Exploring Amsterdam’s stunning canals by boat is a must-do for visitors. The Open Boat Canal Cruise offers a delightful 75-minute journey, showcasing the city’s UNESCO-listed waterways and iconic sights. With knowledgeable live commentary, guests can admire the charming historic architecture and capture memorable photos. Priced affordably, this flexible tour provides an ideal way to experience Amsterdam’s beauty. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing sightseeing excursion or a unique perspective of the city, this canal cruise may just be the perfect fit.
Key Points

- This open boat tour provides a 75-minute cruise along Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals, offering scenic views of historic landmarks and canal houses.
- Tickets are priced from $25.51 per person, with savings of up to 16% off the regular rate and flexible booking options.
- The tour features live commentary by a dedicated captain, enhancing the experience with informative details about the sights.
- Passengers can capture Instagram-worthy photos and continue exploring Amsterdam’s attractions at their leisure after the cruise.
- The tour departs from the Stadhouderskade 501 location, a 2-minute walk from the Leidseplein tram stop, with specific blackout dates for certain holidays.
Tour Overview and Pricing

The Amsterdam Canal Cruise offers an open boat tour that allows visitors to experience the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals.
Priced from $25.51 per person, the 75-minute excursion provides a savings of up to 16% off the regular rate. Guests can reserve now and pay later, with flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The relaxing cruise showcases stunning views of the city’s iconic canal houses, historic bridges, and charming streets, offering an ideal opportunity to unwind and capture Instagrammable moments.
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Highlights and Features

A dedicated captain provides live commentary throughout the canal cruise, highlighting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed waterways and their stunning vistas.
Cruising through the city’s charming canals, passengers will marvel at the scenic views of historic canal houses, bridges, and picturesque streets. The relaxing atmosphere allows visitors to unwind and soak in Amsterdam’s unique character.
Along the way, there’ll be ample opportunities to capture Instagram-worthy photos, making the experience both visually captivating and memorable.
With its combination of informative commentary and breathtaking sights, the canal cruise offers a delightful way to explore the heart of Amsterdam.
Itinerary and Sightseeing

The canal cruise departs from the starting location at Stadhouderskade 501, located directly opposite the Hard Rock Café.
During the 75-minute tour, passengers will see key sights along the city’s UNESCO-listed canals, including the Westerkerk, Anne Frank House, Amsterdam Centraal Station, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Heineken Experience.
The tour provides scenic views of the iconic canal houses, historic bridges, and charming streets that make up the Grachtengordel neighborhood.
The cruise returns to the starting point at Stadhouderskade 501, allowing passengers to continue exploring Amsterdam’s attractions at their leisure.
Customer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Amsterdam canal cruise, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 903 reviews. The tour’s knowledgeable guides and the beautiful sights along the UNESCO World Heritage Canals have captivated passengers. The feedback highlights the cruise’s value for money, with a 4.6/5 rating, and the quality of the transportation, earning 4.8/5.
| Metric | Rating |
| — | — |
| Overall | 4.6/5 |
| Guide | 4.7/5 |
| Transportation | 4.8/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.6/5 |
| Positive Traveler Comments | Knowledgeable guides, beautiful views |
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information and Conditions

To begin, the meeting point for the Amsterdam canal cruise is the Blue Boat Company dock, located just a 2-minute walk from the Leidseplein tram stop.
Cancellation policies allow changes until 24 hours prior, but there are no refunds for bad weather.
Plus, the tour isn’t available on specific dates like April 27, August 5, December 25, December 30 (after 4 PM), and January 1 (until noon).
Lastly, visitors should bring sun protection on sunny days to ensure a comfortable experience.
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Duration and Schedule
The Amsterdam canal cruise lasts for 75 minutes, providing ample time to take in the stunning sights along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals.
The tour departs from the Blue Boat Company dock, a 2-minute walk from the Leidseplein tram stop.
Cruises run throughout the day, with the first departure as early as 10:00 AM and the last one as late as 8:00 PM, depending on the season.
Reservations can be made in advance, and customers have the flexibility to change or cancel their bookings up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure without penalty.
Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking and reserving the Amsterdam canal cruise is straightforward, with flexible options to suit different needs. Customers can reserve their spot in advance and pay later, or take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the tour. However, certain blackout dates apply where the tour is unavailable. To help visualize the booking policy, here is a table outlining the key details:
| Feature | Details |
| — | — |
| Reserve & Pay Later | Flexible booking options |
| Free Cancellation | Up to 24 hours in advance |
| Blackout Dates | April 27, August 5, Dec 25, Dec 30 (after 4 PM), Jan 1 (until noon) |
| Weather Policy | No refunds for bad weather |
| Meeting Point | Blue Boat Company dock, 2-min walk from Leidseplein tram stop |
Meeting Point and Transportation
Although the meeting point for the Amsterdam canal cruise is located at the Blue Boat Company dock, it’s conveniently situated just a 2-minute walk from the Leidseplein tram stop. This makes it easy for visitors to find the starting point and hop on the boat.
The cruise lasts around 75 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy the scenic views of the UNESCO World Heritage Canals. Travelers should arrive at the meeting point on time, as the boat will depart as scheduled.
The tour isn’t available on certain dates, so it’s essential to check the calendar before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Boat Equipped With Storage for Luggage?
The tour does not provide dedicated storage for luggage. Passengers are advised to keep any bags or personal items with them during the 75-minute cruise. The open boat design does not accommodate large or bulky belongings.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The boat doesn’t allow outside refreshments, but it may offer snacks and beverages for purchase onboard to enjoy during the relaxing tour.
Is the Tour Accessible for Guests With Disabilities?
The tour is accessible for guests with disabilities, as the open boat design allows for easy boarding and movement. Those requiring assistance can coordinate with the operator in advance to ensure a comfortable experience.
Are Audio Guides Available in Multiple Languages?
Audio guides are available in multiple languages. Passengers can choose from languages like English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, and more to enhance their enjoyment of the canal cruise’s live commentary and scenic highlights.
What Is the Policy for Traveling With Children?
Children are welcome on the canal cruise, and those under 4 years old ride for free. Parents must supervise their children throughout the tour. No special discounts or policies apply for traveling with children.
The Sum Up
The Open Boat Canal Cruise is an excellent way to experience Amsterdam’s iconic waterways. With a 75-minute duration, live commentary, and flexible booking options, this tour offers a convenient and scenic way to explore the city’s UNESCO-listed canals and landmarks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this cruise provides an immersive and memorable introduction to the charming beauty of Amsterdam.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Amsterdam
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