Private boat tour on a electric saloon boat

Exploring Amsterdam by Water: A Closer Look at the Private Electric Saloon Boat Tour

If you’re considering a way to see Amsterdam’s famous canals without the crowds or the noise, a private electric saloon boat tour might just be your best bet. We haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, but based on detailed info and reviews, it’s clear this experience offers a blend of comfort, flexibility, and scenic beauty that many travelers appreciate.

What we like most about this tour is its personalized approach—being able to choose your start time and route means you can tailor the experience to suit your interests. Plus, traveling on an electric boat is a thoughtful choice, reducing noise and environmental impact while still delivering stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal ring. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the price point—at around $515.88 for up to eight people, it’s a premium experience, but one that can offer significant value if you’re after a private, relaxed, and insightful cruise.

This tour is particularly well-suited for couples, small groups, or families who want a flexible, intimate way to explore the city from the water. If you love the idea of customizing your sightseeing, enjoying a calm ride, and having a dedicated captain guide you with local insights, this experience could be just right.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Pick your start time and route for a tailored experience.
• Eco-friendly: Travel on a silent, electric boat that minimizes environmental impact.
• Expert guide: Your captain acts as a personal guide, often sharing local insights.
• Flexible options: Upgrade with drinks or snacks to enhance your cruise.
• UNESCO sights: Get up close with Amsterdam’s iconic canal ring.
• Intimate experience: Perfect for small groups seeking privacy and personalized attention.

Why Choose a Private Electric Saloon Boat Tour in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam’s canals are legendary, and viewing them from the water provides a perspective you simply can’t get from the streets. This private tour, operated by E-boats Amsterdam, is designed for those who want a calm, intimate, and tailored experience. Unlike crowded group tours, a private boat means you can relax and soak in the sights at your own pace, with the added bonus of a captain who can share stories and insights along the way.

The fact that the boat is electric isn’t just about environmental friendliness; it also means a quieter, smoother ride. You won’t be jostled by noisy engines, and the absence of fumes makes it a better choice for those with sensitivities or just a desire for cleaner air.

The tour’s flexibility is a significant plus. You can choose the start time that best fits your day, and the route can be adjusted—perhaps you want to glide along Prinsengracht to see Westerkerk, where Princess Beatrix married, or explore other parts of the canal ring. You might even opt to add drinks or snacks for a small onboard celebration, making it a more leisurely experience.

What the Tour Includes and What You Should Know

The tour begins at the Museum of the Canals on Herengracht, a central and accessible location. From there, your private boat awaits, complete with a skilled captain who serves as your guide. The entire experience lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes, giving you enough time to relax and take in the sights without feeling rushed.

A notable aspect is the personalized guidance. Most reviews highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the captains, with at least one guest remarking on how “Samir was very knowledgeable and personable! We enjoyed every minute of this tour,” which hints at a high standard of personal service. Conversely, some reviews mention that the captain didn’t always have the same engaging spark, and the lack of detailed commentary might leave some wanting more information about the sights.

The tour price covers private transportation, the captain as your guide, and tourist or council tax, ensuring transparency. Drinks are available for purchase onboard—water, soft drinks, beer, wine, prosecco, cava, and champagne—so you can choose to indulge without bringing your own.

The Itinerary — What You Can Expect

Most tours will include a cruise along Prinsengracht, one of the most picturesque canals in the city. Here, you’ll get to see Westerkerk, a stunning church famous for its historical significance and connection to Princess Beatrix’s wedding. The ability to sail along this route is a highlight, offering a chance to see a quintessential part of Amsterdam’s heritage.

Because the tour is private and flexible, the actual route can be tailored. Whether you want to focus on well-known sights or explore quieter parts of the canal ring, your captain can help craft a route that suits your interests.

Given the reviews, you might find that some captains provide less commentary than others. One traveler mentioned feeling the captain lacked “the spark and personality of others,” which suggests that the experience can vary depending on your guide. However, the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful cruise with undivided attention means you’ll have plenty of time to relax and take photos.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At just over $500 for a 1.5-hour private cruise for up to 8 people, this experience is definitely positioned at the premium end of the market. But what do you get? A completely private boat, a dedicated guide, the chance to customize your route, and an eco-friendly ride on an electric vessel.

For small groups or couples who value privacy and personalized attention, this can actually be a good value—especially if you consider how much a private experience like this would cost in other cities. It’s also a way to avoid crowded tours and enjoy a more relaxed pace, making it a special treat rather than just a sightseeing activity.

One thing to keep in mind is the timing—most bookings are made about 42 days in advance, and the tour operates during daylight hours from 10 am to 2 pm. If you’re after a sunset cruise or evening experience, this might not be the ideal choice unless you check with the provider for special arrangements.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private canal cruise is ideal for small groups, couples, or families who want a personalized, quiet, and flexible way to enjoy Amsterdam’s waterways. It works especially well for those interested in a luxurious but eco-conscious experience, and if you’re keen on guided insights about the city’s landmarks—though expect some variability in the captain’s storytelling.

It’s not necessarily the best option for travelers on a tight budget, given its price, but if you’re seeking a special, intimate experience without the hustle of larger tours, this could be perfect. Also, those who appreciate the environment and prefer a silent, emission-free ride will find this experience particularly appealing.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Choice for You?

If you’re after a quiet, private tour with a degree of flexibility, this electric saloon boat cruise has plenty to offer. The ability to customize your route and enjoy the scenic views of Amsterdam’s UNESCO canal ring makes it stand out from standard group tours. The comfort of a dedicated captain who can offer local insights adds a personal touch that many travelers find enriching.

However, if you prefer a guided commentary with lots of historical details or a more lively host, you might find the experience varies from captain to captain. The price is on the higher side, but for those valuing privacy, eco-friendliness, and a tailored itinerary, it’s often justified.

This tour would suit travelers who want to make a special occasion out of their time in Amsterdam or those who simply prefer a more relaxed, intimate way to see the city from its famous waterways.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transportation on an electric saloon boat, a captain serving as your guide, and tourist/council tax. Drinks can be bought onboard but are not included in the price.

Can I choose my start time?
Yes, you can select a start time that works best for you, making it a flexible option to fit into your schedule.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Museum of the Canals on Herengracht and ends back at the same point.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the tour is designed for small groups and might be best suited for adults or older children comfortable on a boat.

What if I want drinks onboard?
Drinks such as water, soft drinks, beer, wine, prosecco, cava, and champagne can be purchased during the cruise.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before start are non-refundable.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, customizable waterway experience that offers a personal touch in Amsterdam, this private electric saloon boat tour could be just the ticket. It’s a refined way to see the city’s iconic canals without the fuss of large groups, provided you’re comfortable with the price and a bit of variability in the captain’s commentary.