From August 20 to 24, 2025, Amsterdam will be all about SAIL – a five-day spectacle featuring Tall Ships, parades, concerts, and historic vessels from around the world.
The 2025 edition is extra special: it’s the 10th time SAIL is being held, the event is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and it coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th birthday. In this article, you’ll discover everything about the activities, locations, parade times, and the best spots to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Our favorite activities during SAIL Amsterdam:
SAIL Amsterdam 2025 Schedule
Boat parades, visits to unique ships, performances
Data
Woensdag 20 augustus
10:00 - 23:00
Donderdag 21 augustus
10:00 - 23:00
Vrijdag 22 augustus
10:00 - 23:00
Zaterdag 23 augustus
10:00 - 23:00
Zondag 24 augustus
14:00 - 20:00
Costs
Location
What is SAIL in Amsterdam?
SAIL is the largest nautical event in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in the world. Every five years, dozens of impressive Tall Ships and historic vessels from all over the globe sail to Amsterdam.
During the SAIL-In parade, the ships enter the IJ Harbor via the North Sea Canal and remain moored for five days. Visitors can view the ships for free, and some can even be toured inside.
SAIL 2025 is all about connection, maritime history, and forward-looking innovation. The theme for this edition is “United by Waves,” with water as a symbol of international cooperation, sustainability, and culture.
Did you know?
During SAIL Amsterdam, the Sail-In parade marks the official start of the event, with dozens of Tall Ships sailing into the city via the North Sea Canal — a tradition that’s been drawing huge crowds since the very first edition in 1975.
What is there to do during SAIL 2025?
SAIL 2025 isn’t just about admiring impressive ships – it’s a complete experience spread over five days and multiple locations along the IJ.
Each day has its own character, from the festive arrival on Wednesday to the grand departure on Sunday. If you want to make the most of SAIL, it’s essential to know where to be, when the highlights happen, and what you should – and shouldn’t – miss once you’re there. Below, you’ll find a day-by-day breakdown of both the key activities and practical information.
Wednesday, August 20
This is the day of the grand arrival. Starting at 10 a.m., the Tall Ships will sail through the North Sea Canal toward the IJ Harbor – and you won’t want to watch this from just any crowded bridge. Best spots? Head to the Pontsteiger or Sumatrakade, where the ships pass right by you.
On the NDSM Wharf side, you’ll also have great views, but it’s especially fun if you want to combine the parade with relaxing and enjoying a beer. Expect crowds on the ferries. In the evening, SAIL On Stage kicks off with a classical concert at the NDSM Wharf. Not into classical music? The fireworks around 10:30 p.m. are spectacular from either side of the IJ.
Sail-in Parade
Officiël opening
Saluut protocol
Kanonschoten en volksliederen
SAIL On Stage
Concertgebouworkest YOUNG met Karsu, Laetitia Gerards en Lucas van Gierop
Vuurwerkshow
Boven het IJ
Thursday, August 21
Thursday is the first full day you can really get up close to the ships – and yes, many of them are open for visitors. The best places to board are along the Java and Sumatra Quays, but arrive early; after 11 a.m., you might already be facing a 30-minute wait.
What fewer people know is that in the afternoon there’s a kind of homemade-boat parade (the “Pieremachocheltocht”). It takes place in the middle of the IJ and is best viewed from the footbridge to the Marineterrein or from Kattenburg. In the evening, Jan Smit and 3JS perform at NDSM. Not going for the concert? Still worth it – the atmosphere there is fantastic, and you’ll have a perfect view of the fireworks.
Scheepsbezoeken
Aan boord bij historische en bijzondere schepen
Pieremachocheltocht
Zelfgemaakte vaartuigen in een parade op het IJ
SAIL On Stage
Jan Smit en de 3Js
Vuurwerkshow
Boven het IJ
Friday, August 22
Friday is the day full of surprises. In the morning, you can still visit the ships, but the real highlight is the crew parade around 3 p.m. It starts at Dam Square and winds its way through the city center to Rembrandt Square.
Hundreds of sailors take part, dressed in uniforms, waving flags, and sometimes wearing full costumes. If you’re in the city, it’s a must-see. At NDSM, Friday focuses on youth and sustainability, with demonstrations of electric boats and maritime innovations. In the evening, the same location hosts an electronic music night. The lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s free – so it’s an easy way to soak up the atmosphere.
Scheepsbezoeken
Aan boord bij historische en bijzondere schepen
Crew Parade
Marcheerparade van de bemanningsleden vanaf de dam
SAIL On Stage
Artiest nog onbekend
Vuurwerkshow
Boven het IJ
Saturday, August 23
If you’re visiting SAIL with kids, Saturday is the day to go. There are special children’s zones at the Maritime Museum and the Marineterrein with games, craft corners, and interactive demos. Many ships are still open for tours, though Saturday often has the longest lines.
More into music? Head to the NDSM Wharf, where Davina Michelle will perform along with Numidia and Rolf Sanchez. Around 8 p.m., find a spot along the IJ – for example, by the Eye Filmmuseum or the pier at Hannekes Boom – and you’ll be able to enjoy both the concert and the fireworks.
Scheepsbezoeken
Aan boord bij historische en bijzondere schepen
SAIL On Stage
Davina Michelle, Rolf Sanchez en Numidia
Vuurwerkshow
Boven het IJ
Sunday, August 24
The SAIL-Out Parade kicks off after midday and serves as the grand finale of the entire event. All the Tall Ships sail back out to sea via the North Sea Canal. Best viewing spots? Zouthaven (behind the Muziekgebouw), IJplein (in Noord), or from the top of the A’DAM Lookout if you want a full panoramic view.
This day is a bit calmer than Wednesday, making it a great choice if you want to avoid the biggest crowds while still taking it all in. Tip: bring some food, find a spot around 2 p.m., and stay until the last ships depart.
SAIL-Out Parade
Uittocht van alle boten richting IJmuiden
Diverse festiviteiten
Concerten, eetkraampjes en allerlei afsluitende evenementen
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tickets for SAIL 2025?
No, the entire event is free. You don’t need tickets to view the ships or walk around the IJ waterfront. Only certain packages or boat tours require payment, and those must be booked in advance through sail.nl.
Where are the best spots to see the ships?
Top viewing locations include the Java and Sumatra Quays, IJplein in Amsterdam-Noord, and the Pontsteiger. Here, the Tall Ships pass close by, and many are moored right in front of you. For a panoramic view, head to the rooftop of the A’DAM Tower.
Can you go on board the ships?
Yes, many ships are open for visitors, especially during the day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can simply join the line at the gangway. Keep in mind: it gets busy, so arrive early if you want to be sure to see a ship from the inside.
When are the busiest times?
Wednesday during the Sail-In and Sunday during the Sail-Out are the most crowded. Saturday afternoon and evening (family day and pop concert) also attract large crowds. Want a calmer experience? Visit on Thursday or Friday before 1 p.m.
What’s the easiest way to get there?
Public transportation is your best friend. Take the ferry to NDSM Wharf, tram 26 to Java Island, or walk from Central Station along the Oosterdokskade. Don’t drive – parking garages fill up quickly and many streets will be closed.
Can you join a sailing trip?
Yes, you can book a spot on one of the ships or tour boats. This costs extra and must be arranged in advance via the official site. During the Sail-In and Sail-Out, these spots sell out quickly.
Is SAIL fun for kids?
Absolutely. Especially on Saturday, there are children’s zones, games, and educational activities at the Maritime Museum and the Marineterrein. Everything is free and focused on playful learning about sailing and water.
Is everything wheelchair accessible?
Partly. Many quays are flat, but not all ships are accessible for wheelchairs. Java Island and the area around the Passenger Terminal are the most accessible for visitors with disabilities.
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