Open Boat Cruise Amsterdam
Feel the breeze and enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views from our open-top canal boats. A 60-minute cruise perfect for sunny days and photography enthusiasts.
Free cancellation · Instant confirmation · Mobile tickets
Highlights
- 60-minute open-air canal cruise
- Fully electric boat, zero emission
- Up to ~12 passengers — small group feel
- Live English and Dutch by the skipper (no audio guide)
- 3 departure points: Damrak Pier 6, Leidseplein, Rijksmuseum
- Covered when it rains — you stay dry
- Seasonal: complimentary Aperol Spritz on summer Leidseplein departures
What's included
Included
- 60-minute open boat canal cruise
- Live English and Dutch commentary by the skipper
- Rain covers if needed
Not included
- Toilet on board (use facilities ashore before boarding)
- Snacks and drinks (buy at the shop before boarding — not sold onboard)
- Hotel pick-up
- Audio guide (live skipper commentary instead)
Meeting point
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Multiple departure locations available
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Premium audio guide + onboard drink
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before · Instant confirmation · Mobile ticket · Best price guaranteed
Good to know
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Full refund within 5 business days.
Open boats have step-down boarding. Not wheelchair accessible. No toilet on board — use facilities ashore before boarding.
Children aged 0–3 travel free. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Life jackets available for children on request.
Cruises operate in light rain with ponchos provided. In heavy rain or storms, we may reschedule your booking free of charge.
Reviews
Very good
Based on 5,672 reviews
Sarah M.
2 weeks ago
Loved the Open Boat Cruise Amsterdam! Exactly as described and very well organized. Would definitely recommend.
James K.
1 month ago
Great experience, smooth booking process and friendly staff. The views were incredible.
Elena R.
1 month ago
Very enjoyable. Perfect for a day out in Amsterdam. Good value for money.
About this cruise
The Open Boat Cruise is Amsterdam’s most popular open-air canal experience. With no roof and no windows between you and the city, you get unobstructed 360-degree views of Amsterdam’s famous canal houses, bridges, and waterside life.
Our fleet of modern open boats departs from three convenient locations — Damrak, Leidseplein, and Rijksmuseum — and takes you on a 60-minute journey through the heart of the canal ring. The low seating position puts you close to the water, creating an intimate connection with the city that enclosed boats simply cannot match.
Photography enthusiasts love the open boats because there is no glass to cause reflections or distortions. Every shot is crystal clear, whether you are capturing the ornate gables of Herengracht or the colorful houseboats of the Jordaan.
Each boat is skippered by an experienced captain who provides live commentary in English and Dutch, pointing out hidden details and sharing local stories that you will not find in any guidebook. The conversational style means you can ask questions and get personalized recommendations for the rest of your Amsterdam visit.
In cooler weather, warm blankets are provided for every seat, and the boats are equipped with wind shields that can be raised without blocking your views. Even on overcast days, the open boat experience has its own charm — the moody light reflecting off the canals makes for atmospheric photographs.
Open Boat Cruises run from March through November, with departures every 30 minutes during peak season. This is one of Amsterdam’s best-value canal experiences and consistently one of the highest-rated activities in the city.
