Most people visiting Amsterdam will go take the canal cruise of Amsterdam. It’s one of the most popular activities you can do in Amsterdam. Since 2010, the canals of Amsterdam is a recognized UNESCO heritage site. The experience is meant for everyone: young and old. You can take this tour for different reasons:
- Learn more about the rich history of Amsterdam
- Get to know interesting facts about the canals
- Dinner cruise
- Romantic reasons (propose on the canals or a date)
- Amsterdam Light Festival
- relaxing on the canals by boat
Amsterdam celebrated the 400th birthday of the canals in 2013. Their primary function was to trade quicker back in those days, using boats as transportation. It was also a way to expand the city, by reclaiming the land by defying the natural surroundings. Amsterdam is on a lot of points on -8Meters below sea level.
Buying tickets for different companies can happen online. This prevents lines and finding a ticket office. Do keep in mind that you would have a special place to “hop on” the boat.
A canal tour is mostly 1 hour, this can be different depending on what boat tour you take. We have a list of top 10 boat touring agencies/operators in Amsterdam. They each are specialized differently. You can get different boats big/small. With food? only with a small group of friends, or a big group? check out which is best suited for you. This list is sorted by popularity. Keep in mind the boats can have different pick-up points.
Blue Boat Company
The Blue Boat Company offers a variety of tours. Take a tour during the day for 75 minutes. Or experience the view on the evening tour which is 90 minutes. Tours for kids are also available where they can learn and enjoy about Amsterdam, although the language might be in Dutch. If you are in groups of 25 or bigger, you can take the lunch/buffet or drinking cruises.
- Website: blueboat.nl
- Address: Stadhouderskade 501
- Prices: 14,50 euro and up
Amsterdam Canal Cruises
With similar cruises, and also boat Amsterdam Canal Cruises is very comparable with the Blue boat company. They offer multiple activities and tickets for things to do in Amsterdam.
- Website: amsterdamcanalcruises.nl
- Address: Stadhouderskade 550
- Prices: 18.50 euro and up
Stromma
See the 100 highlights of Amsterdam and the canals. Listen to every story of every bridge and canals. See museums like Anne Frank from the boat, or other sightseeing possibilities only with this tour. Their audio guide is in 19 different languages.
If you require flexibility as in Hop on Hop off, where you’d like they offer that option as well. The boat would stop at a safe place for you to get out or on.
- Website: stromma.nl
- Address: Stadhouderskade 520
- Prices: 16,50 and up
Lovers Canal Cruises
With boats offering drinks and food, they distinguish themselves with audio guide based on GPS, free map of Amsterdam and comfort of the modern world.
- Website: lovers.nl
- Address: Stationsplein 10
- Prices: 16 euro and up
Flagship Amsterdam Canal Cruise
very personal tours, without an audio guide but with knowledgable people about Amsterdam. If it doesn’t rain take this one. It’s an open boat in a very relaxed atmosphere with lots of entertainment. With the passion of the hostess and skipper, you will surely enjoy this trip.
- Website: flagshipamsterdam.com
- Address: Prinsengracht 263
- Prices: 19 euro and up
BoatAmsterdam.com Canal Cruises
With competitive pricing and different types of boats, you can enjoy the canals of Amsterdam. Have a party on their boat, buffet or just an audio-guided tour. They offer private boats with a skipper and cruises for standard and premium class.
- Website: boatamsterdam.com
- Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 152A
- Prices: 14 euro and up
Leemstar Amsterdam
Perfect for small groups and private tours through Amsterdam. Leemstar has been operating for over 30 years and has authentic (and sometimes replica) boats with added comfort. It’s a more intimate experience to go through Amsterdam like this.
- Website: leemstar.nl
Amsterdam Boat adventures
During the winters they close. But with a bit smaller boats they go to places where the big boats don’t go. with 18.50 you can join a public tour or if you’d like you can take a private tour where the rates start at 150 euro per hour. They take a maximum up to 12 people with them. This ensures an intimate and personal Amsterdam canal cruise experience . This boat touring company is run by a family.
- Website: amsterdamboatadventures.com
- Address: Amstel 51 C
- Prices: 18.50 and up
Pure boats
They have 3 unique boats from 12-30 guests. It can all be private or with public groups. They make a big effort for their canal cruisers to enjoy the trip. The price is also a lot different, but your experience will also be a lot more extraordinary.
- Website: pureboats.com
- Address: Herengracht, 1017 BT Amsterdam
- Prices: 59 euro per person
Amsterdam Boat Events
This canal cruise is for private and group events. They specialize in dining, drinking and general group events. Make the are you a group of 20-50 than this is the Canal cruise you want. Custom and tailored to your group. Best for team building and work events.
- Website: amsterdamboatevents.nl
- Address: Prinseneiland 4l
- Prices: 202 euro and up
You might also like:
Hi I am Dwi. I am a blogger, travel agent and a mom of a lovely daughter and wife to a supportive husband. I customize and plan tours in Bali and islands nearby for a living and have been doing this for more than 14 years. Get in touch via contact [at] taletravels.com
This blog is indeed informative