Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals and charming waterways, is a city best explored by boat. A canal cruise allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and hidden gems of this enchanting city. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends and family, looking for a relaxing journey, a romantic evening, or a fun-filled adventure, there is a canal cruise in Amsterdam that will cater to your preferences and provide an unforgettable experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top 11 best canal boat cruises in Amsterdam. We’ll explore the unique features, pricing, and highlights of each option. So, get ready to experience a great tour of Amsterdam’s canals.
1. Classic boat cruise with cheese and wine option – 1 hour
If you want to experience the beauty and history of Amsterdam, a classic boat cruise is a perfect choice. You can relax on a cozy and elegant wooden boat with glass windows and roofs, and admire the stunning views of the city’s canals and landmarks. Whether it’s sunny or rainy, you can enjoy the cruise in any weather condition.
You can choose between a standard cruise or a cruise with unlimited cheese, wine, and other drinks. You can also decide whether you want to go during the day or at night. During the day, you can see more details and take better photos of the city. At night, you can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the illuminated bridges and buildings. One of the most popular boat operators in Amsterdam is Flagship Amsterdam.
Their boats depart from different locations in the city, every 15 to 20 minutes. The cruise covers all the main attractions of Amsterdam, such as the Skinny Bridge, the Red Light District, and the Old Harbor. You can also listen to a live guide who will tell you interesting facts and stories about the city in English. You can book your tickets for the classic boat cruise online and save money and time.
2. Pure Boats Canal Cruise – The boutique Amsterdam canal experience – 2 hours
If you are looking for a canal cruise that is more than just a sightseeing tour, then Pure Boats Canal Cruise is the perfect choice for you! These elegant and eco-friendly canal boats are designed to give you a personalised and luxurious experience on the water. You can enjoy the stunning views of Amsterdam’s historic and modern architecture, as well as the charming bridges and houseboats that line the canals.
Pure Boats Canal Cruise offers both private and small group tours, with a maximum of 16 guests per boat. You can choose to have the boat to yourself with a customised cruise, or join a 2-hour all-inclusive cruise with a small group of like-minded travellers. Either way, you will be treated to a delicious sharing platter of Dutch snacks, and a self-service open bar with local craft beers, fine wines, and soft drinks. You can also request vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free options.
Your captain will be your friendly and knowledgeable guide, who will share stories and facts about Amsterdam’s history, culture, and neighbourhoods. You will not only see the famous landmarks, but also discover the hidden gems and local hotspots that are off the beaten path. You will also get to see the Amsterdam Light Festival, a spectacular annual event that showcases illuminated artworks along the canals.
You can book your tickets online or contact them via cruise@pureboats.com. They operate daily from 10:00 to 22:00, and depart from various locations throughout the city. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Amsterdam from a different perspective, and enjoy the ultimate canal cruise with Pure Boats.
3. Amsterdam City Canal Cruise – Discover the city’s beauty and history – 75 minutes
Amsterdam City Canal Cruise is the ideal way to explore the city’s canals, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will board one of the famous blue boats and enjoy a 75-minute cruise along the most scenic and historic waterways of Amsterdam.
You will see the stunning 17th century canal houses, the elegant bridges, and the iconic landmarks, such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Skinny Bridge. You will also learn about the city’s culture, history, and architecture from the audio guide, which is available in 21 languages.
Amsterdam City Canal Cruise offers you the convenience and flexibility to choose from two departure locations, Hard Rock Cafe or Heineken Experience. You can also book a wheelchair accessible boat if you need one. Please note that the wheelchair accessible boats only depart from the Hard Rock Cafe dock. You can buy your ticket online and receive it on your smartphone. No reservation is needed, just show your ticket at the departure location and hop on the boat.
Amsterdam City Canal Cruise is more than just a canal cruise, it is a journey through the city’s past and present. You will be amazed by the beauty and diversity of Amsterdam’s canals. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Amsterdam from a different angle, and book your Amsterdam City Canal Cruise today.
4. Amsterdam Private Romantic Night Canal Cruise – Experience the magic of the city’s lights – 2 hours
If you are looking for a canal cruise that is more than just a sightseeing tour, then Amsterdam Private Romantic Night Canal Cruise is the perfect choice for you and your partner! This is a private and exclusive cruise on a cozy and comfortable boat, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Amsterdam’s canals at night.
You will see the city’s landmarks, such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Skinny Bridge, illuminated by thousands of lights. You will also discover the hidden gems and local secrets that are only visible at night.
Here you will be greeted by your friendly and professional captain, who will be your guide and storyteller. You will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne and a delicious cheese platter to share with your loved one. You can also bring your own music and drinks if you wish.
Amsterdam Private Romantic Night Canal Cruise is more than just a canal cruise, it is a magical and unforgettable experience that you will cherish forever. You can book your tickets online or contact them via info@amsterdamprivateromanticnightcanalcruise.com. They operate daily from 18:00 to 22:00, and depart from various locations throughout the city.
5. Hop-on-Hop-off cruise – over 1,5 hour tour during 24 hours
Discover Amsterdam at your own leisure with the Hop-on-Hop-off boat tour, the most flexible and convenient way to explore the city’s canals. The boat tour lets you enjoy the scenic views of Amsterdam from the water, while giving you the freedom to hop on and off at any of the 7 stops along the route.
You can choose to visit the famous attractions such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, the Hermitage Museum, the Albert Cuyp market, and more, Or you can simply relax and enjoy the ride, listening to the audio guide that provides interesting facts and stories about the city in 18 languages.
Your ticket is valid for 24 hours from the first time you board the boat, and you can use it as many times as you want between 10:00 and 17:00. The boats depart every 25 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about missing one.
If you book your 24-hour ticket online, you will get a €2,50 discount per ticket, as well as a free visit to Gassan Diamonds and free walking tours in the City Sightseeing Amsterdam app. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Amsterdam in a fun and flexible way with the Hop-on-Hop-off boat tour.
6. Van Gogh Museum and Canal Cruise
A perfect combination for your Amsterdam trip Discover the life and work of one of the most famous Dutch artists, Vincent van Gogh, at the Van Gogh Museum. You can admire his masterpieces such as “The Starry Night”, “Almond Blossom” and “Sunflowers”, as well as learn about his personal struggles and influences.
The museum also features works by other artists who inspired or were inspired by Van Gogh, such as Gauguin, Monet and Picasso. The Van Gogh Museum is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00, and until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. You can book your tickets online and choose your preferred time slot to avoid long queues. The prices are €21 for adults, €11 for students and free for children under 18.
After exploring the Van Gogh Museum, you can enjoy a relaxing and scenic canal cruise through the historic heart of Amsterdam. The canal cruise is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and admire its beautiful architecture, bridges and landmarks.
You can hop on and hop off the boat at any of the 7 stops along the route, which include Amsterdam Central Station, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Hermitage Museum and more. The canal cruise operates daily from 9:15 to 19:00, and the boats depart every 20 to 30 minutes. You can use your ticket for 24 hours and hop on and hop off as often as you like. The prices are €19 for adults, €10 for children (4-13) and free for infants (0-3).
If you book your Van Gogh Museum and Canal Cruise combo ticket online, you can save up to €5 per ticket and enjoy two of the best attractions in Amsterdam. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the culture and beauty of the Dutch capital.
7. Pedal Boat Amsterdam
A fun and eco-friendly way to explore the canals Pedal Boat Amsterdam is the ultimate canal cruise for those who want to have some exercise and adventure while enjoying the sights of the city. You can rent a pedal boat (also known as a canal bike or a paddle boat) and pedal your way through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals of Amsterdam. You can choose your own route and stop at any of the 7 convenient locations along the way.
Some of the attractions you can visit are the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the Hermitage Museum and more. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks for a picnic on the water. The pedal boats are easy to operate and suitable for up to 4 people per boat. You can rent a pedal boat for 1 hour or 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend on the water.
The pedal boats are available daily from 11:00 to 16:00, with the last departure at 16:00. The closing times may vary depending on the weather conditions or special holidays. The prices are €27.50 for 1 hour and €33.50 for 1.5 hours per boat. You can also save €2.50 per ticket if you book online in advance. Pedal Boat Amsterdam is a great way to experience the city from a different perspective and have some fun along the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to rent a pedal boat and discover Amsterdam at your own pace.
8. Amsterdam Luxury Boat Canal Cruise
A premium experience on the water Enjoy the best views of Amsterdam from a comfortable and elegant luxury boat. This canal cruise will take you along the most beautiful and historic parts of the city, such as the Jordaan district, the Prinsengracht, the Amstel River and the Hermitage Museum.
You can hop on and hop off the boat at any of the 7 convenient stops, where you can explore the attractions, museums, shops and restaurants of your choice. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can cruise as much as you want between 9:15 and 19:00, with a boat departing every 20 to 30 minutes. The luxury boat is fully electric, which means it is silent, eco-friendly and smooth.
You can also enjoy unlimited drinks from the onboard bar, such as beer, wine, soda and water. The boat also has a live guide who will tell you interesting facts and stories about Amsterdam and its landmarks. The prices are €29 for adults, €15 for children (4-13) and free for infants (0-3).
If you book your Amsterdam Luxury Boat Canal Cruise online, you can save €5 per ticket and experience the most exclusive and relaxing way to see the city. Don’t miss this opportunity to cruise in style and comfort on the Amsterdam canals.
9. Dutch Pancake Cruise
Enjoy unlimited pancakes on the water If you love pancakes and sightseeing, then the Dutch pancake cruise is the perfect choice for you. This 75-minute cruise will take you along the scenic canals of Amsterdam, where you can admire the historic buildings, bridges and monuments.
You can hop on and hop off the boat at any of the 7 stops, which include the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the Hermitage Museum and more. You can explore the attractions at your own pace and hop back on the boat whenever you want.
Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can cruise as much as you like between 11:00 and 16:00, with a boat leaving every 20 to 30 minutes. The best part of the cruise is the all-you-can-eat pancake buffet, where you can enjoy freshly baked pancakes with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, bacon, apple, syrup, chocolate, fruit and more.
You can create your own combinations and eat as many pancakes as you can. The record is 15, can you beat it? The boat also has a ball pit for the kids, so they can have fun while you relax and enjoy the views. The prices are €27.50 for adults, €22.50 for children (3-11) and free for infants (0-3).
If you book your Dutch pancake cruise online, you can save €2.50 per ticket and experience the most delicious and fun way to see Amsterdam. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste the traditional Dutch pancakes and discover the beauty of the city from the water.
10. Smoke and Lounge Boat Tour – enjoy a 70-minute cruise with 1 or 2 free drinks
If you are looking for a relaxing and smoke-friendly way to explore Amsterdam, the Smoke and Lounge Boat Tour is the perfect choice for you. This boat tour starts from the heart of the Red Light District, one of the most famous and lively areas of the city, and takes you along the beautiful canals of Amsterdam. You can admire the historic buildings, bridges, and monuments that make Amsterdam so charming and unique.
The Smoke and Lounge Boat Tour has 7 stops where you can hop on and hop off as you wish. You can visit some of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, the Hermitage Museum, the Albert Cuyp market, and Gassan Diamonds. You can also do some shopping or grab a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the way. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can enjoy the boat tour at your own pace and convenience.
The best part of the Smoke and Lounge Boat Tour is that you can smoke and drink on board. You can bring your own cannabis products or buy a hookah/shisha for an extra cost. You will also get 1 or 2 free drinks, depending on the option you choose, and you can select from beer, wine, or soda. You can relax on the comfortable lounge seats and listen to some music while you connect with the water, the city, and other like-minded people.
The Smoke and Lounge Boat Tour is suitable for all weather conditions. In summer, you can open the windows and enjoy the fresh air and the sunshine. In winter, you can close the windows and stay warm with the heated seats. The boat can accommodate up to 22 people, so you can join the tour with your friends or make new ones on board.
The Smoke and Lounge Boat Tour is a great way to experience Amsterdam in a fun and laid-back way. You can book your ticket online and get a €2,50 discount per ticket. The tour runs every day from 9:15 to 19:00 and there is a boat every 25 minutes or so. The meeting point is at Prins Hendrikkade 33A, next to the central station, in front of the Victoria Hotel. Look for the blue boat and get ready for an unforgettable cruise.
Covered Canal Booze Cruise
Enjoy unlimited drinks and snacks for 90 minutes The Covered Canal Booze Cruise is the perfect option for anyone who wants to have fun and meet new people while exploring Amsterdam’s canals.
It is a guided tour that takes you along the most beautiful and historic sights of the city, such as the Amsterdam Canal Ring, the Skinny Bridge, the Westerkerk, and more. You can relax and enjoy the views from the comfortable and cozy boat, which has a roof and windows that can be opened or closed depending on the weather.
The best part is that you can drink as much as you want from the open bar, which offers wine, beer, and soft drinks. You will also get some tasty Dutch snacks, such as cheese, sausage, and crackers. The Covered Canal Booze Cruise lasts for 90 minutes and departs every day at 8:30 pm and 10:15 pm from Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230.
You need to bring a valid ID to join the cruise. The ticket price is €24.89 per person if you book online. The Covered Canal Booze Cruise is the ultimate way to experience Amsterdam’s nightlife from the water, with unlimited drinks and snacks.
Conclusion
Amsterdam’s canals offer a unique and enchanting way to explore the city. Whether you prefer a classic canal cruise, a self-driven boat rental, or a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide, there is a canal boat cruise in Amsterdam that will cater to your preferences and provide a memorable journey. So, choose the canal cruise that resonates with you, embark on a captivating adventure, and discover the hidden gems of Amsterdam’s waterways.
Leave a Reply