FAQs

How long can I sail a boat in Giethoorn?
With us, you can sail in Giethoorn for as long as you want, as long as it falls within our opening hours. This allows you to choose what suits your needs, whether you want to sail for a few hours or all day. With our boat rental, you always get a sailing map that shows multiple routes that you can sail. These routes range from 2 to 5 hours. Of course, you can also choose your own route when you sail in Giethoorn. Here, however, it is important that you can estimate how long you will be on the road. Before you know it, you'll be on the road longer than intended.
On what days can I sail a boat in Giethoorn?
You can come to us every day for a boat trip in Giethoorn. We are open Monday to Sunday, both in the summer and in the colder winter months. In the summer months, we are open longer due to the nice weather and long days. We recommend booking a boat in advance if you want to sail in Giethoorn. Especially in the summer, it can be very busy and there is a chance that no boats will be available if you do not reserve in advance.
To ensure a spot on the water and to avoid disappointment, we therefore recommend that you always reserve a boat in time. This way, you can ensure a relaxing and carefree day of fun in enchanting Giethoorn.
Where can I book catering in Giethoorn?
Giethoorntickets caters for occasions such as staff parties, receptions, and birthday parties. Want to know more? Get in touch with us.
What happens in bad weather or if I want to cancel?
For cancellations between 48 and 24 hours in advance, 50% of the total amount is charged. For cancellations within 24 hours of the planned date, 100% of the total amount is charged.
Does the weather change at the last minute? In the event of a code yellow or code red weather warning, you can reschedule your reservation to another day free of charge.
For full details, take a look at our rental conditions.
Is there a deposit?
There is no deposit. Renting is at your own risk. In the event of theft, loss or damage to the boat and its accessories, the renter is liable.
Take a look at all our rental conditions.
What's the minimum age to steer a boat?
There's a minimum age of 16 to steer a boat. You don't need a boating licence for this.
Do I need a boating licence to hire a sloop in Giethoorn?
No, you do not need a boating licence. Before departure, you will receive clear instructions about the boat and the sailing route. After that, you can head straight out onto the water.
Do I have to pay a deposit when hiring a sloop?
No, you do not pay a deposit with us. The price you see is the price you pay.
What makes this sloop 'luxury'?
This sloop is fitted with a steering console, a backrest and cushions, for the very best comfort. On a longer trip in particular, you really notice the difference.
Is the luxury sloop suitable for a longer trip?
Absolutely. Thanks to its comfort and space, this sloop is perfectly suited to a longer trip, for example out towards the nature of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. When you set off, you receive a route map with routes of up to 5 hours.
What is the difference with the Electric Sloop (6p)?
The Luxury Electric Sloop seats up to eight people and offers extra comfort thanks to the backrest and cushions. On top of that, you steer this sloop with a steering console rather than a tiller. The Electric Sloop seats up to six people and is the more affordable choice.
Not sure which sloop suits you best? Then have a look at the Electric Sloop as well.
What makes this whisper boat 'luxury'?
This whisper boat has a steering console rather than a tiller, and offers extra comfort thanks to the backrest and cushions. That way you stay comfortable even on a longer trip.
Do I need experience to sail with the steering console?
No, you need no boating licence or sailing experience. The steering console is intuitive and easy to use. Before you set off, we take the time to explain how everything works.
What is the difference with a sloop?
The luxury whisper boat seats up to five people and has the open design of a traditional whisper boat. A sloop offers similar comfort but more space, and seats six or eight people. Not sure which boat suits you best? Then have a look at our sloops as well.
How does a tiller work?
The tiller is easy to use. Push the tiller to the left and the boat turns right, and the other way around. You control the speed by turning the grip.
Before you set off, we take the time to explain how everything works. You will get the hang of it within a few minutes.
What is the difference with the luxury whisper boat?
The eight-person whisper boat is the most affordable option, and you steer it with a tiller. The luxury whisper boat seats up to five people, has a steering console and offers a little more comfort with a backrest and cushions.
Is the whisper boat suitable for children?
Yes. The boat sits steadily on the water and sails at a calm pace. Do always keep a close eye on children, though. Buoyancy aids are available for young children. Please bear in mind that on busy days certain sizes may be out on loan for a while.
Would you like to be sure of a well-fitting buoyancy aid? Then bring your own along.
Is a sloop more comfortable than a whisper boat?
A sloop generally offers more seating comfort and space than a whisper boat. Would you mainly like to sail on a budget? Then a whisper boat is a good choice. Do you prefer extra comfort and space? Then go for a sloop.
Do I need a boat license?
To rent a boat in Giethoorn, you do not need a license. Just a healthy dose of common sense and enough enthusiasm. Everyone who rents a boat from us will receive an explanation in advance with instructions on how the boat works. Experience shows that even those who have never sailed a boat before can use it independently. In addition to the explanation, you also receive a sailing map with the boat rental. The routes on our sailing maps vary from 2 to 5 hours. Plenty of time to make it an unforgettable adventure!
How long can I rent a boat?
You can rent a boat for as little as one hour, or for the whole day. When you book, you choose a time slot that suits you. Keep in mind that on busy summer days there may be a minimum rental time, so we recommend booking online in advance to secure your preferred slot.
What is the cost to rent a boat?
The cost to rent a boat starts from €20 per hour for a whisper boat. Depending on the rental period, type of boat and any options, we have different rates. Whether you want to rent a whisper boat for a few hours or a luxury sloop for a whole day, we have a boat that fits your budget and needs. Because of our wide range of different boats, you can rent your boat with us at the lowest price in Giethoorn. When renting a boat from us, there are no hidden costs. The price you see is the price you pay. We believe in honesty and transparency, so you can enjoy your boat trip without surprises.
Are dogs allowed in the boat?
You are more than welcome to bring your dog on board our boats. However, if you are hiring a boat with cushions, we would ask you not to let your dog sit on them, to avoid any issues with allergies and to prevent wear and tear on the cushions.
Where do all the boats sail from?
All our boats depart from the same starting location. So you know exactly where to go beforehand. Furthermore, there is sufficient (free) parking space at Smit Giethoorn's starting location. So you don't have to worry about a parking space. Want to know more about our sailing routes? Then check out our “sailing area in Giethoorn” page.
Not answered your question yet?
Whether you have questions about our boats or about our activities, we're happy to help. In this way, we also hope to make it an unforgettable visit to Giethoorn for you.