Top Netherlands Cruises & Sailing

While many of Amsterdam’s attractions are world-famous, the charming village of Giethoorn, known for its canals, is lesser-known—and therefore benefits from far fewer crowds. Soak up its fairytale charm on a day trip from Amsterdam that includes hassle-free, round-trip transport. This two-in-one tour features both a guided canal-boat tour as well as a self-led walking tour with a provided audio guide.

Cruise Amsterdam’s scenic canals in a fully electric boat, while your hosts give you a glimpse into modern Dutch life. Enjoy an open bar with local goodies like craft beer, wines, and nonalcoholic beverages. A snack platter with fruit, cheese, cookies, and sausages is also provided. This peaceful, scenic cruise is a great choice for first-time visitors and those who want to escape the crowds on land.

Absorb the canal-front sights of Amsterdam on a leisurely sightseeing cruise. Take a seat in a comfortable glass-topped boat and enjoy the views as you glide along the city’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed canals and listen to the audio commentary. Kids’ tickets come with a goodie bag and a special audio commentary designed to keep them entertained.

Explore Zaanse Schans and the Dutch countryside this tour from Amsterdam. With an informative guide, admire the lush, canal-crossed Dutch landscape. Take a tour of pretty Zaanse Schans, famous for its wooden windmills and green-painted houses, and visit a cheese farm and clog-making workshop to learn about these traditional crafts. Lastly, visit a working windmill to learn about the role of windmills in the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age.

Admire Amsterdam’s top attractions without having to contend with the crowds on land during a cruise of the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring (Grachtengordel). Enjoy an intimate atmosphere in a small group limited to 12 people, as you sail past city highlights such as the Red Light District, Magere Brug (Skinning Bridge), and Zuiderkerk (Southern Bridge).

Explore the famous canals of Amsterdam aboard this classic canal cruise aboard a luxury boat. Choose from three convenient departure points and if you want to imbibe on unlimited drinks while you cruise. Board an electric boat and see the sights of the city in an eco-friendly way, passing along the smaller canals that the large boats can’t access. A local skipper navigates while an onboard host provides commentary about the sights.

Some of the best views of Amsterdam are from the water, so hop aboard and see the city as you glide along the scenic canal ways and under the historic bridges. This cruise pairs sightseeing with food tasting for a fun and interactive experience. While on board, tuck into delicious Dutch cheese and sip unlimited local wines as you cruise past the Anne Frank House, 9 Little Streets, Amsterdam Flower Market, and the Houseboat Museum.

Take in Amsterdam's key sights, without getting sore feet, on this small-group canal boat tour. Enjoy a route that cruises through Jordaan, De Wallen, and more, before stopping off for authentic Amsterdam snacks and a complimentary coffee. Listen to commentary from your local guide as you go, gaining insights you might otherwise miss if exploring independently.

Discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam, known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ from the water on this sightseeing cruise. Choose your preferred departure time from your chosen departure point and set off on the UNESCO-listed waterways aboard a glass-topped canal boat. Glide under pretty bridges, past 17th-century buildings and landmarks like the Anne Frank House, and learn about the city’s history from the audio guide.

Amsterdam has many canal cruises to choose from, but most of them aren't smoke-friendly. This coffee shop cruise lets you enjoy the sights in a more relaxed environment. You can learn about local coffeeshop history from your host while on board, including how marijuana was decriminalized and how the city's coffeeshop scene evolved, or simply enjoy the ride. Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are not included but can be purchased on board.

The combination of foot, bike, car, and bus traffic on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam can be overwhelming, so experience Amsterdam in peace from the water. Sit back and relax while you experience the city’s waterways from a unique vantage point and with a drink in hand. On this open-air canal cruise (weather-dependent), pass by sights including the Anne Frank House, Skinny Bridge and more, while your skipper will give you information about Amsterdam and provide some local tips.

Admire Amsterdam's UNESCO–listed canals from the water's edge—and enjoy a fun-filled way to get the party started at the same time—on this open-air boat tour. Explore the neighborhoods and iconic views of Amsterdam, all while enjoying two complimentary alcoholic drinks provided on board. This tour is also smoke-friendly, so you're welcome to bring your coffee-shop purchases with you.

Escape the crowds on land and admire Amsterdam from its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) on a 1-5-hour cruise. Rather than following a set itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your itinerary according to what interests you most—whether that’s Amsterdam Red Light District, the famous Maage Bruge (Skinny Bridge), or the Jewish Quarter.

Get unobstructed, picture-perfect views of the Amsterdam canals with a 75-minute cruise in an open top boat. See historic canal houses from the water, then get an up-close look at the houseboats that moor along the stone banks. Enjoy the best possible access on a small boat that can navigate narrow spots while learning about what you see from an onboard guide that loves answering questions or chatting about life in the city. Soak up the fun atmosphere of the vibrant canals, and experience a unique side of Amsterdam.

The Heineken Experience and a canal cruise are two must-dos for first-time visitors to Amsterdam and this tour includes both. Start at the Heineken Experience for a self-guided tour of the former brewery. See vintage equipment and learn about the production process. After a beer tasting, head to the docks and board your sightseeing boat. The 75-minute cruise sails past canal houses, bridges, churches, and more.

Discover how Amsterdam earned the moniker "the Venice of the North" on this small-group combination tour. Starting with a walking tour through the city center, see the most important landmarks and go where guidebooks can't take you to discover the history of the city through your guide's stories. Afterward, explore its waterways on an open-boat canal cruise.

Explore the streets of Rotterdam in comfort in the back of a pedicab with a guide to show you some of the city’s top attractions on this private tour. All you’ve got to do is sit back, relax, and watch Rotterdam go by as your guide takes you to see Rotterdam Centraal Station, Delftse Poort, Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, and more.

Experience the No. 1 rated Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise. Enjoy cozy blankets, live storytelling, and an optional open bar with beer, wine, glühwein, tasty hot chocolate, and a welcome snack. Experience the enchantment of the Amsterdam Light Festival on an electric boat cruise with (optional) beer, wine, glühwein, hot chocolate, soda and a welcome snack. Embark on a journey of wonder and illumination while under warm blankets. Learn about the history of the canals and facts about the city. Settle into the luxurious comfort of a modern, fully electric boat, designed to shield you from the elements, and set out on a cruise through the vibrant heart of Amsterdam. As twilight descends, pass by a captivating gallery of 20 luminous art installations that adorn the canals. Wrapped in warmth with provided blankets, immerse yourself in the city's beauty and allure from the cozy haven of your boat. Listen to stories shared by your skipper or host(ess)

Enjoy unrivaled views of Amsterdam’s Festival of Lights—which takes place every year from November through January—on a canal cruise that reveals the best of the installations. You’ll enjoy personalized attention in a small group limited to 12 travelers, as you float along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring in the comfort of your heated boat with indoor saloon, outdoor deck, and onboard restroom.

Discover the Dutch countryside on this full-day tour to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken. Round-trip transfer from central Amsterdam ensures a hassle-free trip. See windmills, waterlands, cheese makers, and clog factories up close. Discover the region's rich history firsthand from a professional guide, and beat the crowds if you book the earlier departure time. The price includes tastings of cheese and other local produce, as well as interior tours.

Get the best views of Amsterdam’s Light Festival while floating along the canals on this award-winning group cruise. Grab your friends and board a traditional canal boat to marvel at the glowing artwork, projections, and installations lighting up the canal belt. As you cruise, hear about the city’s history from your guide and keep warm with hot drinks (extra expense).

Hit three Netherlands signature scenic areas in a group of no more than eight travelers on this action-packed day tour, with an itinerary you couldn’t hope to cover on public transport. Tour a cheese factory and a clog factory and watch a diamond-cutting demo in Zaanse Schans, take pictures at the Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk), and enjoy a boat cruise and free time in Giethoorn, the Venice of the Netherlands.

Tick off three top Dutch highlights in one tour—Zaanse Schans, Lego Village, and Giethoorn—as you see more in less time. Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, visit a traditional wooden shoe factory, explore a miniature world made entirely from Lego, and enjoy a one-hour boat cruise through Giethoorn. This group tour is the perfect way to discover Dutch culture and experience more than you would exploring alone.

See the picturesque city of Amsterdam light up after dark on an evening cruise of its canals. Sail peacefully along the water and enjoy views of some of the city’s most enduring scenes, such as its bridges, unique architecture, and historic buildings. Avoid the crowded streets and see Amsterdam illuminated like never before.