Amsterdam: Guided Open Boat Cruise Unlimited Drinks Option

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and want to see the city from its iconic waterways, a canal cruise might be on your list. We’ve looked into this particular experience—a guided open boat cruise with unlimited drinks—to help you decide if it’s a good fit. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic overview of the city’s famous canals, with the added bonus of an open bar if you opt for it.

What we really like about this tour is how accessible and straightforward it is. The price is very reasonable, around $21 per person, and the one-hour duration makes it easy to slot into a busy sightseeing day. Also, the insightful guides and smooth, electric boats mean you can enjoy the views comfortably without worrying about noise or fumes. One aspect to consider is that the route is quite standard, so if you’re hoping for a hidden gem or off-the-beaten-path experience, it might not satisfy that craving. This tour, however, suits travelers looking for a relaxing, informative cruise with a social vibe—perfect for first-timers or those wanting a gentle overview of Amsterdam’s waterways.

Key Points

• Affordable and concise: At just $21, this tour offers good value for a quick scenic overview.
• Relaxing experience: Electric, quiet boats make for a peaceful cruise with great views.
• Knowledgeable guides: They add value with commentary on landmarks and city history.
• Optional open bar: Unlimited drinks can enhance the fun, especially in good weather.
• Ideal for first-time visitors: An easy, no-stress way to get a feel for the city.
• Mixed reviews on route variety: Some say it’s a bit predictable, but still enjoyable for most.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Amsterdam Canal Cruise

This tour offers a gentle ride through the heart of Amsterdam’s historic waterways, giving you a fresh view of the city’s famed architecture and landmarks. The boats are electric, making for a smooth and quiet ride—you’ll hardly notice you’re on water, except for the delightful breeze in your hair.

The local guides are a highlight, providing commentary on the city’s history, architecture, and some fun tidbits about the sights you’ll see along the way. Many reviews mention how informative and friendly the guides are, which adds a layer of enjoyment beyond just the scenery.

Most people start from either the Stationplein or near Amsterdam Centraal Station, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying in the city. The tour includes a series of stops or photo opportunities at several notable landmarks: the Skinny Bridge, the Amstel River, the Royal Theater Carré, and the canal houses lining the waterways. If you choose the unlimited drinks option, you’ll find soft drinks, wine (white, rosé, prosecco), and Heineken beer available in a self-serve setup, which many find to be a nice touch that adds to the leisurely vibe.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at a central location, with two options for starting points—either directly in front of Amsterdam’s Central Station or at Mokumboot Canal Tours on Stationsplein. From there, the cruise typically covers a route along the Amstel River and through key canals, offering a steady stream of great photo ops and iconic city views.

The itinerary includes numerous photo stops—some highlight the city’s architectural splendor, like the Waterlooplein Market, the De Sluyswacht, or the famous Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). Many travelers seem to appreciate these pauses, as they allow for quick pictures and better appreciation of each landmark.

The cruise also passes by cultural sites such as the NEMO Science Museum, the Jewish Cultural District, and the Museum Willet-Holthuysen, providing insights into the city’s diverse history. The route ends back at the starting point, making it a neat, well-organized experience.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with comments like “Tom was an amazing Guide” and “The guide shared a lot of fun and interesting information.” Many mention how the views are simply stunning, especially in good weather, with one reviewer commenting, “We had the most beautiful weather, which was really the icing on the cake.”

The value for money is another common theme, particularly with the unlimited drinks option. Several reviews note that the drinks are self-serve, including Heineken, wine, and soft drinks, and that the overall experience is quite relaxing. However, some mention that the drinks option might not be worth it unless you’re planning to consume multiple drinks in an hour, as one traveler said, “It’s not great value unless you drink like 3+ alcoholic drinks per person in one hour.”

A few reviewers pointed out that the route doesn’t go “off the beaten path,” so if you’re looking for hidden corners or less touristy views, you might find this cruise a bit predictable. Still, most agree it’s a pleasant, laid-back way to see the city and get a sense of Amsterdam’s unique waterways.

The Experience in Detail

The tour lasts about an hour, making it an ideal quick overview of the city’s waterways without feeling like a long commitment. The electric boats are a highlight—they’re quiet, eco-friendly, and allow you to enjoy the breeze without the noise of traditional motorboats. This creates a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for taking photos or just soaking in the scenery.

Guides provide live commentary in both Dutch and English, sharing tidbits about landmarks like the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk, and the Magere Brug. The reviews suggest guides are generally friendly and informative, which helps to turn a simple boat ride into a more engaging experience.

The unlimited drinks option, if you choose it, is a fun addition. You can help yourself to soft drinks, wine (white, rosé, prosecco), or Heineken beer. It’s a self-serve setup, which some appreciate for the convenience, though a few mention it’s not worth buying unless you’re planning to have several drinks quickly.

The overall price of $21 per person is quite reasonable, especially considering the guided commentary and the comfortable, eco-friendly boat. When you factor in the ease of access, the scenic views, and the drinks, many say it’s good value—particularly if you’re looking for a relaxed, no-fuss way to see the city.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to get their bearings and see the highlights. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a calm, scenic experience over a high-energy or niche excursion. If you enjoy socializing over drinks in a relaxed setting, the open bar option might be a highlight.

However, if you’re after a more adventurous route or off-the-beaten-path sights, you might find this cruise a little too standard. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, informative, and reasonably priced introduction to Amsterdam’s waterways without the fuss.

Final Thoughts

This open boat cruise offers a relaxing, scenic, and affordable way to see some of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights. The combination of knowledgeable guides, quiet electric boats, and optional unlimited drinks makes it a charming choice for many travelers. While the route is predictable and not particularly adventurous, it provides a solid overview and a comfortable atmosphere, especially in good weather.

For those who want a laid-back introduction to the city, with the chance to sip wine or beer while taking in the views, this experience is hard to beat at its price point. It’s especially well-suited for first-timers, couples, or anyone looking to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

If you’re after something more offbeat or exclusive, you might want to explore other options, but for a classic, dependable canal overview, this cruise delivers.

FAQ

Is the boat electric and quiet?
Yes, the boats are electric, which means they’re very quiet and eco-friendly. You’ll hardly notice you’re on water, aside from the breeze and views.

Where do I meet the tour?
You’ll meet your guides and skipper in front of Amsterdam’s Central Station, on the “Middenkom” opposite the Victoria Hotel. Look for a red banner.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise is about 1 hour long, making it a perfect quick overview without taking up too much of your day.

What is included in the drinks option?
If you choose the unlimited drinks, you’ll have self-serve access to soft drinks, wine (white, rosé, prosecco), and Heineken beer.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Based on reviews, guides are generally friendly and well-informed, offering insights into Amsterdam’s landmarks, history, and culture.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not specifically aimed at children, it’s a calm, scenic boat ride that can be enjoyed by most age groups, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This cruise isn’t the most adventurous or hidden gem tour out there, but it hits many of the right notes—value, comfort, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re here for a quick introduction or a relaxed afternoon with friends, it’s a solid choice to enjoy Amsterdam from its waterways.

You can check availability for your dates here: