Amsterdam: Plastic Fishing Canal Cruise

Imagine cruising through Amsterdam’s famed canals while helping to clear them of plastic waste. That’s exactly what the 2-hour Plastic Fishing Canal Cruise offers—a mix of sightseeing, sustainability, and hands-on environmental action. This experience is perfect for eco-conscious travelers who want to do more than just admire the city’s beauty; they want to leave a positive mark.

What we love about this tour is how it combines educational insights with meaningful participation, all aboard an electric boat that’s gentle on the environment. The fun competition for the most unusual item found adds a playful touch, and the souvenir made from recycled canal plastic is a nice keepsake. A potential consideration? Since the tour involves fishing plastic from waterways, it’s best suited for people comfortable with being outdoors and active for a couple of hours.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, this cruise suits those eager to see a different side of Amsterdam—one rooted in sustainability and community effort. It’s a refreshing way to explore the city while making a tangible difference.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly experience that combines sightseeing with plastic waste removal
• Educational insights into Amsterdam’s water system and pollution challenges
• Interactive activity using provided gear to fish plastic from the canals
• Personalized digital impact certificate to share your contribution
• Unique souvenir made from recycled canal plastic
• Small group setting ensures a personal, relaxed vibe

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Plastic Fishing Canal Cruise

The Concept and What It Offers

This tour is not your typical canal cruise. It merges sightseeing with sustainability, turning a scenic boat ride into a climate action project. Led by an expert environmental guide, the experience invites you to actively participate in cleaning Amsterdam’s waterways. The boat itself is electric-powered, meaning no noise or emissions—just smooth, eco-conscious cruising through one of Europe’s most iconic cities.

The main appeal is the opportunity to fish out real plastic waste using professional litter-picking tools, gloves, safety gear, and collection buckets provided on board. As you glide through the Western Canal Belt, you’ll spot charming houseboats and historic bridges, all while doing your part to keep these delicate waterways pristine.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Starting Point: Zandhoek 22 — a convenient location just 10 minutes from Central Station, marked clearly by a bright blue sign reading “Lixef Events Plastic Fishing.”
• Safety & Briefing: The guide provides a quick safety overview and introduces the plastic fishing gear, setting the stage for the activity.
• The Cruise: Over approximately 80 minutes, you’ll cruise scenic canals, observing Amsterdam’s beautiful architecture and floating debris. Reviewers love the stunning canal views and the relaxed, intimate group size that makes it easier to spot plastic and chat with your guide.
• Plastic Fishing: During the cruise, you’ll fish out plastic waste—items like bottles, bags, and the odd unexpected find. One reviewer happily commented, “It’s surprisingly satisfying to pull plastic out of the water—it feels good to do something tangible.”
• Unusual Items & Competition: The tour features a fun contest for the most unusual plastic item found, adding a playful element to the activity.
• End of Tour: Back at Zandhoek 22, you’ll be encouraged to sort your catch for recycling, and your efforts are recognized with a digital impact certificate and a recycled plastic souvenir.

What Makes It Special

This cruise is about more than just getting a few pictures of canals—it’s about raising awareness. The guide shares insights into how Amsterdam’s water system works and the impact of plastic pollution on aquatic life and local communities. We loved how educational content was seamlessly woven into the activity, making it both fun and informative.

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The Experience of Fish & Sort

The provided gear ensures safety and ease of plastic fishing. Some reviewers mention that the gear is “professional and easy to handle,” which is especially helpful for those new to outdoor activities. Sorting your catch for recycling helps reinforce the environmental message—every piece of plastic removed is a small victory.

Comfort & Practical Details

The tour lasts around 2 hours, which balances enough time for a thorough cleanup without feeling rushed. The boat is equipped with hot drinks to keep participants cozy, especially on cooler days or in winter months. Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as Amsterdam can be unpredictable.

How the Tour Feels

The small group size—limited to 10 participants—creates an intimate environment where everyone feels involved. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide, who shares engaging facts and stories about Amsterdam’s waterways and pollution issues. The guide’s enthusiasm and expertise add significant value, transforming a simple boat ride into an educational adventure.

Value & Practicalities

Price & What You Get

At a competitive cost, this experience offers much more than a standard canal cruise. For roughly two hours, you get a guided eco-cruise, all the equipment needed to fish plastic, and the chance to contribute directly to local environmental efforts. The digital impact certificate makes it easy to share your contribution on social media, and the recycled souvenir adds a tangible memento of your effort.

Accessibility & Suitability

This tour is best suited for those aged 14 and above who are comfortable outdoors and on boats. Unfortunately, it’s not wheelchair accessible, and pets aren’t allowed. It’s an active experience, so comfortable closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.

Considerations

• Not designed for full meals or alcohol, but you can bring snacks or buy drinks separately.
• Be prepared for potential changes in weather; bringing rain gear and layers ensures comfort.
• Arrive 10 minutes early to meet your guide and settle in; the boat departs promptly.

Why This Tour is a Must-Do

In a city famed for its canals, this experience transforms sightseeing into a meaningful environmental effort. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want to combine discovery with contribution, especially if they’re passionate about sustainability and environmental issues. The hands-on nature makes it engaging for individuals and families alike, while the intimate group setting fosters meaningful interactions.

It’s also an ideal activity if you want a different perspective on Amsterdam—less about selfies and more about impact. Plus, it’s a chance to meet like-minded travelers who care about the planet.

Who Will Love This Experience

This tour is ideal for eco-conscious explorers wanting to make a tangible difference. It suits families with older children, solo travelers seeking a meaningful activity, and groups of friends eager for a unique adventure. If you’re passionate about sustainability, environmental conservation, or just love canal views, this cruise will resonate with you.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be at least 14 years old. The activity involves fishing plastic from the canal, which requires some physical activity and attention.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all professional litter-picking tools, gloves, safety gear, and collection buckets are provided.

What should I wear?
Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, including rain jackets if needed. Closed-toe shoes are advised for safety and comfort.

Can I bring snacks or drinks?
Light snacks aren’t provided, but you can bring your own. Hot drinks are available on board to keep you warm.

How eco-friendly is the boat?
The boat is electric-powered, making it a quiet, emission-free way to cruise the canals.

Will I receive proof of my participation?
Yes, each participant gets a digital impact certificate showing how much plastic was removed, plus a small souvenir made from recycled canal plastic.

Final Thoughts

The Amsterdam Plastic Fishing Canal Cruise offers a fresh perspective on one of the city’s most iconic features. It’s a practical, engaging activity that marries sightseeing with environmental action—something more travelers are craving. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or simply want an activity that breaks the usual sightseeing mold, this tour delivers.

You’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment, new insights into Amsterdam’s water system, and a cool keepsake. The experience is well-organized, intimate, and genuinely impactful, making it a worthwhile addition to your Amsterdam itinerary. Perfect for those who want to see the city through a different lens and contribute to its health at the same time.

In summary, this experience is more than just a canal cruise; it’s a chance to make a real difference while exploring. The combination of scenic views, educational content, and active participation creates a memorable, worthwhile adventure—good for the planet and your travel stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: