Things to do on the water in Rotterdam
Looking for things to do on the water in Rotterdam? From November 2026, ZUIDYARD Cruise runs a 75-minute boat tour from ZUIDYARD on the Maashaven, Doklaan 40. You can arrive by water taxi and eat on a waterside terrace at PIER40.
Things to do on the water in Rotterdam: a boat tour
The most direct way to experience the water in Rotterdam is a boat tour. ZUIDYARD Cruise sails from November 2026 for about 75 minutes along the river Maas, the harbour and the skyline.
You board at ZUIDYARD, Rotterdam’s Waterfront Experience on the Maashaven in Rotterdam-Zuid. Tickets and departure times are in the ticket shop.
Arrive by water taxi
ZUIDYARD can also be reached by water taxi. The water taxi moors at the PIER40 terrace, close to the ZUIDYARD Cruise jetty. Sail to the Zuidyard stop; book with Watertaxi Rotterdam on +31 10 403 03 03, at info@watertaxirotterdam.nl or at their desk next to Hotel New York. Plan to arrive well before your cruise departs.
A day by the water at ZUIDYARD
ZUIDYARD brings together activities, attractions and places to eat and drink on the Maashaven. Combine your boat tour with one of these; each has its own ticket.
Beelen Eye
Ferris wheel with views over Rotterdam: after the cruise, see the city from above.
At ZUIDYARDPIER40
Restaurant and terrace on the Maashaven, for lunch, drinks or dinner before or after your cruise.
At ZUIDYARDNoah’s Ark
Museum and experience aboard Noah’s Ark.
At ZUIDYARDSpelen bij Beelen
Play park for families with children aged 0 to 12.
ZUIDYARDThings to do in Rotterdam
Everything you can do at ZUIDYARD on the Maashaven, in one place.
Good to know
- Start: ZUIDYARD Cruise sails from November 2026.
- Duration: a boat tour takes about 75 minutes.
- Departure: ZUIDYARD on the Maashaven, Doklaan 40, 3081 AD Rotterdam (Rotterdam-Zuid).
- Tickets and prices: in the ticket shop at tickets.zuidyardcruise.nl. Departure times can vary from day to day. Tickets cannot be cancelled or changed.
- Suitable for all ages. Bringing your own food and drink is not permitted.
- Getting there: by bike, by public transport (Maashaven metro station), by car or by water taxi (Zuidyard stop).
- Parking on our own grounds: €4 per hour or €22 for a day ticket, with the first 15 minutes free.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do on the water in Rotterdam?
On the water in Rotterdam you can take a boat tour with ZUIDYARD Cruise from November 2026: about 75 minutes along the river Maas, the harbour and the skyline, departing from ZUIDYARD on the Maashaven, Doklaan 40, Rotterdam-Zuid.
Can I take a water taxi to ZUIDYARD?
Yes. ZUIDYARD in Rotterdam can be reached by water taxi: sail to the Zuidyard stop. The water taxi moors at the PIER40 terrace, close to the ZUIDYARD Cruise jetty. Book with Watertaxi Rotterdam on +31 10 403 03 03.
Where can I eat by the water in Rotterdam-Zuid?
At ZUIDYARD on the Maashaven you can eat at PIER40, a restaurant with a terrace on the water at Doklaan 40, Rotterdam. The water taxi moors at its terrace, close to the ZUIDYARD Cruise jetty.
What is there to do at ZUIDYARD besides the boat tour?
ZUIDYARD (Rotterdam’s Waterfront Experience) also has the Beelen Eye Ferris wheel, Spelen bij Beelen, Gigi’s Klim World, Noah’s Ark and the PIER40 restaurant. See zuidyard.com for more information.
Is ZUIDYARD Cruise sailing yet?
ZUIDYARD Cruise starts sailing in November 2026. Current departure times and tickets are in the ticket shop at tickets.zuidyardcruise.nl.
More about ZUIDYARD Cruise
More to do at ZUIDYARD
All on one site on the Maashaven in Rotterdam-Zuid, Doklaan 40.
Playground Rotterdam
Play park for families with children aged 0 to 12.
Gigi’s Klim WorldClimbing park Rotterdam
Indoor climbing adventure for children and adults from 130 cm.
Beelen EyeFerris wheel Rotterdam
Ferris wheel with views over Rotterdam.
Noah’s ArkNoah’s Ark Rotterdam
Museum and experience aboard Noah’s Ark.
PIER40Waterfront restaurant Rotterdam
Restaurant and terrace on the Maashaven.
DOKSIDE · Coming soonCompany outing Rotterdam
Business events by the water, from November 2026.
Miniworld Rotterdam · Coming soonMiniature world Rotterdam
Miniature world, still at Weena 745 for now. Moving to ZUIDYARD in 2027.
R’DAM LOOKOUT · Coming soonThrill ride with a view
A view for thrill-seekers, from March 2027.