Tour operator
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
Year-round guided canal and harbour boat tours from Nyhavn and Ved Stranden, passing the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg, the Opera House and Christiansborg.
GoBoat
Self-drive electric boats for up to eight people from Islands Brygge, letting you explore Copenhagen's harbour and canals at your own pace with no licence needed.
At a glance
- Type
- Self-drive electric boat rental
- Area
- Islands Brygge, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Official site
- goboat.dk
Good to know
- No licence needed
- Up to 8 people per boat
- Electric motor
- Life jackets included
- Bring your own picnic
Why we recommend it
GoBoat rents small electric boats that you drive yourself, and it has become one of the most popular ways for groups of friends and families to explore Copenhagen's harbour and canals. The base is at Islands Brygge 10, on the Amager side of the harbour, and from there you can sail past sights such as the Opera House, Christiansborg and Amalienborg at your own pace.
Each boat takes up to eight people and has a quiet electric motor that travels at up to four knots, so the experience is calm and easy to manage. No licence or sailing experience is needed. The only requirement is that the person steering is at least 18 years old and stays sober during the trip; there is no age limit for passengers. Life jackets are included in the price, with children's and baby jackets down to 5 kilograms, and dogs are welcome on board, although there are no dog life jackets.
The boats have a central table, and you can bring your own food and drinks, which turns a trip into a floating picnic. You can also pre-order snacks and drinks online. Alcohol is limited to two units per passenger, and only beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages are allowed; spirits and large amounts of alcohol are confiscated. Swimming from the boat is not permitted, so plan a swim before or after your sail at one of the harbour bathing areas if the weather is warm.
GoBoat suits groups of friends, families with children, couples and anyone celebrating an occasion. You choose how many hours you want when you book, and the price per hour falls the longer you rent. Mornings, weekdays and the low season are usually the cheapest times. In strong winds the company may cancel a trip for safety reasons, in which case you can choose a new booking, a voucher or a refund. Book online through the GoBoat booking system, especially for summer weekends.
Islands Brygge is a short walk from Islands Brygge metro station and across the Langebro bridge from the city centre. The harbourfront here has lawns and promenades that are popular in summer, so arrive early to enjoy the area before your sail. Customer service answers the phone on weekday afternoons from 15:00 to 17:00 and on weekend mornings from 10:00 to 12:00.
GoBoat FAQs
Do I need a licence to drive a GoBoat?
No. The person steering must be at least 18 and stay sober, but no licence or experience is needed.
How many people fit in a boat?
Up to eight people per boat.
Can we bring food and drink?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. Alcohol is limited to two units per passenger and spirits are not allowed.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes, life jackets are included, with sizes down to 5 kilograms for babies.
Can I swim from the boat?
No, swimming from the boat is not permitted.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome on board, but there are no dog life jackets.
Where does GoBoat depart from?
From Islands Brygge 10, on the harbourfront near Islands Brygge metro station.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In strong winds GoBoat may cancel for safety reasons and offer a new booking, a voucher or a refund.