The St. Nicolaas Boat Club of Amsterdam is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic boats on the Amsterdam canals.

Founded in 1997, the stichting (non-profit club) has given boat rides to thousands of people. This is a unique opportunity to see Amsterdam from the perspective of a historic open-air tuindersvlet. These boats were traditionally used to carry agricultural products to markets. They were also used as general barges to shuttle materials around cities.

Tuindersvletten are not glamorous boats, but they are perfect for the canals. These are the iron boats on which the city was built. They are characterized by their low sides and flat bottom. They are great for carrying vegetables, cows, bricks, and now... people.

To ride on one of our boats, come by Leidseplein 12, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

We love our boats. But
boats need more than love.
Donations are our only
source of income.

St. Nicolaas is the patron
saint of sailors and, not
coincidentally, Amsterdam.

Australia's Getaway loves us!

Lonely Planet
Netherlands loves us!
(March 2007)

A nice write up by James Wallman in New York magazine.
(October 11, 2006)

Newsweek loves us!
(March 2008)

The St. Nicolaas Boat Club is an independent non-profit organization (stichting).