Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Small Group Electric Boat Tour

Summary

Float past canal houses, bridges and museums in Amsterdam

You’ll float through Amsterdam’s canal ring on a small electric boat with Captain Jack, passing landmarks like the Skinny Bridge and Rijksmuseum while hearing local stories. Enjoy drinks onboard, cozy blankets if it gets chilly, and moments where the city feels close enough to touch. It’s relaxed, personal—and somehow makes Amsterdam feel both grand and familiar at once.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how low we sat on the water, almost eye-level with the old canal bricks. Captain Jack (yes, that’s really what he calls himself) waved us aboard with this easy grin, like he’d just been waiting for us to show up. There were only eight of us—felt more like joining a friend’s boat than a tour. The cushions were soft enough that I actually forgot about my sore feet from walking all morning. Someone behind me pointed out the smell of fresh waffles drifting over from Waterlooplein Market as we set off. I didn’t expect that.

We drifted under the Skinny Bridge right as two cyclists stopped above us to kiss—Jack laughed and said it’s supposed to bring luck if you do it there. He told stories about the Jordaan neighborhood and how all those street names come from flowers or trees. At one point he slowed down so we could see inside a houseboat window (someone’s cat just watching us float by). The canal ring looked different from water level—Rijksmuseum rising up in the distance, Spiegelkwartier’s antique shops reflected in little ripples. It was quieter than I thought it would be, except for the odd bike bell or someone shouting in Dutch from a terrace.

I tried to order a drink in Dutch—Jack corrected me gently but still poured an extra splash into my glass (“for courage,” he winked). The sun came out halfway through and suddenly everything felt warmer; blankets got tossed aside and people started pointing at things they recognized from postcards—the Houseboat Museum, Leiden Square with its jumble of bars. We passed under bridges so close you could almost touch them if you stretched your arm out (don’t do it though, Jack warned). Sometimes he’d pause his stories just to let us listen to the city—a church bell echoing somewhere behind Westerkerk, or kids laughing along Prinsengracht.

I still think about that view back toward the Rijksmuseum as we looped around—the light catching on old windows, everyone quiet for a second like we all realized at once how old this city really is. The cruise ended back near Jordaan but nobody seemed ready to get off yet; maybe because it felt less like ticking off sights and more like being let in on something local. So yeah, if you want a day trip through Amsterdam’s canals that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded—and includes comfy seats and blankets—this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam canal cruise highlights

• Board Captain Jack’s cruise
• Cruise past Skinny Bridge
• See Amsterdam Canal Ring
• Pass Rijksmuseum
• Explore Jordaan area
• View Prinsengracht canal
• Pass Houseboat Museum
• See Leiden Square entertainment area
• Pass Spiegelkwartier galleries
• View Westerkerk church
• Pass Royal Theatre Carré
• See Hermitage Amsterdam
• Cross Blauwbrug bridge
• Pass Dutch National Opera
• View Zuiderkerk church
• Pass New Market Square
• See Amsterdam Cheese Museum
• Return to Jordaan area

Top questions

How long is Captain Jack's Signature Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes (1.5 hours).

Is this Amsterdam canal cruise suitable for families?

Yes, families with children are welcome and infants can sit on an adult's lap or stay in a stroller.

What sights will I see during the canal tour?

You’ll pass places like the Skinny Bridge, Jordaan neighborhood, Rijksmuseum, Spiegelkwartier, Leidseplein, Houseboat Museum and more along Amsterdam's main canals.

Are drinks available on board?

A small selection of drinks is available for purchase during the cruise.

Is this tour accessible during winter?

Yes—in wintertime they use a closed and heated boat for comfort.

Where does the tour start and end?

The cruise starts and ends near Jordaan in central Amsterdam.

Are blankets provided if it's cold?

Yes, blankets (and umbrellas) are included on board if needed.

Is this a private or group tour?

This is a small group tour—not private but limited to keep things personal.

What’s included

Your day includes all fees and taxes covered up front; you’ll ride on a luxury electric boat with comfy cushions plus blankets or umbrellas if needed. Drinks are available for purchase onboard before returning to your starting point near Jordaan after about 90 minutes on Amsterdam’s canals.