Discover the quintessentially Dutch polder landscape on the Kagerplassen Windmill Cruise by Rederij Van Hulst. Choose your departure: a compact 1-hour cruise from Warmond or an extended 2.5-hour tour from Katwijk aan Zee. Both cruises glide past historic windmills, island polders and the wide open waters of the Green Heart of Holland. Your captain and an on-board audio guide bring the history of the Dutch landscape to life throughout the journey.
Choose your departure location
| Warmond | Katwijk aan Zee | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour | 2,5 hours |
| Season | 19 Mar – 31 Oct | May – Oct |
| Days | Daily | Monday to Saturday |
| Online price from | € 19.50 | € 29.50 |
| Children from | € 11.50 | € 21.50 |
| Book Warmond → | Book Katwijk → |
Visiting Keukenhof in March or April? Choose Warmond — the Katwijk cruise only runs from May.
What can you expect from the Kagerplassen Windmill Cruise?
The cruise from Warmond is the perfect choice if you want a short, affordable outing or want to combine the cruise with a visit to Keukenhof (open from 19 March). The comfortable cruise boat departs several times a day and runs daily from 19 March to 31 October 2026. In just one hour, you glide past windmills, polders and the iconic Dutch landscape that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Departure times Warmond The cruise runs daily at multiple departure times. Check live availability and book your preferred time slot below — popular days in April and May sell out fast.
Prices Warmond
Staying along the coast near Katwijk or Noordwijk, or looking for a more immersive experience on the water? The 2.5-hour tour from Katwijk aan Zee is the ideal choice. This longer journey departs every morning at 10:00 from the Zwaaikom harbour (Haven nr. 8). You cover more of the lake area, with plenty of time to take in the windmills, polder islands and the tranquil Dutch countryside at a relaxed pace. Available from May through October, Monday to Saturday.
Departure times Katwijk The cruise departs daily at 10:00. Available May through October, Monday to Saturday. Seats are limited — book in advance.
Prices Katwijk
How to get to the departure locations
Warmond – Gemeentehaven 1
By car: Enter Gemeentehaven 1, 2361 CM Warmond into your navigation. Parking is available near the departure point.
By public transport: Bus line 50 connects Leiden Central Station to Warmond in just 15 minutes. Check current timetables at 9292.nl.
Katwijk aan Zee – Zwaaikom, Haven nr. 8
By car: Enter Zwaaikom, Katwijk aan Zee into your navigation. Ample parking is available near the departure point.
By public transport: Katwijk aan Zee is accessible by bus from Leiden Central Station. Check connections at 9292.nl.
On board – what to expect
Both cruises are operated by Rederij Van Hulst and offer the same quality experience on the water. From either departure point, you’ll enjoy an audio guide and your captain’s commentary about the windmills, the polder system and the history of the Dutch landscape.
On board at both locations:
- Audio guide with stories about windmills and polder history
- Drinks and snacks available to purchase — bringing your own food or drinks is not permitted
- Toilet on board (no disabled toilet)
- Limited wheelchair accessibility — please contact Rederij Van Hulst in advance
Frequently asked questions
The Warmond cruise lasts 1 hour, runs daily from 19 March to 31 October, and departs multiple times per day. Tickets start from €19.50. The Katwijk cruise lasts 2.5 hours, departs at 10:00 and runs Monday to Saturday from May through October. Tickets start from €29.50. Both cruises sail through the Kagerplassen polder landscape past historic Dutch windmills.
Choose Warmond. The Warmond cruise starts on 19 March — exactly when Keukenhof opens. The Katwijk cruise doesn’t start until May, so it cannot be combined with a spring Keukenhof visit in March or April.
The Warmond cruise departs from Gemeentehaven 1, 2361 CM Warmond. The Katwijk cruise departs from Zwaaikom, Haven nr. 8, Katwijk aan Zee. Please note: neither cruise departs from Lisse.
For the Warmond cruise, online tickets cost €19.50 for adults and €11.50 for children (3–14). Children under 3 travel free. For the Katwijk cruise, online tickets cost €29.50 for adults and €21.50 for children. Booking online is cheaper than buying at the box office.
No, both cruises travel through the polder landscape with windmills and island polders. The tulip fields are best explored by bike along the Tulip Cycling Route. To sail specifically past the flower fields, try the Keukenhof Boat Tour.
Yes, drinks and snacks are available to purchase on board at both departure locations. Bringing your own food or drinks is not permitted on either cruise.
Yes, both cruises are great for families. The audio guide and captain’s commentary are engaging for all ages. On the Warmond cruise, children under 3 travel free.
Both boats have limited wheelchair access. Contact Rederij Van Hulst in advance to discuss the options for your specific situation.
Tips Bollenstreek
Come and enjoy between beach and city and discover Holland from the most beautiful holiday region of the Netherlands. View our tips below.
- Breathe in the healthy sea air and enjoy the beach & dunes in the Netherlands
- Enjoy the colorful flower fields in the Netherlands and Keukenhof Flower Park
- Discover the real Netherlands in the polders & lakes area of the Netherlands
- A day out to a city? You will find no fewer than eight historic Dutch cities around the Bollenstreek
- A day out? Read our Tips for a Day Out?
- Take a look at one of the many museums in and around the Bollenstreek
- Fancy an active day? Enjoy one of the cycling routes and walking routes.
