Blue Boat Canal Cruise
Experience Amsterdam's charm from the water on the iconic Blue Boat Canal Cruise, gliding past historic houses and bridges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm weather, great for photos
Blue Boat Canal Cruise
Best Time
Warm weather, great for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Amsterdam's charm from the water on the iconic Blue Boat Canal Cruise, gliding past historic houses and bridges.
"Seeing the city from the perspective of the canal was amazing, and the tour guide provided a lot of great information."
🎧 Ask for Headphones
Don't forget to ask for headphones for the audio guide; they aren't always offered automatically .
💺 Arrive Early for Seating
To secure a booth for your group, especially if you're four people, arrive 30 minutes early .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Canal Views
Amsterdam Canals
Glide through historic waterways, admiring charming bridges and unique Dutch architecture from a unique perspective.
Amsterdam Light Festival
Canals during winter
Experience the city transformed by stunning light artworks illuminating the canals during this magical winter event.
Meet the Captains
Onboard
Hear stories and discover hidden gems of Amsterdam from the experienced captains who navigate these historic canals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Spots
Consider Your Cruise Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Ask for Headphones
Don't forget to ask for headphones for the audio guide; they aren't always offered automatically.
💺 Arrive Early for Seating
To secure a booth for your group, especially if you're four people, arrive 30 minutes early.
🧥 Dress Warmly for Evening
Evening cruises can get chilly, so bring layers, even in warmer months.
☀️ Shade on Sunny Days
Umbrellas are available for shade on sunny days, or for rain protection.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Ask for Headphones
Don't forget to ask for headphones for the audio guide; they aren't always offered automatically.
💺 Arrive Early for Seating
To secure a booth for your group, especially if you're four people, arrive 30 minutes early.
🧥 Dress Warmly for Evening
Evening cruises can get chilly, so bring layers, even in warmer months.
☀️ Shade on Sunny Days
Umbrellas are available for shade on sunny days, or for rain protection.
📱 Audio Guide on Phone
The audio guide is accessible via QR code, so you can follow along on your phone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Blue Boat Canal Cruise an enjoyable way to see Amsterdam's canals, appreciating the informative guides and unique city perspectives. However, some reviewers noted that night tours could be less engaging with brief audio guides and that seating can be tight, especially for larger groups.
"I was determined to take a boat tour while visiting Amsterdam, and this one did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable experience, even on a cloudy day. Seeing the city from the perspective of the canal was amazing, and the tour guide provided a lot of great information. I highly recommend taking this tour."
Sharon Keyser
"We booked a night tour, even though we weren’t sure if we’d be able to see much in the dark. Based on the positive reviews, we expected it to still be a good experience, but unfortunately it wasn’t.
The audio guide only had brief comments here and there, and the information wasn’t detailed enough to clearly point out the buildings or locations being referenced. Most of the time, you didn’t even know where to look—left or right. Altogether, the audio content felt like it would be about 20 minutes at most.
We moved to the back of the boat to get a better view of the buildings, but it was very cold. One good thing is that the audio guide is accessible via QR code on your phone, so going outside doesn’t make you miss anything.
Another downside was the seating. The booths are small and very tight for four people. If you’re a group of four, I’d recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to get a booth just for your group. Couples may end up sharing a tight space with another couple, which can feel awkward.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this tour, especially at night."
Sheida
"Loved it! We booked this as a bit of a last minute thing but I'm so glad we did! The tour was very informational and a good length to see around the canals. As someone who loves a bit of architecture it was wonderful to see the buildings of Amsterdam by the water (which was lovely and calm for someone who suffers with sea sickness so don't let that put you off!). The boat was clean and comfortable with a glass roof so suitable for all weather! 10/10 would do again."
Laura Pavey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Blue Boat Company has several departure points. A common one is located across from the Rijksmuseum, offering a slightly longer tour route. Another departure point is at Stadhouderskade 550.
Most departure points are centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Trams and buses frequently stop near major attractions like the Rijksmuseum. Check local transit maps for the most convenient route.
Parking in central Amsterdam can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach the departure points.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Amsterdam. You can direct your driver to the specific Blue Boat departure point you've chosen.
While the boats themselves are generally accessible, it's advisable to check with the Blue Boat Company directly regarding specific accessibility features at their departure points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a standard 1 hour 15 minute tour typically costs around 22.50 euros for adults. Special events like the Light Festival may have different pricing.
You can purchase tickets directly from the Blue Boat Company's website, at their ticket offices, or through online travel agencies like GetYourGuide. Booking online in advance is recommended.
While you can sometimes buy tickets on the day, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or for special events, to secure your spot and preferred time.
Yes, discounts are sometimes available, such as a €2.50 discount for the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise. Keep an eye out for promotions online or through travel partners.
Operating hours vary depending on the season and specific cruise. It's best to check the Blue Boat Company's official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Standard tours typically last around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Some special cruises, like the Amsterdam Light Festival tour, may have different durations.
The audio guide is available in multiple languages via headphones or a QR code accessible on your phone. However, some reviewers found the night tour audio guide to be brief and not detailed enough.
While the scenery can be interesting, some find the tour not super exciting for kids or teens, especially if they are looking for high-energy activities. The architecture and canal views might appeal more to older children.
Booths are designed for seating, but they can be small and tight for four people. Couples might find themselves sharing a booth with another couple, which can feel awkward.
Daytime cruises offer great views of architecture on sunny days, while evening cruises can be magical with festive lighting, especially during winter.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information about onboard food and drink options is not widely detailed in user content. It's best to check the Blue Boat Company's website or inquire directly for current offerings.
Policies on bringing outside food and beverages can vary. It's advisable to confirm with the Blue Boat Company before your cruise.
Yes, the departure points are often located in central Amsterdam, which has a wide array of restaurants and cafes nearby offering various cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire cruise offers fantastic photo opportunities, from charming bridges and historic canal houses to houseboats and views of the bay and Ship Museum. The glass roof also allows for clear shots in various weather conditions.
Yes, the boats are designed to offer good views. The glass roof ensures you can capture photos even if it's raining. Moving to the back of the boat can offer different perspectives.
Sunny afternoons provide excellent natural light for photography. Evening cruises during the Light Festival offer unique, albeit darker, photographic opportunities with illuminated artworks.
Absolutely! Many travelers use their phones to capture the sights. The audio guide being accessible via QR code on your phone means you won't miss anything while taking pictures.
Keep an eye out for iconic bridges, the historic canal houses, the Anne Frank House (though not always clearly visible from all routes), and the National Maritime Museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Arrive early to secure seating that works best for your family, and bring snacks and drinks if allowed, as onboard options might be limited. The glass roof offers protection from the elements, which is a plus for families traveling in unpredictable weather.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Utilize the audio guide accessible via QR code on your phone to save on potential headphone rental fees and to follow along at your own pace. Consider a weekday morning cruise for potentially lower crowds and a more relaxed experience.
💑 Couples
Tip: Opt for an evening cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival for a particularly magical and visually stunning experience. The audio guide, accessible via your phone, allows you to discreetly enjoy the commentary while taking in the romantic ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Amsterdam's Canals with Blue Boat
Blue Boat also highlights its captains as a unique selling point, with videos introducing the crew and sharing insights into canal life and hidden spots.
While the daytime tours are praised for their informative guides and pleasant canal views,
Choosing Your Blue Boat Experience
For a truly magical experience, the evening cruises during the winter months, especially those coinciding with the Amsterdam Light Festival, are highly recommended. The city's festive lighting adds a unique ambiance to the canals.
If you're traveling with a group, particularly four people, arriving at least 30 minutes before departure is crucial to secure a comfortable seating arrangement, as the booths can feel cramped.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit