Private Boat Tours in Amsterdam
A private boat tour in Amsterdam; what’s that like?
For a private boat tour, without any others on board, there are two options. The most economical option by far is to rent a self-drive boat. However, that comes with a couple of restrictions: these boats are small, a skipper is not included, the location is fixed and there is no catering. If you want a more customised boat tour and don’t fancy driving yourself, or if you want to take a large group on one boat, then you should rent a private boat with a skipper. The skipper can pick you up and drop you off wherever you like and you can enjoy catered food and drinks. The duration is up to you and -if you want- you may also choose the route. Below is our selection of decent private boat tours. For the luxury version of a private boat tour, please have a look at our luxury/VIP private canal tour section.
Pros of a private boat tour
- Just your group and the skipper
- Flexible in duration, routes and stops
- Many catering options
Cons of a private boat tour
- Not allowed to drive yourself
- Relatively expensive for small groups
- Difficult to organise on short notice
Our selection for private boat tours with skipper in Amsterdam

‘Marie Zurlohe’: classic, elegant boat for special occasions
Are you looking for an exceptionally beautiful boat for an intimate and well-organized cruise with a maximum of 12 people? Then Marie Zurlohe is the perfect choice for you. On this elegant lady of age (over a century old), you’ll cruise the Amsterdam canals in utmost style, whisper-quiet, and with excellent service. It’s ideal for a lunch or dinner with colleagues or business guests. Or privately, if you have something truly worth celebrating!

Large Canal Tour Boat Anna Maria
Anna Maria is the perfect boat for a large group canal tour. Up to 60 people can enjoy drinks at the bar and food varying from snack to exquisite diners. Of course this boat has a toilet, a heating and music on board. A great feature is the flexible roof, which allows for open air boating when the weather is nice.

Affordable Private Tour in Historical Boat (1,5 hours with max. 10 pax)
This historic saloon boat is a very attractive option for groups seeking affordable luxury. Your tour starts and ends in the city center, in front of the H’ART Museum (formerly known as Hermitage). In 1,5 hours you get to see the best of the Amsterdam canals. The skipper speaks English and drinks are included.

Private Open Lounge Boat for Groups up to 12 People
On this open lounge boat you and your group will have the best views on the Amsterdam canals during your two hour tour. This electric boat has large lounge cushions, a toilet on board and an English speaking skipper. You can buy your drinks on board.

Large Open Boat for Private Amsterdam Canal Tours (max. 25 pax.)
This large electric boat can take up to 25 people on a private 2 hour Amsterdam canal tour. It has cushions and a toilet on board and an English speaking skipper. You may bring your own snacks and drinks, or arrange these in advance with the boat operator. The roof can be removed if the weather is nice, and closed in case of rain.

‘Zonneboot’ Private Boat Tour

‘Suzanne’ Private Boat Tour
The Suzanne combines the design of a vintage saloon boat with the materials, practicality and comfort of a newly built boat. The hull is made from blank aluminium and the propulsion is electric. The roof has a very clever construction. It allows for an open roof when the weather is nice, and in case of rain the roof will close so all (max. 24) passengers stay dry. This is the only saloon boat that does not require a minimal rental period of two hours and lets you bring your own food and drinks. The Suzanne has a toilet, heating and music on board.

‘Sloepvrienden’ Private Boat Tour
This sturdy, newly built aluminium lifeboat offers excellent value for money for large groups (maximum 43 people). Although the boat has a partial cover, you may cancel for free of charge in case of rain. Catering is provided for on demand. Alternatively, it is also allowed to bring your own food and drinks, which is rather exceptional. There is a toilet on board.

Open private boat with skipper ‘Haarlemmerpoort’
The Haarlemmerpoort is a spacious open boat. After a first life as a sturdy lifeboat now it’s serving as a comfortable electric tour boat on the Amsterdam canals. Ideal for private parties up to 32 people. Enjoy the views, the finger food and the drinks on board. Generous cancellation policy in case of bad weather.

Canal Barge Bota Fogo
Boaty Bootverhuur ligt aan de zuidkant van het centrum, op loopafstand van het Museumplein, de Albert Cuypmarkt, de Heineken Experience en de RAI. Je kunt bij Boaty twee soorten bootjes huren: volledig open of gedeeltelijk overkapt met zonnepanelen. Boaty heeft maar 12 bootjes beschikbaar. Om zeker te zijn dat er een boot beschikbaar is, raden we je aan vooraf online te reserveren.
Bota Fogo Canal Barge