A Private Boat Tour in Amsterdam: Is a Luxury Canal Cruise Worth it?
A Private boat tour in Amsterdam is a magnificent experience! I’ve visited Amsterdam (one of my favorite locations!) many times over the past 10 years and have taken too many canal boat cruises to count! So yes, a private boat tour in Amsterdam is absolutely worth it! In this post, I’ll discuss my favorite private boat tour in Amsterdam and also tell you which other tours are worth your while so you can have that luxury experience, too!
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, you have no doubt heard about the city’s iconic canals and the many boat tours available to explore them.
While group tours can be a great way to see the sights, a private boat tour might be a better choice for your Amsterdam experience. Not only will you have the flexibility to customize your itinerary and choose your own pace, but you’ll also have the luxury of a more intimate and personalized experience.
I’ve tried a number of canal tours in Amsterdam over the years, both public and private. There’s something special about having a tour all to yourself. I found it much more enjoyable when the experience was tailored just to my group!
Short on Time?
👉 Here is the best Amsterdam Private Boat Tour!
⭐Best Private Boat Tour
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Amsterdam or a seasoned traveler, this private boat tour is an excellent way to discover the beauty and charm of Amsterdam from a unique perspective.
My Favorite Private Amsterdam Boat Tour
In a capital city filled with world-famous canals, it’s no surprise that there are a ton of companies offering private canal boat cruises in Amsterdam.
Thankfully, this means that there are lots of boat tours to choose from, each with a unique twist that makes them special.
Taking a private Amsterdam canal cruise is one of the top experiences I recommend visitors have, especially if you want to be able to spread out and enjoy some fresh canal air. Most tours are run in English, making it easy to experience as a tourist!
Dare I say that a private boat tour in Amsterdam is life-changing? Here’s the low down on my favorite private canal cruise you should absolutely book for your next getaway:
Early Morning Private Boat Tour Amsterdam With Captain Dave
📍 Departs From: Prinsengracht | ⏳ Duration: 90 Minutes | ✈️ BOOK NOW!
Get up and at ’em before the rest of the bustling city of Amsterdam is even awake. We chose to do this boat tour because it started the day off early and it gave us a great overview of what we wanted to do during the rest of our stay.
I’d recommend you take this tour at the beginning of your stay in Amsterdam since you’ll get a lot of information on what to see and do, as well as where to eat. We really enjoyed this part of the commentary and ended up eating at many of the restaurants which were suggested by the Captain. What a great way to see Amsterdam!
You’ll join Captain Dave on a tour of the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Canals as you watch the sun rise over the “Venice of the North.” Enjoy the stillness of the waterways as you peacefully sip on coffee or tea and take in your surroundings.
I really liked the heating on board since it was nippy the day we took the tour, and the extra blankets to keep you warm were a really nice touch. Captain Dave also offered us some Dutch cheese and sugar bread which was really nice.
The tour starts early, at 8 am, but as the day warmed up a little the captain opened the roof so we could see more! There is also a 10 am option if you’re not an early bird like us!
Another thing to mention is that we didn’t get wet at all on this tour, which means you won’t need to dress for any unexpected splashing.
Our private boat tour was narrated by Captain Dave, a local Amsterdammer, and offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere on an antique saloon boat from 1928 once used by the Royal Family. It’s truly one of the best Amsterdam canal cruises!
Marvel at the canal houses and landmarks as you float past top sights like the Anne Frank House, the Artis Royal Zoo, and the Red Light District.
Other highlights include passing Europe’s smallest house, the romantic Skinny Bridge, and a houseboat that has been turned into the Catboat Animal Shelter. But, if there’s something else you want to see, your private tour itinerary is completely customizable!
Don’t hesitate to hop on board the “Best Boat Tour 2020 for Amsterdam,” where Captain Dave ensures that no two tours are the same. You’ll hear insights and hilarious stories from a local (in English or in Dutch) and see the canals of this beautiful city.
Great time, lots of interesting facts and a fun morning! Great boat for cruising the canals! This was a much better experience than you would have one of the larger tour boats!
-Julie (read more reviews)
⭐ Check Availability for a Private Early Morning Amsterdam Cruise!
Other Great Private Boat Tours in Amsterdam
Captain Dave’s boat tour too early for you? Check out these great Luxury cruises along the Amsterdam Canals so you get to sleep in and see the beauty of the city from the water.
Most Romantic Private Canal Boat Tour
📍 Departs From: Herengracht | ⏳ Duration: 50 Minutes | ✈️BOOK NOW!
Are you looking for a unique and intimate experience in Amsterdam? Skip the group canal tours and opt for a private boat tour with your partner with Captain Rocco of Romantic Tour Amsterdam.
This experience in Amsterdam for two sets the perfect scene for some stolen moments away during your time in this iconic city.
I looked for hours to find the right tour for my husband and I, and I am very happy I chose to go with Romantic Tour Amsterdam! Was definitely worth it to ensure a private, peaceful way to enjoy the once in a lifetime views with your partner. Would hig hly recommend!
– Lauren (Read more reviews)
As you glide along the historic canal ring, enjoy soft music and learn about Amsterdam’s fascinating history from your knowledgeable guide. You’ll enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages and snacks like Dutch cheese and fruit.
You’ll pass by many of Amsterdam’s beautiful sights, including the Amstel, houseboats in the Canal Belt, Monet’s “Bridge of Love,” and the iconic Magere Brug.
💍 Reviewers rave about this cruise being the perfect place to propose! What a unique moment with incredible ambiance!
Romantic & Private Evening Amsterdam Canal Cruise
📍 Departs From: Herengracht | ⏳ Duration: 50 Minutes | ✈️BOOK NOW!
One of the most magical ways to see the city of Amsterdam is by boat at night. Nothing will prepare you for how the canals, all lit up, take your breath away.
For the ultimate private and romantic experience in Amsterdam, treat yourself and your partner to a luxurious evening canal cruise escape.
Run by the fantastic Captain Rocco from above, you’ll find this evening canal cruise another perfect romantic option for way to get on the water in Amsterdam!
Indulge on local Dutch cheese, grapes, and stroopwafels as you sip on bubbly prosecco as you sail past many of the famous Dutch landmarks.
Your private boat tour rides underneath the Reguliersgracht (Seven Bridges), the Bloemenmarkt, and the Skinny Bridge, still giving you a taste of Amsterdam’s greatest sights in a much more relaxed and exclusive environment.
✅ This is even an option for the perfect winter experience, as blankets and heated seats make for a cozy snuggle session among the waterways during the Amsterdam Light Festival.
Luxury Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
📍 Departs From: Central Station Area | ⏳ Duration: 90 Minutes | ✈️BOOK NOW!
Magnificent, decadent, and private canal boat tours in Amsterdam are what the Boatboys specialize in.
Avoid the tourists and overcrowded, stuffy boats while are sure to have the trip of your life as you down a few flutes of champagne in only the most regal of settings- a historic canal boat that has actually been granted “floating monument status.”
This is perfect for groups of up to 12 people. Looking for a unique bachelor or bachelorette party excursion? Hop aboard. Want a more tame atmosphere to enjoy with your closest friends? This is still your best bet!
Cruise around like royalty while you enjoy unlimited champagne and commentary of the surrounding sights as you wind your way around the canal ring.
The options for where to sail are endless, but you’ll definitely see the Red Light District, the Heineken Experience, and the Magere Brug as you take in the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and other nearby canals.
See the whole of Amsterdam from this elevated and elegant private canal cruise.
⭐ Check Availability for an All-Inclusive Private Boat Tour!
Best For Small Groups: Private Champagne Canal Cruise!
📍 Departs From: Outside Centraal Station | ⏳ Duration: 90 Minutes | ✈️BOOK NOW!
Traditional boat tours in Amsterdam can quickly become awkward with a multitude of random strangers packing into a sightseeing boat with you.
Solve this problem by booking an Amsterdam private boat tour just for you!
I booked this canal cruise recently as a surprise and it was such a wonderful evening. The boat looked brand new and felt so luxurious. I would highly recommend this experience for a group or special occasion. It definitely was a highlight of our trip!
– Jonathan (see more reviews)
This extended champagne canal cruise accommodates up to 12 guests and can be completely customized to your whims and wishes. You’ll cruise for 90 minutes with…let’s hear it…BOTTOMLESS CHAMPAGNE! (Just bring me, please?)
Since it is a smaller boat, there is more opportunity to explore smaller canals not easily accessible by larger tourist companies. See the sights and stunning charm of the local waterways while the Amsterdam-native captain regales you with tales of the city.
Why Take a Private Canal Tour in Amsterdam?
When you think of Amsterdam, the first thing that comes to mind is often the city’s picturesque canals. These waterways are the lifeblood of the city. Other than biking in Amsterdam, the waterways are the most popular way to get around, and a private boat tour is the perfect way to explore them in style.
✅ With a private tour, you can fully customize your experience. Everything from the route you take to the food and drinks you enjoy on board is dictated by you! You’ll have the freedom to see the city’s famous landmarks and Amsterdam’s hidden gems at your own pace. These canal tours fit into even the shortest of Amsterdam weekend plans.
✅ The best part? You’ll bask in the city’s beauty without the crowds of a larger group tour. You’ll have better views and much less background chatter as you take in the scenery.
✅ Another benefit of a private canal cruise is the various events and parties it caters to. A chartered boat tour is a perfect option for everyone: from a romantic night for a couple, a special family gathering, or small groups of friends.
FAQ: Private Boat Tours in Amsterdam
There are so many private Amsterdam canal cruises out there that you may find yourself stuck with many questions once you begin to consider it. Here are the ones I am most frequently asked:
Is a Boat Tour Worth It in Amsterdam?
A canal boat tour in Amsterdam is one of the top things to do in the city. It is worth every second, and it is a fabulous way to make memories. You’ll be able to see sights around the city of Amsterdam in a unique way. A true bucket list experience!
Plus, canal boat tours in Amsterdam are very affordable and are conveniently located!
How Much is a Boat Tour in Amsterdam?
A traditional boat tour in Amsterdam can range anywhere from €25-€40. However, if you’re looking to take a private boat tour, expect to pay a few hundred Euro for the experience.
How Long is a Boat Tour in Amsterdam?
Most boat tours in Amsterdam are 60-90 minutes. However, you can find some that extend to two hours.
Final Thoughts: Private Boat Tours in Amsterdam
Regardless of what is on your Amsterdam itinerary thus far, you absolutely want to add in a private canal cruise.
This elevated experience in the heart of the city will expose you to the beautiful waterways, historic buildings, and unique past of Amsterdam- it is especially moving if this is your first time in an international city.
Book yourself a private boat tour during your stay in Amsterdam and create lifelong memories with those you love most!
Headed to Amsterdam soon? Here are some other articles to help you have the best trip:
✅ My favorite Amsterdam itineraries for 4 days or one day in Amsterdam!
✅ All the Canal Cruises I recommend in Amsterdam!
✅ An Amsterdam Bucket List to complete!
✅ Everything you need to know for visiting the Anne Frank House
✅ Top Weekend Trips from Amsterdam
✅ Review on my #1 Place to stay in Amsterdam
✅ If you’re biking around the city, here’s what you need to know!
✅ Wondering if you can speak English in Amsterdam? Or do you need to greet in Dutch?
