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Amsterdam 2-hour Private Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Drinks

283 Reviews 4.94 out of 5 stars Based on 283 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Dutch
Instant confirmation

Overview

This private cruise lets you explore Amsterdam from a small, open boat, just you, your group and your guide. The route adapts as you go, so you can spend extra time where you like, whether under the Seven Bridges or along the quieter Jordaan canals. Your guide will point out details like the leaning Dancing Houses or the spot where Monet painted, and there’s room for questions or simply watching the city go by.
With two hours on the water, there’s no rush. You might pass houseboats with lit windows, hear the occasional bicycle bell in the distance or see the canals reflect the streetlights as evening falls. It’s a slow, unhurried way to experience Amsterdam, with space to take it all in. Bring your own drinks and snacks, and let the city unfold at its own pace.

What's Included

  • Drinks (water, various soft drinks, beer, Prosecco)
  • Local certified skipper
  • Live commentary on board
  • Food (may be taken on-board)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Prinsengracht 375
1016 DN Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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The Jordaan (pass by)

Cruise through the narrow, winding canals of Jordaan, a neighborhood known for its artistic spirit and village-like charm. Here, 17th-century homes lean gently over the water, bridges arch gracefully and hidden courtyards tuck behind the canal houses. This is the quieter, more personal side of Amsterdam, often overlooked by visitors but beloved by locals.
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Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) (pass by)

Glide through the heart of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt, one of the best-preserved 17th-century canal systems in the world. Your guide will point out the grand merchant houses, share tales of the city’s Golden Age and explain how these waterways shaped Amsterdam’s identity. This is where history and daily life flow side by side.
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De Gouden Bocht (pass by)

Sail along the most prestigious stretch of the Herengracht, where the wealthiest merchants of the Dutch Golden Age built their grandest homes. The opulent facades and stately mansions here reflect a time when Amsterdam was at the height of its trading power. Even today, the Golden Bend remains one of the city’s most impressive sights.
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Amsterdam (pass by)

Pass under the iconic Seven Bridges on the Reguliersgracht, a well-known sequence of arches that capture the essence of Amsterdam. This is one of the most photographed spots in the city and for good reason. Each bridge frames a new perspective of the canals and the life that unfolds along them.
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The Amstel (pass by)

The Amstel is Amsterdam’s original waterway, where the city’s story began. Today, it’s lined with a mix of historic landmarks and modern architecture, offering a glimpse into how the old and new coexist here. Your guide will share stories of the river’s role in shaping the city, from its medieval origins to its place in Amsterdam today.
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Amsterdam (pass by)

Spot the whimsical Dancing Houses, a trio of leaning buildings that seem to sway along the water’s edge. Their playful, off-kilter charm is a reminder that even in a city known for its precision, there’s always room for a little unexpected delight.
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Amsterdam (pass by)

Drift past the very canal where Claude Monet set up his easel in 1874, capturing the light and life of Amsterdam in his paintings. The canal still feels recognizable today. Houseboats bob gently, bicycles rest on bridges and the same soft light plays on the water.
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Red Light District (De Wallen) (pass by)

See Amsterdam’s most talked-about neighborhood from the water, where the canals reflect the glow of the historic center. It’s a different perspective on an area that’s both infamous and deeply rooted in the city’s culture.
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Amsterdam Cruise Port (pass by)

Pass by the city’s bustling port, where historic docks meet modern maritime activity. This is where Amsterdam’s trading spirit lives on, connecting the city to the world.
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Amsterdam (pass by)

Catch sight of a replica 18th-century pirate ship, docked along the water. It’s a playful nod to Amsterdam’s seafaring past and a favorite spot for photos.
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ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo (pass by)

Glide by ARTIS Royal Zoo, one of Europe’s oldest, where the sounds of the city mix with the occasional call of an exotic bird. The zoo’s green spaces and historic buildings add a touch of nature to the urban landscape.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation in case of extreme weather. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Blankets and optional roof available

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Amsterdam 2-hour Private Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Drinks?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-19891P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.94
283 reviews

Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 283 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
273
4 stars
4
3 stars
4
2 stars
2
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Drinks (water, various soft drinks, beer, Prosecco)
  • Local certified skipper
  • Live commentary on board
  • Eco-friendly sightseeing cruise
  • Food (may be taken on-board)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation in case of extreme weather. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Blankets and optional roof available

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