Summary of Canal Tours in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is renowned for its extensive waterways, and embarking on a canal tour is an essential experience that visitors should not overlook. Each Amsterdam canal tour presents breathtaking views; however, most travelers often find it worthwhile to opt for a more personalized live-narrated experience instead of the standard “mass” tour with pre-recorded audio commentary. Below, we have highlighted some distinctive options.
Unique Canal Tours
- Plastic Whale
Best for: Tours that enlighten visitors regarding the city’s waterways and environmental conservation.
During a Plastic Whale tour, participants have the unique opportunity to engage in a meaningful activity—collecting plastic waste from the historic canals. Alternatively, guests may enjoy the live commentary while appreciating the surroundings. The collected plastic waste contributes to the construction of the very electric boats utilized for these tours, which is a point of pride for the organization. Tours commence from Het Grachtenhuis. - Those Dam Boat Guys
Best for: Intimate, alternative canal explorations of the city.
These tours diverge from traditional experiences through their welcoming atmosphere and lively commentary, led by enthusiastic expatriates passionate about their adopted city. Although the tours do not promote themselves as party boats, they foster a convivial environment reminiscent of a local café. - KINboat
Best for: Engaging renditions of the classic city canal experience aboard electric vessels.
Since its inception in 2015, KINboat has enhanced the standard canal tour, with personable captains navigating classic routes on comfortable electric boats. Group tours are available for 75 or 90 minutes, departing from Amsterdam Central Station. Private vessels and catered experiences, including lunch tours on the water, are also offered. - Leemster Canal Cruises
Best for: Enthusiasts of classic boating experiences.
This option caters to boat aficionados, featuring a 75-minute journey on a beautifully maintained wooden saloon boat, acclaimed as the most aesthetically pleasing tour vessel on Amsterdam’s canals. With a capacity of up to 12 passengers, the skipper, often the company owner, provides narrative insights as they navigate the waterways. Departure times are flexible; reservations can be made via a phone call, email, or SMS.
Conventional Canal Tours
These established operators specialize in traditional routes, showcasing key attractions throughout the city. Several of them also offer food-themed tours and combo cruises that include museum entries. The principal advantages of these conventional operators lie in their frequent departure schedules and competitive pricing from central urban locations. However, the popularity of these tours often results in crowded experiences, and the fixed routes with pre-recorded commentary may detract from the individuality of the experience.
- Blue Boat Company
Blue Boat is a quintessential canal tour provider offering a range of distinct experiences, including the only children’s canal tour in the city, which invites youngsters on a “freshwater pirate” adventure while their guardians enjoy standard commentary. - Canal Company
This operator provides one-hour tours that depart from the Damrak, near Amsterdam Central Station (CS). Additionally, the company offers a Harbour Cruise that explores the IJ River and Port of Amsterdam, along with a hop-on, hop-off Canal Bus service and self-paddled “Canal Bikes.” - Lovers
Similar to other traditional tour operators, Lovers presents a classic one-hour tour departing from a location across from Amsterdam CS, alongside catered cruises and a hop-on, hop-off service. - Rederij P. Kooij
Established in 1922, P. Kooij might be the longest-serving Amsterdam canal tour operator, offering competitive pricing for its standard tours. At the time this was written, it featured the most affordable one-hour canal tour and follows a route similar to its competitors. Tours set forth from the southern Binnenstad, at Rokin opposite number 125. - Amsterdam Canal Cruises
Offering classic tours with departures from the southern sector of the city (De Pijp) at Stadshouderskade—across from the Heineken Brewery and just a short walk from the Vondelpark (to the west) and the Albert Cuypmarkt (to the east).
