AMSTERDAM BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Following the VOC: A Day Sailing Amsterdam’s Hidden Waterways
A full-day guided sailing trip on the IJ- and Markermeer that combines open-water sailing, inland electric-boat exploration, short nature walks and visits to tiny Dutch villages—useful for planning timing, stops and what to expect.
Following the VOC: A Day Sailing Amsterdam’s Hidden Waterways.
Set sail on a scenic journey through small waters and charming villages, enjoy nature walks, and relive historic sea voyages—all in one unforgettable day of sailing, exploring, and relaxing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sail the old VOC route
The return leg follows a former VOC route, giving a vivid sense of historic sea voyaging as you cross the open water on board the Arsina.
Inland electric-boat sailing and nature
After a short harbour walk, you transfer to a small electric inland boat for a calm sail through very small waters and natural areas—an intimate contrast to the morning’s open-water sailing.
Micro villages and local lunch
Stops include a short visit to Uitdam and a visit to micro village Holysloot (population: 285), with lunch á la carte at Het Schoolhuis mid‑day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a measured, full-day outing that moves from guided sailing on the IJ- and Markermeer to intimate inland waterways: hotel pickup in the morning, departure from Levantkade, a crossing that includes a lock passage and a shore transfer to a small electric boat for quiet nature sailing, then village visits and an á la carte lunch before a return by sea and taxi to your hotel in the evening.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day works best for
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Hotel pickup is at 9:00 am with departure from Levantkade around 9:45 am; arrival back at Levantkade is around 5:15 pm and taxi return to hotel around 5:45 pm.
Comfortable walking shoes for short shore walks, weather‑appropriate layers and seasickness precautions if you’re sensitive to open-water sailing.
Lunch is served à la carte at Het Schoolhuis during the itinerary.
The day uses the sailing vessel Arsina and a small electric inland boat for the inland legs; plan for boarding and short walks between vessels.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time and where is pickup?
You will be picked up at your hotel at 9:00 am, with departure from Levantkade at around 9:45 am.
How long is the trip?
The scheduled itinerary runs from hotel pickup in the morning until arrival back at Levantkade around 5:15 pm and return to your hotel by taxi around 5:45 pm.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is provided à la carte at Het Schoolhuis during the day.
Are there any village visits?
Yes—there are visits to micro village Holysloot (population: 285) and a short visit to Uitdam (about 30 minutes).
Will I need to walk or board small boats?
Yes—the itinerary includes a roughly 20-minute walk from the harbour to the electric inland boat, other short walks, and boarding small boats.