One of the best ways to explore Amsterdam is on the water, and what better way to cruise along the canals than on a sustainable hand restored fully electric boat? Join our Private Amsterdam Canal Cruise with our friends at Pure Boats or Smidtje when you have a larger group.
With 165 canals covering more than 100 km of waterways, and more than 1,200 bridges, you will be spoilt for choice as to what you will see. Just sit back and relax as our captain guides your Amsterdam cruise along the Dutch waterways.
On your Private Amsterdam Canal Cruise you will pass famous sights, such as the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk, Nine Streets, the Skinny Bridge, and the dancing houses at the Amstel River.
Private cruises can be taken throughout the day and night and can vary in duration from 90 minutes to 3 hours. During this time, you have the entire boat to yourself. Your guide is your captain who will attend to all of your needs. An open bar and snack options can be included.
Our friends at Pure Boats have five beautiful boats, lovingly restored and furnished to provide both comfort and luxury. At Smidtje they have some luxury bigger boats for groups of 20 or more people. There’s no need to be concerned about the famous Dutch weather either, as the boats have canopies or enclosed cabins.
You will feel welcome immediately at their luxury 100% electric boats. While cruising, you enjoy the best local foods and drinks on a classy, sustainable boat.
There are three ways to enjoy a cruise with our friends.
1. With a shared cruise in a small group, max 16 people in your group. See the options
2. With your own private cruise with for example drinks and dutch snacks for max 20 people. See the options.
3. A fully bespoke cruise for your company for bigger groups, a dinner, a wedding or a party. Fill in our form.
An intimate cruise, shared with a small group of like-minded people, up to a maximum of 16. The duration of the cruise ranges between 90 minutes and 2 hours.
Amsterdam is at its most beautiful from the water, and a private cruise lets you take it in at your own pace. As you glide through the UNESCO-listed canal belt, your captain points out the highlights, including:
Every route is flexible, so just tell your captain what you would most like to see and the cruise is shaped around you.
We work with several of Amsterdam’s best canal cruise companies rather than a single fleet. That means we can find the boat that genuinely suits your group, instead of squeezing you onto whatever happens to be free. From an intimate open boat for two to a comfortable covered salon boat for a large family or a company outing, we will recommend the right size, style and captain for the occasion. Tell us your group size and what you have in mind, and we will take care of the rest.
Because there are jetties all across the city centre, we can usually arrange a departure point within easy walking distance of your hotel. If you are staying centrally, let us know where, and we will suggest the most convenient options so there is no long walk before your cruise begins.
A private cruise is the perfect setting for something to eat and drink. We offer a wide range of catering options, from beers, fine wines and Dutch snacks to champagne, a cheese platter, or even a full lunch or dinner on board. Just tell us what you fancy when you book and we will arrange it for you.
A canal cruise works beautifully as part of a bigger day out. Many guests pair the boat with one of our other experiences for a complete day in Amsterdam, for example:
Take a look at our private Amsterdam tours and we will happily build a cruise into your itinerary.
Whether you are celebrating a birthday, travelling as a family, or organising a company outing, a private cruise gives everyone the boat to themselves. Younger guests are very welcome and life jackets can be arranged on request, while larger groups can be split across several boats so you all travel together. It is a relaxed, comfortable way for any group to enjoy the city.
For weddings, parties, business events or anything a little out of the ordinary, we arrange completely bespoke cruises built around your wishes, including catering, route and timing for larger groups. Tell us what you have in mind through our plan your tour form, or simply get in touch, and we will put together a tailor-made proposal.
Our private canal cruises typically run between 1.5 and 3 hours. We tailor the duration to your preferences and can arrange longer cruises on request.
Our luxury private boats accommodate from 1 to 70 guests. So also perfect if you have a group wanting a private cruise. For larger groups we can arrange multiple boats so everyone travels together.
We depart from a central Amsterdam location convenient to your hotel as all over the city there are jetties to start a cruise. Our team will confirm the exact meeting point after booking.
The cruise includes a dedicated private boat, an experienced captain, and a personalised route through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt. Catering options including wine, beer, champage and Dutch snacks can be added on request. We also have options for lunch or dinner.
Yes. We operate private canal cruises throughout the year. Our boats are equipped with heating and a roof for cooler months. Winter cruises during the Amsterdam Light Festival are particularly spectacular.
Yes. Evening cruises are a wonderful way to see Amsterdam illuminated at night. During the Amsterdam Light Festival from November to January the canals are especially beautiful after dark.
Our private canal cruises start from around EUR 300 for a 90-minute cruise. The exact price depends on the boat, the duration, number of guests and any extras such as catering, and we confirm a fixed price when you book.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted on board, but we are happy to arrange catering for you – from wine and soft drinks to Dutch snacks or even a full lunch or dinner. Just let us know what you would like when you book.
Yes. All of our boats offer canopies or enclosed, heated cabins, so your cruise goes ahead comfortably whatever the Dutch weather does. Let us know if you would prefer a covered boat and we will arrange it.
Absolutely. A private cruise is a relaxed way to see the city at your own pace, and life jackets for younger guests can be arranged on request.
We recommend booking early, especially for evenings, weekends and the summer and Light Festival seasons, which fill up quickly. We will always try to accommodate last-minute requests where we can.
If you have any questions for the Bespoke Amsterdam Experiences team, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Are you looking for more ways to explore our city during your visit? Don’t miss our small-group public Amsterdam tours.