The perfect ship for your boating holiday

A motorboat ready for a boating holiday in Friesland

No boating holiday in Holland begins without a vessel. From here, you can experience the environment from a completely different perspective, but it’s also a place to sleep while the waves gently lap against your cabin. If you are the sporty type, a sailing yacht is an option—but especially if this is your first holiday on the water, a motor yacht offers more peace and comfort.

See a motor yacht as a holiday home on the water: wonderfully spacious and comfortable inside, and equipped with all the modern conveniences you are used to. Features include a galley, a comfortable saloon for relaxing, and ample sleeping arrangements. Best of all, you can simply step out onto the deck and gaze across the Frisian Lakes with a gentle breeze in your hair. From the helm, you decide on your next destination.

Our motor yachts are nearly fifteen meters long, making them suitable for couples, families, or even groups of friends. What’s more, no boating license is required. Be sure to take a look!

Boats suitable for 2 to 10 people

The best locations for your boating holiday

Ah, the location. Fortunately, we already have a key destination in mind: Friesland. But there is so much to experience within this Dutch province! Remember, almost every town in the province is connected by water—from picturesque cities like Stavoren and Sneek and from Dokkum in the north to Leeuwarden in the center. This makes it easy to map out a beautiful boating route.

A few highlights:

  • De Alde Feanen National Park. Located near Eernewoude, this area of ​​woods and wetlands offers a unique perspective on nature. The gentle chirping of birds as forests and grasslands slowly pass you by… it is the perfect place to unwind.
  • Starteiland. An island situated in the middle of the Sneekermee (arguably the most famous of the Frisian Lakes). It’s a great spot to moor your yacht for a bite to eat and a drink while the children enjoy the playground. And while you’re there, why not sail through the town of Sneek itself?
  • Stavoren & Hindeloopen. Picturesque cities located in the far west of Friesland, bordering the IJsselmeer. The cities show the rich history of the province and the journey there showcases the vast possibilities sailing has to offer in Friesland. 

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. When you are ready for your holiday, we would be happy to help you plan the ideal route from our marina in Akkrum.

De Alde Feanen National Park at sunset
Open water of the Frisian Lakes viewed from a boat
Motorboat on a boating holiday in Friesland, with reeds in the background.
Overhead view of a motor yacht sailing along a waterway in Friesland.
The green countryside of Friesland with boat in the foreground
Motorboat in the shadow of the evening sun on the Frisian Lakes
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Your boating holiday in Friesland starts in the heart of the watersports region

Set off on a boating holiday with Jachtwerf Oost and start right in the heart of the watersports region. From our marina, you are just half an hour away from the Sneekermeer, while to the north you can visit the Alde Feanen peat marsh. This makes the area ideal for long cruising routes that allow you to experience both worlds.

Whether you want to explore open waters, tour the Frisian Eleven Cities, or drop anchor amidst nature - with our reliable fleet you can count on a wonderful holiday.

Discover our motorboats

Frequently Asked Questions

More questions can be found in the frequently asked questions section of our website.

  • Can I go on a boating holiday in Friesland without a boating license?

    You certainly can! You do not need a boating license to go on a boating holiday in Friesland with Jachtwerf Oost.

    Whether a boating license is required depends on the size and speed of the vessel. You only need a license to navigate the Frisian Lakes if the boat is longer than 15 meters or capable of speeds exceeding 20 kilometers per hour.

    However, if you rent a boat from us, having some experience is important. You can therefore book a training course along with your reservation to learn the ropes in just 2 or 3 hours. This often takes place on the day of departure, ensuring you start your holiday with confidence!

    More about renting a boat without a boating license
  • Are pets allowed on board?

    Certainly! You can bring your four-legged friend or another pet along on any of the motorboats in our fleet. Simply indicate that you are bringing a pet when making your reservation.

  • What should you pack for a boating holiday?

    Think of a boating holiday just like any other vacation. Pack items such as clothing, bed linen, toiletries, food, and entertainment for the children. Also, don't forget your booking documents and a valid ID card or passport.

    The following items may also come in handy:

    • Fishing permit (if you plan to fish)
    • Binoculars (for spotting birds or wildlife)
    • Umbrella
    • Flashlight with batteries
    • Swimwear
    • Bridge toll money (small change for bridges along the route)

    Our boats are also equipped with life jackets, nautical charts, and a Marrekrite pennant, which allows you to moor for free at designated mooring spots.

  • What extras can I rent?

    You can rent the following extras:

    • Inflatable boat with motor. Handy for a quick trip to the shops or for reaching hard-to-access spots.
    • Linen package
    • Towel package
    • Pillow, duvet, and sheet set (including bed making)
    • Portable comfort seat

    You can indicate which items you would like to use during your holiday when making your reservation.

  • Can I moor anywhere?

    No, you cannot moor just anywhere on the water. You must use marinas or specially designated mooring spots.

    For example, 'Marrekrite' mooring locations can be found throughout the province Friesland, where you can stay for free for up to three days. In a marina, you may be required to pay a fee. We recommend checking in advance whether there is sufficient space available.

  • What about bridges and locks?

    If you go boating in Friesland, you will sooner or later encounter them: bridges or locks. You can pass through all provincial bridges and locks for free, but for municipal bridges, you may need to pay a small toll (in coins) to get through. Sometimes you pay for multiple bridges at once.

    Bridges are open every day during the boating season, including Sundays and public holidays. The boating season runs from 1 April to 31 October. Exact opening times may vary locally, but generally expect the following: 09:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 16:15, and 17:15 to 19:00. During the months of June, July, and August, all bridges in Friesland are operated until 20:00.

    Rules to keep in mind:

    • Join the back of the queue when approaching a bridge or lock
    • Follow the bridge operator's instructions
    • Wait patiently for your turn
    • Have small change and coins ready

    You can find an interactive map with up-to-date bridge times on the Visit Friesland website.

Why you rent a boat at Jachtwerf Oost

No boating license required

With us, you don't need a boating license to enjoy a relaxing boating holiday in Friesland. Our spacious boats offer all the comfort the whole family needs. And don't worry about your boating experience; we offer comprehensive boating instructions to ensure you can hit the water with confidence.

In the water-rich province of Friesland

Jachtwerf Oost is located in the heart of Friesland, in the water sports village of Akkrum. From our centrally located marina, all of Friesland and the Frisian lakes are just waiting to be explored.

Beautiful sailing routes

From our harbor in Akkrum, you can quickly reach the IJsselmeer with one of our spacious motor yachts, easily navigating the various Frisian lakes. Do you have any questions about sailing routes? Feel free to ask us.