Antwerp: Private Aperitif Boatride

If you’re looking for a laid-back way to appreciate Antwerp’s harbor and skyline, the Private Aperitif Boatride could be just what you need. We haven’t personally taken this tour ourselves, but after reviewing the details, it’s clear this experience offers a great mix of scenic views, good drinks, and a cozy vibe that suits a variety of occasions. Whether you’re planning a pre-dinner drink, celebrating a special event, or just want a different way to see the harbor, this trip seems worth considering.

What really caught our eye is how the tour combines eco-friendly electric boating with a curated drinks menu—think cava, beer, wine, and cool drinks—all included in the price. Plus, the relaxed atmosphere on the water seems perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or as a fun start to an evening out. One thing to keep in mind: there’s no on-board toilet, so plan accordingly. This tour feels best suited for those who want a chill, intimate experience with beautiful views and good company.

If you’re someone who enjoys a balance of sightseeing and socializing without the fuss of a large group or overly touristy experiences, this private boat ride might be perfect. It’s especially appealing if you’re a fan of scenic water views and good drinks, and don’t mind the short duration of about 1.5 hours. Read on for everything you need to know to decide if this could be your next Antwerp adventure.

Key Points

• Private 1.5-hour boat experience tailored for relaxed enjoyment
• Eco-friendly electric boat ensures quiet, smooth cruising
• Includes a variety of drinks: cava, beer, wine, and cool drinks
• Scenic route passing iconic Antwerp landmarks like MAS Museum and Napoleon Dock
• Flexible and customizable with a friendly skipper/tour guide
• Weather contingency with rain cover, but no on-board toilet

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Experience Is All About

This boat ride isn’t just about getting from point A to B — it’s a chance to soak in Antwerp’s harbor views at a leisurely pace. The boat itself is electric, which helps keep the environment in mind while offering a very quiet, smooth glide across the water. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, which makes it a perfect short escape that doesn’t eat up your whole day.

The starting point is at Sint-Aldegondiskaai 42, right in the heart of Antwerp’s harbor. From there, you’ll be taken on a route that includes a stop at Eilandje, a lively part of the city. This stop is more than just a photo opportunity; it’s a chance to enjoy some drinks and take in the scenery. The boat then returns to its starting dock, offering a complete and relaxed loop of the harbor.

One important note is that there’s no toilet on board. If nature calls, it’s best to visit the nearby public bathrooms at the MAS Museum, which is just next to the pick-up point. This small detail might seem minor, but it’s good to keep in mind, especially for longer or more frequent tours.

The Highlights and Why They Matter

Electrically powered boat: This offers a quiet ride, so you can focus on the views and conversation without engine noise. Plus, it’s more eco-friendly—something we appreciate given the increasing importance of sustainable tourism.

Drinks included: The selection covers cava, beer, wine, and cool drinks, which means you can toast your surroundings without worrying about extra costs. The reviews mention that the drinks are plentiful and of good quality, making it a nice touch that elevates the experience.

Scenic views: You’ll pass by Antwerp landmarks such as the MAS Museum, the Harbor House, Dry Docks, and Napoleon Dock. Each of these points offers a glimpse into the city’s maritime past and vibrant present, perfect for photography or just soaking in the atmosphere.

Flexible guide/skipper: The skipper is not just a driver but also a guide who can adapt to your preferences. For special occasions like bachelorette parties, he can act as a quizmaster, adding a personalized touch to your cruise.

Weather considerations: There’s a rain cover onboard, so bad weather won’t necessarily spoil your trip. Still, be aware that the boat doesn’t have a toilet, and plan accordingly.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

The journey begins at Sint-Aldegondiskaai 42, a convenient meeting point in the harbor. After settling on the boat, you’ll start cruising through the harbor in a calm, eco-friendly vessel. The boat’s Bluetooth music system means you can bring your own playlist, creating an even more personalized atmosphere.

During the ride, you’ll be able to enjoy a selection of drinks that are included in the price. This relaxed setting is perfect for catching up with friends or family, celebrating an event, or just enjoying an evening wind-down. The boat’s small size and private booking make it a cozy and intimate experience, free from the crowds of larger tours.

The first stop is at Eilandje, which provides plenty of opportunities for photos and a chance to stretch your legs. If you’re there during the day, the views of the skyline and harbor are particularly striking, with the MAS Museum and other landmarks framing your experience.

The guide may share interesting tidbits about the harbor’s history and the landmarks you pass, but as one reviewer pointed out, there’s no formal guided commentary along the route — it’s more of a scenic cruise with optional insights from the skipper.

The return to Sint-Aldegondiskaai promises a peaceful reflection on the sights and sounds of Antwerp’s harbor, with the option to enjoy your drinks and take in the scenery. Post-ride, you can also visit the MAS Museum rooftop for free views, making it a nice way to round off your experience.

The Value of the Experience

At $74 per person, this tour is priced quite reasonably considering the private setting, inclusive drinks, and personalized service. It’s not a large, commercial tour, but rather a curated, intimate experience. We think it offers good value for those who want a relaxed, scenic outing rather than a hurried sightseeing sprint.

Compared to other local experiences, this boat ride hits a sweet spot — it’s affordable enough to be a fun treat, yet special enough to feel like a memorable part of your Antwerp trip. The inclusion of drinks, the quiet electric engine, and the flexibility of the guide make it stand out as a thoughtful way to enjoy the harbor.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience suits travelers who value a relaxed pace, scenic water views, and good drinks. It’s ideal for small groups, couples, or friends celebrating a special occasion. If you’re looking for a lively, guided city tour with detailed commentary, this might not be your best fit, as the focus is more on the cruising experience.

It’s also suitable for those with an environmental consciousness, thanks to the electric boat. If you’re not bothered by the lack of a toilet onboard and appreciate a more private, tailored experience, you’ll likely enjoy this ride. It’s less suited for families with young children who need facilities or large groups seeking a more active or educational tour.

The Antwerp Private Aperitif Boatride offers a charming way to see the harbor in a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy scenic views with some excellent drinks, all while avoiding the hustle and bustle of bigger tours. The quiet electric boat and the friendly skipper guide help create a cozy, personalized atmosphere, making it a special addition to any Antwerp itinerary.

For those celebrating a special event or simply wanting a peaceful way to unwind, this tour delivers on both atmosphere and value. The included drinks, the flexibility of the guide, and the beautiful harbor scenery make it a worthwhile choice for a memorable outing.

While it’s not packed with detailed narration or extensive sightseeing, it’s more about the vibe — a gentle cruise, great company, and beautiful views. If that sounds appealing, this boatride could be a highlight of your trip.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, this experience is designed for private groups, which means it’s perfect if you want an exclusive, intimate setting.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, cava, beer, wine, cool drinks, and water are all included, making it easy to relax and enjoy your time on the water.

What should I bring?
Bring your own music if you like—there’s a Bluetooth system onboard. Also, remember that there’s no toilet on the boat, so plan accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 1.5 hours, which is enough for a relaxed cruise without feeling rushed.

Is there any guidance about the sights?
The skipper is flexible and can share insights or act as a quizmaster for special occasions, but there’s no formal guided narration along the route.

What happens in bad weather?
There’s a rain cover onboard, so the tour can still go ahead if it rains. Just be aware that the experience is outdoor, so heavy rain might dampen the mood.

Can I visit the MAS Museum afterward?
Absolutely, you can enjoy the free scenic view from the MAS museum rooftop before or after your cruise, adding a nice extra touch.

If you’re after a calm, scenic, and social way to enjoy Antwerp’s harbor, this private aperitif boat ride might just be the perfect fit. It’s a gentle way to see the city from a different perspective, with plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the views.

You can check availability for your dates here: