Boating rules and safety in Giethoorn
No licence needed, but a few rules keep the canals safe and relaxed for everyone. Read them once and you are ready.
Anyone can do it
Our electric boats have a steering wheel, a simple forward-reverse lever and a silent motor. You get a short explanation at the dock, the free navigation app shows your route, and off you go. No licence, no experience needed.
The rules below are the same for every boat on the water in Giethoorn. Most of them are common sense; the speed limit and the one-way canal are the ones people forget.
- Short instruction at the dock
- Navigation app with routes and mooring spots
- Life jackets for children available
Six rules on the water
Width restriction in July and August
In the high season the village canal gets busy. In July and August a width restriction applies in the Dorpsgracht between 11:00 and 17:00, so wider boats are not allowed through the centre at those times. Our rental boats are village-sized and can sail the canal; if you come with your own boat, check the width before you enter.
Would you rather avoid the crowds altogether? Start before 11:00 or after 16:00, or choose a route across the Bovenwijde lake. See when Giethoorn is quietest.
Safety on board
Stay seated while sailing
Move around only when the boat is moored. Keep hands inside the boat near bridges and other boats.
Life jackets for children
Children’s life jackets are available as an extra (€ 4.95) in the booking form or at the dock. We recommend them for children who cannot swim.
Do not overload the boat
Stick to the capacity of your boat: 4, 6, 8 or 12 people. Choose a bigger boat rather than squeezing in.
Watch the weather
On open water the wind can pick up. In strong wind or thunder, stay in the village canals or return to the dock. Check our weather page before you leave.
What to do in case of a breakdown
Our boats are serviced daily, but if something does go wrong: moor at the nearest safe spot, not under a bridge, and call us on +31 521 360 606. Tell us where you are; the navigation app shows your position. We come to you or bring a replacement boat.
Ran out of time? Just call. We would rather hear from you than see an empty dock.
Questions about the rules
Can you sail your own boat in Giethoorn?
Yes. In the village canal the limit is 6 km/h, one-way traffic, and electric or unpowered boats only. You can moor at the public docks; for the night there is a visitors’ marina.
Until what time can you sail in Giethoorn?
Our rental boats must be back by closing time, currently 19:00. Sailing after dark is not allowed with a rental boat.
Can you drive in Giethoorn?
Only around the village, not into the old centre along the Binnenpad. Drive to our car park at Zuiderpad 14A, park for free and continue by boat or on foot.
Do I need a boating licence in Giethoorn?
No. Our electric boats can be steered without a licence. You get a short instruction at the dock and the navigation app shows the way.
How old do you have to be to steer?
At least 12 years old. Children under 12 are welcome as passengers, and we have life jackets for them.
How fast can I go?
The village canals have a 6 km/h limit and our boats are limited accordingly. It sounds slow, but it is exactly the pace Giethoorn was made for.
Can I moor at a restaurant?
Yes, at the marked mooring spots and terraces along the canal; the app shows them. Not under bridges and not along private gardens.
Can we drink on board?
Passengers may. The person steering does not drink alcohol, just like on the road.
What if the boat stops working?
Moor safely and call +31 521 360 606. We come to you or bring another boat.
Can I swim from the boat?
Not in the village canals. On the open Bovenwijde lake, swim only when the boat is moored and the motor is off, and keep an eye on other boats.
Ready to take the wheel?
Choose your boat and start time. Booking online in advance gives you the best price and a guaranteed boat.