Compare & choose
Which boat suits you?
Not every boat is the same. That's why we've put together an overview of our boat rental in Giethoorn, comparing the differences between our boats:
Boat rental Giethoorn
Want to discover Giethoorn the way it was meant to be seen? Then you take to the water. Renting a boat is by far the most beautiful way to experience the Venice of the North: at the helm yourself, at your own pace, gliding past thatched farmhouses and the famous little wooden bridges.
Rent a boat in Giethoorn
Whisper boat or sloop: what's the difference?
If you've never rented a boat in Giethoorn before, the choice between a whisper boat and a sloop can be confusing. The simplest way to look at it: a whisper boat is the easy, affordable entry-level option. It's steered with a tiller, the driver sits behind the passengers, and it's perfect for a relaxed trip around the village without any fuss.
A sloop offers more comfort. You steer with a console, everyone sits together in a circle, and the luxury versions come with backrests and soft cushions, ideal if you're making a full day of it or sailing with a larger group.
In short: choose a whisper boat if price and simplicity matter most, and a sloop if comfort and space are your priority. Not sure? Our team is happy to help you pick the right boat. Feel free to reach out via our contact page.
People
Price
Comfort / features
Target group
Tijden
Book ahead: don't miss out on a boat
Giethoorn is hugely popular. On sunny days in the high season (April to September), at weekends and during the school holidays, the boats are often booked up quickly. It would be a shame to travel all the way to Giethoorn only to find no boat available.
Our advice: book your boat online as soon as you know when you're coming. That way your boat is ready and waiting the moment you arrive. Outside the season and on quiet weekdays, simply turning up without a reservation is sometimes possible, but it's never guaranteed. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and book in good time.
Practical information
No boating license needed
Free sailing card
Departure point known in advance
How does renting a boat in Giethoorn work exactly? Here's everything you need to know to hit the water well prepared. We want to make it as easy as possible for you, so we've thought of everything. From free parking to a sailing map with all routes.
Parking by your boat
Parking in Giethoorn can be a challenge, but with us that's nothing to worry about. You park your car for free next to the Smit Giethoorn restaurant at Zuiderpad 58. So you step straight from your car into your boat and start your day on the water without any hassle.
Sailing routes through Giethoorn
When you rent your boat, you'll get a clear sailing route to take with you. Our sailing map is divided into 5 routes: purple, yellow, green, red and blue. Each colour stands for a route with a different sailing time, from a short loop to a trip of several hours. The map also explains how to handle the boat, so you set off with confidence.
Avoid the crowds: choose the quiet route
Did you know you can easily avoid the crowds in the village centre? Especially at weekends and on public holidays between 12:00 and 16:00, the narrow canals in the centre can get very busy. Thanks to the location of Giethoorntickets, you don't have to sail through the crowded centre at all.
If you'd prefer peace and nature, we'll point you towards the route across the lake. You head out onto the water at the Smitsvaart and follow, for example, the red route (on the sailing map) from there. That way you avoid the centre, save yourself a good hour of "traffic-jam sailing", and glide through the beautiful nature reserve around Giethoorn instead.
FAQ