Flevoland

Boating in Flevoland

Flevoland, Holland's youngest province, is a reclaimed landscape. Until the 1980s, much of the area was under water, but thanks to careful planning and decades of work, it became the world's largest land reclamation project. Today, Flevoland's coastline stretches across the IJsselmeer and Markermeer lakes, with a flat landscape where the Netherlands' longest tulip route lies. This extends from the north just below Lemmer to the shores of the Ijmeer, east of Amsterdam, with 9,000 acres of water ideal for sailing. Rent a boat in Almere to cruise the lakes and consider a trip on the Veluewemeer, which serves as the border between Flevoland and Gelderland.

Hire a boat in Flevoland

The vast IJsselmeer (the largest lake in the Netherlands) is an ideal choice for renting a boat in Flevoland, especially for yachting enthusiasts. But small villages like Urk and UNESCO-listed Schokland are also a feast for the eyes by kayak.

Moorings can be found all over Flevoland's vast water landscape, with more options south of the IJsselmeer, but most towns have numerous moorings for large and small boats.

Explore Flevoland by renting a boat

With all that shimmering water and all those boats, you'd almost think Flevoland was made just for water sports enthusiasts. But in fact, the bustling cities and serene villages bustle with everyday life and culture: start your adventure in the new city of Almere to get a taste of both. Here lies an ultra-modern center with B&Bs, hotels and restaurants, and the canals can be explored by boat, making it a great place to rent a motorboat. From Almere, the beautiful Noorderplassen nature reserve is on the route to the vast Markmeer, and there are water sports facilities for everything from wakeboarding to flyboarding under Almere's skyline. Downtown beaches, stretching into the Weerwater and Water District, are surprisingly pleasant, with many conveniences for beach lovers. Cyclists are particularly well served with 440 kilometers of dedicated bike paths and trails that lead through lush forests to the lakes.

To see a piece of historic Flevoland, travel to Urk, a village, and once an island, with a small harbor connected to the IJsselmeer (the harbor is free on Sundays!), with its own dialect and small-town feel. . Cyclists should sail north into the Northeast Polder for the vast network of bike paths that wind through tulip fields and to Schokland, the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further south is Lelystad, the capital of Flevoland, on the Markermeer. Here you can rent yachts and boats (a good base from which to explore the lake) and at the Bataviawerf is a replica of a 17th-century merchant ship.

The annual Tulip Festival in the Northeast Polder is a delight, and with more than 100 kilometers of routes to explore, it is the longest tulip route in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, it's not possible to see it from the water (it's accessible from Lelystad), but cars and bikes are well catered for along a route that passes by some of the country's most iconic landmarks.

Best areas to rent a boat in Flevoland

The busy city of Almere offers excellent access to much of Flevoland, but Lelystad, with its eclectic water sports options, and the countryside of Zeewolde are equally good options.

Almere

With easy access to three lakes: Gooimeer, IJmeer and Markermeer, Almere is an attractive destination for water sports enthusiasts: with yachts, kayaks, flyboarding and beaches galore. And while Rotterdam gets all the PR as Holland's modern city, Almere is just as modern, and its center, embellished with contemporary architecture, is effortlessly navigable for small motorboats and canoes.

Lelystad

Lelystad has a long, navigable coastline of seventeen kilometers with several marinas where more than three thousand moorings are available. Yachts are plentiful on the lakes, but there are also historic ferries, motorboat rentals, and facilities and lessons for sailors with disabilities.

Zeewolde

Situated on the Wolderwijd, on the eastern border of Flevoland, Zeewolde (one of the youngest towns in the Netherlands) offers a vast array of water activities. For water sports enthusiasts, there are plenty of routes to explore the province and the country, and Zeewolde has access to 50 km of coastline, and masses of undisturbed wildlife and farmland, in what is one of the least inhabited areas in the country.

Types of Boats For Rent

Sailing yachts and motor cruisers are ideal for exploring the long beautiful waters of Flevoland, and action lovers will find plenty to enjoy with wakeboarding, water skiing and kayaking.

Sailing Yacht Rental

Open sailing yachts , perfect for experienced sailors, are available for rent throughout Flevoland and perfect for the large lakes that make up much of the landscape. The yachts have different facilities, but most offer bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as small kitchens and VHF radios.

Rent a sloop

Sloops are perfect for groups looking to cruise Flevoland's waterways, canals and lakes. Most sloops are simple and offer plenty of seating for larger groups. However, some sloops come with all the conveniences: from local beer to Sushi, and optionally a local skipper at the helm.

Speedboat rental

For licensed water sports enthusiasts, speedboats are a convenient option to cover large areas within a limited time. They are especially popular for wakeboarding and water skiing, with or without an instructor.

Motor cruiser rental

Motor cruisers are available for rent throughout Almere and Flevoland and are an ideal option for longer trips around the Gooimeer and Veluwemeer.

Do you need a boating license to rent a boat in Flevoland

The Netherlands has a relaxed attitude toward boating. Therefore, a boating license is not required to rent most small boats. Just pay attention to the size and speed of the vessel you want to rent, and as long as it is not longer than 15 meters and cannot go faster than 20 kilometers per hour, you do not need a boating license. As long as it is not longer than 15 meters and cannot go faster than 20 kilometers per hour, you do not need a boating license.

Vessels that are larger and faster do require a license, but which one you need depends on the size of your boat. For most people, a Small Boating License is sufficient or an equivalent such as an ICC (International Recreational Craft Operator's Certificate), which is available to EU and UK residents.

Best times to rent

The best weather is from mid-spring to early autumn, with the heat rarely exceeding the mid-20s, an ideal warmth for those looking for a temperate European climate to sail in, but spring is best for anyone hoping to visit the tulip routes.

Renting a boat can be done year-round, even in winter, but it is less common, and you will find that some areas have limited availability or even close for the season, so it is always best to plan your itinerary and book your rental boat in advance.

How much does it cost to rent a boat

Kayaks can be rented in Flevoland for as little as €35 per day, while motorless open sailboats can be rented for as little as €25 per hour, with a minimum rental period of two hours. Large sloops are available on the Veluwemeer from €50 per hour and motor boats from €40 per hour.

Yachts can usually be rented by the day (with very few options for less than half a day) and prices start at €100 per day. Motor cruisers are available from €200 for two days to €4000 for a week for sleek, modern options.