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7 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam To Experience In 2024

Amsterdam is one of the places I am constantly visiting; it’s my favorite. And since I’ve visited so many times, I’ve had the opportunity to take many of the best canal cruises in Amsterdam over the past few years! In this post, I’ve rounded up the top canal boat tours that are worth your time! I hope they will help you fall in love with Amsterdam as much as I have

Taking a canal tour is the #1 thing that visitors to the Netherlands must have on their Amsterdam itinerary whether it’s your first time abroad in Amsterdam or your 30th. No matter how many times I travel to Amsterdam (and I’m low-key obsessed with it, so….a lot!), I always take a canal tour. It’s the perfect way to see the beautiful waterways and immerse yourself in the city quickly. But, I’ve taken some awful canal tours over the years (those ones RIGHT outside Central Station ) , and it is so easy to get caught up on a tour that caters only to tourists and isn’t worth your time. That’s where I come in! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Amsterdam canal tours- from the most popular tour to the best small group tours, and even the most unique canal experiences- all with 5 stars and amazing ratings. Read on and take your pick of the best canal cruises in Amsterdam!

🏆 BEST AMSTERDAM CANAL CRUISE

Short on time? No problem! Captain Jack’s All-Inclusive Canal Cruise is the best canal tour in Amsterdam!

7 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam

Here are some of the top boat tours in Amsterdam:

1. Best Overall and Family-Friendly: Captain Jacks (My Favorite!)

⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

I just took this boat tour in Amsterdam about a month ago, and let me tell you, it was incredible! Captain Jack has a way of making Amsterdam feel like home, all the while providing interesting information about the city! If you’ve asked around about the best canal cruises in Amsterdam, chances are you’ve heard of Captain Jack. His name is a revered one among visitors looking for the best experience in the city, and let me tell you, he lives up to the name! As soon as we saw him, he greeted us with open arms and a massive smile! It’s no surprise that his tours have been awarded the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award more than once. And most recently in 2022! Choose from multiple departure times and places throughout the day and prepare to be regaled by the entertaining tales and commentary from Captain Jack himself or one of his teammates. Our guide was born and raised in Amsterdam, so he had tons of unique tidbits to share with us!

As with most of the boat cruises in the Canal Ring, Captain Jack’s takes in the main sights. He sails visitors past famous landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. This tour includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks in a small group environment, where you’ll set sail with a maximum of 20 total visitors. Overall, I’d highly recommend an Amsterdam river cruise with Captain Jack. It was such a welcoming experience- and we felt like royalty with all of the free snacks, beers, and stories!

2. Most Popular Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: Flagship Amsterdam

⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars (more than 30,000 reviews) | ⏳ Duration: 1 Hour | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

Looking for the #1 top-rated boat tour in the world? Flagship’s luxury open-boat tour is the one you want. With more than 30,000 five-star reviews, this is easily the most popular tour in Amsterdam , and it’s one of the most well-priced, too. I enjoyed this boat tour when I took it myself, and it’s absolutely my top recommendation for those who are looking for a good cruise at an affordable pricepoint! Board a chic, comfortable boat and sail through the canal ring of the Netherlands like you belong there. See more than 40 landmarks and areas of Amsterdam such as the Anne Frank House , the Houseboat Museum, and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet as you cruise along canals such as the Herengracht, Singel, and Prinsengracht. Flagship is known for its witty tour guides who regale travelers with their unique tales of Amsterdam and their cozy, family-like atmosphere. This tour is a must-do for a first-timers trip to the city, even if you are only there for one day !

Our guides were amazing! They had so many interesting facts and kept the whole group engaged throughout. They were really friendly and we throughly enjoyed our cruise. I would absolutely recommend this company over other boats! -ERIN (READ MORE REVIEWS )

This cruise runs year-round and offers blankets to keep warm in chillier weather so that you can still see the beauty of Amsterdam from the water. Plus… a cash bar on board makes this the perfect tour to book for a relaxing afternoon seeing the city.

3. Amazing Small-Group Evening Canal Tour: Pure Boats

One of my favorite canal boat tours ever was an evening one! There’s something about seeing the Amsterdam lit up at night that almost feels unreal. So, if you want a unique evening experience , look no further than the Pure Boats small-group nighttime canal cruise. It goes without saying that the 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage Canal Ring is a stunning sight to see under the stars. Glide through the water of Amsterdam as you enjoy an open-bar cruise complete with wine, craft beer, and delicious Dutch cheese. This river tour experience will blow you away as you take in the scenery of the city all lit up and watch Amsterdam descend into a night of excitement. When you’re finished, you’re all set to continue enjoying the fabulous European nightlife Amsterdam is famous for. With a maximum of 16 travelers, this small group tour creates an intimate environment with a personal touch.

Really intimate and beautiful. We did a canal boat ride during the day and the this one at night highlighted very different things. Claas was a great host. The cheese was freaking amazing. – HAFEESA (SEE more reviews )

Amsterdam basically never sleeps, so this is a unique opportunity to admire the beauty of popular must-see places like the Skinny Bridge, the Amstel, and the 7 Bridges. During your journey, learn historical facts and interesting stories from a local, trained guide.

4. Top Amsterdam Canal Cruise Experience: Amsterdam Food & Canal Tour

⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 4 Hours | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

Local guides provide a unique canal cruise and tour experience all in one with one of the top Amsterdam river cruises- the Amsterdam Food & Canals Tour. Spend four entire hours with your guide uncovering hidden gems and local favorites in the city. You cannot find this experience anywhere else! Meet a Dutch family, see historical sites, and explore Amsterdam both on foot and via waterway during your adventure.

Hanging with Gerard felt like an old friend. He shared old history stories throughout Jordaan and the city center as we stumbled into hidden gems. With a total of 6 food stops with herring fish and aged boeren overjarig cheese being my favorite! Our time ended with a private luxury salon boat cruise through the canals and even into the Amstel River. Book now before it’s sold out! – Dan (read more reviews )

First, your tour begins with a private boat ride that takes you around the UNESCO World Heritage canals such as the Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal) to see both traditional and unique buildings in Amsterdam. Then, take a walking tour and taste multiple Dutch foods while you engage with locals. This tour is a great way to meet some new friends in Amsterdam and see lesser-known parts of the city.

5. Top Private Luxury Canal Cruise Tour in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy romantic evening in the city for couples or an intimate tour for your small group, a private canal tour is the way to go! This entirely customizable boat tour in Amsterdam means you can have everything that you want for a personalized, unique night out with up to 10 of your closest friends. Decide on your cruise itinerary with the skipper from Rederij Paping. Have you been wanting to see a specific part of Amsterdam? Put it on the list, and your captain will take you there!

My fiancee and I had a fantastic time with Skipper Paap. He is extremely knowledgeable about Amsterdam and had a ton of offbeat insights to share, which made the tour more memorable. He was very hospitable and generous as well, sharing local cheese and beer along with his stories. I highly recommend this tour. -Russell (Read more reviews )

Depending on the season, choose the time of day that you’d prefer. Perhaps you want a sunrise viewing, lunchtime extravaganza, or a starlit evening cruise during Christmastime. This eco-friendly tour has won the Viator Badge of Excellence in 2022 , and previous adventurers rave about the insightful live commentary.

Tip: You can find my reviews on all of the BEST PRIVATE BOAT TOURS in Amsterdam here!

6. Best Combination Ticket + Canal Tour

⭐ RATING 4.5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 75 Minutes (Plus Museum) | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

One of the best ways to maximize your time in Amsterdam is to combine attractions whenever possible. If you’re planning to check a few things off of your Amsterdam list , definitely consider combining them with your canal tour! This tour offers audio commentary on your trip through the Amsterdam Canal Ring . You’ll see all of the typical sights on your 75-minute tour, like the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), Westerkerk, the Hermitage Amsterdam, and the NEMO Science Museum. But, in addition, you’ll also grab yourself skip-the-line entry to the Rijksmuseum.

The package is a must do for those visiting Amsterdam for the first time! The RIJKSMUSEUM is an enriching experience. The boat tour is another unmissable treat! You can enjoy the well chosen music while listening the excellent guide or go out to take those magical shots of the romantic canals and bridges at night! The package is definitely value for money! (sEE mORE rEVIEWS )

The Rijksmuseum entries can sell out quickly, so buying your ticket ahead of time with your canal cruise not only saves you money, but it also saves you time and prevents you from being disappointed should museum tickets become unavailable.

Tip: Looking to combine tours, but not interested in the Rijksmuseum? Try these popular combinations below: ✔️ Canal Cruise + Heineken Experience Tickets (Book Here!) ✔️ Canal Cruise + Van Gogh Museum (Book Here!) ✔️ Canal Cruise + Xtracold Icebar Admission (Book Here!)

7. Unforgettable Amsterdam Light Festival Holiday Boat Tour

⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 2 Hours | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

After being in Amsterdam for Christmas a few years ago, I can 10/10 recommend doing a nighttime canal cruise to see the Amsterdam Light Festival ! While you can certainly walk or bike around the city and view them, there’s something special about seeing them from the water. Look no further than hopping aboard a small-group canal cruise with Rederij De Wester. Each year, the Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city center into a magical winter wonderland. Artists from all over the world create unique works of art out of lights, decorating streets and canals alike. Hop into a luxurious sloop (one-mast sailboat) complete with heated seats and blankets and marvel at the stunning light displays around the city.

The captain was so knowledgeable and informative and humorous that he made the trip one of the best experiences we have ever had in our few trips to Amsterdam. -GP (SEE more reviews )

With 12 others, enjoy a more comfortable and personalized excursion where you can enjoy unlimited drinks from the open bar and authentic snacks such as the Dutch stroopwafel and bitterballen. What could be more heartwarming than sipping on mulled wine as you cruise around the twinkling canals with a loved one?

FAQ: Amsterdam Canal Cruises

With so many different Amsterdam boat tours available, it’s no wonder that people have questions. Here are some answers to the questions I get most often:

What is the best canal cruise to take in Amsterdam?

The best canal cruise to take in Amsterdam is Captain Jack’s All Inclusive canal cruise . It is an hour and a half filled with stories from locals, great sightseeing, and delicious Dutch treats. And who doesn’t love bottomless beer, wine, and soda? We felt like royalty on Captain Jack’s cruise- he has a way of making everyone feel welcome and included. Plus, we love supporting a fantastic small business.

Is the Amsterdam Canal cruise worth it?

110% an Amsterdam canal cruise is worth it. Do not let anyone talk you out of taking one. Some locals will say they’re touristy. But a boat tour is a beautiful way to see more of Amsterdam, and it is such a unique experience that is quintessentially Amsterdam. I’ve been to Amsterdam many times now, and I still take at least one canal cruise every time I visit!

Which canal is the most beautiful in Amsterdam?

The Brouwersgracht is widely considered to be the most stunning canal in Amsterdam. It has a mixture of magnificent architectural homes built during the Golden Age, unique bridges, and Amsterdam landmarks.

What is the best time for a canal cruise in Amsterdam?

The best time for a canal cruise in Amsterdam is during the day. That way, you can see all of the sights and get some fantastic pictures. Luckily, you can take a boat tour during any season- even winter! Many canal boats are equipped with blankets and covers for inclement weather.

Final Thoughts: Best Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

There you have it! The 6 most fantastic canal cruise tours for Amsterdam. I hope it was helpful! Regardless of which Amsterdam canal cruise you choose to take, you’re going to have an amazing time in this must-visit city ! In case you skimmed through to the end ( we are all busy!), here is the roundup of the top canal tours for each type of traveler:

✔️ Best Overall + My Personal Favorite Tour: Captain Jack’s ✔️Top Rated + Most Popular: Flagship Amsterdam Open-Boat Canal Cruise ✔️Best Private Canal Cruise: Rederij Paping 1.5 Hour Private Canal Cruise ✔️Best Canal Tour Experience: Amsterdam Food & Canals Tour

Planning a trip to Amsterdam soon? Check out my top Amsterdam posts below!

✅ My favorite Amsterdam itineraries for 4 days or one day in Amsterdam ! ✅ All the canal cruise private tours I recommend! ✅ An Amsterdam Bucket List to complete! ✅ Everything you need to know for visiting the Anne Frank House ✅ Top Weekend Trips from Amsterdam ✅ Review on my #1 Place to stay in Amsterdam ✅ If you’re biking around the city, here’s what you need to know ! ✅ Wondering if you can speak English in Amsterdam ? Or do you need to greet in Dutch ?

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

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