In 2015 we pulled two former migrant boats from the Mediterranean to Amsterdam. To start the most inclusive, the most colourful and probably the most sympathetic canal cruise company of the city. You may decide whether we have succeeded in this. We - a crew with roots in Syria, Somalia, Eritrea, Egypt and the Netherlands - would love to sail and guide you through our beautiful Amsterdam.
Like to discover Amsterdam together? Yes, let's sail!
Every Saturday at 11:00 and 13:30, we sail out for our Canal Tour, in which we focus on the role migrants have played in the making of Amsterdam. The open and tolerant character of the city has shaped her into the international hotspot it is today. Our guides tell you the hidden history of Amsterdam through the eyes of its immigrants and outsiders, including their personal migration story. This tour can also be booked privately!
Join us on a Friday afternoon for a tour with our flagship Alhadj Djumaa (which simply translated means 'Mister Friday' in Arabic). Twice a month we sail to the IJ river from our little harbor at Mediamatic (Dijksgracht 6) to eat, drink and meet. We always have a cultural program aboard, ranging from musicians to theatre makers or story tellers, or we host a collaboration with a cultural organization from Amsterdam. Reservations for this Friday joy can be made by clicking on the link below. We like to see you on board! And feel free to bring some of your favorite snacks and drinks with you.
We are proud to share with you that we team up with Black Heritage Amsterdam Tours. The tour is for everyone who is interested in learning more about the African diasphora in Amsterdam from the 17th century to the present. BHAT tours inform, inspire and educate, whether you are a descendant, educator, student, local or international traveler.
We recommend visiting the 'Parade' in August, one of the most magical festivals in the Netherlands. And this summer we bring you there! We depart at half past four and half past six from our little harbour at Dijksgracht 6, near Amsterdam Central Station. Approximately 45 min later you arrive in style. You can book for this service here, and if you have any other questions, please let us know via info@rederijlampedusa.nl.
Where do we depart?
We sail from our harbour at Dijksgracht 6, 1019 BS, Amsterdam (Mediamatic).
Coming by train or bus?
When you arrive at CS walk towards the IJ river and go right. Follow the river, take a climb up the high bridge, than go left twice under the same bridge, in 150m you will find us on the right between cafe bar Hanneke's Boom and the glass house of Mediamatic. It's a 10 to 15min walk or a 7min run.
The official name of this Egyptian vessel is 'Alhadj Djumaa'. Alhadj means a wise old man who has been on pilgrimage, and Djumaa means Friday. It departed Egypt on the 25th of July 2013, headed for Lampedusa. It's only 12m by 4m, but it carried a staggering 282 passengers – 217 Eritreans and 65 Ethiopians. As far as we know, they all made it safely across the ocean.
The boat was seized the day after departure by the Italian authorities, who later gave it to us.
In between the oil barrels, life jackets and clothes left behind on board, we found a book of sheet music for guitar. One other line of text is written on the back of the vessel: road to freedom, way of peace.
We don’t know much about the history of our smaller boat, except that it was picked up by the Italian coast guard on August 29, 2014, about 18 miles southwest of the Sicilian town of Portopalo. We call it "Hedir", the word that is written on the side, which means 'thunder' or 'roar' or 'powerful woman' in Arabic. Our only other clue to its history was a pair of diving goggles which were left on board.
At just 6m long, it's well suited for slipping through the canals and under bridges. Since all new vessels in Amsterdam have to be electric, we refitted this former refugee boat, so now it moves along silently.
Yes please keep us sailing, feel free to donate something here - it's donations from generous people like you that make the difference for us.
Even just 5 euros can help us to keep on keeping on!
For more information please send us an email at info@rederijlampedusa.nl
or call Felice on Monday or Friday between 9 and 5 at +31 6201 20897.
Home base and harbor:
Mediamatic
Dijksgracht 6
1019 BS Amsterdam
