Ghent is a city that seems to turn more charming from every angle, especially when you explore it by boat. With its medieval waterways, historic port houses, and impressive castles, the city’s best views are best seen from the water. Whether you’re after a quick scenic overview or a more in-depth historical journey, Ghent’s boat tours offer a unique perspective that walking tours just can’t match. We particularly like the 50-minute Guided Boat Trip because of its lively commentary and impressive sights like the Castle of the Counts. Plus, it’s budget-friendly at around $11 per person. If you want a shorter but equally scenic experience, the 40-minute Guided Tour is a solid choice, offering a different perspective on Ghent’s medieval harbor.
For those interested in a comprehensive exploration, the 90-minute tour (conducted only in Dutch) covers more ground, sailing through multiple waterways and giving you a deep dive into Ghent’s 1000-year-old architecture. And if you’re combining sightseeing with local flavors, the Walking Tour with optional boat and beer offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and a taste of Ghent’s renowned brewing scene. Not to forget, some travelers might enjoy an extraordinary skyline sailing experience along Belgium’s coast, which, although outside Ghent, offers a spectacular maritime view that’s a great add-on for coast lovers.
Below, we’ll walk you through each of these tours, highlighting what makes each special, so you can pick the perfect boat experience for your Ghent visit.
1. Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip
At number 1 on our list, the Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip is a favorite for its balance of affordability, sightseeing, and lively commentary. For just $11 per person, you get a 40-minute journey through Ghent’s historic waterways, with live narration revealing the stories behind iconic sites like St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and the impressive castles. This tour is praised for its friendly guides, interesting facts, and beautiful scenery along the Ancient Port of Ghent.
The experience covers a lot — from the quay walls and mercantile houses to the old guildhalls of the labormen, giving a comprehensive visual of Ghent’s medieval prosperity. The tour starts from two convenient locations, making it easy to fit into your day. Passengers often highlight the informative and humorous guides, with reviews mentioning the engaging commentary and scenic views. Some note that the audio quality could be better, but overall, it offers excellent value for the price.
Bottom line: This guided boat trip is perfect if you want a quick, accessible, and engaging introduction to Ghent’s landmarks, especially if you enjoy lively guides with a good sense of humor.
2. Ghent: 40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour
Next up is the 40-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour, offering a slightly shorter but equally charming ride. At around $11, this tour focuses on Ghent’s medieval harbor, featuring views of the towers of St Bavo’s, the Belfry, and St Nicholas’ Church. The guided narration is available in multiple languages, including English, making it accessible for international visitors.
Many travelers note that it offers a different perspective than walking around — seeing the city’s architecture from the water highlights details you might miss on foot. The guide’s fluency and engaging storytelling are often praised, with some wishing for a bit more storytelling but appreciating the relaxed atmosphere overall. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a short, informative cruise without sacrificing quality or scenery.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for those seeking a quick, lively overview of Ghent’s main medieval sights with multilingual commentary.
3. Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center
At position three, the 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour offers a calming way to soak in Ghent’s long history. For $11, you’ll glide past sites like the Castle of the Counts, Old Fish Market, and the Great Butcher’s Hall. This tour emphasizes the city’s historic architecture, with live commentary about Ghent’s development over centuries.
Guests often comment on how the tour provides a peaceful, scenic ride with insightful details about Ghent’s past. It’s especially suitable if you prefer a relaxed pace and want to appreciate the city’s impressive buildings from a water vantage point. The route includes the Rabot and Old Fish Market areas, adding some less-touristy scenery. Some reviews mention that the guide’s storytelling is very engaging and that the views of the castle walls and city gates are particularly striking.
Bottom line: This tour suits history lovers who want a calm, scenic cruise that deepens their understanding of Ghent’s architecture and long-standing maritime traditions.
4. Ghent Walking Tour with Optional Add-ons: Boat & Beer
For those who want a mix of walking, boat rides, and local flavor, the Ghent walking tour with optional boat & beer is a flexible choice. Lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, it begins at a central location and includes visits to key landmarks like the Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Belfry, the Town Hall, and the Castle of the Counts. The optional boat ride offers a scenic water perspective, while the optional beer tasting lets you sample local brews in an authentic setting.
Guests value the expert-guided experience and the chance to see Ghent from both land and water. The tour is especially good if you want to learn about guilds, markets, and local architecture, and if you’re interested in a tasting of Ghent’s famous beer scene. The combination tour provides good value for money, and the flexibility to customize your experience makes it suitable for various interests. Some reviews suggest that the boat ride can be weather-dependent, so check ahead.
Bottom line: This tour is best for curious travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible overview with the option to indulge in local beer and a canal cruise.
5. Unique skyline sailing
The skyline sailing experience (outside Ghent but worth mentioning) offers a 45-minute voyage along Belgium’s coast, from Blankenberge to De Haan/Wenduine. For about $42.64, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of dunes, the Belgian coast skyline, and a professional skipper leading the boat. Soft drinks are included, and the small group size (max 12) ensures a personal experience. Though not in Ghent proper, this trip is perfect if coastal scenery is your priority and you want a less urban, more maritime adventure.
Guests rave about the professional crew and the scenic coastlines, especially during sunset. Its combination of relaxed sailing and impressive vistas makes it a memorable side trip or coastal complement to Ghent explorations.
Bottom line: Best suited for coast enthusiasts and travelers craving a personalized, scenic boat ride along Belgium’s coast rather than inland Ghent.
6. Guided Boat Trip in Ghent
The Guided Boat Trip in Ghent offers a 40-minute cruise along the River Leie, with options for open or covered boats. Starting at €11.61, it takes in the Graslei, the Castle of the Counts, and the Groot Vleeshuis. The tour boasts on-board commentary in English, and the reviews praise the humor and knowledge of the guides.
This tour is a reliable choice if you want to see Ghent’s most iconic landmarks from a water perspective without a lengthy commitment. Many mention that the scenery and historical insights make it memorable, while others appreciate the flexibility of multiple departures throughout the day. It’s a practical option for families and solo travelers alike.
Bottom line: If you prefer a straightforward, well-reviewed tour with engaging storytelling, this is an excellent choice.
7. Ghent Completely – 90-minute boat tour (Dutch only)
At position seven, the Ghent Completely offers a comprehensive 90-minute exploration of Ghent’s waterways, exclusively in Dutch. This tour is especially suited for Dutch-speaking visitors eager to understand over 1000 years of architecture and stories in detail.
Guests praise it for its depth, humor, and thorough coverage of the city’s landmarks. It covers 3 waterways, including the Laurent Square tunnels and the quay walls, making it ideal for those who want a fuller water-based experience. The price isn’t listed, but the extended duration and detailed itinerary justify a higher value for those with language skills.
Bottom line: Best for Dutch speakers interested in an in-depth, story-rich tour of Ghent’s water routes.
8. Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Tour with Cruise & Chocolate Visit
For a full-day experience, the Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Tour with Cruise & Chocolate Visit combines city walking, a canal cruise, and a visit to a chocolatier. Over 10 hours, this tour covers the highlights of two Belgian treasures, with a 1-hour boat cruise in Ghent included in the itinerary.
Guests appreciate the well-organized schedule and the chance to experience Bruges’ architecture and Ghent’s waterways in one trip. The chocolate tasting adds a delicious local flavor, while the free time allows for personal exploration. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full package and don’t mind a long day. Reviews emphasize the enthusiastic guides and the variety of activities.
Bottom line: Ideal for first-timers wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free way to explore some of Belgium’s top cities in one day.
9. Ghent: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip
Finally, the Ghent: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip combines the best of both worlds—a land-based walking tour with a relaxing canal boat cruise. For $32, you get a 2.5-hour experience that takes you through Ghent’s historic center, including three famous towers, plus a 30-minute boat ride.
The reviews highlight the knowledge and personality of guides like Juliana, who bring the city’s stories alive. The boat ride offers a different angle on the cityscape, complementing the walking tour’s detailed insights into architecture and history. It’s a balanced tour perfect for first-timers and those who want a rundown.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers wanting a full, multi-sensory experience of Ghent in one accessible package.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Ghent
When selecting your ideal Ghent boat experience, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. Want a quick overview? The 50-minute or 40-minute tours deliver a good intro at a reasonable price. Looking for a deeper dive? The 90-minute Dutch tour offers a detailed account of Ghent’s waterways, perfect for history buffs. If you prefer combining sightseeing with local culture, the Walking Tour with optional boat and beer balances exploration and tasting.
Check the departure times and whether weather is likely to impact your trip. For coastal views, the skyline sailing along the Belgian coast provides a stunning maritime perspective that complements inland explorations. Lastly, if you’re short on time but want a memorable visit, the guided, scenic water tours like the Guided Boat Trip in Ghent are reliable choices.
Final Thoughts
Ghent offers a diverse range of boat tours and cruises suited for all kinds of travelers. From quick scenic rides to in-depth water journeys, each experience highlights a different facet of this charming city. For those new to Ghent, the 50-minute guided trip is hard to beat for value and fun, while history lovers might prefer the longer, Dutch-only tour. And if you’re combining sightseeing with local flavors, the walking tour with optional boat and beer will serve you well.
Remember to book early, especially in peak season, as Ghent’s waterways are popular. Whatever your interests, exploring Ghent from the water is one of the best ways to see its beautiful architecture, lively ports, and medieval streets. So, pick your perfect cruise, and enjoy the ride!