SAIL Amsterdam will return to the IJ in 2030. Once every five years Amsterdam turns into a huge maritime meeting place, with impressive tall ships, historic vessels and thousands of smaller boats. SAIL is the largest free-to-visit maritime event in the world and attracts millions of visitors to the city.
The 2030 edition will be the 11th SAIL Amsterdam. Officially it has only been confirmed that the event will take place in August 2030. The exact dates have not yet been published. Previous editions lasted five days, usually from Wednesday to Sunday in the second or third week of August.
What is SAIL Amsterdam
SAIL started in 1975 as part of the celebrations for 700 years of Amsterdam and has grown into a fixed five-yearly tradition. During SAIL, tall ships, training ships, naval vessels and historic boats are moored in and around the IJhaven and the Eastern Docklands. Many ships can be visited free of charge.
Some key features:
- Free-to-visit festival on the waterfront
- More than ten thousand vessels in total, ranging from small boats to large tall ships
- Ships and crews from more than twenty countries
- Programme on the water and along the quays, with music, culture and maritime demonstrations
In 2025 SAIL attracted an estimated 2.5 million visitors in five days, making it one of the largest events in the Netherlands.
SAIL Amsterdam 2030 in summary
What can already be said with certainty or high likelihood about SAIL 2030:
- Period: August 2030 (exact dates to follow)
- Duration: expected to be 5 days, as in previous editions
- Location: IJ, IJhaven and Eastern Docklands, with activities spreading towards NDSM and other quays
- Access: free along the quays, tickets required if you want to go on the water with a cruise or package
- Edition: 11th SAIL Amsterdam, again with an international fleet of tall ships
Once SAIL announces the exact dates and theme, you can easily add them at the top of the page.
Sail-In Parade and Sail-Out
SAIL is especially known for the spectacular Sail-In Parade. The large ships gather near IJmuiden and sail in convoy along the North Sea Canal to Amsterdam. Tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of spectators stand along the canal and on the banks of the IJ.
Typical schedule, based on previous editions:
- PreSail in IJmuiden in the days before SAIL, where the ships can already be seen
- On the opening day the first tall ships pass through the locks at IJmuiden in the morning
- Around midday the first ships reach Central Station and the IJhaven
- At the end of the day the fleet is moored between Java Island, Eastern Dock Quay and surrounding quays
On the final day of SAIL the Sail-Out follows. The ships then leave the city in a long procession and once again sail along the North Sea Canal towards the sea.
Programme and atmosphere during SAIL 2030
The full programme for SAIL 2030 will only be announced at a later date, but you can assume that many elements that featured in 2025 will return.
For example:
- Visits to tall ships in the IJhaven and Eastern Docklands
- Cruises past the tall ships, often with special SAIL routes
- Performances, music and shows on various stages along the IJ
- Maritime demonstrations, such as rescue operations and nautical shows
- Educational programmes about shipping, sustainability and maritime history
- Activities for children, such as crafting, treasure hunts and workshops
In 2025 there were large evening programmes with concerts and shows at several locations, including NDSM. Similar SAIL On Stage style elements are likely again in 2030.
Participating vessels
The exact list of ships for SAIL 2030 is not yet known, but previous editions give a good idea of what to expect:
- Tall ships from Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East, often training ships from navies and maritime academies
- Historic three-masters, replicas and classic cargo sailing ships
- Naval vessels from the Royal Netherlands Navy and foreign navy partners
- A large fleet of inland vessels, historic working boats and countless smaller craft
In 2025, around six hundred historic and large ships took part, originating from more than twenty countries.
For SEO you can later add a list here once the organisers announce the first tall ship names for 2030.
Locations and areas during SAIL
SAIL is spread across several zones along the IJ and in the harbour areas. Based on 2025 you can expect roughly the same layout for 2030:
- IJhaven and Eastern Docklands: Java Island, Eastern Dock Quay, Piet Heinkade
- Around Amsterdam Central Station: quays along the IJ, ferry squares
- NDSM wharf: event location with music, art and food and drink
- Overhoeks and A’DAM Tower: viewpoints, hospitality and often fireworks or light shows
In addition, the city is looking at possible expansion towards the Haven-Stad area in the Western Docklands, which is being extensively redeveloped.
Crowds and visitor numbers
SAIL is a heavily attended event:
- In 2015 there were around 2.3 million visitors
- In 2025 this rose to about 2.5 million visitors in five days
In 2030 you can expect similar numbers. This means:
- Very crowded quays during the Sail-In and on the Saturday
- Queues at popular ships and ferries
- Extra crowds on trains, metro and trams
Advice:
- If you want a quieter experience, avoid the absolute peak times, such as midday during the Sail-In
- Choose a spot outside the busiest hotspots (for example further east along Piet Heinkade)
Accessibility and safety
At SAIL 2025 there were:
- Extra toilets along the route
- First aid posts at strategic locations
- Crowd management with walking routes and temporary closures
- Special facilities for people with a disability, such as adapted platforms
For SAIL 2030 it is likely that a similar or improved approach will be used. In the run-up to 2030 keep an eye on:
- Official maps with accessibility information
- Designated wheelchair-friendly zones
- Advice about the busiest times and areas
Getting to SAIL Amsterdam 2030
Travelling to SAIL by car is possible, but not convenient. The city and organisers have recommended public transport for years.
Public transport
- Train to Amsterdam Central Station and from there on foot to the quays
- North South line metro for fast connections to areas such as De Pijp, Zuidas and Noord
- Ferries to NDSM and other IJ locations (free of charge)
During SAIL, extra measures are often taken:
- Additional crowd management at stations
- Temporary walking routes and closures around the station and the banks of the IJ
Car and parking
- Parking in park-and-ride locations on the edge of the city is usually the easiest option
- Parking is limited and often expensive in the immediate vicinity of the IJ
- Once in the city, walking or using public transport is usually quickest
Boat trips during SAIL 2030
Experiencing SAIL from the water is unique, but not free. You will need a ticket for:
- A special SAIL sightseeing cruise
- A package on board a tour boat, saloon boat or tall ship
- A business or private boat trip, often via official SAIL partners
In 2025 there were dozens of operators offering special SAIL cruises. You can expect that in 2030:
- Many cruises will sell out well in advance
- Evening cruises with a view of the illuminated backdrop and any fireworks shows will be particularly popular
Staying overnight during SAIL Amsterdam 2030
Because SAIL only takes place once every five years, demand for hotels and other accommodation is high.
Popular areas to stay:
- City centre and Jordaan: close to the canals and the IJ
- Eastern Islands and Piet Heinkade: within walking distance of many SAIL areas
- Amsterdam Noord (NDSM, Overhoeks): ideal for SAIL locations on the opposite side of the IJ, accessible by ferry
- Sloterdijk or Amstel stations: often slightly keener prices and still good connections to Central Station
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Practical tips for visitors
- Arrive early in the day if you want to avoid the biggest crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will walk a lot and often stand still
- Shortly before your visit, check the official SAIL app or website for the latest programme, crowd information and any changes
- Bring water and sun protection in warm weather
- Decide in advance what you mainly want to do: visit ships, take photos or enjoy the evening atmosphere and concerts
Frequently asked questions about SAIL Amsterdam 2030
When exactly is SAIL Amsterdam 2030? SAIL will take place in August 2030. The exact dates have not yet been announced. Historically it usually runs from Wednesday to Sunday in the second or third week of August.
How much does SAIL Amsterdam 2030 cost?
Access to the quays and seeing the ships from the shore is free. For a cruise or package on the water you pay for a ticket.
Where is the best place to watch SAIL?
Good spots include the banks of the IJ near Central Station, Java Island and the Eastern Dock Quay. During the Sail-In there is also plenty to see along the North Sea Canal.
Is SAIL suitable for children?
Yes. There are many family activities, educational programmes and safe viewing areas. Do keep the crowds in mind and consider planning your visit outside the busiest times.