Boat tours of Amsterdam’s canals: Recommended tours & tickets

Explore Amsterdam's iconic canals on our charming cruise aboard the historic salon boat, Sophie (est 1911). With a maximum of 12 guests, this small-group experience ensures a cozy and personalized journey. Your host and guide for six days a week is Amsterdam native Boudewijn Metzelaar, also known as "Captain Bow." On Saturdays, one of his trusted friends will step in to guide you. Whether you want to seat indoors or outdoors, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the cruise, rain or shine, in true Dutch style. Indulge in a variety of (alcoholic) drinks and delicious nibbles as you relax and enjoy the view. With a WC on board, your comfort is fully catered to throughout the experience. Captain Bow’s deep connection to Amsterdam and his unique perspective, shaped by his diverse upbringing, promise insightful stories and engaging conversations. The small group size fosters a warm and friendly atmosphere, making this cruise a truly special way to discover the heart of Amsterdam.

Join our boat tour and escape the hectic Amsterdam street life while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere on the best canal cruise in town. Your friendly captain and guide will show you the best Amsterdam has to offer and take you on an adventure through the beautiful canals and also explore some of the city's more peaceful waterways, while telling you about the many sights along the unique route through our captivating city. Our canal boat is a super comfortable, modern, electric and silent, small open boat and we take a max of 12 passengers and can therefore guarantee a more personal experience. Drinks are for sale onboard, however you are also welcome to bring your own drinks and snack along. Don't miss this opportunity to see and experience Amsterdam from this unique and magnificent view.

This all-inclusive cruise offers an intimate experience, with a maximum of 24 guests on board. Cruise includes a delicious sharing platter with Dutch cheeses, nuts, olives, and cheese sticks. A self-service open bar is available on board with local craft beers, European quality wines, soft drinks, and juices. For the Ultimate Canal Cruise, we primarily use our luxury boats Stan Huygens and Pure Spirit, see description. Stan Huygens: • Iconic yacht of the canals originally favorited and chartered weekly by Freddy Heineken • Maximum 24 guests • Live guiding by your host and captain • Open bar service by your host • Windows and sunroof open / closed depending on weather. Pure Spirit: • Beautifully restored classic launch • Maximum 16 guests • Live guiding by your captain • Self service open bar – your captain will serve the first round and allow you to help yourself to the rest. • (Semi) open boat. Depending on the weather the Pure Spirit will be open, or covered by a modular canopy.

Experience the magic of Amsterdam’s canals at night aboard one of our luxury boats. As the sun sets, the city transforms—bridges light up, canal houses glow, and reflections dance on the water, creating an unforgettable scene. The ultimate way to experience Amsterdam after dark. Enjoy a tasty Dutch cheese board paired with 3 drinks of your choice from our premium bar featuring local craft beers, handpicked wines, and soft drinks. With a focus on small groups (18+), we ensure a spacious, refined, and relaxed atmosphere—this is not a booze cruise. Depending on availability, you'll cruise on: - the Stan Huygens, an iconic yacht once chartered weekly by Freddy Heineken (max 24 guests, open bar, live guiding); - or the Pure Spirit, a beautifully restored launch (max 16 guests, semi-open, self-service bar after the first round).

During this amazing two-hour canal tour, you’ll have a unique opportunity to view Amsterdam’s most popular attractions from the water! Plus, our skipper will give you fantastic tips to help you decide which points of interest you’d like to visit when you’re back on land. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks aboard to enjoy as you cruise through the magical World Heritage Canal District. Since this tour is longer than most others, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and take in the city’s many sights. Your skipper is also able to improvise a sailing route that fits your interests, making this tour completely customizable. In two hours, you can experience the enchanting canals, the stunning IJ and Amstel rivers, and more. This is truly the best way to make the most of your Amsterdam visit!

The best way of seeing historical Amsterdam is from the water. Join us on our 1 hour canal tour on our 100% electric, luxury boats. Enjoy all the beauty that Amsterdam has to offer while enjoying a drink. All our boats have a bar on board where drinks can be bought. During the tour our crew will tell you about the history of Amsterdam and the sights you pass. During summer, when the weather is mainly sunny and dry, the tour will take place on one of our luxurious open boats. On the other hand, if it happens to be rainy or cold on the canals, we will be very happy to host the tour on one of our beautiful and warm saloon boats. In order to ensure you a spot on the boat, we advise you to book your ticket online in advanced. Adult only options: Unlimited Drinks and Rijksmuseum

See Amsterdam the way it was meant to be seen—gliding effortlessly through its stunning canals on a stylish open boat. No crowded sidewalks, no rush—just pure relaxation and breathtaking views. With an expert captain doubling as your storyteller, you’ll uncover hidden gems, fascinating history, and fun local secrets—all while enjoying the freedom of an intimate, eco-friendly boat that takes you where larger boats simply can't go. Choose your perfect starting point—either right in the heart of the city at Damrak Pier 5 (opposite Central Station) or steps away from the iconic Rijksmuseum. Seats are limited, so secure yours now and experience Amsterdam the way the locals love it. Itinerary Pleas note: the route may vary depending on departure point and traffic

On this 1 hour Luxury Classic River Boat Cruise, you will explore the city, its famous landmarks, culture, and rich trading history. During the cruise, our skipper will take you through many highlights our city has to offer. The cruise is live guided, so expect an interactive tour, with enough space for questions and any needed recommendations for your further stay in Amsterdam. You can choose the option including unlimited Drinks and Cheese or the excluding option. All tours are in ENGLISH.

Whenever you want to see our beautiful city, you of course want to do it in the most relaxing way. Our boats are the best way to go. We have a spacious open boat with a fully electric engine, so no annoying engine noises. The seats are from the best and most comfortable cushions. And the really nice comfy pillows make you feel like a real prince cruising through the canals. In winter time we use a closed heated boat. And we don't believe in audio tours, they are not personal. That is why we have trained our guides to tell you the most amazing stories of the canals, which normally only the locals know. You'll get a real sense of the city and its secrets. And besides that we have a fully equipped bar, where you can choose from a wide variety of beverages. From soda's like Coca Cola, Fanta and Sprite to Strawberry mojuito's. A real treat. Beware, this tour is not done by me but by amazing friends of Flagship. If you want to have a Captain Jack tour, please book the All Inclusive

Step aboard our atmospheric classic (saloon) boat for a 3-hour luxury dinner cruise! Exceptional sailing experience in Amsterdam on beautiful classic boats. Experience our hospitality and disembark with a smile. With special attention to our guests and with love for our beautiful boats, tasty and honest food and good wine, it is our goal to offer our guests a memorable dining experience.

Explore Amsterdam's canals on a 1.5-hour private champagne cruise as the only party onboard the classic electrically powered historical Salon Boat "WELMOED" (you can bring 1 to 12 passengers). Enjoy the luxury feel of the 1920s together with your private group and fine glasses of champagne in your hands -- the best way to celebrate your stay in Amsterdam! Captain/owner Reinhard Spronk will be your experienced guide! Book now and enjoy..... PS: if you are a party of only 2 persons you can hire the entire boat for just the 2 of you --> please do book and pay for 4 adults to get access to booking this private boat on Viator. PS: your booking will hire the entire boat; there will be no other groups with you; private means private ;-)

Get on board of one of the comfortable boats. Sail the canals and experience Amsterdam in peace from the water. Our captain will make sure that you have the best canal cruise of your life! He/she will guide you through the canals of Amsterdam and tell you everything you have always wanted to know. From the comfort of our boat you can enjoy Amsterdam from the water. Cruise along Amsterdam's most beautiful canals, Amstel River, 7 bridges and the Skinny Bridge. Listen to the captain telling you some fun stories about Amsterdam while you are consuming the included drinks. Please select a preferred date and time to view the various ticketing options. We look forward to welcoming you on board of one of our open boats for a cruise!

• an intimate experience in a small historic boat from 1915 (max 10 pax) • cruise with a knowledgeable skipper/guide • avoid the big tourist tracks, cruise under the small bridges • enjoy a complimentary coffee or other beverage

Join us on one of our TripAdvisor top-rated and award-winning canal tours and experience Amsterdam's canals on our 100% electric boats. We have small open boats that allow guests to enjoy the full experience. With our 1-hour evening canal cruise in Amsterdam, you will discover the city's most famous sights and rich history while relaxing on our luxury boat. At night, the lights on the bridges cast a beautiful glow over the canals, making you feel like you are sailing through a fairy tale. The cruise is with a small group of people, so expect an interactive tour and there is plenty of room for questions and recommendations during the cruise. Our cruise is a great alternative to the traditional canal boats your grandmother probably recommended. Adult only option: Rijksmuseum

The best private canal tour on the famous canals of Amsterdam! This private cruise has a duration of 1,5 hours and includes a local skipper/guide and an unlimited selection of beer, wines and soda's. The luxurious boat will be equipped with pillows, blankets, and in case of rain it will have a rooftop. During the cruise we will pass along some of the most famous landmarks that the city has to offer, such as the romantic Skinny Bridge, the impressive Herengracht and the Amstel River. The departure point of the cruise is Oosterdokskade 8, just a 5 minute walk from the Central Station of Amsterdam.

Sail with us through the canals of Amsterdam and admire the enchanting light art during the Amsterdam Light Festival! Enjoy the magical atmosphere as you glide through the heart of the city and get inspired by art that connects and enriches. Experience this on a classic salon boat while savoring a drink, such as various wines, mulled wine, beer, and sodas. An unlimited drinks option is available. Tour will be given in: English