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

• 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.

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

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.