SAIL Amsterdam 2025 – Discover the World’s Largest Nautical Event from the Water
August 20 @ 8:00 am – August 24 @ 11:30 pm
Join millions of visitors in Amsterdam for SAIL 2025, the world-famous maritime festival taking place from 20 to 24 August 2025. This once-every-five-years event brings a spectacular fleet of historic tall ships, naval vessels, and modern yachts to the heart of the Dutch capital. The best way to experience it? From the water on a special SAIL 2025 canal cruise.
What is SAIL Amsterdam?
SAIL Amsterdam is a legendary maritime event where some of the most majestic tall ships in the world gather in the Port of Amsterdam. It’s a breathtaking celebration of nautical heritage, culture, and innovation. Visitors can admire dozens of ships up close, enjoy live music, food festivals, cultural performances, and vibrant fireworks – all set against Amsterdam’s iconic waterfront.
SAIL is organized only once every 5 years. The upcoming edition in August 2025 marks its 10th celebration since its inception in 1975.
How to Experience SAIL 2025
The most unforgettable way to witness SAIL Amsterdam is from the water. During the event, the city’s canals and waterways come alive with activity, offering front-row views of the tall ships as they parade into Amsterdam and dock along the IJ harbour.
We recommend the following officially available cruises:
Cruise
Evening Cruise
Luxury Salon Boat Cruise
Open Boat Cruise
Discover SAIL 2025 with a cruise
Step aboard a comfortable boat and enjoy a guided tour through the heart of the SAIL spectacle. See tall ships, classic yachts, and cultural highlights with live commentary.
- 1-hour cruise from Central Station
- Enjoy stunning night views of the grand Tall Ships and the vibrant IJhaven
- Departs every 15 minutes
- Available on 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 August 2025
- Price adults € 32.50 and children € 25.00
Check current availability and prices below and easily book your SAIL 2025 canal cruise.
Enjoy the sunset and lightshow at SAIL 2025
Witness SAIL by sunset as the city lights sparkle over the water. This cruise offers the perfect blend of romance, storytelling, and nautical wonder.
- 2-hour cruise from Central Station
- Enjoy stunning night views of the grand Tall Ships and the vibrant IJhaven
- The cruise ends with music and a light show on the water
- 1 drink and cheese platter included
- Departs at 9.30 pm from A’DAM Tower
- Available on 20, 21, 22 and 23 August 2025
- Price adults and childeren € 128.00
Check current availability and prices below and easily book your SAIL 2025 canal cruise.
Enjoy luxury on the Salon Boat Cruise
Sail in style on a classic salon boat with a limited number of guests. A premium way to enjoy the SAIL fleet in peace and comfort.
- 1-hour cruise from Central Station
- Enjoy stunning night views of the grand Tall Ships and the vibrant IJhaven
- Live guide
- You can buy drinks on board
- A maximum of 42 people are allowed on board per cruise
- Available on 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 August 2025
- Price adults € 32.50 and children € 25.00
Check current availability and prices below and easily book your SAIL 2025 canal cruise.
See the tall ships even better with an Open Boat Cruise
Get even closer to the action with an open sloop-style boat. Glide past the tall ships with uninterrupted views and feel fully immersed in the experience.
- 1-hour cruise from Central Station
- Enjoy stunning night views of the grand Tall Ships and the vibrant IJhaven
- You get 1 free drink during the cruise
- A maximum of 32 people are allowed on board per cruise
- Available on 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 August 2025
- Price adults € 47.50 and children € 29.50
Check current availability and prices below and easily book your SAIL 2025 canal cruise.
Booking tip: These cruises are extremely popular and are often sold out months in advance. Book early to secure your seat!
Where to Stay During SAIL Amsterdam 2025
Amsterdam will be very busy during SAIL, so early hotel reservations are highly recommended. Here are some great locations to consider:
Hotels in Amsterdam
Stay in the city centre or near the IJ river for direct access to the festivities. Areas like Amsterdam Noord, Central Station and the Eastern Docklands offer great proximity. Please check availibility and best prices below:
Hotels near Amsterdam (easy public transport)
- Zaandam – Direct train in 12 minutes
- Haarlem – Direct train in 15 minutes
- Almere – Direct train in 20 minutes
- Leiden – Direct train in 30 minutes
Tip: Book your accommodation via Booking.com for the best selection and flexible cancellation options.
SAIL Amsterdam 2025 programme
There is plenty to do and experience during SAIL Amsterdam.
20 August | SAIN IN Parade
SAIL Amsterdam 2025 kicks off with the mesmerizing SAIL IN Parade, where hundreds of ships navigate through the North Sea Canal, docking near Central Station and the Eastern Docklands. Locals and visitors alike flock to secure the best viewing spots.
Most SAIL 2025 cruises starts from 3.15 pm till 10 pm
21, 22 and 23 August | Event Highlights
Over the next three days, the city along the IJ river transforms, hosting various activities:
- Heart of the City: Ship displays.
- Western Islands: Hospitality area.
- Northern IJ River: Young & Urban zone and maritime future discussions.
Activities include speed dating and weddings on tall ships, water games and sports, and stunning ship views from a Canal Cruise boat. Each evening culminates in a spectacular show.
Most SAIL 2025 cruises starts from 10.30 am till 10 pm
24 August | SAIL OUT Closing Ceremony
The event concludes with the SAIL OUT, where all ships depart, offering another chance to see these magnificent vessels in action.
Most SAIL 2025 cruises starts from 10.30 am till 1.30 pm
FAQ SAIL Amsterdam 2025
The event takes place from Wednesday 20 August to Sunday 24 August 2025.
Main activities are along the IJ harbour, including Java Island, the NDSM Wharf, and Amsterdam’s Eastern Docklands.
Yes! Special SAIL 2025 cruises are offered in different formats, including day, evening, salon boat, and open boat experiences.
By train, tram, ferry or metro to Amsterdam Central Station. From there, it’s a short walk to most viewing points.
Absolutely – SAIL offers family-friendly activities, ship tours, and shows suitable for all ages.
Many areas are free to explore. Some ships or experiences may require advance tickets.
Every 5 years. The 2025 edition marks the 10th anniversary.
Plan Your Visit Now
SAIL Amsterdam is a unique international event that you simply must experience once in a lifetime. From grand tall ships to intimate open boats, Amsterdam becomes a floating festival of history and celebration.
⭐ Book your SAIL 2025 cruise now and get ready for a nautical adventure unlike any other.
