Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise (1+ hr)
Open Boat Canal Cruise: How Does That Work?
More and more traditional canal tours are now offered on large open-air boats. Some of these are completely renovated lifeboats, while others have been newly built for this purpose. Compared to standard canal cruises on large tour boats, the seating arrangements on these open-air boats are less rigid. Additionally, the view is better than from a large tour boat with a roof. And with a local guide on board, the sightseeing experience becomes more personalized.
For comparing canal cruises on open-air boats, please refer to the overview below, which includes brief profiles of all individual companies, along with pictures of their boats.
Open Boat Canal Cruise – the Pros
- Efficient: good impression in a short time
- With skipper and guide
- Drinks on board
Open Boat Canal Cruise – the Cons
- More expensive than a large tour boat
- Dependent on the season
- No fun in the rain
Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruises
Open Boat Tour with Local Guide & Bar by Mokumboot (from Central Station)
This open boat tour combines the best of the Amsterdam canals with the highlights of the Amstel River. Grab some pillows and relax on this eco-friendly electric boat. Order a drink from the bar and listen to the stories told by the knowledgeable local guide. Mokumboot boasts outstanding reviews on Google and Tripadvisor, provides blankets and ponchos if needed, and offers very flexible conditions (reschedule or cancel up to 2 hours in advance).
Flagship Open Boat Tour from Rijksmuseum
This one-hour canal tour on Flagship’s open boat is very popular and highly rated. The location is close to the Museum Quarter, Vondelpark and Leidseplein. The view from the open boat is always good, the cushions are comfortable, and the guides are extremely nice and informative. There is a bar on board where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Truly relaxing and comfortable!
Flagship Open Boat Tour from Central Station
Flagship also offers trips with their open boats directly from Central Station. With live commentary and a bar on board, this one-hour tour is both relaxing and informative. From the open boat, you have a great view of all the highlights on your way, including the UNESCO area and the Skinny Bridge over the Amstel river. Highly recommended!
Stromma Open Boat Tour
The Stromma Open Boat Tour departs near Central Station and takes 75 minutes. On top of the main canals it also includes some smaller canals. The skipper is your guide, providing interesting information about the Amsterdam canals in English.
Boat Amsterdam
Boat Amsterdam offers relaxed 70 minutes open boat tours from its central location in front of the Amsterdam Hermitage. Free drinks and a guide on board are included.
Friendship Open Boat Canal Cruises
Friendship Amsterdam offers canal tours in a relaxed atmosphere on four distinctive open boats. Each boat can take up to approximately 50 people. The location of Friendship stands out: their boat tours start and end in the Red Light District.
Blue Sky Boat Canal Cruises
The Blue Sky Boat is owned by Blue Boat Company. This is a refurbished lifeboat that goes out several times a day during summer. The 75 minute tour starts and ends at their dock near Leidseplein, Museum Quarter and Vondelpark.
Those Dam Boat Guys Open Boat Tours
Those Damn Boat Guys are the most unconventional and slightly rebellious canal tour company. They offer an entertaining, humorous and relatively long (90 minutes) boat tour that starts and ends near the Anne Frank House. Open boats in summer, covered in winter.
Lovers Small Boat Cruise
Flagship Open Boat Tour from Anne Frank House
Flagship’s open canal boats also depart from the Anne Frank House. From the open boat, you have a beautiful view of the canals in the city center. Along the way, the guide shares funny and informative tidbits. You can order your favorite drink and a snack at the onboard bar. So sit back, relax and enjoy!