Open boat tours in Amsterdam
Experience Amsterdam from an open boat and feel the city up close. These smaller boats navigate the narrow canals that larger cruise ships cannot reach, taking you through the charming Jordaan neighbourhood and past hidden houseboats.
3 open boats available
Open boat tours offer the most intimate way to experience Amsterdam's canals. Unlike the larger covered cruise boats, open boats carry fewer passengers and navigate the narrow waterways of the Jordaan, the Nine Streets, and the quieter residential canals where the real Amsterdam reveals itself.
The Open Boat Cruise is our most popular open-air experience, departing from Damrak, Leidseplein, and Rijksmuseum. At 60 minutes, it is the perfect introduction to Amsterdam's hidden canals — you will pass through waterways lined with houseboats, garden houses, and centuries-old warehouses converted into apartments. With over 5,600 reviews and a best-seller badge, it consistently ranks as one of Amsterdam's top activities.
The Small Boat Cruise takes intimacy a step further with a maximum of 12 passengers. These boats glide through the narrowest canals of the canal belt, where you can almost touch the canal houses on either side. Your skipper shares insider stories about the neighbourhood and its history.
For those who want extra comfort, the Luxury Open Boat Cruise features cushioned seating, complimentary drinks, and a premium route through the most photogenic canals. With a 4.7-star rating, it is the highest-rated open boat experience in our fleet.
Open boats are best enjoyed in spring and summer when the weather is warm and the canal-side terraces are buzzing. However, they operate year-round with blankets and optional canopies available in cooler months. All open boats depart regularly throughout the day, with the last departures in the early evening.
Photography enthusiasts love open boats because there is no glass between you and the canal houses — your photos come out crisp and vibrant. The low vantage point also gives you a unique perspective that you cannot get from the street or a larger boat.