Cruise Amsterdam like a Local — Small Group 12 pax
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
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.
- Admire Amsterdam from the water on a canal cruise
- Enjoy personalized attention in a small group limited to 12 people
- Relish the flexibility to customize your itinerary
- Choose from multiple start times to suit your schedule
What's Included
- 90‑minute Amsterdam canal cruise in a small group 12p
- Personable, non‑scripted local guide —your host and fully licensed captain
- Alcoholic BeveragesOpen bar. Heineken beer, wine, soft drinks, SPA water, coffee, and tea
- Heated boat and extra blankets for comfort in all seasons
- Restroom on board (light use only)
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Captain Dave Amsterdam— The Official Canal CruisesPrinsengracht 397, 1016 HG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dock Location: Prinsengracht 397 (odd side of the canal), Boat Name: Jonckvrouw or James Bond Important: Avoid using Apple Maps for directions! By Tram: #2, #12 –Stop Prinsengracht #5, #7, #19 –Stop Elandsgracht By Bus: #N83, N84, N88 –Stop Elandsgracht See you onboard for an unforgettable cruise!
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Amsterdam Canal Ring
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Not recommended for travelers with acute intestinal problems
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 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
Marsha_S
We had the delightful opportunity to meet and chat with our fellow passengers in a relaxing environment. In addition, we came away with a deeper appreciation of the impact of canals on Amsterdam over its long history. Our captain, Giselle, was quite engaging, very informing, and an extremely capable ship’s captain. The ship we traveled on was about 100 years old, well cared for and comfortable, protected from the elements by glass windows, but which were mostly open today. I had little trouble getting the photos I wanted. This will be one of our favorite memories of Amsterdam, and I highly recommend the experience.
Reviews
4.9
based on 391 reviews
Debra_M, Apr 2026
Liked the smaller boat! Kareem was a good guide very knowledgeable learned a lot of interesting tidbits about Amsterdam and the canals.
Sheila_M, Apr 2026
A great canal tour with Gisela. We appreciated the small number of people on the beautiful wooden boat. Our guide was able to reach areas of the canals that larger boats couldn’t get to.
A lovely way to end our five day stay in Amsterdam.
Marsha_S, Apr 2026
We had the delightful opportunity to meet and chat with our fellow passengers in a relaxing environment. In addition, we came away with a deeper appreciation of the impact of canals on Amsterdam over its long history. Our captain, Giselle, was quite engaging, very informing, and an extremely capable ship’s captain. The ship we traveled on was about 100 years old, well cared for and comfortable, protected from the elements by glass windows, but which were mostly open today. I had little trouble getting the photos I wanted. This will be one of our favorite memories of Amsterdam, and I highly recommend the experience.
PaulMax_L, Apr 2026
Our female captain ( only female capt on the canals) was delightful and made everyone feel like friends by the end of our 90+ minute cruise. She was very knowledgeable about the city history and full of fun facts. She offered drinks and snacks to all 12 of us but then let us help ourselves to more while she kept us safe with her control of the 100 year old boat. It was a great afternoon for everyone,
Melisa_K, Mar 2026
We had an amazing time! Karim was the best tour guide we could have asked for….Highly recommended! Thank you!
Atacan_D, Mar 2026
Loved this tour. The captain was very knowledgeable and fun. Did a great job of explaining the canals and providing fun facts throughout. The fact that it was a small boat and only had like 12 folks made the experience better and more intimate.
Cheryl_D, Dec 2025
This was a comfortable, informative and amusing ride. Our driver shared historical information, commentary on the canals and architecture and plenty of humorous anecdotes.
nesmallfurriesretrea, Nov 2025
What a fantastic canal tour! Dave was a great captain. We cruised around the canals of Amsterdam leading all its history whilst drinking alcohol. A must do trip when in Amsterdam
Don_G, Nov 2025
This is a great option if it’s cold! We had an evening cruise with 12 passengers. The captain was friendly and explained the history of the canals and city. He also made us laugh with funny stories. There were refreshments and the enclosed boat kept us warm on a very cold evening!
Graeme_W, Nov 2025
Great experience, the captain knows a lot of history, explains things really well, asked if there was something specific that we wanted to see, and he would make a detour if it wasn’t on route, great time, would do it again.
Ken_M, Nov 2025
Captain Dave was a great host! Always good to have a true local doing the tour. Provided very informational stories and funny anecdotes. Had a fantastic time! Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Amsterdam!
Jean_S, Oct 2025
Missed our initial booking but got on the next one. no problem. The boat was great with a long history. Small group very informative friendly skipper. I think thi is the ideal company to use if you like a personal experience. Snacks and drinks provided as well.Highly recommended
Frederick_H, Sep 2025
Fabulous tour! Knowledgeable and personable captain. Relaxing and informative guide. Drinks and snacks included!
Leonard_G, Sep 2025
Gisela was the perfect guide. Knowledgeable, funny, and very personable. The small group size was perfect as we got to meet and interact with people from around the world. She professionally manuevered the boat at very comfortable speed allowing us plenty of photo ops. The boat is electric so it was quiet and we didnt need to shout to have conversations. Lastly, but most important for us was that the boat was enclosed with a restroom.
Vicky_D, Sep 2025
We enjoyed this cabal tour… guide was knowledgeable about Amsterdam history and had some entertaining stories.
We got wine, beer or sift drinks and a few snacks.
Boat was very nice- had a cover in case of rain - only 12 passengers
Glad we chose this tour
Alan_R, Sep 2025
It was great to be on a small electric boat with a great back-and-forth with the captain. The small group experience was perfect.
MaryAnn_P, Sep 2025
Small group. Storied vessel. Great guide! I’m so glad I researched extensively & found this tour. Met all my expectations!
Michael_L, Sep 2025
Excellent knowledge of city comfortable boat. Tour was not rushed great experience! Fun group on the boat very enjoyable
Deborah_H, Sep 2025
This experience wad probably the best tour I have had. Not only was Captain Dave extremely knowledgeable about his city and country but also so engaging and entertaining! My recommendation would be don’t miss out on this canal cruise!! I would do it again. !
Christine_B, Sep 2025
Great time with Captain Dave! He is funny, personable, and filled with knowledge about Amsterdam’s history. The ‘James Bond’ was comfortable with large windows making it easy to see the sights. We had our choice of beverages and a yummy cake. Our time onboard was truly interesting and enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour.
Marna_d, Sep 2025
Rather go for a bigger commercially operated company.
I could not find the address - when dailing the contact number I got a message that the number does not exist.
AndrewandMarlene_B, Aug 2025
Beautiful seeing the sites in the canals. We learned so much about Amsterdam. We do this cruise again when we come back on our next trip
Kathy_V, Aug 2025
The boat was clean and comfortable. The captain was friendly and knowledgeable. Light snacks and drinks available. Would recommend this excursion
Patricia_O, Aug 2025
Due to a limit of only 12 passengers, this tour was a very intimate way to see the lovely canals. The boat was beautiful and very comfortable. Captain Rob was a very gracious and informative host. I highly recommend this tour!
ijgz, Aug 2025
Jay was our captain. Boat was clean and spacious. Jay was very knowledgeable and informative. Had a great time !
Rebecca_G, Aug 2025
Gissela did a great job telling us about the city on our tour. The boat was beautiful & we loved getting to know the people aboard. Such a great way to see the city of Amsterdam from the water. Highly recommend this tour!
Ernest_H, Aug 2025
Captain Dave was amazing. Best 1 and a half hour tour. Don't miss this one. Canal boat holds 12 people. Tour is very friendly and personal. Snacks and drinks are included.
Rachel_J, Jul 2025
Captain Mare and her beautiful boat (Captain Dave was on shore leave) on s beautiful sunny canal side in July. The tour was fantastic. Mare was relaxed and easy goiyand told us do much about Amsterdam past and present. We enjoy drinks and nibbles- a bonus we hadn't expected - as we cruised through this beautiful city. Highly recommend this tour
Andrew_L, Jul 2025
Great introductory river cruise. Our captain/tour guide/bartender Okke was terrific - very friendly and knowledgeable. Having a small group made a difference.
ANGELA_S, Jul 2025
This was one of our absolute favorite things we did while visiting Amsterdam. A friend recommended this boat specifically and I can see why. The boat was in incredible condition. The captain Okke was absolutely wonderful. He was very engaging and answered so much of our questions. Would highly recommend
From $58.62
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Cruise Amsterdam like a Local — Small Group 12 pax
391
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$58.62
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Herengracht Tours & Tickets
- ARTIS Zoo Tours & Tickets
- Body Worlds Amsterdam Tours & Tickets
- Museum Het Schip Tours & Tickets
- Amstel River Tours & Tickets
- Delft Tours & Tickets
- Casa Rosso Erotic Theatre Tours & Tickets
- Dam Square Tours & Tickets
- Amsterdam Tulip Museum Tours & Tickets
- EYE Film Institute (EYE Filmmuseum) Tours & Tickets
- Van Gogh Museum Tours & Tickets
- Jordaan Tours & Tickets
- Anne Frank House Tours & Tickets
- National Monument (Nationaal Monument op de Dam) Tours & Tickets
- Montelbaanstoren Tours & Tickets
- Dutch Resistance Museum (Amsterdams Verzetsmuseum) Tours & Tickets
- Torensluis Tours & Tickets
- Equestrian Statue of Queen Wilhelmina Tours & Tickets