Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Open Boat & Unlimited Drinks

An hour on Amsterdam's canals, from water level

You board at either Anne Frank House or Central Station and spend one hour on a glass-topped electric boat gliding through Amsterdam's main canals with live skipper commentary. The route covers the Westerkerk, Magere Brug, Herengracht, and the Amstel, with photo stops built into the pace. If you add the unlimited drinks option, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included for the full hour. You're back on dry land within 60 minutes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Amsterdam canal cruise sightseeing

• Depart from Anne Frank House
• Cruise past Westerkerk
• Pass through Negen Straatjes
• Glide along Jordaan neighborhood
• Cruise past Hermitage Museum
• See De Bijenkorf department store
• View Amsterdam Canal Ring
• Pass Magere Brug bridge
• See Amstel River
• Pass Damrak street
• Return to Anne Frank House

The experience

The boat's smaller than you'd expect. That's the point. You're not packed in with fifty others. There's room to move, to lean against the rail, to actually see what the skipper's pointing out. The glass roof means you stay dry if the weather turns, but it's open enough that you don't feel trapped. Depending on which departure you pick (Anne Frank House or Central Station) the route shifts slightly, but both versions spend the full hour threading through the UNESCO-listed canal ring, past the Westerkerk, the Magere Brug, and into the quieter stretches where the city's older stories live in the building facades.

The skipper does the talking, and it's not the rushed kind. You'll hear about the architecture, the history layered into each bridge and gable, the way Amsterdam actually works from the water. The Herengracht, the Amstel, the Jordaan neighborhood sliding past. These aren't just names on a map anymore. They're places you're moving through, seeing the light hit them. If you pick the unlimited drinks option, there's Heineken, wine, sodas, and water flowing the whole time, which changes the mood a bit. It becomes less "tick the box" sightseeing and more like you're just there, taking it in.

The electric boat is quiet enough that you can actually hear the skipper without straining, and it moves at a pace that lets you photograph without feeling rushed. An hour sounds short until you're on the water and realize how much of the canal ring you can cover when you're not walking. The boat accommodates all fitness levels (you're sitting the whole time), and service animals are welcome if you're traveling with one. Infants need to sit on an adult's lap, which is standard for boats this size.

What’s included

• Your cruise includes one hour on an electric glass-topped boat with live English commentary from the skipper.
• If you select the unlimited drinks option, water, sodas, Heineken beer, and wine are included for the full duration.
• The route covers the Amsterdam Canal Ring, passing landmarks like the Westerkerk, Magere Brug, Herengracht, and the Amstel River, with multiple photo moments.
• You depart from either the Anne Frank House or Central Station, depending on your choice.

Options for this experience

6 options

Guide in English or Dutch41 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 21:00

Departs from Anne Frank House, no drinksGuide in English or Dutch · 37 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 20:00Boards near the Anne Frank House; drinks not included in this option.

Departs Leidseplein, no drinksGuide in English or Dutch · 42 departure times: the first at 10:15, the last at 21:00Boards at Leidseplein, next to the Rosewood Hotel; drinks not included in this option.

See 3 more options

Departs Central Station, drinks includedGuide in English or Dutch · 45 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 21:00Boards at Central Station, with drinks included.

Departs from Anne Frank House, drinks includedGuide in English or Dutch · 49 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 22:00Boards near the Anne Frank House, with drinks included.

Departs Leidseplein, drinks includedGuide in English or Dutch · 40 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 21:30Boards at Leidseplein, next to the Rosewood Hotel, with drinks included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day49 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 22:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by KINboat

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see Amsterdam's main canals without a long walking tour or crowded group experience. The one-hour duration fits easily into a morning or afternoon, and the glass-topped boat means you stay comfortable whatever the weather does.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the Amsterdam canal cruise?

One hour. The boat departs from either the Anne Frank House or Central Station and covers the main UNESCO-listed canals during that time.

What's included in the unlimited drinks option?

Water, sodas, Heineken beer, and wine. It's available for the full duration of the cruise if you select it when booking.

Can I bring a service animal on the boat?

Yes, service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Is the boat covered or open?

It's a glass-topped electric boat, so you're protected from rain but still have an open-air feel. The design keeps you dry without feeling enclosed.

Do I need to be fit to do this cruise?

No. The cruise is suitable for all fitness levels since you're seated the entire time.

Which departure point should I choose?

Both routes cover the canal ring. The Anne Frank House departure focuses on the historic western canals and Jordaan, while Central Station takes you through the Red Light District and past the National Maritime Museum. Choose based on what's closer to you or what you want to see.

Is there live commentary during the cruise?

Yes. A knowledgeable skipper provides live commentary in English about Amsterdam's history, culture, and architecture throughout the hour.

Can I take photos during the cruise?

Yes. The pace of the boat allows for photography, and there are sightseeing moments built into the route.