King’s Day Amsterdam: The Ultimate Boat Tour Experience on the Canals

Every April, King’s Day in Amsterdam transforms the city into a sea of orange. Music spills out from every corner, flea markets take over the streets, and boats glide through the canals with people dancing on deck. This year, we decided to experience Amsterdam King’s Day the best way we knew how: on a boat with 35 friends, a Bluetooth speaker, and an orange dress code that made sure we blended in with the city’s most iconic celebration. 

Why a Boat Is the Best Place to Be on King’s Day 

Let’s be honest – Being in the Netherlands on King’s Day is incredible, no matter where you are. But celebrating it on a boat tour in Amsterdam? It’s next level. Here’s why: 

• More space, more comfort. You’re not shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers. You’re with your people, with room to move and breathe. 

• Best views of the celebrations. See everything from a unique perspective on your King’s Day boat rental, right in the heart of the action 

• You can celebrate your way. Dance, chill, sing along, or just lie back in the sun. 

• It’s surprisingly easy to organize. With Click&Boat, you choose the boat, set the time, and add a skipper if needed. That’s it. 

Amsterdam in Orange  

From the moment we stepped onto the “Lautta” for our King’s Day boat tour, the atmosphere was set. Everyone was in orange – from full-body suits to subtle accessories – and the vibe was pure joy. Our boat became our little island for the day: music playing, glasses clinking, people dancing and connecting as the city pulsed around us. Surrounded by Amsterdam’s iconic canals, the atmosphere struck a perfect balance between festive energy and the calm that only being on the water can bring. 

All around us, other boats floated by, some blasting techno, others draped in flags and balloons. People danced, waved, toasted each other from across the canal. But we had our own boat, enjoying the King’s Day celebrations without the crowds. And it felt like the best place to be in the whole city. 

King’s Day Route in Amsterdam  

Amsterdam’s three main canals – Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht – are usually the stars of any boat trip. But not on King’s Day in Amsterdam.  

As we started our journey, our skipper John explained that on King’s Day, the main canals often become completely jammed with boat traffic. Too many vessels try to squeeze through at once, and movement comes to a standstill. To avoid that, he had mapped out a smarter route, steering us clear of the gridlock while still keeping us close to the festive atmosphere. 

The route gave us the best of both worlds – right in the action, but still moving, relaxed, and totally stress-free. 

King’s Day Boat Tour with Skipper 

John, our skipper, kept an eye on everything while steering with casual confidence. 

His relationship with boats goes way back. “I had friends with boats who wanted to do water ski, and someone had to steer. That was me,” he laughed. “So I got certified, learned what I needed to know.” 

He also offered us a glimpse into one of his more unforgettable trips: 

“Once, back when it was still Queen’s Day, I had a group who decided to jump in the water naked,” he told us, shaking his head. “If one jumps, the rest follow. It got a little out of control. So I told them, ‘If you don’t get back in the boat now, your clothes are going to Central Station. You can swim or walk there – up to you.’ That worked.” 

Stories like these aren’t unusual for John, who often steers groups celebrating birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, or just making the most of a sunny day. But John’s love for the job goes beyond the entertainment. What he appreciates most are the people he meets and the energy they bring to the boat. 

“Everyone’s just here to enjoy themselves. If the weather’s nice, I always have a good day.” he told us. 

Not Just a Boat – A Shared Experience 

What made the day truly unforgettable wasn’t the playlist or the route – it was the sense of togetherness. On board, the usual distractions melted away. Phones stayed in pockets. People actually talked. New friendships formed. There was space to move, space to laugh, and space to just be – something that’s rare on such a high-energy day. 

The chaos becomes colorful. The noise becomes music. And suddenly, even though you’re surrounded by thousands of people, you feel totally at ease. 

By the time we docked again, hair was a bit windswept, cheeks slightly sunburnt, and smiles permanently fixed. 

Thinking About Doing the Same? Here’s How to Do It 

If you’re planning to experience King’s Day in Amsterdam—or even just visiting on a sunny weekend – take this as your sign: rent a boat. 

You don’t need to be a sailor. You don’t need to know the canals. You don’t even need a plan. With Click&Boat, it’s easy to find a boat (with or without a skipper), pick your timing, and set off. Whether you’re celebrating something or simply want to see the city from a different angle, it’s an experience that gives you space – to move, to connect, and to take in the magic of Amsterdam at your own rhythm. 

If you’re already imagining your perfect boat day for King’s Day, why not start planning your next celebration on the water? For more tips on organizing a memorable event, check out our ultimate Hen Party Checklist to make sure your boat trip with friends is unforgettable.