Book a Tour Amsterdam didn’t begin with a business plan. It began with a simple act of care.
Years ago, Marc “Paap” Paping built a small boat so he could take his dear friend Ariane onto the water after illness made it difficult for her to move around the city. He didn’t spend months planning or analysing. He simply wanted to help someone he loved, and the canals offered a way to bring some joy back into her days.
People noticed them on the water. They waved, asked questions, and often wanted to join. What began as a private moment of friendship slowly became something others could experience too.
And really, that’s where the heart of this company was formed.
To give Ariane somewhere to stay, Paap built a second floor on his houseboat. But he soon realised that if she could sit comfortably on a boat, she could enjoy the whole city again. And so he bought a small boat with a roof, placed her onboard, and watched her face light up as the canals passed quietly around them.
Friends began joining, then friends of friends, and eventually people standing at the canal edge would ask if they could come along. The moment someone sat with their legs dangling over the water, they always wanted to see more.
That simple truth became a kind of code for Paap.
It was never about tourism. It was about giving people a calm place to be together.
What began slowly became steady, and eventually grew into a small, heartfelt business. People asked more often, the phone rang more frequently, and what started as a single act of kindness became a way to help many.
Carla joined the journey not long after. At first she helped on board and around the boats, but she soon became part of the heart of the company — bringing warmth, hosting, and the organisation needed to grow something built on care.
Together they welcomed couples, families, locals with visitors, and anyone looking for a calmer way to see the city. The business grew not from marketing, but from people telling others about the experience they’d had on the water.
But even with growth, the core feeling has stayed the same: calm moments, warm stories, and a sense that someone is taking good care of you.
Today, Book a Tour Amsterdam still carries the same intention it began with: to show people the quiet, beautiful side of the canals and to welcome them like friends.
Ariane is doing much better now and still joins the family tradition whenever she can. Paap continues to restore boats, improve comfort, and create little touches that make each tour feel personal. And Carla ensures the hospitality and warmth remain at the centre of everything.
Guests still step aboard for the same reasons as the very first riders:
to slow down, to see the city differently, and to feel looked after for a little while.
This is the spirit the company is built on — a family story that continues to grow in its own gentle way.
Owner and operator since 2007. Paap has been sailing such a long time and…
Started working as the web designer, now she does everything behind the scenes. Managerial and Marketing. She has been working here since 2015.
Harald has been on our team in the back office since two years and helps us with customer contact and making the systems run better.
Skipper Alex has started working here two years ago. Originally from the Ukraine, with a background in hospitality and hosting.
Skipper Deep has been working with us for more than 6 years. He also has travelled the world on a sailing ship. And loves to research history of Amsterdam.
Skipper Lucas has been with us 3 years. He loves to sail with the boat and knows all the good restaurants in Amsterdam.
“The highlight of our trip. Felt like sailing with a friend.”
“Cosy, calm, and perfect for kids.”
“Dog friendly and so welcoming.”
