Amsterdam: The Bulldog Boat Smoke-Friendly Cruise & 2 Drinks

I’m giving you a practical, honest review of the Bulldog Boat Smoke-Friendly Cruise, the original canal option in Amsterdam where you can smoke your own 420-friendly weed and sip along on a half-open boat. It’s a 1-hour cruise guided in English (and Dutch) through the UNESCO Canal Belt, departing right from Amsterdam Central Station.

What I like most: the guides tend to be genuinely knowledgeable and funny, not just reciting facts. And the canal experience itself is the payoff—stunning views, especially on darker evenings when the waterways and bridges feel extra atmospheric.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s not set up for everyone. It’s not suitable for children under 18, wheelchair users, and people with motion sickness, and since the boat is partly open you’ll want warm layers for colder months.

Key highlights to know before you book

• Original Bulldog Boat experience with a 420-friendly smoke policy for your own weed
• Central Station departure with 2 complimentary drinks included (when you start there)
• UNESCO Canal Belt route via the Old City Wall onto the Amstel River
• Half-open boat comfort that works best with warm layers and rain gear
• BYO snacks allowed so you can plan a snack spread instead of buying onboard

You can check availability for your dates here:

Bulldog Boat from Central Station: the basic idea

This cruise is built for travelers who want Amsterdam by water without losing the fun. You’ll board at Amsterdam Central Station at the Bulldog boat, get settled, and your crew sets the vibe early—some guests expect a very casual, smoke-and-sip rhythm once you’re on the water.

The big selling point is simple: this is one of the few canal cruises where your own weed is part of the experience, and it’s treated as normal onboard. If you’re the type who enjoys a chill activity that still feels like Amsterdam—rather than a stuffy tour—you’ll probably click with this.

The cruise lasts one hour, so it fits neatly into a first day or an evening schedule. And since it ends at Leidseplein on the later departures (8pm or 9:30pm), you can plan an easy follow-up in the city afterward.

What you’re really paying for: value at $35

At around $35 per person for the 1-hour ride, this isn’t a “cheap and cheerful” experience. But it can be good value because the Central Station departure includes 2 drinks in the ticket price.

For travelers, that changes the math. If you were going to pay separately for a canal cruise plus drinks, the combined deal makes more sense. And because you can bring snacks, you don’t have to budget for onboard food either.

One practical note: if you choose the Leidseplein departure, the info says drinks are not included there. So if you’re trying to maximize value, Central Station is the smarter pick.

The route: UNESCO Canal Belt plus the Old City Wall and Amstel

You’re not just circling randomly in canals. The cruise is designed to hit the main Canal Belt highlights, and the route follows the Old City Wall onto the Amstel River.

That matters because Canal Belt cruises can feel repetitive when the route barely changes. Here, the direction and waterways are the point: you’ll get those classic canal views, then carry on toward the Amstel area for that “Amsterdam stretches out in all directions” feeling.

Also, multiple travelers mention that routes can vary depending on the time or the day. So if you’re staying long enough to do more than one cruise, you might not feel like you’re repeating the exact same scenery.

What onboard is like: chill, guided, and a little chaotic in a good way

Expect a laid-back atmosphere where you’re encouraged to relax. Many reviewers specifically call out the crew’s personality: guides who are chill but still pay attention, and captains who feel comfortable on the water.

That balance shows up again and again in feedback. One theme: people liked that the guides were funny, not stiff, and that they still offered helpful context about what you’re seeing as you pass bridges and waterfront landmarks.

You also get a live English-speaking skipper/guide experience (with Dutch available as well). So even if you don’t want a deep lecture, you’re not staring at your phone the whole time.

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The smoke-friendly part: BYO weed and “no weed sold onboard”

The cruise is described as 420-friendly, meaning you can smoke your own weed onboard. The rules are straightforward:

• Marijuana is not sold onboard
• Bring your own weed
• Weed outlets are nearby, and you’ll see plenty of Bulldog Coffee Shops around the area

This is important for planning. You’ll want to handle purchases before you arrive at the boat meeting point. The cruise is set up for you to show up prepared, enjoy the canals, and keep the experience moving.

If you’re unsure about your comfort level, take cues from other travelers. Even guests in colder months say the trip was still fun and manageable, but that only works if you dress for it.

Snacks and tapas style: what you can bring

One of the most practical perks is that you can bring and eat your own snacks. The info is clear: they don’t sell weed onboard, and they also position the cruise as a place where you can bring your own food.

That’s where “tapas-style” planning can work well. If you’re traveling with friends, you can pack small bites and share them on the boat like a casual snack board. Think portable, not messy. You’ll get the social part of food without paying tourist prices onboard.

If you’re coming hungry, don’t rely on the cruise to feed you. Plan snacks in advance, and you’ll avoid the most common late-arrival snack regret.

Drinks: 2 included at Central Station, and what to do if you start at Leidseplein

If you depart from Central Station (The Bulldog), your ticket includes 2 complimentary drinks. The wording suggests you can purchase additional drinks during the cruise if you want more.

If you depart from Leidseplein, the information notes drinks are not included there. So check your selected departure carefully.

As a traveler, this affects your planning:

• Choose Central Station if you want the best “what’s included” value.
• If you’re aiming for a late evening finish near Leidseplein, decide whether you’re fine paying for drinks separately.

Meeting point logistics: finding the boat fast at Amsterdam Central

This is the part where a little preparation saves stress.

You meet in front of Amsterdam Central Station, and specifically on the side with stairs down to the water. The info says it’s not the side of the Victoria Hotel, and you’ll see tram stops 13 and 17 nearby.

You’ll recognize the boat by a blue beach flag. That’s a helpful visual cue when you’re juggling crowds and canal-side wind.

Two tips that can make or break your punctuality:

• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Use Google Maps, not Apple Maps, to find the right spot

Clothing and weather: half-open boat means you dress for it

Even if the day is sunny, Amsterdam evenings can get chilly, and this boat is half open. Several reviewers mention cold weather and still having fun, but the message is consistent: pack warm layers.

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Rain gear
• Camera
• Food/snacks

If you tend to get cold quickly, plan for it. It’s not a warm indoor experience. The upside is you get fresh air and unobstructed canal views.

Who this cruise fits best

This is the kind of activity that works best for travelers who want a social, laid-back Amsterdam moment.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Like canal cruises but want one with a different twist than the usual sightseeing script
• Prefer an experience that feels personal and relaxed
• Are comfortable with BYO rules and planning ahead
• Want a 1-hour slot that doesn’t eat your entire day

Some guests describe a small group feel, which can make the guide interaction feel more natural. If you hate standing in big-tour lines or listening to a monotone lecture, this format may feel easier.

Guide energy: what travelers keep praising (and a few nuances)

Reviews repeatedly highlight the crew’s communication style—knowledgeable, humorous, and attentive. Names that show up include Roman, Rebecca, and Fred.

What people seem to like:

• Guides who answer questions
• Commentary that’s informative but not overly serious
• Crew who make everyone feel welcome, including passengers who may be late
• A smooth, well-organized boarding process

One nuance to keep in mind: a few travelers felt the info wasn’t as strong as they expected. If you’re the type who wants lots of history and deep context, you might find the commentary more “story + sights + vibe” than “museum tour.”

Timing and where you end up: Central Station vs Leidseplein

Your departure time matters for your finish.

The info says the later tours (8pm or 9:30pm) end at Leidseplein. That’s convenient if you want to roll right into restaurants, bars, or a late walk through the neighborhood afterward.

If you want to start your night in a scenic way, a night departure is often a good pick. Multiple travelers mention the lights and evening atmosphere being a highlight.

Accessibility and motion comfort: important before you go

This is not suitable for:

• Children under 18
• Wheelchair users
• People with motion sickness

That’s worth respecting. A half-open boat + canal movement isn’t a gentle, motion-free environment.

If you’re unsure, be honest with yourself. Better to pick a different type of Amsterdam experience than push through discomfort just to check a box.

Photos, views, and the “one-hour regret” factor

The canal scenery is the star, and the cruise duration is just long enough to feel special without becoming exhausting.

Several travelers say they didn’t want to get off the boat because the hour passes quickly. That’s a good sign if you like “compact and memorable,” but it can feel like too short a time if you were hoping for a full afternoon activity.

For photos, bring your camera because you’ll get repeated bridge-and-water angles. Also plan for wind: even in decent weather, canal breeze can make it a little harder to keep gear steady.

Should you book the Bulldog smoke cruise?

I’d book it if you match the vibe. If you want a UNESCO Canal Belt cruise that’s social, guided, and includes 2 drinks when you start at Central Station, it’s a strong value pick at the price point.

Don’t book it if:

• You need wheelchair access
• Motion sickness is a dealbreaker
• You want a kid-friendly activity
• You’re expecting a super formal history lecture with lots of museum-level details

If you’re deciding between departure locations, pick Central Station for the included drinks and the clearest “arrive, board, relax” setup. Then show up with warm layers, snacks, and your supplies already handled.

FAQ

How long is the Amsterdam Bulldog Boat cruise?

The cruise duration is 1 hour.

Where do I meet the boat for the Central Station departure?

You depart right in front of Amsterdam Central Station, on the side with tram stops 13 and 17 and stairs leading down to the water. The boat is recognized by a blue beach flag.

Are drinks included?

If you choose the departure from Central Station, your ticket includes 2 complimentary drinks. Drinks are not included for departures from Leidseplein.

Can I bring my own weed?

Yes. The activity is 420-friendly, and you’re instructed to bring your own marijuana. Marijuana is not sold onboard.

Can I bring snacks or food?

Yes. You’re allowed to bring your own snacks and food, and the information specifically says you can bring and eat your own snacks.

Is the boat smoke-friendly?

Yes. It’s described as the only 420-friendly canal cruise in Amsterdam where you can smoke and relax.

What should I bring for the tour?

You’re advised to bring warm clothing, a camera, food/snacks, and rain gear.

Is the tour refundable?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: