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Amsterdam 'Rondvaart' Canal Tour Cruises
Amsterdam is very much a city of water with around 50 miles (80km) of canals, and well over 1,200 bridges. Taking a canal cruise on a glass-topped boat is really a must-do when visiting Amsterdam. Known as a 'rondvaart' (literally boat round trip) these tours will give you a different perspective on the city and its grand canals and beautiful 17th century houses. They are also quite relaxing if you have been walking around for a few hours. |
There are a many different canal boat tour operators offering similar types of trips, from 1 hour daytime cruises to night-time dinner cruises. Multi-lingual commentary recordings are available in up to 15 languages, depending on the operator. Some of the main boat tour companies are:
Rederij Lovers - Located at the western side of Central Station (near the taxis), they offer a variety of options from 1 hour day and evening cruises (€12), 2 hour candlelight cruise with cheese and wine (€29.50) and a 2 hour dinner cruise with drinks (€59). Other cruises (Architecture, Houseboat, Horror, Literary also possible, some on request)
They also have a 'Museum Line' boat which is a hop-on / hop-off at various locations of interest - the loop takes 1.5 hours with full commentary. Costs €20 for an all-day pass.
Holland International - Also just outside central station and offer the following regular cruises: 1 hour "100 highlights" cruise (€12.50), 2 hour cheese-and-wine candlelight cruise (€29.50), 1.5 hour 'ultimate' cruise including the eastern docklands (€17.50) and a 2.5 hour dinner cruise at €69.50. Private party cruises are possible with a variety of options.
Rederij Kooij - Located on the Rokin (near Spui), this company has been running since 1922 and has had many famous faces on board their boats over the years. Their 1 hour tour costs €8.50, 2 hour candlelight €22.50 (April - October). Commentary in 8 languages available. Boats powered by bio-diesel. Private hire also possible.
Amsterdam Canal Cruises / Blue Boat - Located at Nicolas Witsenkade 1a (opposite Heineken Brewery). 75 minute City Canal Cruise (€13), evening cruise (€15), "sing-along" cruise, private hire available with different catering options.
Canal Bus - This is a hop on-hop off tour with 14 stops around Amsterdam near places of interest. Day ticket costs €18. Also do private boat hire available with various catering options.
Canal Bike As a more active and fun alternative to the canal cruises you can hire a 4 seater pedalo "water bike" and find your own way around the canals. Costs from €7 per person per hour, with moorings at Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht / Leidsestraat. Just remember to keep to the right. |  |
Canal Hopper Canal Bus also has the Canal Hopper service using electrically powered open boats with room for up to 12 passengers. This "hop on hop off" service runs every 40 minutes between March and November. There are 2 circular routes - the western one goes via Jordaan / Anne Frankhuis, Leidseplein, Rijksmuseum and Spui. The eastern route takes in Nemo, Artis Zoo, Dappermarket with the 2 routes connecting at Hermitage on the Amstel. The captain gives commentary at places of interest. Price €22 or €12 for children. Alternatively rent a private hopper with skipper (max 12 people) for €175 for the first hour and €150 for each hour after. |  |
Note, combination tickets with various museums are also offered by many of the canal tour operators which could save you a couple of euros if you plan to visit that particular museum.