Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour

Outty Ranking 50 3.3 · 12 traveler reviews1.3 hoursFrom €11
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Outty Ranking

50/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.3/5

Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour worth booking?

Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour is a 1.3-hour experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from €11 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
50 / 100
Rating
3.3/5 (12)
Duration
1.3 hours
From
€11 per person

Why walk when you can float along in style? The Amsterdam Light Festival is back with it's 14th edition and you can see the works of light art up close and unobstructed aboard an open boat with a drink in hand. Your captain also serves as your guide; showcasing each art work and informing you about each artwork as well as some information behind each artist. From our open boats you get a clear view of the light installations without barriers, ideal for enjoying the details or taking photos. Just ask your captain to go a tad slower for that perfect snapshot. Blankets aboard are sure to keep you warm during the cold winter period. This year's Amsterdam Light Festival theme is: Legacy. See over 20 stunning artworks from international artists that all tackle the this year's theme. These artworks will provoke questions regarding what legacy we will leave for future generations and how the future might look like.

What you get

    About this experience

    Why walk when you can float along in style? The Amsterdam Light Festival is back with it's 14th edition and you can see the works of light art up close and unobstructed aboard an open boat with a drink in hand. Your captain also serves as your guide; showcasing each art work and informing you about each artwork as well as some information behind each artist. From our open boats you get a clear view of the light installations without barriers, ideal for enjoying the details or taking photos. Just ask your captain to go a tad slower for that perfect snapshot. Blankets aboard are sure to keep you warm during the cold winter period. This year's Amsterdam Light Festival theme is: Legacy. See over 20 stunning artworks from international artists that all tackle the this year's theme. These artworks will provoke questions regarding what legacy we will leave for future generations and how the future might look like.

    What's included

    Included

    • Warm blanket on board
    • The captain will act as your live guide.
    • Spectacular views of the annual Amsterdam Light Festival
    • Complimentary Hot Chocolate or Gluhwein (You can collect it at the market stall on pier 4)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Amsterdam Light Festival

      Winter nights in the UNESCO-listed historic center are spectacularly illuminated during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Marvel at the city's dazzling display of colorfully lit landmarks, fantastic light projections and sculptures along the charming waterways from the vantage point of a river barge. Soak up the joyful, festive spirit as you sail light- and color-bedecked canals during the annual Light Festival. Winter's dark and gloom are instantly cheered with delightful installations along the water. Take it all in from your seat on an open boat under a warm blanket with a complementary hot beverage at the start. Listen to the engaging captain, who will also act as your guide, as you cruise by magical works by renowned artists the use clever design and modern technology to create a gleaming wonderland. From the open boat you will have the best view of the picturesque capital and light art. Thanks to its shape, the small boat is not just easy to maneuver but also very cosy. Furthermore, because it operates on electricity, it is also sustainable.

      75 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Amsterdam

    Yellow Canal Tours Amsterdam Damrak Pier 6. Look for the yellow Canal Tours Amsterdam flag.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Yellow Canal Tours Amsterdam Damrak Pier 6. Look for the yellow Canal Tours Amsterdam flag.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, nl
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Stromma Nederland

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Will be operated by an English and Dutch speaking guide
    • Dress code is smart casual, it can be cold because it's an open boat!

    Photos

    Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour, photo 2Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour, photo 3Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour, photo 4Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour, photo 5Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour, photo 6Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    12 verified traveler reviews for Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    4
    Sort
    Marion_L · December 2025

    Great

    It was great. The boat was warm and the skipper very kind. We had a very nice time with our hot chocolate

    Response from the operator: Hi Marion, thank you for your kind review. Great to hear that you enjoyed the boat and the hot chocolate. Also, great that the captain did such a good job. We hope to see you back on board with us soon! Best regards, Stromma – Team

    via Viator

    zonnetje2 · January 2025

    Open boat ⛵

    Not nice when it's cold or in rain! I wanted to tell you briefly but I'm left with a minimum of signs. I hope it works now.

    Response from the operator: hey there, we're sorry to hear you were cold and wet aboard our open boat cruise, normally we have umbrellas or ponchos available but we will make sure to consistently have the boats fully stocked

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Schnerpfl · January 2024

    Disappointed

    Disappointing, the photos circulating on the internet entice people to take part. In reality there are VERY VERY few objects.

    Response from the operator: Hallo Schnerpfl, es tut uns leid zu hören, dass Ihr Erlebnis bei Stromma nicht Ihren Erwartungen entsprochen hat. Wir nehmen Ihr Feedback ernst. Was die Anzahl der Kunstwerke betrifft, so sind es 20. Dies ist auch die Zahl, die wir kommunizieren. Danke, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, uns Ihre Erfahrung mitzuteilen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Stromma Niederlande

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    933dylanw · June 2022

    Good trip

    Very good, our captain was very informative and engaging (Niels d) just more activities on the tour would keep the tour more entertaining for the hour and 15 mins

    via Tripadvisor

    W3828OVlaurentb · March 2022

    Fraud

    Absolute fraud! Boats are overbooked and stromma is not willing to refund! One piece of advice: Stay away!

    Response from the operator: Hi, I'm sorry you feel that way. I would love to know what happened and talk to you about it. Obviously it hasn't been a pleasant experience and we are sorry about that, but we are certainly not a fraud. Would you like to send an email to online@stromma.nl? Then we will take it further there. Thank you!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    €11 to €23
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Stromma Nederland, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.4.

    See everything Stromma Nederland runs

    Why this scores 50

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)41
    Review evidence (18% weight)33
    Booking momentum (14% weight)24
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Amsterdam.

    How much does Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at €11 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Amsterdam usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 1.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Amsterdam is not rushed.

    Is Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Amsterdam, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour?

    +

    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Amsterdam can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Amsterdam and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Amsterdam within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Amsterdam experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with 10 Tastings, Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group, Amsterdam 90 minutes Canal Cruise with bar and snacks on board.. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour?

    +

    Included: Warm blanket on board; The captain will act as your live guide; Spectacular views of the annual Amsterdam Light Festival; and Complimentary Hot Chocolate or Gluhwein (You can collect it at the market stall on pier 4). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour?

    +

    Yellow Canal Tours Amsterdam Damrak Pier 6. Look for the yellow Canal Tours Amsterdam flag. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Dutch. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Amsterdam. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Amsterdam Light Festival: Open Boat Tour?

    +

    Across 12 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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