Amsterdam: Cheese & Drinks Canal Cruise with Local Stories

Summary

Small boats drift past Skinny Bridge Gouda cheese laughter on the Amstel

You’ll float through Amsterdam’s oldest canals with just a handful of fellow travelers, sharing Gouda cheese and unlimited drinks while your local guide brings centuries-old bridges and hidden corners to life with stories you won’t find in any brochure. Expect laughter, small surprises, and maybe even a quiet moment as you pass under seven perfect arches.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto this little electric boat near one of those crooked old bridges in Amsterdam — you know, the ones that look like they’re holding secrets. There were maybe ten of us, plus our guide, Pieter, who had that dry Dutch humor I wasn’t expecting. The canal water was still and kind of glassy; you could smell the city — a mix of wet stone, bikes, and something sweet from a bakery nearby. Someone handed me a chunk of Gouda and a glass of white wine before we even left the dock. Not bad for a start.

As we glided through these narrow canals (Pieter said some dated back to monks and merchants — wild), I kept thinking how close everything felt. Old brick houses leaned over us, their windows full of plants and sometimes a cat or two watching the boat go by. We passed under bridges so low you almost ducked out of instinct. At one point, Pieter pointed out the Oude Kerk right in the middle of the Red Light District — he told this story about its transformation from Catholic to Calvinist that made me laugh, mostly because he shrugged like “that’s just Amsterdam.”

The main keyword here is definitely “Amsterdam boat tour,” but honestly it didn’t feel touristy at all. We drifted past the VOC ship replica (looked massive from down on the water), then under that green rooftop at NEMO Science Museum where kids were waving at us from above. The air changed as we reached the Amstel — wider, brighter somehow. People on bikes waved; someone shouted something in Dutch I didn’t catch. And then there was this moment: seven bridges lined up perfectly on Reguliersgracht, all arched in a row — everyone went quiet for a second except for someone’s camera clicking.

I probably ate too much cheese (the platter kept coming around) and lost track of how many times my glass got refilled. Passing under the Skinny Bridge felt like stepping into an old postcard — couples actually kissed as we floated beneath it, which made Pieter roll his eyes but also smile when he thought nobody was looking. By the time we circled back toward Central Station, dusk was just starting to settle in and all those canal lights flickered on. I still think about that soft gold glow on the water and how easy it was to forget what time it was out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam canal cruise with drinks and cheese

• Start cruise in oldest city canals
• Drift through quiet historic canals
• Pass Oude Kerk church
• See Amsterdam Central Station
• Sail beneath green rooftop building
• Pass replica VOC ship
• Reach and sail on Amstel River
• Pass Golden Bend canal mansions
• View the seven bridges on Reguliersgracht
• Spot Munttoren near flower market
• Pass under Skinny Bridge

Top questions

Is this Amsterdam boat tour suitable for kids?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the cruise.

Are drinks included on this Amsterdam cheese boat tour?

Yes, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included throughout the tour.

Does this canal cruise include food?

A generous platter of real Dutch Gouda cheese is served onboard for guests to enjoy.

How many people are on each Amsterdam canal cruise?

The group size is limited to 12 guests for a cozy atmosphere.

Is there a live guide during this Amsterdam boat tour?

Yes, every cruise includes both a skipper and a live local guide sharing stories along the way.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are welcome during the cruise.

Where does this canal tour start?

The cruise begins in one of Amsterdam's oldest canal areas accessible only by small boats.

Is there a toilet available on board?

No toilet is available on board during this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks plus plenty of real Dutch Gouda cheese served throughout your cruise; you’ll be guided by both an experienced skipper and lively local storyteller aboard an electric boat designed for small groups—no need to worry about bringing anything except your curiosity (and maybe your camera).