amsterdam canal boat tour

Heart-shaped logo of Book a Tour Amsterdam, combining Amsterdam flag and water of the Amsterdam canals
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Appreciate our 90-minute Amsterdam
canal boat tour

See the highlights of the city’s waterways in our 90-minute Amsterdam canal boat tour.

See the best of Amsterdam in Style

As thrilling as it can be to strike up a conversation with a friendly stranger, sometimes you just want a more private get together without new faces around. This 90-Minute private canal tour offers you the best view of Amsterdam’s canals.

Whether it’s with your colleagues and clients or family and friends, we can help you create an unforgettable experience. 

Have romance on your mind? With no one else there to infringe on your alone time, our 90-Minute private canal tour is ideal for couples looking for an amorous evening as well. 

This was a great canal cruise!!! It was so nice to have a private canal tour among all the crowds. Very fairly priced for an excellent ride through the beautiful city of Amsterdam. The boat was clean and the driver exceptionally friendly and informative. I only wish I'd booked a second tour!!

Why should you choose us?

We are one of the leading companies for boat tours in Amsterdam. We’ve been sailing the canals for 15 years. Our local tour guide has more than 20 years of experience. 

LOVE FOR THE CITY

We love this city and want to share our passion for the city with you.

You have direct access to a local skipper who will be happy to tell you all about the city of Amsterdam.

DISCOVER NEW AREAS

We don’t have a set route. Every time you sail with us, you can see and hear something different. Every tour is shaped by your questions and the imagination of your skipper.

Discover the places the regular boat tours don’t show you.

COMFORTABLE

Our boats are intimate, luxurious, and wonderfully quiet, so you can enjoy the city in comfort and style. The boat tour is completely private and customizable. Electric boat, which makes our tour peaceful and quiet. Fridge available for your snacks and drinks.

 

The private canal tour is recommended on:

Google rating for Amsterdam private boat tours

TripAdvisor

Indulge on this amazing private canal tour

Private boat tour through Amsterdam's scenic canals
Smiling guests enjoying private Amsterdam canal tour inside comfortable boat

There’s nothing better than cruising the canals with your family, friends, colleagues or your loved one. Make that trip of a lifetime!

Comfortable interior of private Amsterdam tour boat

Private Canal Tour in Amsterdam

Explore the city’s renowned canals with your best friends, family members, or a special someone. Tour the enchanting canals of the Jordaan neighborhood as well as the famous canal district. 

Duration: 1.5 hour

Availability: daily between 10AM and 10PM

Price*: From €135 / 1.5 hour on weekdays / Sundays, From €180 on Saturdays
*above 6 guests there’s an extra fee per person: €22,50 on weekdays & Sundays / €30 on Saturdays

Amount of guests: Maximum 10 guests

Departure time: Daily Departure between 10AM and 10PM (Subject to availability)

Start and end location: We will pick you up for your private canal tour at address: Prinsengracht 397 or location of your choice. Drop off in Amsterdam city-center or your hotel.

Sun-drenched Amsterdam tour boat with happy guests, sailing dynamically to the right on canal

Find out more about Amsterdam’s rich history from your experienced local skipper and tour guide “Skipper Paap”, who will happily answer all of your questions. Unlike many other tours, this 90-Minute private canal tour has no set route. This means every tour is uniquely shaped by your questions and preferences, as well as the 20+ years experience of your skipper.

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What guests love about our private canal tour

This was a great canal tour!!! It was so nice to have a private tour among all the crowds. Very fairly priced for an excellent ride through the beautiful city of Amsterdam. The boat was clean and the driver exceptionally friendly and informative. I only wish I'd booked a second tour!!
Samantha
One of the best if not the best canal tours in Amsterdam. We have booked twice with different age groups and have not been disappointed. Knowledgeable and friendly captains. Can’t wait to bring our next set of visitors on another tour.
Paul
You simply can't go wrong with this one. Simply put, it was the best canal tour of Amsterdam without a lot of fuss.
Brent
A super nice and interesting canal tour all around amsterdam. I 100% recommend it for everyone, tourists to take a canal cruise to know more about amsterdam, but also for locals just to enjoy their time ! Thanks for having us.
Julia
It was a great canal tour. I can only recommend. This was not a mass tourism event, but something beautiful. Our skipper was very nice and friendly. We will always remember this beautiful day in Amsterdam.
Harald

Tour the Canal Tour of a Lifetime!

Skipper Paap, experienced Amsterdam canal tour guide

Meet Your Skipper and Guide

Hi, my name is Paap

I started touring the canals 12 years ago and have lived in Amsterdam for over 25 years.

I started sailing because one of my friends got sick and I wanted to show her around the city after her rehabilitation.

Getting around in a wheelchair can be a hassle in the small streets. So I decided to buy a boat.

All of my friends thought it was a cool idea and went on boat trips with me.

Then I started to invite strangers on board and the rest is history. 

Read the full story how Paap started his private canal tours in Amsterdam.

Additional Information about your private canal tour

On this private canal tour, you’ll spend 1.5 hours on the water. 
Please dress according to the weather. It can change quickly in Amsterdam, so layers are always best!
The canal tour will continue in all weather conditions except for strong winds. If you need to cancel, please do so at least 4 hours prior to your tour’s scheduled start time. Read our terms and conditions.
Please make your tour reservation at least 24 hours before your preferred start time.”

We can pick you up at the following locations in Amsterdam (click on links for Google Map directions):

● Centrale Canal District (Prinsengracht 375)

● Singel North (Singel 5)

● Singel South (flower market) (Singel 446)

● De Roode Hoed (Keizersgracht 100)

● Dam Square (Singel 258)

● Haarlemmerstreet shopping (Herenmarkt)

● Leidseplein square (Leidsekade 101)

● Museum van Loon (Keizersgracht 672)

● Golden Bend (Herengracht 466)

● Utrechtsestraat shopping (Amstelveld 10)

● Rembrandt square (Amstel 178)

● Hermitage museum (Amstel 51)

● Cityhall / Stopera (Amstel 180)

● Carré theatre(Amstel 115)

● Café Waterkant (Marnixstraat 246)

● Jordaan district (Lijnbaansgracht 156)

● Heineken Experience (Stadhouderskade 78)

● Waterlooplein square (Zwanenburgwal 36)

● Central Station (Stationsplein 51 – 53)

● Museum district (Museumstraat 1)

  • Private canal cruise in Amsterdam (1,5 hour time duration)
  • We take requests for certain areas to sail in
  • Experienced skipper and tour guide
  • Comfortable electric boat
  • Fridge available on board, to keep your snacks and drinks cool

What to expect on your private canal tour

On this incredible 90-Minute private canal tour, you’ll experience the dreamy canals of Amsterdam like never before.  Join skipper Paap on his popular cruise through the picturesque canals of Amsterdam’s peaceful Jordaan area. We can conveniently adapt the tour to your wishes and needs, making this a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Perhaps you have a dinner reservation and would like to be whisked away straight from the restaurant after dessert. Or maybe you’d like to stretch your legs at one of the city’s many famed museums after your time on the water. No problem! We can adjust the departure and drop off locations according to your schedule. 

Additionally, if there’s anything specific on your Amsterdam bucket list that you’d like to see during your time on the canals, you can discuss this with your skipper. As long as it fits within the timeframe of the 90-Minute private canal tour, we are happy to work it into your tour. This tour is truly the best way to make the most of your time in the city with the help of charismatic and experienced locals. There is really no other experience in Amsterdam quite like it! Without a doubt, you will create memories on this canal cruise that you’ll treasure for years to come.

About our boats

Our boats are intimate, luxurious, and peaceful, so you can enjoy the city in comfort and style. The 90-Minute private canal tour is completely customizable. Your local tour guide boasts more than 20 years of experience and can easily help you create a unique route. 

Our lovely boat is electric, which makes it quiet enough for you to hear the gentle lapping of the water. The boat also features a retractable roof, so you’ll be comfortable whatever the weather. 

A fridge is handily available for your snacks and drinks, which you are welcome to bring on board. With all these fabulous features in mind, it’s no wonder that we are one of the leading companies for canal tours in Amsterdam!

  • Family Owned & Operated
  • Specialized Skipper/Guide
  • Licensed & Insured Company
  • All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Discover the magic of the Amsterdam canals

Boat tour guests enjoying sunny day on Oudeschans canal, historic Montelbaanstoren in background
Sunny Amsterdam canal with historic warehouses, red shutters, and houseboats under blue sky with clouds

Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy during your tour! And yes, we are a dog-friendly tour.

Smiling guests on Amsterdam boat tour, one holding small dog

Ready to join me on the 90-Minute private canal tour?

See the canals of Amsterdam like never before. Join skipper Paap on his cruise through the small canals of Amsterdam. We can adapt the canal tour to your wishes and needs. This will be an experience that you will appreciate.

The price* is from 135 € / hour on weekdays & Sundays and €180 on Saturdays.
*above 6 guests there’s an extra fee per person: €22,50 on weekdays & Sundays / €30 on Saturdays.
Click the button below to book your spot!

Book Now!

"Thank you for one of the best family memories ever!!!"

Enjoy the Private Canal Tour of a Lifetime!

Questions You May Have

Most frequent questions and answers

We have a maximum of 10 guests per tour. This includes children.

We have a variety of locations where we can pick you up. Please refer to the ‘Recommended pickup locations’ list below for further information.

If your location (restaurant, hotel, museum, home address) is not in the list, you can always ask us for info on the nearest location.

Recommended pick up locations:

Yes, we love meeting your furry friends!

Skipper Paap is in popular demand and we totally understand why!  

However, Skipper Paap cannot be in two places at once. This means that some tours will be guided by one of our other talented skippers. 

Don’t worry, though! All of our skippers are equally skilled, knowledgeable, and professional. You will be in excellent hands no matter who you set sail with on your tour.

1. Do you offer catering on board?

We do not offer catering on board, but you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks for no additional fee. 

2. Are we allowed to bring some wine?

Wine not? Okay sorry. Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks on board, including wine or beer. 

3. Will you have a wine opener?
Yes, we have a wine opener on board. We always got you covered!

4. Glasses?
We have plastic glasses because glassware is not permitted on board. No need to to bring your own.

5. Will there be soft drinks available?
We may have San Pellegrino or Coca Cola soft drinks on board. As we can’t guarantee what will be stocked on the day of your tour, you are always encouraged to bring your own.

Yes, you are allowed to bring a stroller.

Our boat is very comfortable in all weather and can be closed on all sides.

Additionally, our seats are heated and we offer cabin heating.

If you still wish to cancel despite these accommodations, we understand and will offer you a refund.

Please cancel at least 4 hours before the tour is scheduled to depart.

Firstly, thank you for choosing us to help plan this special moment! We are honored to assist you in planning the perfect proposal.
 
For proposals, we recommend booking a 1-hour tour. The skipper will pick you and your loved one up at this location: Prinsengracht 397. 
 
You’ll then sail to a beautiful location where you can carry out the proposal.
 
We’ll discuss a specific song beforehand that functions as a cue for you to start the proposal. We also offer you a complimentary bottle of Cava to celebrate!
 
The price of the tour is €90 on weekdays and Sunday. On Saturday, the tour is €120.
 
We’re also able to provide a bouquet of red roses for an additional surcharge of €25.
 
Our skipper will also be delighted to photograph the proposal so you can return to this magical memory for years to come! 

Unfortunately, we do not have a wheelchair elevator on board and the boat is not big enough to place a wheelchair.

There are a few steps as you get on the boat that can feel steep to some. We are happy to assist you as you board to ensure that you feel safe.

Depending on the pick-up location, there are likely to be some steps that you’ll need to walk down to access the boat. You can always contact us to request a more accesable pick-up location if needed. 

There are a few places in Amsterdam where you can park. For parking in the city center, the Marnixstraat garage is your best bet. We can even pick you up for your canal tour at a dock located right beside the garage. 

We do not offer catered dinner cruises, but you are very welcome to bring your own food on board. We’ve had guests bring sushi platters, pizza feasts, charcuterie spreads, and more! The possibilites are open to your imagination.  

We have hosted many company tours with great success. There’s no better team-building activity than setting sail on the canals with your colleagues!

Naturally, we offer a tax invoice for your administration. 

Although it’s possible, it would be a very long tour (minimum 4 hours) and quite pricey. We can, of course, discuss this with you if you’re determined! Please contact us directly. 

Let's Sail Together!

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Enjoy the Private Canal Tour of a Lifetime!