Rent a boat in Friesland without a license

Frequently Asked Questions

• When do you need a boating license in the Netherlands?
  You need one if a boat is longer than 15 meters or capable of speeds exceeding twenty kilometers per hour. Additionally, many boatyards or marinas require a boating license for access to the sea (such as the North Sea).

  Boating licenses come in different types, primarily the Klein Vaarbewijs 1 (Small Boating License 1) and Klein Vaarbewijs 2 (Small Boating License 2). A *Klein Vaarbewijs 2* is required to operate large boats on the IJsselmeer, the Wadden Sea, and other hazardous waters. There is also the Groot Pleziervaarbewijs II (Large Pleasure Craft License II); this allows you to operate vessels between 25 and 40 meters in length on Dutch inland waterways. Finally, you must be at least 18 years old to obtain the license. 
• Do I need experience to skipper a motor yacht?
  Certainly. Even if you already have experience handling a sloop or a cabin cruiser, for instance, a motor yacht feels very different.

  No need to worry, though: you can book a boating lesson along with your reservation to master the ropes in just two or three hours. You will learn about navigation rules, maneuvering, and docking, among other things. The course often takes place right before your boating holiday begins, so you can set off immediately!
• What rules must I follow while boating?
  In general, you should adhere to the following:

  • Keep to the right. You must also navigate on the right-hand side when on the water. This is technically referred to as sailing along the starboard bank. In the Frisian Lakes area, this is often indicated by buoys.
  • Obey signs and signals. You will encounter various signs and traffic markers during your trip. These provide instructions on how to navigate. Just like on the road, there are also directional signs pointing to various locations.
  • Commercial vessels have the right of way. A great deal of cargo is still transported via lakes, waterways, and canals in the Netherlands. These are often freight vessels with large blind spots. Always give way to these vessels and keep the center of busy shipping lanes clear.
  • Navigate only with good visibility. Without radar, boating is prohibited if visibility is less than 1,000 meters. This means you should avoid boating at night or in fog. Additionally, ensure that your navigation lights are always on.
  • Do not boat under the influence of alcohol. A legal limit of 0.5 per mille applies, just as it does for road traffic.

  Please also bear in mind that rules may vary at a regional level—for instance, when navigating through a nature reserve.
• Where can I moor in Friesland during my boating holiday?
  Many of Friesland’s towns and villages are connected to the water, which means there are plenty of places to moor.

  For instance, you can moor amidst nature at one of the nearly three hundred Marrekrite mooring spots. These are located throughout the province and allow you to moor for free at the same spot for up to three days. You can recognize these locations by the blue-and-white signs featuring a sailboat. You can support Marrekrite by purchasing a special pennant via their website.

  Alternatively, you can moor at marinas or designated mooring areas, such as the Prinsentuin in Leeuwarden. These locations often charge a fee, but in return, they typically offer amenities like sanitary facilities. It is advisable to check availability with the specific marina in advance.
• What are some great places to sail to in Friesland?
  Friesland is full of beautiful scenery—far too much to list everything.

  We’ll give it a try, though: from our marina in Akkrum, you can sail to Terherne and the Sneekermeer. Here, you’ll find the Starteiland (Start Island), among other spots—a place where you can moor for a bite to eat and a drink while the children play. From this location, you also have access to other lakes and waterways, ranging from the Fluessen in the west to the Tjeukemeer and, further south, the northern tip of Overijssel with the Weerribben-Wieden area.

  But you can also sail north from Akkrum. Along the way, you’ll pass the picturesque harbor town of Grou and Earnewâld, home to the Alde Feanen National Park. If you rent one of our motorboats for a week, you can explore a large part of the region yourself. Feel free to ask us for great sailing routes and tips!