Boat rental companies in Giethoorn: a comparison
The rental companies in Giethoorn each have their own location and range. These are four partners, so you can choose what suits your group.
Boatrental Giethoorn
- Location: Zuiderpad 14A, 8355 CA Giethoorn.
- Range: Electric sloops (electric boats) for 4 to 12 people, no boating licence needed.
- Good to know: A practical starting point at the beginning of the village canal, right at the rental location.
- Book a boat at Boatrental Giethoorn
Recreatiebedrijf Geythorn
- Location: Binnenpad 42, 8355 BS Giethoorn.
- Range: Various boats, including whisper boats (for 5 or 7/8 people), sloops (up to 6 people), sailing punts and canoes.
- Good to know: Based in the middle of the village, handy if you want to explore the canals straight from the centre. Compare the capacity of the individual boats with the size of your group.
Punterwerf Wildeboer
- Location: Beulakerweg 48, 8355 AJ Giethoorn.
- Range: Handmade oak punters (traditional wooden boats) with a quiet whisper motor, suitable for 8 adults.
- Good to know: A good choice if you want to sail in a traditionally crafted boat. The location is a quiet starting point for a trip towards the nature of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Instructions are included.
- Book a boat at Punterwerf Wildeboer
Mol Groenewegen
- Location: Binnenpad 28, 8355 BR Giethoorn.
- Range: E-sloops, whisper boats, punters and canoes, available by the hour or for a whole day.
- Good to know: Handy if you want to combine boating with an overnight stay. Mol Groenewegen also rents holiday cottages and an apartment right on the village canal.
- Book a boat at Mol Groenewegen
Which boat should you choose for your trip?
The right boat depends on your group and your wishes. The most common options are:
- Whisper boat: Quiet, stable and easy to steer. Suitable for families and smaller groups who want to explore the village and the nature in a relaxed way.
- Sloop: Compare the seating and layout per model. A sloop is not automatically bigger: at Geythorn the sloop is suitable for up to 6 people, while there are also whisper boats for 7/8 people.
- Punter: The traditional boat of Giethoorn. A punter with a whisper motor suits those who love peace and nature.
- Canoe or kayak: For those who want to get on the water actively and head into the narrow ditches. In the area you can also go stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
For which occasions do you rent a boat?
People rent a boat in Giethoorn for a family day trip, a trip for couples or an afternoon with friends, for example. Sailing yourself is also popular for company outings and family celebrations, because everyone can then explore the area at their own pace.
Practical tips before you set off
Keep these points in mind before you leave:
- Boating licence and experience: Ask the rental company you have chosen which requirements apply to your boat and what instruction you receive. Geythorn states that no boating licence is needed for the rental boats it describes; do not automatically draw that conclusion for every other offer.
- Booking: Check beforehand whether a suitable boat and a time slot are available. Base your planning on the confirmed reservation.
- Sailing time and route: Ask which route suits your rental period and starting point, and ask for a map or boating chart.
- Conditions: Check the rental company’s conditions in advance, for example on cancelling or the weather.
- What to bring: Think of sun cream, a cap or hat, enough drinking water and perhaps something to eat along the way.
How do you book a boat in Giethoorn?
You usually arrange a booking online in a few steps:
- Compare and choose: Use the information on Giethoorn.com to choose a rental company and a boat type that suits your wishes.
- Book online: On the provider’s website, select a date, a time and the sailing duration you want, and complete the booking.
- Check your booking: Keep your confirmation and check the start time, the departure address and the agreed rental duration. Ask the rental company for any missing information and for an explanation of the boat and the boating rules before departure.
