Groningen boat cruise: unlimited drinks, 1.5 hours

Drift through Groningen's canals with a drink in hand

A 1.5-hour private boat cruise through Groningen's historic canals on Bootje Speciaal, an open boat where you pour unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks while drifting past the Groninger Museum, Central Station and local landmarks. The guide speaks English or Dutch; children from age 4 are welcome, and a curated playlist plays on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relaxing boat tour in Groningen

• Board the boat at Oosterhaven harbor
• Cruise through Groningen’s historic canals
• Enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Listen to curated music on Bluetooth speaker
• Admire views of Groningen Central Station
• Pass by Peerd van Ome Loeks statue
• See the Groningen Museum building
• Disembark after 1.5-hour cruise

The Experience

Bootje Speciaal leaves from the Oosterhaven, Groningen's charming harbor on the edge of the city center, where moored ships line the water. Over 1.5 hours, the boat winds through the canals at a pace that lets you settle in—no rushing between stops, just the city unfolding as you move. The Groninger Museum slides past with its bold contemporary architecture, a collaboration between Philippe Starck and other architects that makes the building itself the landmark. You'll also pass Groningen Central Station, the 1896 neo-Gothic structure that anchors the city, and spot the Peerd van Ome Loeks, the bronze horse statue near the station that locals know from folklore.

Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks flow throughout the journey, so you pour what you want when you want it. A Bluetooth speaker plays a curated playlist, and the open boat design means you're sitting in the sun and air rather than enclosed. This works for celebrations—birthdays, small group outings, casual meet-ups—or simply for a summer afternoon with friends. The boat is private to your group, and the guide narrates in English or Dutch depending on who's aboard.

Children from age 4 travel with adults; the boat suits all fitness levels. Public transportation stops are nearby if you need to reach the Oosterhaven, and the whole experience is built around relaxation rather than a packed itinerary.

What’s included

• 1.5-hour private boat cruise through Groningen's canals.
• unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks throughout.
• live guide in English or Dutch.
• curated music playlist on a Bluetooth speaker.
• admission to the boat experience.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Bootje Speciaal B.V.

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants to control the vibe and pace on the water—you're not sharing the boat or splitting attention with other parties.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What is the Groninger Museum and why does it matter on this cruise?

The Groninger Museum is a striking contemporary building opened in 1994, designed by multiple renowned architects including Philippe Starck. Its bold, colorful exterior with interconnected pavilions and a golden tower makes it one of the city's most visually distinctive landmarks, and you'll see it clearly from the water as the boat passes.

Can I bring children on the Bootje Speciaal cruise?

Children are welcome from age 4 onward. They can join the boat with adults, though the unlimited drinks are for adults; soft drinks are included for everyone.

What does the Oosterhaven look like, and is that where we board?

The Oosterhaven is a charming harbor on the edge of Groningen's city center, lined with both historical and modern moored ships that give it a maritime character. Yes, this is where Bootje Speciaal departs and returns.

Is the guide included, and what language do they speak?

A live guide is included and speaks either English or Dutch depending on your group. They narrate the route and the landmarks as you cruise.

What happens if the weather turns bad during the cruise?

Bootje Speciaal is an open boat, so it is subject to weather. The operator recommends checking conditions before your departure time; contact them directly about rescheduling options if weather becomes a concern.