Amsterdam: the Original Flower Boat With Local Guide and Bar

Amsterdam’s iconic canals and floral heritage come together in the Original Flower Boat cruise. This 1-hour journey offers breathtaking views, insightful commentary from a local guide, and a well-stocked bar – all aboard an elegantly designed boat. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing outing or a unique way to explore the city’s sights, this experience promises to captivate. But the real question is, what makes the Flower Boat so special?

Key Points

• 1-hour canal cruise showcasing Amsterdam’s floral heritage, with a scenic route, iconic landmarks, and an onboard bar.
• Priced from £14.50 per person, with up to 23% savings and flexible cancellation policy.
• Elegant boat design inspired by Amsterdam’s floral theme, providing unobstructed views of the city’s canals and landmarks.
• Knowledgeable local guide offering engaging commentary throughout the cruise.
• Suitable for all participants, except wheelchair users, with arrival 10 minutes prior to the tour start time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Amsterdam Flower Boat Tour is a 1-hour canal cruise that allows visitors to explore the city’s floral heritage.

Priced from £14.50 per person, it offers savings up to 23% off the regular rate. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and they don’t have to pay until the day of the tour.

The cruise departs from Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230 and takes passengers through Herengracht, past the Skinny Bridge, along Prinsengracht, and to the Seven Bridges View Point and Dancing Houses before returning.

Itinerary and Highlights

As the boat sets sail, passengers are treated to a scenic 20-minute cruise through the Herengracht canal.

Next, the boat glides under the iconic Skinny Bridge for a brief 2-minute stop.

The journey then continues along the Prinsengracht for 15 minutes, offering stunning views of the famous Seven Bridges viewpoint.

Finally, the tour showcases the charming Dancing Houses, a neighborhood landmark.

Throughout the cruise, the local guide shares the city’s rich history and deep connection to flowers, providing insight and photo opportunities galore.

1. Boat cruise through Herengracht (20 minutes)

2. Skinny Bridge (2 minutes)

3. Prinsengracht (15 minutes)

4. Seven Bridges View Point (5 minutes) and The Dancing Houses (5 minutes)

Onboard Experience

A well-stocked bar is available onboard, allowing passengers to purchase refreshments during the cruise.

The boat’s elegant design is inspired by Amsterdam’s floral heritage, with a fully open layout that provides unobstructed views of the passing scenery.

Umbrellas are provided in case of rain, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of the weather.

The cruise offers ample opportunities for memorable photos of the city’s iconic landmarks, from the historic Skinny Bridge to the charming Dancing Houses.

With the knowledgeable local guide providing engaging commentary, passengers can enjoy the rich history and culture of Amsterdam.

Participant Information

Though not suitable for wheelchair users, the Amsterdam Flower Boat Tour welcomes all other participants.

Guests are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to the tour’s start at the designated meeting point, where they can look for the Starboard crew in their recognizable blue outfits.

The tour has the following key requirements for participants:

1. Guests must be able to board and disembark the boat safely.

2. Children are welcome, but parents/guardians are responsible for their supervision.

3. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, as the boat is fully open.

4. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to inform the crew ahead of time.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback and Ratings

The Amsterdam Flower Boat Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 273 reviews.

Travellers consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guide, who earns a 4.3 rating. The transportation and boat experience also receive high marks, with a 4.8 rating for the former and 4.6 for value for money.

Reviewers highlight the scenic views, iconic landmarks, and the unique connection to Amsterdam’s floral heritage. The boat’s elegant design and on-board bar add to the enjoyment of the 1-hour cruise through the city’s picturesque canals.

The Flower Power of Amsterdam

As the city that boasts a deep-rooted connection to the floral world, Amsterdam’s enduring love affair with flowers is evident throughout its charming canals and picturesque streets.

From the iconic Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) to the vibrant displays adorning the historic canal houses, flowers are intrinsically woven into the fabric of Amsterdam’s identity. This floral heritage is celebrated through:

1. The iconic Flower Boat, a floating barge brimming with a kaleidoscope of blooms.

2. The city’s annual Tulip Festival, showcasing the Netherlands’ most famous export.

3. The ubiquitous flower shops and markets, offering a fragrant array of seasonal florals.

4. The city’s reputation as a global leader in the floriculture industry.

Capturing the City’s Iconic Sights

What better way to capture the essence of Amsterdam’s iconic sights than aboard the charming Flower Boat? Glide through the city’s picturesque canals, passing by the Skinny Bridge, the Dancing Houses, and the Seven Bridges Viewpoint.

A knowledgeable local guide shares the history and connection between Amsterdam and its floral heritage. Photo opportunities abound as you take in the scenic vistas.

The elegant boat design, inspired by the city’s floral legacy, provides a unique and immersive experience. Whether you’re sipping a drink from the onboard bar or simply taking in the views, this cruise showcases Amsterdam’s architectural gems in style.

Taking in Amsterdam’s Floral Heritage

Though the Flower Boat cruise presents a visual feast of Amsterdam’s iconic sights, its true essence lies in immersing visitors in the city’s deep-rooted connection to flowers.

The local guide shares captivating tales, including:

1. The story of the "Flower Man of Amsterdam" – a local legend who cycled through the city selling blooms from his bike.

2. The historical significance of tulips, which have been integral to Dutch culture for centuries.

3. The boat’s elegant, floral-inspired design that pays homage to the city’s vibrant floral heritage.

4. The importance of flowers in Amsterdam’s thriving export industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Bringing your own food and drinks on board is not permitted. The boat offers a well-stocked bar where passengers can purchase beverages during the cruise. The open-air design of the boat is focused on providing a comfortable and scenic experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?

There is no specific dress code for the cruise. Participants can wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for the weather. The boat is open-air, so dressing in layers is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the 1-hour journey.

Are Audio Guides Available in Multiple Languages?

Audio guides are not mentioned in the information provided. The cruise is led by a local guide who shares Amsterdam’s history and connection to flowers. There’s no indication that audio guides in multiple languages are available.

Can the Boat Accommodate a Large Group Booking?

The boat can accommodate group bookings, though the capacity is not specified. It’s best to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about group size limits and availability for large parties.

Is the Cruise Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The cruise is suitable for families with young children. It’s an open-boat design, and the guide shares Amsterdam’s history and connection to flowers, providing a fun and engaging experience for all ages.

The Sum Up

The Original Flower Boat cruise offers a unique way to experience Amsterdam’s iconic canals and floral heritage. With a knowledgeable local guide, guests can relax and enjoy the city’s picturesque sights, including the famous Skinny Bridge and Seven Bridges viewpoint, all while sipping on refreshments from the well-stocked onboard bar. This scenic 1-hour journey provides a memorable and immersive outing for visitors looking to capture the essence of Amsterdam.

You can check availability for your dates here: