The best way to explore Giethoorn’s famous canals is on a 2-hour boat trip. The village’s charming waterways offer two excellent options: a private guided tour (which I love for the local insights and language flexibility in Dutch, English, and German) or a self-guided electric boat rental (perfect for independent spirits). Both choices accommodate wheelchairs and offer hassle-free booking policies. The guided option provides rich cultural context, while self-guided tours let you linger at your own pace with up to 12 friends. Let’s look at our favorite Giethoorn boat tours.
Key Points
- A luxury private boat tour with a live guide fluent in Dutch, English, and German, featuring a newly heated boat with large windows and soft cushions.
- A self-guided boat tour allowing groups of up to 6 people to explore at their own pace, with the option to visit local museums, enjoy coffee, and picnic on islands.
- An 8-person boat rental with a navigation app for easy exploration, with the option to follow a route or explore freely.
- A 12-person boat rental with a spacious electric boat, life jackets for small children, and clear instructions and rescue service included.
- Accessibility options include public transport access, lift for wheelchair users, and free parking near the dock, making these tours and experiences suitable for various visitors.
Giethoorn: Luxury Private Boat 2 Hour Tour With Local Guide
For those looking to experience the serene beauty of Giethoorn, the Luxury Private Boat 2 Hour Tour With Local Guide offers an unparalleled opportunity. This 2-hour tour takes visitors on a luxurious private boat journey through the small channels of the picturesque village, showcasing its charming bridges, houses, and shops.
Accompanied by a live guide fluent in Dutch, English, and German, the tour allows guests to navigate the lake and spot local wildlife like swans.
The tour boat is newly heated, with large windows and comfortable soft cushions, ensuring a cozy and relaxing experience. Accessibility is a priority, with the boat equipped with a lift for wheelchair users and free parking available just 50 meters from the dock.
Guests can also reach the tour via public transportation, with the departure point just a 2-minute walk from the bus station. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve and pay later, this tour provides a hassle-free way to explore the enchanting canals of Giethoorn.
Read our full review: Giethoorn: Luxury Private Boat 2 Hour Tour With Local Guide Review
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Giethoorn: 2 Hours 6 Persons Boat Steeringwheel + Cushions
Those seeking a more hands-on experience in Giethoorn can opt for the 2 Hours 6 Persons Boat Steeringwheel + Cushions tour.
This 2-hour activity allows groups of up to 6 people to navigate their own electric sloop through the charming canals and across the lake in Giethoorn. Priced from $78.20 per group, the tour includes the electric sloop, a paper map, and a €50 cash deposit.
Reservations can be made with no upfront payment, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour departs from the Maaiensteeg location, with parking and a bus stop nearby.
While suitable for most, it’s not recommended for those over 80 or wheelchair users, and participants must have a valid driver’s license.
According to reviews, the self-guided tour offers a delightful opportunity to explore Giethoorn’s picturesque waterways at one’s own pace, with highlights including visiting local museums, enjoying coffee on terraces, and picnicking on the islands.
Read our full review: Giethoorn: 2 Hours 6 Persons Boat Steeringwheel + Cushions Review
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Boatrental 2 Hours 8 Person With Steeringwheel and Cushions
Visitors seeking a more expansive boat rental experience in Giethoorn can opt for the 2-hour Boatrental 8 Person With Steeringwheel and Cushions tour. Priced at Kč 1,895 for the entire group, this rental allows up to 8 participants to explore the picturesque village’s canals at their own pace.
The package includes a navigation app for easy exploration and the freedom to follow a provided route or venture off freely.
The rental location is at Zuiderpad 14a, Bovenwijde, with parking available on-site. Life jackets are provided, and a rescue service is offered in case of getting lost.
Customers have praised the ease of access, comfort, and cleanliness of the boats, contributing to an overall 4.7/5 rating based on 41 reviews.
To make the most of the experience, visitors are advised to bring snacks and dress in layers.
This boat rental is an ideal choice for couples, families, and groups of friends looking to enjoy the serene beauty of Giethoorn at their own pace.
Read our full review: Boatrental 2 Hours 8 Person With Steeringwheel and Cushions Review
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Boatrental 2 Hours 12 Person With Steeringwheel and Cushions
The 2-hour Boatrental 12 Person With Steeringwheel and Cushions offers a spacious and luxurious option for larger groups exploring Giethoorn’s charming canals. Priced from €95.00 per group, this private electric boat rental can accommodate up to 12 people, providing ample room to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
The boat features a steering wheel, comfortable cushions, and backrests, ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience. Booking is flexible, with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The starting location is Zuiderpad 14a in Bovenwijde, with navigation assistance provided via a mobile app. Life jackets for small children, clear instructions, and a rescue service are included, ensuring a safe and worry-free journey.
Based on 5 reviews, the overall customer rating is 4.4 out of 5, highlighting the good service, spacious boats, and availability of free toilets at the starting point.
With the option for extra time and a deposit, this 2-hour boat rental is an excellent choice for larger parties seeking a relaxing and memorable experience in the picturesque town of Giethoorn.
Read our full review: Boatrental 2 Hours 12 Person With Steeringwheel and Cushions Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat Tour?
Yes, you can typically bring your own food and drinks on boat tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure their specific policies regarding outside refreshments.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Tours?
Most boat tours in Giethoorn don’t have strict age restrictions, but young children may need to be accompanied by an adult for safety reasons. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their specific policies before booking.
Can I Make Modifications to the Boat Rental Options?
Yes, you can typically make modifications to boat rental options, such as requesting a larger or smaller vessel, adding or removing passengers, or adjusting the rental duration. However, availability and prices may vary based on the provider’s policies.
Are the Boat Tours Available in Multiple Languages?
The boat tours in Giethoorn are available in multiple languages. Visitors can choose from Dutch, English, German, and other languages to ensure they have an enjoyable and informative experience on the canals.
Can I Book the Boat Tours in Advance Online?
Yes, you can book the boat tours in Giethoorn online in advance. Many tour operators offer online booking options to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
Recap
Giethoorn’s tranquil waterways offer a range of 2-hour boat tours and rental options. Visitors can choose from private guides, small group trips, or larger capacity rentals with steering wheels and cushions. These experiences provide a serene and unique way to explore the charming “Venice of the North” and its picturesque canals. Tourists can enjoy Giethoorn’s serene atmosphere during a relaxing 2-hour boat outing.