The Amsterdam World Pride parade was another level on the 'Gaywatch' boat

A group of men and women in yellow tank tops reading "Gaywatch," red visors, and red bathing suits stands cheering from the sidelines of the Amsterdam Pride Parade down the canals. — Courtesy of author

There is no pride parade in the world quite like the spectacle taking to the canals every Amsterdam Pride.

And there’s no experience like being on a boat with 50 friends as the parade passes by.

Last week for World Pride, it was full-on, especially for the “Gaywatch” crowd of our friends and acquaintances.

The six-hour parade flew by.

Bet you’ve never said that before.

Two men in red and yellow lifeguard hats and yellow tank tops reading "Gay Watch" smile in a boat on the Amsterdam canals. — Courtesy of author

This was the second Amsterdam Pride my husband, Dan Pinar, and I have had the absolute pleasure of experiencing. Our parade experience both times has been made by being on one of the viewing boats on the canal.

It’s also made by the upbeat, celebratory mood that envelopes the city and the parade each year.

While most people pass by on the sidewalk, there are also hundreds of boats on the Amsterdam canals packed with people there to take in the festivities.

We’re blessed to have friends in so many cities around the world, and in Amsterdam, Tomer Meirom and Richard Vink have opened a boat experience for us both times.

There is something truly unique about being on a viewing boat, on the canal, for Amsterdam Pride. This time around, everyone dressed as a “Gaywatch” lifeguard, taking inspiration from the hit TV series… and the gays.

A man sits in red short shorts with one leg hanging off the side of the boat at Amsterdam Pride on the canals. — Courtesy of author

A man in a red fannypack reading "Guard," a yellow tanktop, and a red visor stands up in a boat waving in the canals during the Amsterdam Pride Parade. — Courtesy of author

Putting in that extra effort – an idea from our friend, Tom Kendall, and executed perfectly by Tomer – elevates the Amsterdam Pride Parade to another level.

Every float interacted with our boat during the parade, calling out “Gaywatch” over the loudspeakers, high-fiving, offering thumbs up and hand-heart emojis.

There is only so much space on the canal for viewing boats, and we’ve been blessed to experience it in that way both times we’ve been.

A man stands holding two bottles of wine and smiling inside a boat on the canals of Amsterdam during their Pride Parade.

This year for World Pride was another level.

“A few years ago we realized the best experience for us is to be surrounded by our friends and being as close to the floats as possible,” Tomer told GayCities. “This has the perfect combination of being ‘part of the action’ while being with our extended chosen family.”

While the thousands of revelers on each float – each one carrying dozens or even 100-plus through the city – are smiling and dancing and celebrating our amazing community, many of the floats also share a message.

One float showcased the list of countries that criminalize being gay. Multiple floats celebrated the history of marriage equality. Another featured awareness of intersex people. More featured trans rights.

Four women sit smiling in matching sunglasses, yellow tanktops reading "Gaywatch" and red shorts aboard a canal boat in Amsterdam. — Courtesy of author

Two men in red visors reading "Lifeguard" smile on a canal boat during Amsterdam Pride. — Courtesy of author

That history of marriage equality starts with the Netherlands. The country was selected to host World Pride 2026 in part because it’s the 25th anniversary of gay marriage in the country – they were the first.

“We feel blessed to live in a city where we can live as and be proud of who we are,” Richard said. “It makes us feel good that over the years we went from single, to partners, to legally married.”

While World Pride won’t be headed back to Amsterdam anytime soon, the annual mid-summer celebration is not one to be missed. Booking a spot on one of the viewing boats is worth every penny for the unique Pride parade experience.