Amsterdam, Netherlands - Canal Boat Tour Shore Excursion Reivew
Amsterdam is a city best seen from the water, and for cruisers visiting on a tight schedule, a canal boat tour is an ideal way to experience its charm. During our one-day stop in Amsterdam in September on a cruise from Reykjavik to Southampton aboard the Norwegian Prima, we wanted to make the most of our time in port. With so many historic sites and picturesque neighborhoods to explore, we decided that a canal cruise would give us a great overview of the city before venturing out on foot.
Learn more and book this Canal Boat Tour
Why We Chose a Small-Group Canal Tour
With countless canal boat tours available, we knew we didn’t want to be crammed onto a large boat with 50 other people. We also didn’t want a quick one-hour ride that barely scratched the surface. After comparing options, we booked a two-hour small-group cruise through Viator, which offered a more intimate experience, ample time on the water, and better value than the tours sold by the cruise line. The smaller group size meant we could ask questions, hear the guide easily, and enjoy a more personalized experience.
If you’re planning to visit multiple museums and attractions in Amsterdam, consider the I Amsterdam City Pass, which includes free admission to many sites and also provides a complimentary one-hour canal tour. If you’re already purchasing the pass for discounts on museums and other attractions, taking the included canal tour is a great way to maximize your savings.
This tour also had multiple departure time options, allowing us to be flexible with our schedule. We chose a late morning time slot so that we could explore on our way to the departure point without feeling rushed.
Meeting Point and Logistics
Our tour departed from the Jordaan district, a pleasant 30-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The company provided clear directions ahead of time, making it easy to find our way. Some tours leave from more tourist-heavy areas like Centraal Station or near Dam Square, but we appreciated starting in a quieter, more local-feeling neighborhood.
One thing to note: many canal tours in Amsterdam are not hop-on, hop-off style. You typically stay on the boat for the full duration of the tour, so make sure to use the restroom beforehand and bring anything you might need.
A Comfortable and Relaxing Ride
On the day of our tour, the weather was perfect—65 degrees and sunny, which is rare for Amsterdam. The boat was designed for small groups (up to 12 passengers), and on our ride, there were only 10 people. Unlike larger tourist boats, this one had comfortable seating and an open-air design. If the weather isn’t great, clear tops and sides are added to the boat for a comfortable ride.
As we cruised through the canals, we passed by historic bridges, 17th-century canal houses, and iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House. The city’s canals stretch over 100 kilometers and include more than 1,500 bridges, making them one of the best ways to see Amsterdam’s layout and architecture. While there are unique areas and districts in Amsterdam, much of it looks similar to the first-time tourist. This boat tour was a great way to see the differences in architecture between the various neighborhoods without having to traverse the entire city.
A Knowledgeable Local Guide Makes a Difference
Our captain, Charlotte, was a fantastic guide. As a lifelong Amsterdam resident, she provided historical context, fun anecdotes, and insider tips about the city. She explained why Amsterdam’s canal houses are so narrow (taxes used to be based on the width of your home), how houseboats became a solution to the city’s housing shortages, and why bicycles seem to outnumber people.
Having a guide who is both informative and engaging makes a big difference on these tours. Some larger boat tours might rely on pre-recorded audio guides, but the ability to ask questions and hear real local stories added a lot to our experience.
Snacks, Drinks, and a Laid-Back Atmosphere
Unlike shorter cruises that don’t include refreshments, this tour offered a selection of snacks and drinks. We enjoyed Dutch cheeses, fresh fruit, croissants, and stroopwafels. There was also a selection of beverages—coffee, sodas, beer, wine, champagne, and even Dutch gin. We opted for mimosas while gliding through the canals, which added a nice touch to the experience.
A Great Way to See the City—Especially During Tulip Season
Sailing through Amsterdam’s canals allowed us to see a variety of neighborhoods and landmarks without the exhaustion of walking all day. Since we had more time after the tour, we used it as a way to decide which areas we wanted to explore further on foot.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam during tulip season (late March to early May), a canal cruise is even more spectacular. The city is in full bloom, with colorful tulip displays lining the streets, bridges, and window boxes. We would love to return to Amsterdam during tulip season to experience the vibrant atmosphere firsthand.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
For cruisers visiting Amsterdam, we highly recommend this two-hour small-group canal boat tour. It struck the perfect balance between relaxation and sightseeing, allowing us to experience the city’s charm without the hassle of navigating through crowds on foot. The small group size, knowledgeable guide, and included refreshments made it feel like a more premium experience compared to the standard large-group tours.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, enjoyable way to see the highlights of Amsterdam in a short time, this is a great option. Whether you’re stopping in Amsterdam on a river cruise or an ocean cruise, a canal tour is one of the best ways to explore the city from a unique perspective.
For more tips on making the most of your time in Amsterdam, check out our Amsterdam Port Guide!
