Hiring A Boat In Maarssen
A charming village with access to numerous bodies of water, Maarssen is an ideal base from which to explore cities like Utrecht and the idyllic waterside villages along the River Vecht. Tenders and sloops are best for day trips, while cabin cruisers and motor yachts are available throughout the Utrecht region for longer holidays.
Mooring options are available along Maarssen's canal and river banks, but private moorings take up a large chunk of the available space, while in Utrecht, a limited number of moorings are available across the city but in high demand, and boats larger than seven metres are forbidden from entry.
Explore Maarssen By Renting A Boat
As a suburb of Utrecht, Maarssen is well placed as a base from which to explore the stunning sights of the city. Follow the River Vecht south and join the 12th-century Oudergracht (old canal) that cuts a scenic route through the centre of Utrecht (connecting the Vecht to the Vaartsche Rijn), passing famed museums, the lantern of the Dom Tower, ornate townhouses and split-level canal banks overflowing with terraces spilling from medieval wharf cellars alluringly scented with Dutch beer. Alternatively, connect to the Kromme Rijn to see picturesque villages such as Wijk Bij Duurstede and the scenic countryside, popular with kayaks and nature lovers, and coloured by cherry blossoms and fruit orchards.
You won't find as many lakes in Maarssen as in Friesland, but the stunning Loosdrechtse plassen is a series of lakes reachable by sailing north along the Vecht and taking the Mijndense Sluis onto the Drecht and out onto the south side of the lake. While the lake is known for its watersports, there's also a serene swamp forest and numerous reed banks home to endemic bird species such as the Reed Warbler and purple heron. Some of these lakes are protected and can't be accessed with a motorboat, but it's possible to hire a canoe to explore in near silence and tranquillity. Of particular interest is the Vuntus (hire a boat from Manten Marina) with its maze-like landscapes of peat holes interspersed with reeds and forested banks.
While Maarssen is relatively quiet year-round, celebrations reverberate through the towns and villages of Utrecht on King’s Day, with festivals and markets taking over the streets and canals and leaving many of the local businesses -- aside from the bars -- closed for the holidays. But sail into Utrecht for the evening to see the city bathed in neons and various light installations as the King's Day celebrations begin to simmer into the night.
Best Areas To Hire A Boat In Maarssen
Maarssen's idyllic riverside residences provide stunning backdrops for exploring the Utrecht countryside, while Utrecht city is easily explorable by boat, with many of its historic sights and attractions viewable from the water.
Maarssen
A short boat ride from Utrecht, Maarssen provides a leafier, serene alternative to a boat hire in the city. Follow the River Vecht in a cabin cruiser to see the regal 17th-century houses from the Dutch Golden Age or join the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal by either boat or bike (a dedicated bike lane runs the length of the canal) and make the journey, via Utrecht all the way to Amsterdam.
Utrecht
Boaters with a preference for the city should opt to hire a boat amidst the stunning historic architecture of Utrecht Centrum. Head to the Oudegracht and sail the stunning canals that loop around the city centre taking in towering medieval wharves and one of the Netherland's most vibrant cafe cultures. If you're passing through then the best mooring options are centrally located Catharijnesingel in the south and quieter Weerdsluis in the north.
IJsselstein
Leafy IJsselstein is best used as a base to explore Utrecht and the Hollandse IJssel. Sail along the river to see the historic monuments and ruined castles of the old town and then head into the countryside to visit iconic Gouda, Oudewater, and if you have the time, continue onwards to Rotterdam to see a more modern side of the Netherlands.
Types Of Boats To Hire
In the city, lounge boats and tour boats, drinks boats and party boats are omnipresent with options for all types of groups, while out in the countryside of Maarssen and beyond, you're more likely to encounter cabin cruisers, small runaround boats and the occasional row boat.
Loungeboats
Electric motor boats and lounge boats with enough room for 10 on larger models are best suited to small groups looking for an easy and cost-effective way of exploring Utrecht's canals. The boats come in various shapes and conditions, some with comfortable built-in seating set around buckets for champagne and others with removable pillows stuffed into every available crevice, perfect for calm, comfortable jaunts into the countryside.
Cabin Cruisers
With cosy living quarters, multiple berths and onboard kitchens, cabin cruisers are ideal for extended trips for groups of 2 or more. Hire one along the banks of the River Vecht to slowly travel the Utrecht countryside and villages like Oudewater and Loenen aan de Vecht.
Speedboats
If you plan on seeing as much as possible or getting onto Loosdrechtse Plassen then a speedboat is ideal. Bear in mind that speed limits on the canals and rivers can be limiting, but some lakes have watersports areas ideal for wakeboarding and jet skiing.
Do you need a licence to hire a boat in Maarssen
Most boat rentals, such as cabin cruisers and sloops that are under 10-metre in length can be hired without a license in Maarssen.
If you plan to hire a larger boat or a speedboat in Maarssen (defined in this case by its ability to reach speeds of 20 kilometres an hour) you'll need to present a licence before boarding. International visitors will need to show an International Certificate for Operations of Pleasure Craft (ICC), filled out with the relevant qualifications.
Best Times To Hire
Utrecht is a pleasure to visit year-round, but boaters should aim to visit between May and September, while sunseekers should stick to July and August when the weather settles into a pattern of warm and breezy days punctuated by the occasional bout of summer rain.
Boat hire is available year-round but availability can be an issue during the high season in Maarssen and when the winter leaves the canals iced over.
How much does it cost to hire a boat
Motorboats in both Utrecht and Maarssen tend to start at €70 per hour in the city centre, though some smaller sloops are available for €100 for three hours. Renting within Utrecht will generally be a touch more expensive than in Maarssen, but it's more convenient if you only intend to sail around the city. Stick to Maarssen or IJsselstein if you're looking for a cabin cruiser or motor yacht, where prices start at as little as €95 a day when booking for five days or more.
