
On the water
Canal boats, kayaks and the spots worth getting wet for.

8 min read
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026-27: Map, Cruises, and What's Actually Worth Seeing
Confirmed dates for the 15th edition (26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027), the three honest ways to see it, and which boat cruise to actually book.
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3 min read
Where to Swim in and Around Amsterdam: The Local Spots
An honest guide to outdoor swimming near Amsterdam - the official lakes and beaches, the new Marineterrein spot, and why you should never swim the canals.
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3 min read
Kayaking and SUP on Amsterdam's Canals: A Local's Guide
Where to kayak or paddleboard in Amsterdam - rental prices, guided canal tours, the quiet wetlands routes, and the safety rules paddlers need to know.
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3 min read
Renting a Boat in Amsterdam to Drive Yourself: A Local Guide
How to rent a self-drive boat in Amsterdam without a licence - what it costs, which operators to use, and the canal rules you need to know before you cast off.
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6 min read
Amsterdam Canal Tours Compared in 2026: Which Are Actually Worth It
A local's honest comparison of Amsterdam canal cruises - big audio-guide boats versus small skippered tours, 2026 prices, and which ones to skip.
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