Netherlands · DUTCH CANAL CRUISES
63 reviewed
A canal boat is the first thing most people book in Amsterdam and the easiest to get wrong: covered or open, headphones or a live skipper, daylight or after the bridges are lit. Here are the 15 that hold up, with departure points, running times, what the drinks package really includes, and which one to take when the weather turns.
1-hour Amsterdam electric canal cruise with live guide, landmark sights, and an Unlimited Drinks & Bites option. Small group, big views.
“But a boring in terms of facts (mostly about riverboat houses only) and no music. Also couldn’t buy drinks for some reason”
75-minute Amsterdam canal cruise with multilingual audio guide, iconic bridges, snackbox option, and a kids pirate story. Value at $17.
“it was very beautiful, i am recommending this activity to everyone”
A 1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise from Central Station with UNESCO sights, 19-language audio, and optional evening sailings for about $18.
“Nice view of the lights in the winter. Great location. The canals were very nice.”
Ride Amsterdam’s canals on a covered boat with unlimited beer, wine, and soda options for an easy 1-hour local-style booze cruise.
“Very knowledgeable, I think the girl was called Alisha, driver was nick. They kept the drinks refilled”
75-minute Amsterdam canal cruise plus fast-track Heineken Experience with 2 drinks. UNESCO views, audio in 19 languages, all for $47.
“Amazing experience, it’s best to have a canal cruise at night though as it looks better. Heineken experience is well worth it though”
Electric open-boat Amsterdam canal cruise with UNESCO sights and an optional unlimited drinks upgrade, plus cozy blankets for a 1-hour ride.
“Our captain, Jaro, had been there since 11 am and hadn’t had a single customer when we showed up at 4:15. We had a private tour. What a fantastic start to our week in Amsterdam. Highly recommend!”
Van Gogh Museum timeslot plus a 75-minute UNESCO canal cruise with multilingual audio, earphones, and flexible boarding.
“I enjoy the museum wasn’t as big as I thought but still was there for over 2 hours and glad you can go at what every pace you like The canal cruise was amazing so many hidden knowledge along the route and happy it was a long tour definitely moneys worthy”
See Amsterdam’s lit-up canals in about an hour with live guide commentary and an onboard bar. Electric boat, multiple start times, English.
“Great fun and we learned a lot too. Alexander was a great boat captain and our guide was entertaining, very knowledgeable, and professional. It was a great way to spend the evening and see more of the city through the canals.”
Van Gogh Museum time-slot entry plus a 1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise with multilingual audio. A smart, fast day in the city.
“Note if you book this: you are not in the group tour, use your tickets for this to walk right into the museum Great experience! I don’t think I would have been able to get tickets for the day I wanted otherwise.”
Fast-track Heineken Experience plus a 1-hour GPS canal cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO Canal Belt, for about $44.
“Great App. Not only was it extremely easy to use it shows the most popular activities so that you know early booking is essential. It also shows "what else is out there to see".”
3-hour small-group walk through Amsterdam’s canals and Jordaan, sampling Gouda, stroopwafel, herring, chocolate, and more.
“Every great experience and Dennis was a great and very knowledgeable tour guide i well definitely recommend this to friend”
Cruise Utrecht on the Oudegracht canal with audio in 8 languages, hitting the Dom Tower from the water for about $22.
“It was a good informative ride I went mid day and was the only one on the boat”
1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise on an electric boat with a live guide, unlimited drinks, and warm seating in winter.
“A relaxing way to see the city at night. As much free beer (or wine) as you can drink! Informative and engaging guide and driver.”
2-hour small-group Amsterdam canal cruise on an open electric sloop with stories, snacks, and an open bar with Dutch treats.
“This tour was absolutely incredible. Our captain was amazing! He told us so much about the city and shared really cool family stories and showed us old pictures. The food was a perfect taste of the local cuisine and the drinks were great as well! Out of all the canal tours, I'm confident that this is one of the best!”
Heat on, pizza on. A 90-minute Amsterdam canal cruise from Damrak with hot New York-style pizza and unlimited drinks.
“Cruise was great. Boat was comfy but could have been a little warmer. Pizza was great too! Seeing the city from the canals was breathtaking. Overall a great experience.”
