Check out these beautiful boating routes in Purmerend – De Beemster. Cruise past the hotspots in and around this central trading town. Try a different direction each time and discover the polder with its beautiful windmills, waterfowl, and picturesque villages. Or set off on an adventure with one of the longer routes.

Boating Routes in Purmerend – The Beemster

(Please note! You are responsible for returning on time. The next renter often leaves right after you. The electric boats move slowly, so keep a close eye on the time!)

Important: You are NOT permitted to sail between the houseboats toward Oosthuizen! This route is very treacherous due to the current and is too narrow between the houseboats to maneuver properly or safely pass oncoming vessels.

For short reservations (2–3 hours), we recommend staying in the city. There’s so much to see right in the immediate area. No matter which direction you head, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful, quintessentially Dutch scenery. It’s the perfect setting for a cozy picnic on board with family or friends. Just head out in one direction and turn back halfway. Nice and simple!

If you’re planning a longer trip, you can, for example, head toward Spijkerboor and back in about 4 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass the Neckermolen, among other sights. And if you rent the boat for a little longer, you’ll even have time to visit Spijkerboor Fort (with the kids). Just keep an eye on the time—you still have to make it all the way back, after all.

Another route, lasting about 4 hours, is a round trip to picturesque Ilpendam. You’ll sail along the Where straight through Purmerend and then head down the Purmerringvaart until you reach Ilpendam. After enjoying this quintessentially Dutch town, you’ll take the same route back. (You’ll see: that same route will surprise you again on the way back with new beautiful spots and views.)

For a 5-hour trip, you can cruise through the beautiful polder landscape toward Jisp and Wormer. You’ll pass through the Jispersluis lock (be sure to check the lock operating hours and don’t tie your boat too tightly inside the lock!), then sail across the wide canals to the Poel, completing a beautiful loop. Note: Do not navigate the narrow canals yourself! No matter how romantic they may look, the shallow waters could damage your boat (and then you’d have quite a long swim…)

Another route that can be completed in about 5 hours (so try not to linger too much along the way) is a round trip to Edam. Sail along the Where straight through Purmerend and continue along the Purmerringvaart to picturesque Edam. In Edam, take a loop through the old canals and then follow the same route back. (You’ll see: that same route will surprise you again on the way back with new beautiful spots and views.)

Finally, there’s the beautiful Purmerringvaart loop. A quintessentially Dutch loop of about 6 hours that combines the natural beauty of the Purmerpolder with picturesque villages like Ilpendam and Edam. Sail along the Where straight through Purmerend, then choose whether to navigate the Purmerringvaart clockwise (toward Edam) or counterclockwise (toward Ilpendam) to enjoy the enchanting polder. Bring cushions and blankets to tackle this amazing route in maximum comfort. A picnic basket wouldn’t go amiss either…

Tip: Always take the wind (direction) into account. Pay attention to the reeds or flags along the way: if you notice you have a tailwind on the way there, assume that the return trip will take twice as long, so turn back sooner. On a loop route, this usually evens out because you’ll have just as much headwind as tailwind.

Below are some great boating routes in and around Purmerend – De Beemster. Click on the menu in the upper-left corner of the map for more information.