Boat Tour from Central Station at SAIL Amsterdam 2025

Want a front-row view of the world’s most impressive ships without the long walks or crowd pressure? 

The SAIL Amsterdam 2025 Boat Tour gives you exactly that with direct water access to the ships from the comfort of a 1-hour cruise. 

This tour starts right from Central Station and is ideal if you’re short on time but don’t want to miss the heart of the action. 

Whether you’re visiting with kids, parents, or just your camera, it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy the fleet.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Boat Tour and reasons to believe that it’s your smartest choice.

What the boat tour is all about

The SAIL Amsterdam Boat Tour is a simple, time-efficient ride through the harbor, organized by LOVERS Canal Cruises, one of the city’s official partners. 

From the second day of the event onwards, these cruises operate all day long, between 10.30 am and 10 pm, giving you flexibility to plan around your schedule.

The boat follows a curated route through the main harbor, offering uninterrupted views of the event’s biggest stars. 

You’ll sail past some of the largest vessels on display, all from the comfort of a stable, open-deck canal boat. 

This cruise is designed to focus purely on sightseeing, making it ideal for those who prefer a direct, no-frills experience.

What’s included in your ticket

Here’s what you get with your Boat Tour ticket:

• 1-hour boat cruise through the SAIL 2025 harbor
• Close-up views of tall ships, navy vessels, and historical ships
• Water included onboard
• Departure from 20B Prins Hendrikkade, near Central Station
• Official route curated by SAIL organizers

Ticket prices:

Adult ticket (14+ years): €32.50
Child ticket (up to 14 years): €25

Where to board and how to prepare

Boarding Location: 20B Prins Hendrikkade, 1012 TL, Amsterdam. Get Directions.

The dock is located just outside Amsterdam Central Station, which is convenient for travelers arriving by train, tram, or foot.

When you arrive:

• Show your printed or mobile ticket to the staff at the dock
• Arrive 15 minutes before your selected time slot
• Boats depart at regular intervals throughout the day

👉 The route is fixed, so every tour covers the most important viewing areas within the harbor.

What you’ll see on this tour

The Boat Tour is all about visual access to the ships. This is where you’ll see some of the most unique vessels from across the globe:

• Towering two, three, and four-masted ships
• Vessels from countries like Chile, Vanuatu, Norway, and Spain
• Dutch Navy ships docked for public viewing
• Traditional cargo ships and heritage vessels represent maritime history
• Colorful crew displays and onboard flags from across the world
• Unobstructed views of Amsterdam’s harbor skyline

👉 Every boat follows the same curated route, ensuring no important sights are missed.

How this boat tour compares to other SAIL cruises

Choosing between different SAIL tickets can be confusing, as each offers a different kind of experience. This tour stands out because of its simplicity and practicality.

Why choose a boat tour over other tours?

The Boat Tour is a great choice if you want a quick, simple, and budget-friendly way to experience SAIL Amsterdam. 

It departs right from Central Station, so it’s easy to reach, takes only one hour, and doesn’t involve any walking, making it ideal for families, seniors, or anyone short on time. 

Despite its simplicity, it still covers all the main ship highlights without the need for a guide or audio headset.

Why it’s smart to book ahead

With thousands of visitors arriving every day during SAIL, tickets sell out quickly. The Boat Tour runs often, but the midday and early evening time slots fill up fastest.

Booking in advance ensures:

• Your preferred slot is secured
• You avoid last-minute ticket stress
• You can coordinate your day around this 1-hour cruise

👉 Reserve your SAIL Amsterdam Boat Tour ticket today

Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions tourists ask before purchasing their tour from Central Station.

Image Courtesy: Shewandersabroad.com