Amsterdam Open Boat Sightseeing Canal Cruise

If you’re considering a boat ride to see Amsterdam’s canals, you’ll find this open boat sightseeing tour offers a relaxed way to soak in the city’s charm. It’s a quick, yet immersive experience that gets you close to the historic houses, vibrant neighborhoods, and iconic sights from the water.

What we love about this cruise is its small group setting and open-top vessel, which make for excellent photo opportunities and a more intimate vibe. Plus, the on-board guide’s friendly commentary adds a personal touch that many larger, covered boats sometimes lack.

However, a potential consideration is the weather—since you’re on an open boat, rain or wind can impact the experience. Also, some reviews mention that the boat can get crowded, which might make it harder to hear the guide or sit comfortably.

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want a cost-effective, charming way to see the city from a different angle—perfect if you’re a first-timer wanting to get a quick overview or someone who appreciates unobstructed water-level views.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $23, this tour provides a great value for a 75-minute water experience.
• Small Group & Open Boat: Offers a more personal feel and better access to narrow channels.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable captains who love chatting about Amsterdam.
• Unobstructed Views: Open-top design means you won’t miss a thing, weather permitting.
• Prime Locations: Covers major sights like the Canal Ring, historic canal houses, and famous landmarks.
• Weather Dependency: Rain can cause cancellations or impact comfort, so bring rain gear if needed.

Getting to Know the Amsterdam Open Boat Sightseeing Canal Cruise

This particular cruise, operated by the Blue Boat Company, is designed to give you a relaxed yet comprehensive snapshot of Amsterdam’s waterways. For just over an hour, you’ll glide through some of the most scenic parts of the city, feeling the gentle breeze and soaking up views that are often missed from land.

The price point of about $23.14 per person makes it one of the more accessible options for sightseeing in a city packed with tours. When you compare the value with the experience—close-up views of historic canal houses, houseboats, and lively neighborhoods—it really holds its own.

It’s a small, intimate group experience, usually capped at ten travelers, which means you’ll get more personalized attention from the captain. Reviewers frequently mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, eager to answer questions or share insider tidbits about life in Amsterdam.

What You Can Expect from the Itinerary

The tour kicks off at the Blue Boat Company meeting point on the Stadhouderskade, where you’ll board an open top boat. From there, it’s an hour and 15 minutes of cruising through the Canal Ring (Grachtengordel), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the highlights is passing through the narrowest canals and hidden spots that larger boats can’t access, giving you a more authentic feel of Amsterdam’s waterways. The boat travels past grand 17th-century canal houses, beautifully restored with a variety of architectural styles—some from the Dutch Golden Age—and historic houseboats moored along the banks.

Among the stops along the route, you’ll see the Westerkerk, a Renaissance church built in the early 17th century, with its impressive length and its Greek cross floor plan. The InterContinental Amstel Hotel is also in view, giving you a sense of the city’s luxury and history.

Other notable sights include the NEMO Science Museum and the Rijksmuseum, both iconic landmarks that tell stories of Amsterdam’s vibrant culture and innovation.

As you cruise, your guide will share interesting facts about each location, with many reviews praising their knowledge and friendly demeanor. One reviewer echoed many others, saying, “We had a wonderful experience—saw beautiful views and learned a lot from the knowledgeable and friendly captain.”

The Experience on the Water: Sights and Atmosphere

The unobstructed views from the open boat are what truly makes this tour special. With no roof overhead, you’ll feel fully immersed in the city’s waterways—perfect for photography and simply taking in the scenery. Many travelers comment on how close you get to the canal houses and floating houseboats, giving a more authentic and intimate perspective.

The atmosphere is generally laid-back and cheerful, especially with the small group size. You’re free to ask questions, take photos, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. One review noted, “The small group and open boat nature of the tour made it more fun, and we saw more than larger covered boats.”

That said, since it’s an open boat, the experience can be affected by the weather. Rain or strong wind might make the ride less comfortable, and some reviews mention that the guide’s voice can be difficult to hear without a microphone—so bringing rain gear or a small speaker might be wise.

Navigating the Schedule and Group Size

Multiple departures are offered throughout the day, making it flexible to fit into your plans. The tour generally lasts around 75 minutes, which is a good length for a quick city overview without feeling rushed.

Group size is limited, usually to about 10 travelers, which enhances the personal feel. Travelers have noted that the small boat allows you to explore narrower canals that bigger boats can’t access, adding a layer of exclusivity and charm.

A few reviews mention waiting times or cancellations due to weather, emphasizing the importance of checking the forecast. If the weather is bad, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, so keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly.

The Value Proposition: Is It Worth It?

At just over $23, this cruise offers great value for those wanting a relaxed, scenic overview of Amsterdam’s waterways. It’s an affordable way to see many key sights from an angle that’s impossible to replicate on land. The personalized commentary from guides makes it more engaging than just sitting on a large, crowded boat with recorded narration.

Reviewers frequently highlight how the small group and open boat design make the experience more intimate and fun. Many agree it’s a highlight of their trip, especially as an introductory tour for first-timers.

However, it’s worth noting that weather can impact the experience, and some may find the boat crowded or have difficulty hearing the guide. If you’re sensitive to weather or prefer a more structured, indoor experience, you might consider other options. But for those who enjoy fresh air and a laid-back vibe, this cruise can be a real treat.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is a fantastic pick for anyone looking for affordable, scenic sightseeing. It’s especially good for first-time visitors wanting a quick overview of key areas, or travelers who prefer a more personal touch in a small-group setting.

If you’re traveling with friends or a partner and enjoy unobstructed views, you’ll find the open boat and friendly guides a perfect match. It’s also a good choice for those who want to avoid large, crowded boats and appreciate being close to the water.

People who value local insight and a relaxed atmosphere will appreciate the guide’s commentary and the chance to ask questions. And if you’re flexible with timing and prepared for potential weather disruptions, this tour can easily become a memorable part of your Amsterdam experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Canal Cruise Right for You?

For those seeking a cost-effective, intimate way to explore Amsterdam’s canals, this open boat cruise delivers on many fronts. The ability to see the city’s historic architecture from the water, combined with the friendly guidance and small group size, makes it a compelling choice for many travelers.

It’s especially suited for anyone who loves photography, appreciates authentic city views, or simply wants a laid-back, scenic ride through one of the world’s most picturesque waterways. The price point makes it accessible, and the multiple departures throughout the day add flexibility to fit into your itinerary.

That said, if you’re a traveler who prefers a completely covered, weather-proof experience or wants more in-depth historical narration, you might want to explore other options. But if you’re okay with a little wind or rain and value the intimacy of a small boat, this cruise could be a highlight of your visit.

In the end, it’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to see Amsterdam from a beautiful water perspective—one that many reviewers seem to genuinely enjoy and recommend.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If the weather is too rainy or windy, the cruise might be canceled or rescheduled. It’s advisable to check the forecast before booking and bring rain gear just in case.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for about 75 minutes, providing a comfortable snapshot of the city’s waterways without being overly long.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the 75-minute cruise in an open-top boat with a friendly guide. Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.

Are there any group size restrictions?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which fosters a more intimate experience.

Can I ask questions during the cruise?
Absolutely. Guides are known for being friendly and eager to chat, answer questions, and share insights about the sights.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The starting point is at the Blue Boat Company at Stadhouderskade 501, in Amsterdam.

If you’re after a relaxed, affordable way to see Amsterdam from its canals with a friendly guide and close-up views, this open boat cruise fits the bill. Just remember to prepare for the weather and enjoy the scenery from one of the best perspectives in the city.