Frequently Asked Questions
Boat Tour The Hague

Boot Varen Den Haag offers private boat tours with skipper through the canals of The Hague and towards Scheveningen, Delft and Leidschendam-Voorburg.

Here you will find the most frequently asked questions about booking, payment, boarding locations, bringing your own food and drinks, and bad weather.

Online booking agenda
Faq Boat Tour The Hague

Short summary:

  • Payment: after booking, you receive a €50 deposit invoice; the final invoice is sent 2 weeks before departure. Payment
  • Last-minute: if you book less than 3 weeks in advance, you receive the final invoice straight away; payment on board is possible via payment request.
  • Bad weather: in case of heavy rain and/or thunderstorms, you can cancel free of charge up to 2 hours before departure. Bad weather
  • Cancellation in advance: cancelling 1 or more days before departure costs €50 per boat.
  • Own food and drinks: you may bring your own; a cooler can be rented for €5, and you take your waste with you afterwards. Own food and drinks
  • Toilet: there is no toilet on board, but we can make a stop during the trip if needed. Toilet
Alle/
Cancellation/
Catering/
Covered/
On board/
Payment/

⚓️ Our tour boats are low enough to pass under all the bridges in The Hague and Scheveningen.

⚓️ During the boating season, we mainly use open boats, so you can fully enjoy the views of the canals and the city centre. In March, April and October, we also operate a covered boat tour.

⚓️ The weather in the Netherlands can sometimes be unpredictable. Fortunately, rain showers in spring and summer are often short, and we can usually continue once the shower has passed.

⚓️ During a short rain shower, we can often shelter under one of the many bridges in The Hague.

⚓️ A brief summary of our cancellation policy:

  • Free cancellation in case of heavy rain and/or thunderstorms up to 2 hours before departure.
  • Cancelling 1 or more days in advance costs €50 per boat.
  • No-show on the day itself means 100% of the total amount will be charged.
  • Changes to arrangements are possible up to 72 hours before departure.
  • Catering orders can be adjusted up to 72 hours in advance.
  • Refunds are always minus €1.50 due to bank charges.

Note: The above text is only a brief summary. We recommend reading the full terms below for all details.

⚓️ In case of heavy rain and/or thunderstorms on the day of the tour, you can cancel free of charge up to 2 hours before departure. Please call us at +316 4444 2968 to discuss the situation.

⚓️ We are also happy to see whether the boat tour can be moved to an earlier or later time on the same day, if the weather allows.

⚓️ Once the boat tour has started, it can no longer be cancelled and no refund will be given.

⚓️ Weather forecasts are often unreliable. Our experience since 2012 is that the weather on the day itself is usually better than expected. So do not let forecasts a few days in advance discourage you.

⚓️ Cancelling one or more days in advance: We charge €50 cancellation costs per booked boat, regardless of the reason. This is because the boat is reserved for your group during that time.

⚓️ Cancelling on the day of the trip: The booked boat tour, including any arrangements, can no longer be cancelled or changed. Only if heavy rain is expected within two hours before departure, you can cancel free of charge.

⚓️ No-show: If you do not show up on the day of the trip without prior notice, we will charge 100% of the total amount. Please inform us in case of unexpected changes.

⚓️ Decision on bad weather: On the day of the trip, our team will determine, based on multiple weather forecasts and radar images, whether the tour can proceed. This decision will always be made in consultation with you.

Terms for arrangements and catering

⚓️ Catering and external arrangements cannot be cancelled free of charge.

⚓️ Have you booked a tour with an arrangement? We will consult with you, and if necessary with external partners as well, to discuss the possibilities in case of cancellation. Cancellation costs vary per arrangement.

⚓️ Catering orders must be submitted 72 hours in advance. Cancellation is no longer possible after this, but you may still collect the order from the caterer if desired.

⚓️ Changes to the number of persons in an arrangement are possible up to 72 hours before departure. After that, changes can no longer be made because of drink purchases and other preparations.

How to cancel

⚓️ Want to cancel? Send us an email at info@bootvarendenhaag.nl and call us at +316 4444 2968.

⚓️ Cancelling without prior notice means we will charge 100% cancellation fees over the total booking amount.

⚓️ For refunds, a €1.50 transaction fee will always be deducted due to bank processing costs.

⚓️ The price depends on the duration, boat size and day or time of departure.

⚓️ You can view all current prices on our page:
Boat tour prices The Hague

⚓️ After booking a private boat tour, you will receive a €50 deposit invoice within 2 business days.

⚓️ The email includes an online payment link.

⚓️ The invoice also contains a QR payment code.

⚓️ You can also transfer the deposit manually to the bank account of Boot Varen Den Haag.

Paying the final invoice

⚓️ The final invoice will be sent 2 weeks before the boat tour.

⚓️ The final payment must be received in our bank account at least 7 days before departure.

⚓️ Different conditions apply to government institutions. ↓

What if I book last-minute?

⚓️ If you book less than 3 weeks in advance, you will receive the final invoice immediately.

⚓️ For a last-minute booking, payment can be made on board via a payment request: iDEAL / SOFORT / Bancontact.

⚓️ Cash payment is possible on request in advance.

Dutch government institutions (e-invoicing via Peppol)

⚓️ Are you booking on behalf of a Dutch government institution? Then payment via e-invoicing (Peppol) is possible.

⚓️ E-invoicing takes place afterwards based on the final invoice.

⚓️ For business bookings and last-minute bookings, it is possible to pay on board by debit card or credit card.

⚓️ We accept contactless payments from all major card providers. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also possible.

⚓️ Please let us know in advance if you want to pay on board by card. Our payment terminal is not standard available on every boat trip.

⚓️ For debit card and credit card payments, we charge 2.75% transaction costs.

⚓️ Payment via Tikkie is also possible for Dutch bank accounts.

⚓️ You can also pay the skipper on site via a payment request: iDEAL / SOFORT / Bancontact.

⚡️ Yes, we gladly accept Bitcoin via the Lightning Network. A fast, highly secure, and cost-effective payment method.

⚡️ If you would like to pay the deposit or final invoice with Lightning, send us a message and we will provide a payment request with QR code.

⚡️ For last-minute bookings, payment via Lightning can also be made on board.

⚓️ Most groups choose a 1.5 hour boat tour. This gives you enough time to enjoy the canals of The Hague and relax on board.

⚓️ Would you like to sail longer? Please contact us for the possibilities.

⚓️ You can also check our prices for longer tours on this page:
Boat tour prices The Hague

⚓️ Yes. At Boot Varen Den Haag, you always book a private boat with skipper.

⚓️ No other group will join you on board during your boat tour.

⚓️ No. Boot Varen Den Haag only offers private boat tours in The Hague, Scheveningen, Delft and Leidschendam-Voorburg.

⚓️ As a couple, family or group, you always rent a private boat with skipper.

⚓️ No other guests will join your boat tour.

⚓️ You can check our prices here:
Boat tour prices The Hague

⚓️ Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board.

⚓️ For €5, we can provide a large cooler box (70L) on board so your drinks stay cold.

⚓️ Please note that ice is not included.

⚓️ At the end of the boat tour, you must take all your belongings and waste with you. Leaving rubbish behind on the boat is not allowed when you bring your own food and drinks.

⚓️ We do not provide glassware when you bring your own food and drinks. Please bring your own cups, plates and cutlery if needed.

⚓️ Prefer everything arranged for you? Then have a look at our packages:
Food & drinks canal cruise

⚓️ No, it is not possible to place your own drinks and snacks on board in advance.

⚓️ Our boats are located in a closed harbour outside the city centre.

⚓️ We also often operate multiple group tours per day, which means we cannot store personal items on board in advance.

⚓️ Would you prefer a more carefree experience? Then take a look at our catering and drink packages:
Food & drinks canal cruise

⚓️ We can use different boats depending on your group size.

⚓️ We have boats for up to 12 people.

⚓️ We also have electric boats for up to 18 people.

⚓️ For larger groups, we have an electric boat for up to 34 people.

⚓️ For larger events and group outings, we can also use multiple boats at the same time.

⚓️ Curious which boats are available for your private boat tour? View our fleet here: boat rental in The Hague.

⚓️ Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at the agreed boarding location.

⚓️ Check your booking email for the exact departure time and pickup location.

⚓️ If you arrive late, we cannot simply extend the boat tour afterwards.

⚓️ Especially on busy days, delays may affect the groups after you.

⚓️ No, there is no toilet on board.

⚓️ Because of the very low bridges in the centre of The Hague, our boats cannot have a toilet on board.

⚓️ If needed, we can always make a short stop during the tour for a toilet break.

⚓️ Yes, our skipper is not only the captain, but also your local guide on board.

⚓️ If you would like to hear stories and background information about The Hague during the tour, just let the skipper know when boarding.

⚓️ Prefer to relax, chat with your group or listen to music during the trip? That is perfectly fine too.

⚓️ Cancelling 1 or more days in advance is possible. We charge a €50 cancellation fee per booked boat, regardless of the reason.

⚓️ Cancelling on the day of departure is no longer possible. The booked boat tour, including any arrangements, can no longer be cancelled or changed.

⚓️ Want to cancel because of heavy rain or thunderstorms? Please also read the first question in this FAQ overview: “What happens if it rains during the boat tour?”

⚓️ No-show: if you do not show up on the day of the trip without prior notice, we charge 100% of the total booking amount.

⚓️ Refunds: if we refund part of your payment, we always deduct €1.50 to cover bank processing costs.

Arrangements and catering

⚓️ Have you booked a boat tour with an arrangement? Then we will discuss the options together, and if needed with external partners as well. Cancellation costs may differ per arrangement.

⚓️ Changes to the number of guests in an arrangement are possible up to 72 hours before departure. After that, we can no longer adjust this because of drink purchases and other preparations.

⚓️ Catering orders must be confirmed at least 72 hours before departure. After that, cancellation is no longer possible, but the order can usually still be collected from the caterer.

⚓️ Cancellation costs for arrangements and catering can vary per booking. Please contact us if you would like to know the exact conditions for your reservation.

How to cancel

⚓️ Would you like to cancel? Please send us an email at info@bootvarendenhaag.nl and call us at +316 4444 2968.

⚓️ Cancelling without prior notice means we will charge 100% of the total booking amount.

⚓️ Yes, dogs are welcome on board, as long as they do not disturb other guests and you are sure your dog will also enjoy the trip.

⚓️ Dogs that shed a lot of hair are unfortunately not allowed on our boats, because this may cause technical problems, especially in rainy conditions.

⚓️ Yes, smoking is allowed on our open boats, as long as it does not disturb other passengers.

⚓️ During the main boating season, from April to September, we mainly use our open boats so you can fully enjoy the views over the canals and the city.

⚓️ In March, April and October, we also use a covered boat tour.

⚓️ Because of the very low bridges in The Hague and Scheveningen, we cannot operate everywhere with a fixed high roof.

⚓️ That is why our boats are specially designed to pass under the bridges.

⚓️ If it rains during the tour, a short shower is often over quickly, and we can also shelter under a bridge if needed.

⚓️ We offer several boarding locations in The Hague and, on request, also towards Scheveningen.

⚓️ You can view the standard boarding locations in our online agenda:
Online booking agenda

⚓️ Please note that for a non-standard boarding location, we may charge a sailing surcharge, because the skipper needs to sail to your pickup point first.

⚓️ There is no surcharge for the standard boarding locations shown in the online agenda.

⚓️ Yes, your private boat tour can start or end in Scheveningen.

⚓️ Please note that this usually involves a sailing surcharge.

⚓️ The skipper needs around 1 hour of sailing time to travel from or back to Scheveningen.

⚓️ The standard boarding locations without surcharge are shown in our online agenda:
Online booking agenda

⚓️ Yes, definitely. We regularly host groups of friends, company outings and bachelor parties.

⚓️ For larger groups, we can use multiple boats at the same time.

⚓️ We can also help with drinks and snacks through our boat tour packages:
Food & drinks canal cruise

⚓️ A boat trip from The Hague to Delft is possible with Boot Varen Den Haag.

⚓️ It is a beautiful route of at least 1.5 hours one way. A return trip takes around 3 hours.

⚓️ A practical and central drop-off point in Delft is the Zuidkolk, near Delft railway station.

⚓️ Please note: for a one-way trip, a sailing surcharge always applies, because the skipper also needs to return to The Hague after drop-off.

⚓️ We operate with partly electric boats for a quiet and comfortable boat trip.

⚓️ A boat trip from The Hague to Scheveningen is possible and it is a beautiful route.

⚓️ We use quiet and mostly electric boats for a comfortable trip on the water.

⚓️ Please note that a sailing surcharge applies when you want to end the trip in Scheveningen, because the skipper needs about 1 hour to return to The Hague.

⚓️ For the standard boarding locations in The Hague, no surcharge applies if the trip also ends there.

⚓️ From the standard boarding locations The Hague City Centre and The Hague Central Station, Scheveningen can also be reached easily by tram 1 or 9 in about 15 minutes.

⚓️ Boating from The Hague to Leidschendam-Voorburg is very possible and offers a beautiful boat trip past, among other things, the historic country estate Hofwijck and the scenic Vliet.

⚓️ During this trip, we sail along the Vliet and usually continue towards the lock in Leidschendam.

⚓️ You can book one of our electric boats for a quieter and more sustainable boat trip from The Hague to Leidschendam-Voorburg.

Hofwijck and the Vliet

⚓️ Hofwijck, a historic country estate in Voorburg along the Vliet, is one of the highlights of this route.

⚓️ The Vliet is part of the Rijn-Schiekanaal, the waterway connection between the Schie and the Oude Rijn near Leiden.

⚓️ More information about Hofwijck can be found on the website of Hofwijck.

Online booking agenda

Rondvaart Den Haag naar Delft varen

Still have questions about your boat tour in The Hague?

Did not find your answer in this FAQ? Please contact Boot Varen Den Haag. We are happy to help with questions about private boat tours, boarding locations, payments, bad weather, and food or drinks on board.

Already excited to step on board? Feel free to check our online booking agenda and see what is possible for your boat tour in The Hague 🙂

Boat Tour FAQ The Hague