Tours/Amsterdam/Cruise Amsterdam like a Local — Small Group 12 pax
Viator · group up to 12 pax

Cruise Amsterdam like a Local — Small Group 12 pax

4.9(440)Amsterdam1 hour
VIATOR4.9(157)TRIPADVISOR4.9(283)

Description

We cruise in a small group in a relaxed, social setting —you step on board as a guest and leave feeling like a local. Sit back, enjoy, and take in the city at an easy pace. Instead of following a fixed route with standard commentary, we let the day and the group guide the experience. The captain is your host and guide in one, sharing stories and local insights that help you truly understand Amsterdam. All cruises are 90 minutes. Departures on the historic Jonckvrouw sail at 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 pm, with additional half‑hour departures on the iconic James Bond boat at 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30 pm. Both boats are fully electric, comfortable in all seasons, and equipped with sliding glass windows, a sunroof, an open aft deck, and a toilet on board (a rare luxury!). The freedom of an open boat, combined with the comfort of a warm, covered saloon. Book direct for the best experience —and come join us on the water. See you onboard, Captain Dave Amsterdam

Tour Options

Cruise Like a Local
  • Small group experience, 12 max Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: The captain will be your host and personal guide in-one and give you a cruise like a local! Lively and non-scripted. All-inclusive open bar : Heineken beer, wine, soda, water, coffee, tea Jonckvrouw and James Bond: 12-2-4-6pm –Jonckvrouw Historic vessel® from 1928 12:30-2:30-4:30-6:30-8:30pm –James Bond Former taxiboat with 360° view

Itinerary

90 min

While others stick to fixed routes and standard commentary, we bring you a fresh experience each time, exploring different routes and sharing funny, personal stories about Amsterdam’s sights. Join us for a unique canal cruise through Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks! With our flexible route, we’ll glide through the city’s famous canal rings, revealing treasures like the Seven Bridges, the Skinny Bridge, the Amstel River, the grand Stopera Opera Building, the quirky Dancing Houses, the Anne Frank House, and the towering Wester Tower. Get ready for a memorable adventure filled with laughter and awe on Amsterdam’s stunning waterways!

Highlights

Heated boat and extra blankets for comfort in all seasons
Open bar. Heineken beer, wine, soft drinks, SPA water, coffee, and tea
90‑minute Amsterdam canal cruise in a small group 12p
Personable, non‑scripted local guide —your host and fully licensed captain
Two boats with indoor saloon, outdoor deck, and on‑board restroom (a rare luxury, light use only)

What's included

Included
Heated boat and extra blankets for comfort in all seasons
Open bar. Heineken beer, wine, soft drinks, SPA water, coffee, and tea
90‑minute Amsterdam canal cruise in a small group 12p
Personable, non‑scripted local guide —your host and fully licensed captain
Two boats with indoor saloon, outdoor deck, and on‑board restroom (a rare luxury, light use only)
Not included
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

4.9
440 reviews
5
419
4
12
3
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2
2
1
3

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for travelers with acute intestinal problems

Reviews(440)

E
eric_f
August 9, 2026
Great tour

Great crew and very helpful. We were right Tight on time and they dropped us near the hotel. I would definitely use this again.

K
Kevin
August 4, 2026
Relaxing and enjoyable way to see many canals

Stang did a great job taking us through the canal system and making sure we had enough beverages. Not a lot of running commentary as in a typical tour but he answered all yhe questions we asked. Would do it again. Very relaxing boat ride.

E
Efrain_M
July 28, 2026
Must Do Experience

The canal ride with Roman was awesome and one of the highlights of the trip to Amsterdam. His knowledge of the city and his funny approach was a blast.

C
Constance_G
July 28, 2026
Great canal trip.

This was great fun. The guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. We would definitely recommend this tour.

K
Katja B
July 23, 2026
The best way to experience Amsterdam

Couldn't recommend this more. The boat tour was amazing and Captain Dave even more so. It was thoroughly enjoyable and very fun. Captain Dave made it very special and memorable. He made it a very unique way of experiencing Amsterdam, getting the interesting 'tourist' history but also anecdotes and insights into what things are like for someone who is living and grown up in Amsterdam. Dave was also kind enough to provide recommendations for places to eat and see. It was the highlight of our trip. Dave was very personable and tailored the entire trip to the group on boat. There was also coffee, cold drinks and sugar cake provided. If you're looking for a canal tour but unsure which tour to go with or whether this would be something you would enjoy I would highly recommend as I don't think you would get this kind of experience and view of Amsterdam anywhere else.

A
Amy_G
July 20, 2026
Perfect!

Wonderful experience! Very knowledgeable guide. Beautiful city. Comfortable accommodations. Definitely recommend.

L
lauralP1133DX
July 16, 2026
A memorable canal boat experience

We had a really good experience with Captain Dave’s company. He provided a last minute solution to a mix-up with online booking and both parties were content. Great captain, friendly staff, welcoming and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend!

P
Pauline_S
July 7, 2026
Best canal cruise

The scenery was perfect. Our host Gesesle was awesome with fun information about the canals and the city. Food and drinks were outstanding. This historic boat is the best!

B
brennanf829
July 1, 2026
Amsterdam Adventure

A perfectly pleasant afternoon of history, local tidbits, lovely weather and good humor, all in a gorgeous 100 year old boat with its own interesting backstory

A
Adenike A
June 30, 2026
The only canal tour you need in Amsterdam!

Could this be the best canal tour in Amsterdam? I booked this experience completely last minute, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. Exploring the canals while learning about the city’s history from Roman, a true local who grew up in the area, made the experience feel incredibly special. Every story he shared felt personal and full of heart, giving us a glimpse into Amsterdam beyond the usual tourist perspective. It honestly felt more like we were being invited onto a friend’s boat than joining a standard sightseeing tour. Also, the boat itself is absolutely beautiful, with stunning wooden furnishings and so much history and heart. If it’s your first time visiting Amsterdam and you’re looking for an authentic, intimate canal experience, I couldn’t recommend this tour more.

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