or the 2-hour nature trip. View and book via Book the Giethoorn boat tour or Book the Weerribben-Wieden boat tour.
Conclusion
A boat tour in Giethoorn is relaxed and straightforward: you book in advance if you can, arrive in good time at the boarding location, step into a comfortable covered boat and let yourself be sailed through the village, across Lake Bovenwiede and, if you choose, Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Bring layers, sun protection and your confirmation, and feel free to ask the skipper questions. Do you want to be sure of your place and the right type of boat tour? Then book in good time and plan some free time straight away to explore Giethoorn further afterwards.
