Boating in and around Sneek

BOAT HIRE SNEEK

Boat hire in Sneek and the surrounding area

Hiring a boat in Sneek is the easiest way to discover Friesland from the water. You set off from one of the best-known boating towns in the Netherlands, with the Sneekermeer around the corner and the Waterpoort as a constant landmark. All boats in this area are hired for a minimum of three days, so you really have time to cruise, moor up and have nowhere to be. You don't need a boating licence. You hire directly from the owner, who in many cases will show you the ropes on the water themselves.

Find your boat

No boating licence needed

You can hire all our boats without a boating licence

Personal service

Feel free to give us a call with any questions. Together we'll find the right boat.

Local hire companies

You hire directly from the owner or a local boat hire company.

Secure payment

Pay by iDEAL, PayPal, Apple Pay or bank transfer.

Boating from Sneek

From the city, you can sail via the Houkesloot to the Sneekermeer, one of Friesland's best-known lakes, in half an hour. On the way, you'll pass over the Houkesloot aqueduct, where the road runs underneath your boat. Villages such as Terherne and Goingarijp lie on and around the lake. From the Sneekermeer, it's an hour's cruise to Grou, a lively and popular boating village.

If you head south from Sneek through the Waterpoort, you'll reach IJlst within half an hour, known for the Eegracht and the De Rat sawmill. From there, it's a 1.5-hour cruise to Heeg and the Heegermeer.

Boating routes from Sneek

Don't feel like planning a route yourself? These are boating routes that start in or pass through Sneek. Choose a short trip for a long weekend, or a longer route if you have a whole week.

For more routes, take a look at our boating routes page.

Mooring and overnight stays

The marinas in Sneek are close to the centre. You can stay overnight in several places:

Municipal marinas in and around the centre. The moorings are around the Houkesloot, the Waterpoort and the city canals, from the harbour office on the Somerrakpromenade to the Waterpoort. Almost all berths have shore power, and there are water points in several places. You can also moor on both sides of the Waterpoort, at the Geeuwkade and the Rienck Bockemakade.
Starteiland Sneekermeer. There are more than 400 berths here in three marinas, out on the water, with views over the lake.
Marrekrite moorings. Would you rather moor up quietly on the bank in nature? In Friesland, you can moor at Marrekrite spots for free for up to three days.

You pay mooring fees per metre per night. In the municipal marinas in the centre, you pay from 4 p.m. At the Starteiland, you scan the QR code at your berth and pay with iDEAL. For current rates, check the marina's website. Tourist tax may be added.

Which marina suits you best depends on the size of your boat and where you want to go. Not sure? Give us a call and we'll help you decide.

Practical info

Parking, shopping and bridges

Parking. You park your car at the boat owner's place when you set off. This is almost always free.

Groceries. It's easiest to do your shopping before you leave. Bear in mind that the fridge on board is often a bit smaller than the one you have at home.

Packing. We've written a blog about what's handy and smart to bring on holiday.

Bridges. The route through the centre of Sneek passes four bridges: the Oppenhuizerbrug, the Harinxmabrug, the Lemmerbrug and the Woudvaartbrug. These are operated from 1 April to 1 November, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. In June, July and August, they're even operated until 8 p.m.

Headroom. Some routes have fixed bridges with a headroom of 2.40 m, such as the Elfstedenroute. If you want to boat this route, check the boat's headroom when booking.

Find your boat

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a boating licence to hire a boat in Sneek?

You can sail all our boats without a boating licence. This is allowed for boats shorter than 15 metres that can't go faster than 20 kilometres per hour, and our boats meet both requirements. Many boats do require some boating experience, though. This is stated in the boat's description.

How long can I hire a boat in Sneek for?

All boats are hired for a minimum of three days. We only offer multi-day hire. Our booking system shows you straight away which boats are available on your dates. Most boats have Friday and Monday as their fixed check-in days.

What are the bridge opening times in Sneek?

The four bridges in the centre of Sneek (Oppenhuizerbrug, Harinxmabrug, Lemmerbrug and Woudvaartbrug) are operated from 1 April to 1 November between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and in June, July and August until 8 p.m. Outside this period, bridges are operated on request.

Got more questions?

For more questions and detailed answers, take a look at our FAQ page

R. van der Pol

“We had a wonderful week on the Ysbrand. And yes, even in less-than-perfect weather it's lovely on this boat and on the water. You're nicely out of the wind, and with a bit of sun it's lovely even at 15 degrees. The boat has every comfort and is incredibly clean. We were welcomed very warmly by Ytsje, and the owners Taco and Wietske are very helpful and easy to reach. A week on the Ysbrand? A great idea!”

Ellen Van Den Bos

“Four of us on the Ysbrand for 2 weeks, camping on the water! You have to juggle the space for your things a bit, Friesland is fantastic, and the Ysbrand's support team is hospitable and helpful! Will we do it again? Maybe, but with fewer people or a slightly bigger boat… You do need some boating experience and to know the rules! We look back fondly on our holiday, the countryside is so beautiful and peaceful, and the towns and villages are busy and fun.”

Gert Jan

“A few days off unexpectedly, and we were able to book through pleasant contact with Taco about the Storskarven. A great boat, lovely to sail on! The welcome, explanation and guidance all went well. The Storskarven is easy to handle, with enough speed on the rivers and canals, but on the big lakes it's a bit short on power. But we enjoyed it!”

Piet Imthorn

“The three of us spent 4 days on the "Ouwe Peer". At 8.5 metres she's not too big, but feels spacious thanks to her lovely layout and has every comfort. She's also wonderfully quiet at cruising speed, 11/12 km/h, and super economical. The weather was lovely, around 21/22 degrees, and we enjoyed Friesland's waterways and the beautiful towns, villages and marinas. We'll definitely be back, and most likely with Piet and Siempie again. Thanks for the fantastic experience.”

Ready for a relaxing boating holiday in and around Sneek?

Book the boat that suits you today!

Find your boat