Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Cruising down Amsterdam’s iconic canals is one of the most popular activities in the city. Join this exciting small-group cruise guided by local skippers who share the city's most beautiful spots. Sip on an optional drink (alcoholic or soft drink), as you pass highlights like The Dancing Houses and the Skinny Bridge. The skipper provides commentary in English, with digital guides available in multiple languages.
- Enjoy unobstructed views from the open boat
- Enrich your visit with an explanation of historical highlights from your skipper
- The tour conveniently departs from Amsterdam Central Station
- Cruise with the proud winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2025 award
What's Included
- English speaking guide
- Digitial booklet in 8 languages: English French,German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian,Dutch & Chinese
- Cruise with the proud winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2025!
- Snacks
- Alcoholic BeveragesA (Non) alcoholic beverage can be booked as optional
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Our location is right in front of Amsterdam Central Station, directly in front of the tram stops by the water. You can recognise us by our dark green beach flag and staff wearing blue shirts/jackets with 'Eco Boats' on it. Please use Google Maps to find the correct location, not Apple Maps.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
St. Nicholas Basilica (Pass By)
Sea Palace Restaurant (Pass By)
Montelbaanstoren (Pass By)
Oudeschans (Pass By)
The Amstel (Pass By)
Blauwbrug (Pass By)
H'ART Museum (Pass By)
The Dancing Houses (Pass By)
Oude Kerk (Pass By)
Red Light District (Pass By)
Zeedijk (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Departure point right in front of Central Station
- The route may vary each time depending on external factors.
- On the day itself (depending on the weather conditions) we decide to cruise with an open or half open boat (with shelter for rain).
- On sunny days, please wear sunscreen, as cruising on water can get hot
- On cold days, please wear warm, clothes, as cruising on water can get cold
- We only serve alcoholic drinks for travellers 18 years old and above (proof of ID can be asked for). Minor travellers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drink
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
P_C
Taking a canal tour in Amsterdam was easily one of the highlights of my trip. Nould was knowledgeable without being overwhelming, sharing interesting stories about the city’s history, architecture, and culture in a way that felt engaging and natural.
The staff were all very friendly and kind! I highly recommend their tour.
Reviews
5.0
based on 5,322 reviews
Paula_G, May 2026
Great tour- boats are super quiet because they are electric. Very informative. It’s an open boat but umbrellas are provided. I loved the history and the sights. A must do while in Amsterdam.
Lisa_D, May 2026
We had the best tour guide/skipper in Max who has a very good knowledge of the history of Amsterdam and gave us a really fun tour. It’s a really good way of finding out where things are and I especially loved it when we went by the zoo and saw the giraffes
Cecelia_B, May 2026
Igor was very friendly and amusing. Enjoyed the short canal cruise as an introduction to Amsterdam. 😊
Natalie_S, May 2026
Very easy to hop on this boat tour on a long layover at AMS. JJ was informative and funny. The boat has an open top which makes it easy to see everything.
Olivia_G, May 2026
This was a really educational - but really entertaining - trip! Our guide JeanPaul was awesome and so friendly throughout.
Patti_C, May 2026
Igor was a great guide, the boat was small and comfortable, even on a hot day (no shade). Conveniently located, good communication from the company about where and when. Nice trip!
danielle_o, May 2026
fantastic boat ride and the operator and captain were so kind and friendly making sure we found the location of the boat.. very enjoyable experience!
Ravikumar_A, May 2026
I am my friends had a great time on the canal boat tour. It started from a convenient location - from the Amsterdam Central station. The boat ride was as described and we got a good view of the city and the canals.
Carol_S, May 2026
Had a lovely and informative cruise with John Paul. Wonderful way to explore Amsterdam. Highly recommend.
Brooke_A, May 2026
Igor was AMAZING!! Beautiful weather and friendly crew. Mother and daughter trip and had a great midday trip through the city! Answered all of our questions and very knowledgeable, would definitely do again!!
Keith_M, May 2026
The skipper Jean Paul made all the difference. Informative with a touch of humor. Perfect combination. This isn’t a party boat with drunken young people and a skipper that wants to be everyone’s friend. I never take organized tours but my wife persuaded me to this time. She was right (don’t tell her I said that!) I highly recommend this tour and skipper
Karina_C, May 2026
Very knowledgeable guide which made the tour very interesting! The weather was not cooperative (rain) and so unfortunately, we could not see much through the plastic window coverings.
Irene_C, May 2026
Fun and informative canal cruise with Bram. Great way to start off our visit to Amsterdam even though it was raining!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! 😊
We’re really glad to hear you enjoyed the canal cruise with Bram and that it was a fun and informative start to your visit to Amsterdam — even with the rain! 🌧️🚤
We hope to welcome you on board again on your next trip!
Heather_P, May 2026
Very enjoyable experience! Lovely way to see Amsterdam from a different perspective. Our guide, Igor, was entertaining and insightful. Would definitely recommend them if you’re planning on doing a canal cruise!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Heather, for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed seeing Amsterdam from the water and that Igor made the experience entertaining and insightful. We hope to welcome you back on board for another adventure soon!
The Amsterdam Eco Boats crew
Sarah_S, May 2026
The canal boat tour was a lovely experience! My partner and I were on a layover and looking for something to do. Emma was a great tour guide. She was so knowledgeable (a true local!) and super charming. We felt like we truly learned so much about Amsterdam in that one hour. Also, despite the fact that it was raining, we were kept warm by the blankets, ponchos, and umbrellas she provided, as well as her positive attitude! She drove the boat expertly and the small group size made the experience more intimate and comfortable. Emma went above and beyond, even recommending other things we could do once the tour finished, if we had the time. Would highly recommend a canal boat tour with Emma! ❤️
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Sarah! We're thrilled to hear that Emma made your layover in Amsterdam memorable, even in the rain. It's great to know you felt warm and comfortable with our cozy amenities. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! ❤️
The Amsterdam Eco Boats crew
Dan_T, May 2026
The open boat experience is the best for picture taking.
Our guide was great!
The unkimited drink option is nice, but really how much are you going to drink in a hour cruise.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience, Dan! We're thrilled you enjoyed the open boat for taking pictures and appreciated the unlimited drink option. It's wonderful to hear that your guide made the trip memorable. We hope to welcome you back on board soon!
The Amsterdam Eco Boats crew.
Andrea_M, May 2026
A small boat that was able to explore down the narrower canals that the larger boats can't reach making it more interesting to see the back and side streets.
Knowledgeable local guide Bram chatted about the different areas as we slid along in the electric powered boat.
Would recommend!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review.
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed exploring the narrower canals and seeing parts of Amsterdam that larger boats cannot reach. It’s great to know Bram’s local knowledge and commentary made the experience even more interesting.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on board again in the future.
The Amsterdam Eco Boats crew
bell35242, May 2026
Great way to start a vacation in Amsterdam. John was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed the canal ride.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review.
We’re delighted to hear that the canal cruise was a great way to start your vacation in Amsterdam. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the ride and that John’s knowledge helped make the experience even more special.
We hope to welcome you on board again in the future.
The Amsterdam Eco Boats crew
Susan_P, May 2026
Absolutely amazing. Crew was wonderful and very friendly and informative. I would recommend this company.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed the cruise and found our crew friendly and informative. We hope to welcome you back on board soon for another memorable experience. Safe travels!
The Amsterdam Eco Boats crew
Sarani_T, May 2026
Emma, our boat guide on the eco boats tour, was a superstar. She is the only female captain with this tour company and she will inspire future female captains with her dedication to her work. Thanks Emma for a great tour!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your wonderful review.
We’re delighted to hear you had such a great experience on the canal cruise with Emma. It’s fantastic to know she made such a strong impression with her professionalism, dedication, and engaging guiding style. We will gladly pass your kind words on to her.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on board again in the future.
The Amsterdam Eco Boats crew
Elisabeth_B, May 2026
Great experience, Mike was an awesome Tour guide, definitely recommend.. boat size with small group is great
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Elisabeth! We're thrilled you enjoyed the canal cruise with Mike. Our small group setting really does make for a more intimate experience. We hope to welcome you back on board soon for another adventure. Cheers! The Amsterdam Eco Boats crew.
Cristina_P, May 2026
Great experience seeing Amsterdam and finding out interestiing things about the city. I recommend this experience. Jean Paul is a great guide!!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Cristina, for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed exploring Amsterdam with us and learning fascinating details about the city. Jean Paul will be delighted to hear your praise. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
The Amsterdam Eco Boats crew
Marcy_K, May 2026
Great cruise. Jack was full of fun facts. Boat was comfortable. Staff was excellent, polite, friendly and efficient. Very professional.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Marcy! We're thrilled you enjoyed the cruise with Jack and found the boat comfortable. Our team takes pride in being friendly and professional. We hope to welcome you back for another fun-filled adventure on the canals!
Keith_W, May 2026
First class experience. Sebastian was interesting and engaging. Would love to do it again. The route was diverse and beautiful .
Pratyush_D, May 2026
This canal cruise in Amsterdam is a relaxing and scenic way to explore the city’s historic waterways and charming architecture. The gentle pace, combined with insightful commentary, made it both enjoyable and informative. A must-do experience, especially during sunset hours, when the canals light up beautifully.
Khang_N, Apr 2026
Very relaxing and informative tour. Emma, our boat's captain, was friendly and told us a lot of interesting info about the canals and general history of Amsterdam. Would recommend this tour to any Amsterdam first-time visitor.
Carmen_C, Apr 2026
Had some trouble finding our pickup location so we’re running a few minutes late, but we made( it and had a great tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Amsterdam and the canals. (Carl?)
James_W, Apr 2026
Mike, our skipper, was very knowledgeable about the area and quite entertaining. He navigated the canals with ease. We enjoyed the whole experience and would definitely recommend it.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! Great to hear that Mike made the experience both informative and entertaining, he’ll really appreciate the mention. Sounds like you had a smooth and enjoyable cruise through the canals, exactly what we aim for.
Thanks as well for the recommendation, that means a lot to us. Hopefully we’ll see you back on board again sometime!
Kind regards,
Team Eco Boats Amsterdam
Ana_C, Apr 2026
This tour was fantastic from start to finish! The entire team was incredibly friendly, helpful, and accommodating, they even offered sunscreen for our toddler, which was such a thoughtful touch.
Our captain was knowledgeable and engaging, sharing fascinating historical stories we wouldn’t have discovered on our own. He truly went above and beyond, even giving us great tips on things to do with our toddler on King’s Day.
Overall, a wonderful experience we’d highly recommend!
Paulette_D, Apr 2026
Wonderful seeing the city on a boat with a knowledgeable tour guide. Made it fun enjoyed his comments.
From $23.12
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group
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