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Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group

5,058 Reviews 4.96 out of 5 stars Based on 5,058 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Amsterdam, Netherlands

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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 7 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese

Overview

Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Discover the city’s highlights in the best way possible. Take a boat trip on Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals in one of the newest electric boats.

Drink optional
Sit back and relax with a wine, beer or soda which you can book optional.

Small Group
We cruise with a maximum of 28 passengers

Guide language
Our skipper speaks English, but we have a free digital booklet with guided information in : English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, German, French & Italian.

Departure Location
We depart in front of Amsterdam Central Station.

Bad Weather?
Our boats can be open or covered, with the weather conditions in Amsterdam we decide on the day if we cruise open or with cover.

Highlights
During the cruise, admire the Canal Belt, the Skinny Bridge, the Dancing Houses, and much more. Listen to your local skipper’s stories as you take in the city sights.

What's Included

  • Digitial booklet in 8 languages: English French,German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian,Dutch & Chinese
  • Cruise with the proud winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2025!
  • English speaking guide
  • Snacks
  • Alcoholic beverages a (Non) alcoholic beverage can be booked as optional
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Stationsplein 18
1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)

See Amsterdam on the UNESCO listed Canals of Amsterdam
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

St. Nicholas Basilica (pass by)

This basilica features an impressive facade with twin towers and a central dome, while its interior boasts beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate artwork, and a majestic organ. The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and Amsterdam, reflecting the city’s maritime heritage. Visitors often appreciate its serene atmosphere and rich historical significance, making it a key landmark in the heart of Amsterdam.
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Sea Palace Restaurant (pass by)

Designed to resemble a traditional Chinese pagoda, Sea Palace provides a distinctive dining atmosphere. The interior is adorned with authentic Chinese decor, creating an immersive cultural experience. With seating for up to 600 guests across three floors, the restaurant accommodates both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.
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Montelbaanstoren (pass by)

In 1606, the tower was enhanced with a decorative spire designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, giving it its current iconic appearance. The spire includes a clock and carillon, which was added to make the tower more visually appealing after it lost its defensive purpose.
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Oudeschans (pass by)

This canal is lined with traditional Dutch canal houses, houseboats, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings, reflecting the city’s blend of historical and modern living. Its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
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The Amstel (pass by)

The Amstel is the iconic river from which Amsterdam derives its name. Flowing through the heart of the city, the Amstel is central to Amsterdam’s identity, offering scenic views and a connection to the city’s rich history and culture.
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Blauwbrug (pass by)

The Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge) is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic bridges, located over the Amstel River and connecting the Rembrandtplein area to the Waterlooplein area. It is named after the original wooden bridge that stood in the same spot in the 17th century, which was painted blue.
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H'ART Museum (pass by)

The H’ART Museum is a prominent art museum situated along the Amstel River in Amsterdam. Established in 2009 as a satellite of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, it rebranded to H’ART Museum in September 2023 after severing ties with its Russian counterpart in 2022
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The Dancing Houses (pass by)

The Dancing Houses (Dutch: Dansende Huisjes) is a nickname given to a row of historic, leaning canal houses located along the Damrak canal in Amsterdam.Ask our guide why these houses lean
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Oude Kerk (pass by)

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is Amsterdam’s oldest building and parish church, located in the heart of the city’s historic De Wallen (Red Light District). It was consecrated in 1306 and has since served as a significant religious, cultural, and architectural landmark.
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Red Light District (pass by)

The Red Light District (De Wallen) in Amsterdam is one of the city’s most famous and controversial neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the city near the Oude Kerk (Old Church)
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Zeedijk (pass by)

Zeedijk is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and liveliest streets, located near the Nieuwmarkt in the city center. Once part of the city’s defensive sea dike, it has transformed over the centuries into a vibrant area known for its cultural diversity, historic landmarks, and bustling atmosphere.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • On sunny days, please wear sunscreen, as cruising on water can get hot
  • On cold days, please wear warm, clothes, as cruising on water can get cold
  • We only serve alcoholic drinks for travellers 18 years old and above (proof of ID can be asked for). Minor travellers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drink

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-463549P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.96
5,058 reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 5,058 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
4,923
4 stars
106
3 stars
18
2 stars
5
1 star
6

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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Digitial booklet in 8 languages: English French,German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian,Dutch & Chinese
  • Cruise with the proud winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2025!
  • English speaking guide
  • Snacks
  • Alcoholic beveragesa (Non) alcoholic beverage can be booked as optional

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Departure point right in front of Central Station
  • The route may vary each time depending on external factors.
  • On the day itself (depending on the weather conditions) we decide to cruise with an open or half open boat (with shelter for rain).
  • On sunny days, please wear sunscreen, as cruising on water can get hot
  • On cold days, please wear warm, clothes, as cruising on water can get cold
  • We only serve alcoholic drinks for travellers 18 years old and above (proof of ID can be asked for). Minor travellers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drink
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
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