--- title: Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group lang: en type: tour city: Amsterdam country: Netherlands price: 18 currency: EUR price_unit: per_person availability: bookable rating: 4.95 reviews: 6694 duration_minutes: 60 languages: [de, pt, cmn, en, it, fr, nl, es] free_cancellation: "true" rank_in_category: 4 of 84 (Canal Cruises) schedule_checked: 2026-10-22 data_updated: 2026-10-22 canonical: https://guidekin.com/netherlands/amsterdam/tours/amsterdam-canal-cruise-with-local-guide-and-small-group/ --- # Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group In our comparison: #4 of 84 in Canal Cruises, by rating weighted by review volume (table below). ## Overview Amsterdam Canal Cruise Discover the city’s highlights in the best way possible. Take a boat trip on Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals in one of the newest electric boats. Drink optional Sit back and relax with a wine, beer or soda which you can book optional. Small Group We cruise with a maximum of 28 passengers Guide language Our skipper speaks English, but we have a free digital booklet with guided information in : English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, German, French & Italian. Departure Location We depart in front of Amsterdam Central Station. Bad Weather? Our boats can be open or covered, with the weather conditions in Amsterdam we decide on the day if we cruise open or with cover. Highlights During the cruise, admire the Canal Belt, the Skinny Bridge, the Dancing Houses, and much more. Listen to your local skipper’s stories as you take in the city sights. ## Before you book - Meeting point: Our location is right in front of… - Max 28 people: shared group - 24 start times: between 10:30 and 21:30 - Food not included: bring or buy your own **Pickup:** No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point ## Key facts - Price: from €18 per person for the Cruise without Drinks option; other options up to €28 - Duration: 1h - Rating: 4.95/5 from 6694 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor) - Free cancellation (see policy below) - Operator: Eco Boats Amsterdam - Group: Shared, up to 28 travellers - Guide languages: English, Dutch - Start times: 24 start times between 10:30 and 21:30 - Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket - Price checked on Viator: 2026-10-22 ## Reviews 4.95 from 6694 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor. 99% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 6647 of 6694. - 5 stars: 6456 (96%) - 4 stars: 191 (3%) - 3 stars: 27 (0%) - 2 stars: 7 (0%) - 1 star: 13 (0%) ## Tour options Prices are the operator's current list price for two travellers (whole euros); options sold only to bigger parties say so; pick the option on the booking page. | Option | Price | Guide languages | Details | |---|---|---|---| | Cruise without Drinks | €18 / person | English, Dutch, Chinese, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Spanish | Central Cruise without Drinks: Depart from Central Station and Cruise without a Drink | | Cruise with one drink | €21 / person | English, Dutch, Chinese, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Spanish | One soft drink, beer, or wine : One soft drink, beer, or wine included with your cruise, cocktail excluded Central: With a drink: Depart from Central Station Cruise with a Drink | | Unlimited Drinks | €28 / person | English, Dutch, Chinese, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Spanish | Unlimited Drinks: Selfservice to unlimited drinks Soda Wine Beer | ## What's included - English speaking guide - Digitial booklet in 8 languages: English French,German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian,Dutch & Chinese - Cruise with the proud winner of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2025! ## Not included - Snacks - a (Non) alcoholic beverage can be booked as optional ## Itinerary 1. **Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)** (1h) - See Amsterdam on the UNESCO listed Canals of Amsterdam 2. **St. Nicholas Basilica** (pass by, no stop) - This basilica features an impressive facade with twin towers and a central dome, while its interior boasts beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate artwork, and a majestic organ. The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and Amsterdam,... 3. **Designed to resemble a traditional Chinese pagoda, Sea Palace provides a dist...** (pass by, no stop) - Designed to resemble a traditional Chinese pagoda, Sea Palace provides a distinctive dining atmosphere. The interior is adorned with authentic Chinese decor, creating an immersive cultural experience. With seating for up to 600 guests across three floors, the restaurant... 4. **Montelbaanstoren** (pass by, no stop) - In 1606, the tower was enhanced with a decorative spire designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, giving it its current iconic appearance. The spire includes a clock and carillon, which was added to make the tower more visually appealing after it lost its defensive purpose. 5. **This canal is lined with traditional Dutch canal houses, houseboats, and a mi...** (pass by, no stop) - This canal is lined with traditional Dutch canal houses, houseboats, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings, reflecting the city’s blend of historical and modern living. Its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. 6. **The Amstel** (pass by, no stop) - is the iconic river from which Amsterdam derives its name. Flowing through the heart of the city, the Amstel is central to Amsterdam’s identity, offering scenic views and a connection to the city’s rich history and culture. 7. **Blauwbrug** (pass by, no stop) - The Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge) is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic bridges, located over the Amstel River and connecting the Rembrandtplein area to the Waterlooplein area. It is named after the original wooden bridge that stood in the same spot in the 17th century, which was... 8. **H'ART Museum** (pass by, no stop) - The H’ART Museum is a prominent art museum situated along the Amstel River in Amsterdam. Established in 2009 as a satellite of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, it rebranded to H’ART Museum in September 2023 after severing ties with its Russian counterpart in 2022 9. **The Dancing Houses (Dutch: Dansende Huisjes) is a nickname given to a row of ...** (pass by, no stop) - The Dancing Houses (Dutch: Dansende Huisjes) is a nickname given to a row of historic, leaning canal houses located along the Damrak canal in Amsterdam. Ask our guide why these houses lean 10. **Oude Kerk** (pass by, no stop) - The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is Amsterdam’s oldest building and parish church, located in the heart of the city’s historic De Wallen (Red Light District). It was consecrated in 1306 and has since served as a significant religious, cultural, and architectural landmark. 11. **Red Light District** (pass by, no stop) - The Red Light District (De Wallen) in Amsterdam is one of the city’s most famous and controversial neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the city near the Oude Kerk (Old Church) 12. **Zeedijk** (pass by, no stop) - is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and liveliest streets, located near the Nieuwmarkt in the city center. Once part of the city’s defensive sea dike, it has transformed over the centuries into a vibrant area known for its cultural diversity, historic landmarks, and bustling atmosphere. ## Schedule - Runs: daily - Departures: 24 start times between 10:30 and 21:30 - Schedule last checked: 2026-10-22 - These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout. ## Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. ## Meeting point Our location is right in front of Amsterdam Central Station, directly in front of the tram stops by the water. You can recognise us by our dark green beach flag and staff wearing blue shirts/jackets with 'Eco Boats' on it. Please use Google Maps to find the correct location, not Apple Maps. Ends: back at the meeting point ## Good to know - Public transportation options are available nearby - Suitable for all physical fitness levels - Departure point right in front of Central Station - The route may vary each time depending on external factors. - On the day itself (depending on the weather conditions) we decide to cruise with an open or half open boat (with shelter for rain). - On sunny days, please wear sunscreen, as cruising on water can get hot - On cold days, please wear warm, clothes, as cruising on water can get cold - We only serve alcoholic drinks for travellers 18 years old and above (proof of ID can be asked for). Minor travellers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drink ## Compared with other Canal Cruises | Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group | |---|---|---|---|---| | **This tour · #4 of 84** | €18 | 1h | 4.95 (6694) | shared, max 28 | | [Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Unlimited Prosecco, Wine & Dutch Cheese](/netherlands/amsterdam/tours/amsterdam-canal-cruise-unlimited-prosecco-wine-dutch-cheese/?format=md) | €32 | 1h | 4.97 (1092) | shared | | [Morning Canal Cruise Amsterdam in Small-Group](/netherlands/amsterdam/tours/morning-canal-cruise-amsterdam-in-small-group/?format=md) | €46 | 1h 30m | 4.97 (846) | shared | | [Not a Typical Cruise Max 10 guests Bites Drinks Local Personal](/netherlands/amsterdam/tours/not-a-typical-cruise-max-10-guests-bites-drinks-local-personal/?format=md) | €67 | 2h | 4.99 (416) | shared | Ranked #4 of 84 in Canal Cruises by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €13 to €525, median €32; typical length 1h 23m. 22 of 84 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Full list: https://guidekin.com/netherlands/amsterdam/canal-cruises-amsterdam/?format=md ## More in Amsterdam - All Amsterdam tours: https://guidekin.com/netherlands/amsterdam/?format=md - This page as HTML: https://guidekin.com/netherlands/amsterdam/tours/amsterdam-canal-cruise-with-local-guide-and-small-group/ Filters, the full catalogue and the URL contract for this city: https://guidekin.com/netherlands/amsterdam/?format=md