★★★★★
“Absolutely flawless experience. The boat was beautiful, the captain was professional and relaxed, and seeing Amsterdam from the water like this was unforgettable.”
Prestige Boats Amsterdam · Amsterdam Light Festival
The most iconic way to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027
Experience Amsterdam’s new light artworks from the warmth and privacy of our heated and covered 1971 Venetian Water Taxi, exclusively yours with a professional captain.
26 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027
Daily 16:30 – 23:00
Available
From € 495
Every winter, Amsterdam Light Festival turns the canals into an open-air gallery of light. Illuminated artworks by international artists appear along the historic canals and bridges, making it one of the city's most visited winter events.
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival by boat, from our covered and heated 1971 Venetian water taxi. A private canal cruise past the artworks and lit canal houses: the most comfortable way to see Amsterdam after dark.
Duration 2 hours
Up to 10 persons
Your occasion
Candlelight and flowers, tailored to your occasion.
The bar on board
Champagne, wine and more, poured as you glide.
View the menu
Blankets on board
Soft blankets for every guest, and heating for colder nights.
Reserve
Request your Light Festival cruise
Private · 2 hours · up to 10 guests · €495
Departure
Easy departure from our harbour, or pickup at your own location
Apollo Hotel Marina · Apollolaan 2, Amsterdam
Our harbour: parking on site, a short walk to the boat. Included in your cruise.
Pickup at your own location: we collect you at your hotel or a canal side of your choice, and can drop you off elsewhere too. From €50, depending on distance.
Get directionsMore Impressions of the boat
Pick-up anywhere in Amsterdam
Hotel, canal side or private dock.
Flexible departure times
Day & night cruising available.
Instant booking
Often available within one hour.
Catering or bring your own
Curated bites or your own favourites.
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Discover why guests choose Prestige Boats Amsterdam for private, comfortable and unforgettable experiences on the canals.
★★★★★
“By far the most elegant way to explore Amsterdam. Private, calm and perfectly organised from start to finish.”
★★★★★
“Everything felt effortless. From the flexible pickup to the champagne on board — highly recommended for anyone looking for a premium experience.”
Good to know
Amsterdam Light Festival by private boat
When is the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026–2027?
The 15th edition runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The artworks are lit every evening from 16:30 to 23:00. On New Year’s Eve the lights go out at 21:00.
How much does a private Light Festival cruise cost?
€495 for two hours, for the whole boat. The cruise is paid in advance. Drinks from the bar on board are settled on board.
How many guests can join?
Up to 10 guests during the Light Festival. The boat is yours alone, never shared with other guests.
Will we be warm on board in winter?
Yes. The cabin is enclosed and heated, and the boat can be fully covered. Prefer the open air? Blankets are on board.
What is the best time to go?
Every evening between 16:30 and 23:00 works. Weekday evenings are calmer on the water than weekends and the weeks around Christmas, which book up first.
Where does the cruise depart?
From our own harbour at the Apollo Hotel, Apollolaan 2, with parking nearby. We can also collect you at your hotel or elsewhere in the city for an extra charge, depending on the distance.
Can we bring our own drinks?
You are welcome to. We charge €50 corkage per bottle. There is also a bar on board with Prosecco, wine, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, beer and soft drinks.
What kind of boat is it?
Venice is a wooden Venetian water taxi from 1971. She is fully electric, so you glide past the artworks in silence.
Can you arrange a proposal or celebration?
Of course. Flowers, champagne on ice or a cake on board: tell us what you have in mind and we arrange it. Call or WhatsApp +31 6 42 14 80 55.
Does the cruise go ahead in rain or cold weather?
Yes. With the cabin closed and heated you stay dry and warm, and the artworks look beautiful reflected on a wet evening.