Top Netherlands Day Cruises

Embark on a unique winter canal cruise experience Amsterdam in a whole another light. Sit back and relax on the water while immersing yourself in the Amsterdam Light Festival, Amsterdam's annual spectacular light show. Witness the collection of approximately 25 stunning artworks as you cruise along the official festival route during this 75 minute tour. Begin your adventure with LOVERS Canal Cruises, an official partner, located right in the heart of the spectacle. This cruise takes you along the entire route of the festival, so you don’t have to miss any of the artworks or figure out the route yourself. Our comfortable modern boats are heated to a comfortable temperature, and with big windows all around for perfect views. The route of the tour is subject to change! We will make sure to pass by all the artworks. Book Your Cruise and secure your spot for this unforgettable experience by booking your boat tour today.

Start your adventure with convenience—park your car for free at our spacious parking lot or arrive via public transport, just a 2-minute walk from our location. Fuel up with a delicious coffee or snack before stepping aboard our brand-new heated tour boat, perfect for a cozy exploration of Giethoorn. As we set sail, we’ll navigate through the charming narrow canals, offering you a close-up view of picturesque bridges, stunning historic homes, and delightful little shops. Next, we’ll glide onto the open lake, where you’ll have the chance to spot graceful swans and other wildlife—a breathtaking experience in nature. Finally, we’ll return through the heart of Giethoorn’s city center, concluding our journey back at the boat rental location. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the enchanting beauty of Giethoorn by water! Private tour on a covered, heated boat; the price is per boat. Your skipper tells about the village in English or Dutch (German on request).

Cruise the canals of Amsterdam on a historic boat, built in 1912, while enjoying a healthy breakfast on this private cruise for up to five guests. Enjoy views of some of the city's must-see sights, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Red Light district. Choose from a la carte breakfast options while gliding silently through the canals, thanks to the electric, zero-emission engine all while learning about Dutch history and culture.

Discover the charm of the Dutch countryside on a small-group tour to Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Begin your day with a scenic windmill cruise through the picturesque Zaan River landscape, where you’ll get stunning views of iconic windmills. Explore Zaanse Schans on foot, visiting traditional wooden houses and witnessing a live wooden shoe-making demonstration. Indulge in a cheese tasting at a local cheese farm and enjoy a complimentary stroopwafel before heading to Volendam. There, stroll along the vibrant harbor and soak in the local atmosphere. - Scenic windmill cruise showcasing the beauty of the Zaan region - Visit a cheese farm with tastings and a live wooden shoe demo - Complimentary freshly made Dutch stroopwafel - Free time in Volendam to explore and relax at your leisure This small-group experience offers a more personal atmosphere, plenty of opportunities to interact with your guide, and a relaxed pace throughout the day.

Discover Amsterdam from the water on a relaxed open boat cruise, gliding past historic canal houses, charming bridges, colourful houseboats, and some of the city’s most recognisable waterfront sights. With a convenient departure near Amsterdam Centraal, it’s an effortless way to take in the city from one of its best viewpoints. Your ticket also gives you access to a digital Amsterdam city guide filled with local stories, insider tips, food recommendations, hidden gems, and self-guided audio tours, helping you discover even more of the city after your cruise. Choose the experience that best suits your plans: enjoy the canal cruise on its own, upgrade with a craft cocktail onboard, or add a separate ticket to the Heineken Experience. The Heineken Experience is visited independently, giving you the flexibility to fit it around the rest of your Amsterdam trip.

Step aboard our fully electric, comfortable boat and enjoy the cruise through the charming, narrow canals of Amsterdam’s Old City Centre. Along the way, our knowledgeable captain and friendly host will share fascinating stories and highlight key landmarks of this magical city. To make your experience even more special, our crew creates a warm, home-like atmosphere by sharing personal insights and making you feel right at home. Two drinks are included with your cruise, so sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of Amsterdam from the water.

Step aboard a comfortable covered boat and discover the enchanting waterways of Giethoorn with an experienced local skipper. Enjoy fascinating stories and authentic insights while sailing past charming 18th- and 19th-century thatched-roof farmhouses, colorful gardens and picturesque wooden bridges. Glide through narrow canals where boats replace cars and discover why Giethoorn is known as the “Dutch Venice.” With over 170 bridges, every turn offers a postcard-perfect view. The cruise continues onto the beautiful Bovenwijde Lake, surrounded by peaceful nature and breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you’ll see cozy waterside cafés and traditional restaurants. Enjoy a coffee or tea with a delicious Dutch stroopwafel during your cruise, and complete your Giethoorn experience with a relaxed lunch or dinner at De Rietstulp.

Enjoy a truly Dutch experience in the charming city of Haarlem, combining relaxation, culture, and a touch of sweetness. This combo ticket lets you discover the city of Haarlem from the water and enjoy one of the Netherlands’ iconic treats, the Dutch Stroopwafel. Start with a peaceful 50-minute canal cruise through Haarlem’s historic waterways. Relax while a knowledgeable skipper shares stories about the city’s history and landmarks as you pass canals and historic buildings. After the cruise, take a short 10-minute walk to Wafels and Wonders for a hands-on stroopwafel workshop. Learn to prepare dough, bake waffles, and customize your stroopwafel with toppings like chocolate, marshmallows, and caramel. Take home your freshly made stroopwafels in a beautiful package. Good to know Stroopwafel Workshop is seperate from the cruise Walking distance location Suitable for all ages, no experience needed

This unforgettable canal tour will take you through the most iconic and picturesque spots of the Venice of the North, while you sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink from the fully stocked onboard bar. Discover Amsterdam’s charm as you glide past historic houses, famous bridges, and lively canals. To ensure maximum comfort, we never fill the boat to capacity, so you’ll always have plenty of space to enjoy the ride. Soft cushions and blankets are provided for extra coziness, and in case of rain, the boat is equipped with a protective canopy that still offers panoramic views of Amsterdam’s enchanting streets and waterways.

Get on board of one of the comfortable boats. Sail the canals and experience Amsterdam in peace from the water. 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 boat you can enjoy Amsterdam from the water. 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 the open boats for a cruise!

Discover Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise through the city's historic waterways. During this approximately 60-minute cruise, you'll sail past the Amsterdam Light Festival artworks and admire a selection of illuminated installations. Experience the city from the water as the canals are transformed into a unique open-air exhibition of light and art. A range of drinks, including mulled wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks, is available on board. Guests who select the unlimited drinks option can enjoy these beverages throughout the cruise, or upgrade onboard! This option also includes one traditional Dutch stroopwafel or one portion of salted snacks. -Experienced German-speaking guide. The photos give an impression of the experience from past years. We cannot guarantee any of the shown artworks. Amsterdam Boat Experience is not an official partner of Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027.

Experience the magic of Amsterdam and admire the impressive light while sailing past the Amsterdam Light Festival. This year’s theme, Legacy, invites artists from around the world to reflect on what we preserve and what we pass on to future generations. Experience it from a comfortable, luxury (covered) boat, offering panoramic views of the illuminated canals. Drinks such as wine, mulled wine, beer, and soft drinks are available on board. If you choose the unlimited drinks option, you’ll enjoy all of these beverages without limits, along with your choice of a fresh stroopwafel or a portion of salted snacks to complete the experience -Experienced French-speaking guide. The photos give an impression of the experience from past years. We cannot guarantee any of the shown artworks. Amsterdam Boat Experience is not an official partner of Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027.

Combine a visit to one of Amsterdam’s most popular museums with a classic canal cruise through the historic city center. Discover modern and contemporary art at the Moco Museum and admire Amsterdam’s iconic canals from the water. Located in an early 20th-century mansion on Museumplein, the Moco Museum brings together historic architecture and contemporary art. Explore impressive artworks by some of the biggest names in street art and pop art, including Banksy, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and KAWS. No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a canal cruise! Cruise past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the famous Skinny Bridge to the historic Anne Frank House. Along the way, admire the charming bridges and picturesque canal houses while listening to an audio guide that shares fascinating stories and interesting facts about the city. Please note that the cruise route is subject to change.

Discover the 15th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water on a 75 minute canal cruise with an official partner of the festival. Board in front of Amsterdam Central Station and start with a welcome snack and a optional warm drink: coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Additional drinks can be bought on board. From Central Station, the boat sails into the route, starting with the Oosterdok, where the city skyline and the first light artworks reflect on the water. Continue through the green Plantage district, home to Artis Zoo and the Hortus Botanicus, before turning onto the Amstel river. Here you pass the illuminated Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) and the H’ART Museum along the way. Your local skipper guides the tour in German and shares stories about the artworks and the city. A free booklet on board explains the sights in 8 languages. Depending on the weather, the cruise runs on a half open or covered boat.

Travel back in time with the help of virtual reality (VR) on this cruise. Don a VR headset and sit back as you're transported into the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. As you cruise, learn about the history of the city and hear the stories that have contributed to making Amsterdam what it is today.

Escape the bustle of Amsterdam for a guided full-day excursion to Giethoorn, known as the "Venice of the Netherlands." Board a comfortable coach at Barbizon Palace and travel through Flevoland, the youngest Dutch province. During the drive, learn about Dutch land reclamation, the historic IJsselmeer, and the legacy of engineer Cornelis Lely. Upon arrival in car-free Giethoorn, embark on a 1-hour canal boat cruise past thatched-roof farmhouses, lush gardens, and wooden footbridges. Afterward, enjoy free time to wander the scenic pathways or stop at a local cafe for lunch. Conclude your tour with a smooth return drive, arriving back near Amsterdam Central Station by 6:00 PM.

The luxury private boat tours Amsterdam on historic saloon boats are the perfect way to explore the narrow canals. Depending on group size and availability, we have a fleet of 3 beautifully restored historic boats Tzar, Undine and Ritz. Sail away on your private boat in Amsterdam while getting historic information about the city from your captain which serves as guide if desired. This tour is in an intimate setting with your own group up to 12 people and a experienced captain which is also your tour guide. You will learn a lot of (fun) facts about the historic city of Amsterdam and its numerous canals. Admire the canal houses from 17th century and its charming little bridges. Curious about how people live on houseboats? This tour will pass numerous houseboats and you get the insights of this lifestyle during the tour as well!

See Amsterdam from a unique perspective—and enjoy a more intimate experience—on this private canal tour for up to 12 passengers. Sit back with a welcome drink included per person as your skipper handles the waterways, cruising past historic architecture, the famous Skinny Bridge, the vibrant Jordaan district, and more. Enjoy engaging commentary along the way, plus flexible tour timings that are easy to fit into any schedule.

Your own boat, your own captain. Explore Giethoorn in complete privacy aboard our open VIP sloop, a quiet electric boat for up to 12 guests with deep cushions and warm blankets. While your local skipper steers and shares the stories of the village, you sit low on the water, glide under the little wooden bridges and hear only the birds. This is a private tour: only your group is on board, and the price is per boat, not per person. Choose one hour through the village canal, or two hours to add the wide open Bovenwijde lake. The route is agreed with your skipper on the day, so you can linger where you like. Bring your own drinks and snacks; there is a cool box on board. Ideal for a proposal, a birthday, a family outing or simply a relaxed way to see the village without having to steer yourself.

Experience Amsterdam’s picturesque canals aboard a private saloon boat, a beautifully restored classic vessel designed for comfort and elegance. Glide through iconic waterways, taking in the historic bridges and charming canal houses from the cozy indoor lounge. Perfect for couples, families, and small groups, this exclusive cruise offers a personalized touch with your own professional skipper. Enhance your journey with optional drinks and snacks, or savor the enchanting Amsterdam Light Festival illuminated from the water. - Enjoy a private luxury saloon boat exclusively for your group - Guided by an experienced local skipper with optional live commentary - Choose from options including drinks, snacks, or special Light Festival routes - Discover unique views of Amsterdam’s historic canals and bridges

Most visitors reach the Zaanse Schans by tour bus. You'll arrive the way everything once arrived here: over the water. The Verbetering is an original 1916 Dutch cargo barge and certified museum ship, one of the last historic ships still allowed to moor in Amsterdam. This day retraces her own freight route, sailed by the family that owns her: out across the IJ from minutes beyond Central Station, through the locks and onto the river Zaan, until the windmills rise ahead of the bow. Ashore you have two full hours, the complete Zaanse Schans ticket included: two working windmills, the Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience, the World of Windmills, the Weavers' House, the Zaan Time Museum and a clog-making workshop. Nothing to book, nothing to queue for. Home goes the long way, across the polder and down a centuries-old tow canal, never more than 12 guests aboard and always a dry seat. Years from now you'll still tell people about the day you sailed a real cargo ship to the windmills!

This is not a group tour with strangers. It is your group, your guide, and for the last hour a boat that belongs only to you. We are a small independent company from Amsterdam. Your guides live here and take you to the shops and cafes they use themselves, not the places with a photo menu outside. The food tour has been running since 2015 and the boat finale is the ending guests kept asking for. You walk the old center, the 9 Little Streets and the Jordaan, taste 10 times along the way, then finish on a covered, heated salon boat through the UNESCO canal ring with a cold drink in hand. A separate captain drives, so your guide keeps the stories going at water level. Toilet on board, and the cruise runs rain or shine. About three hours on foot, one hour on the water, and no rush anywhere. Tell us what you like and your guide shapes the day around it.

Experience the canals of Amsterdam like never before, with unlimited wine, beer or softdrinks, enjoy a selection of Dutch snacks as you and your friends take in the charming canal houses and festive energy of Amsterdam. The local English-speaking skipper (who can also answer questions in Dutch) will explain every highlight of the city. All inclusive Enjoy unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus a selection of Dutch snacks. All included in your ticket. Private group tour 12 passengers maximum Don't Speak English? We got you! The local skipper speaks English and Dutch, but we have a free digital booklet available with guided information in the languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, German, French and Italian. Highlights During daytime departures, we cruise past Amsterdam's vibrant neighbourhoods and historic landmarks. While the evening cruises enjoy the same but with all bridges illuminated with thousands of small light bulbs

Not all canal boats are created equal. This canal cruise aboard a classic 1928 saloon boat is complete with heaters and blankets and both indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoy a longer journey than the classic hour-long excursion, with more time for narration and the chance to get outside the city center to see a more modern side of Amsterdam. Enjoy locally-produced Dutch bites and drinks, both included with your ticket.