What do you wear?
Count on roughly 3 °C on the water, also in a closed boat while stepping on and off. A warm coat, hat and gloves are the difference between a beautiful evening and a cold one.
Cruise or walk
Why sail during the light festival?
Edition 15 can be seen on foot as well as from the water. Here is the honest comparison, so you can decide what fits your evening.
Book your cruiseCruise versus on foot
| Cruise | On foot | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 60–75 minutes | 2 to 3 hours |
| Distance | ± 5 km over water | ± 4,5 km walking |
| View of the artworks | From the intended perspective | From the quay, often at an angle |
| Warmth | Heated (closed boat) or blankets | Outside, all evening |
| The story | The skipper narrates on the way | Look it up yourself, or an app (€ 6,99) |
| Cost | From € 29,75 | Free |
The light artworks themselves are free to see from the quays and bridges — we are honest about that. You buy a cruise for the perspective, the comfort and the story, not for access.
Departure and getting there
All cruises depart from the centre of Amsterdam, within walking distance of Amsterdam Centraal. That makes every departure reachable by train, metro, tram and bus — no transfers, no hunting for parking. The exact boarding location is stated on your ticket.
Come on board at least ten minutes before departure — the boats leave on time so the route fits inside the festival's opening hours.
When to sail
Edition 15 runs from 26 November 2026 up to and including 17 January 2027. The light artworks are lit daily from nightfall; between 19 December and 3 January they stay on until 23:00 every evening. On New Year's Eve the festival closes at 21:00.
The quietest moments are weekday evenings in late November and early January, and the early departures before 20:00. Christmas week and the December weekends are busiest — book well ahead for those evenings.
Tickets for Edition 15 are available from 1 October 2026.
Good to know
With children?
Children aged 4 to 12 sail at a reduced fare. The 60–75 minute cruise works well for most children — shorter and warmer than the walking route.
In bad weather?
We keep sailing in rain and cold. Only extreme wind or ice cancels a departure, and you hear from us in good time.
Photographing on board?
The open boat gives the best results: no glass, no reflections. Set your camera to a high ISO and a short shutter speed — the boat is moving, even when it doesn't feel like it.
Sail the route with Kinboat
Open boat, closed boat including drinks or a private charter — all operated and booked by Kinboat, Official Partner of Amsterdam Light Festival.