Cruise along the beautiful artwork and enjoy all the other pretty lights Amsterdam has to offer
Sail Amsterdam’s canals aboard Diana, a vintage salon boat, for an intimate and warm experience of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Discover hidden stories and unparalleled views with local guides in a cozy floating living room.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required; suitable for most fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Amsterdam’s canals date back to the 17th century and the Light Festival celebrates the city’s rich history and contemporary art scene each winter.
Conservation
The cruise emphasizes low-impact tourism by maintaining small group sizes and using an electric or low-emission vintage boat to protect the canal ecosystem.
Off Course
Cruise along the beautiful artwork and enjoy all the other pretty lights Amsterdam has to offer
Off Course operates private canal experiences in Amsterdam aboard Diana, a cozy 1920s salon boat.
The company offers a range of curated outings including the Sail-in Parade Diana, BL PLATFORM TEST 2, BL PLATFORM TEST 3, and the Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise — Your Floating Living Room. Each trip emphasizes intimate group settings, panoramic canal views, and local storytelling. Guests enjoy cold drinks and delicious snacks while drifting through iconic waterways. The Sail-in Parade Diana is timed for the five-year tall ship parade and provides a private vantage point for golden hour views during this rare event. BL PLATFORM TEST 2 presents a two-hour evening drift to watch tall ships at sunset; BL PLATFORM TEST 3 combines a golden hour drift with an exclusive fireworks finale. The Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise offers guided commentary, hidden-route perspectives, and close-up views of festival artworks from the water aboard Diana. Off Course markets private, ticketed experiences that prioritize small groups and a relaxed atmosphere. Pricing, availability, and booking details are set per trip and communicated at reservation. Safety and comfort are addressed through boat suitability for intimate tours and provision of refreshments. Information provided about departures, durations, and included amenities comes from the described trip summaries. Prospective guests can decide based on each listing’s specific summary, which outlines highlights such as festival access, fireworks, snacks, and drinks. Off Course representation focuses on unique canal vantage points and specialized seasonal events. Trip summaries list what is included for transparent booking decisions.
Boat
Diana (1920s)
Cozy 1920s salon boat
Destination
Amsterdam
Canal routes and Light Festival
Special Events
Tall ship parade (every 5 years)
Rare, scheduled canal celebration
Tour Lengths
2 hours (typical)
Two-hour evening drift offered
Select a trip, check availability, and secure a private booking aboard Diana for festivals or evening drifts.
Dress Warmly for Evening Cruises
Even with onboard heating, night air on the canals can be chilly—layer up and use provided blankets for extra comfort.
Book Early to Secure Private Tours
With a maximum of 7 guests per cruise, reservations fill quickly during the festival season—plan ahead.
Arrive On Time at Brouwersgracht 66
The boat departs promptly; arriving early ensures a relaxed boarding process without losing precious tour time.
Bring a Camera
Panoramic windows provide excellent photo opportunities without reflections or fogging—capture the glowing installations.
Warm Jacket
Protects against chilly canal breezes during evening cruises.
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Comfortable Footwear
Ideal for walking to the dock and boarding the boat safely.
Camera or Smartphone
To capture the stunning illuminated artworks through clear glass windows.
Scarf and Gloves
Adds warmth for the must-use outdoor moments before and after the cruise.
winter