Where the concierge points people first
- Stromma Netherlands — One of the big operators, with the long glass-roofed boats and a hop-on hop-off network. Dry in any weather and the easiest to book at short notice, at the price of a fixed commentary and a full boat. (52.3776, 4.9004)
- Rederij Lampedusa — Tours in boats that once carried refugees across the Mediterranean, now run on the Amsterdam canals. A different story from the usual gabled-houses script, told on a small boat. (52.3766, 4.9133)
- Those Dam Boat Guys — Small, informal open boats with a relaxed crew. The kind of trip where the conversation matters more than the microphone. (52.3778, 4.8870)
- Gray Line Amsterdam — A large international tour brand that sells canal cruises alongside day trips out of the city. Convenient if you want the boat and a coach excursion booked in one place. (52.3617, 4.8827)
The rest of the boat tours in Amsterdam — every one we hold
- Amsterdam Boat Adventures (52.3650, 4.9038)
- Amsterdam Boat Company (52.3608, 4.8863)
- Amsterdam Boat Cruises (52.3753, 4.8974)
- Amsterdam Jewel Cruises (52.3725, 4.8889)
- Boat Amsterdam (52.3653, 4.9021)
- Boat Trips Amsterdam (52.3436, 4.8553)
- Boatboys Private Boat Tours & Dinner Cruises (52.3700, 4.8823)
- BoatNow - Location Sea Palace (52.3760, 4.9058)
- Buddha Lounge Boat (52.3778, 4.8971)
- Canal boat Delphine (52.3619, 4.8921)
- CanalTours.Amsterdam (52.3714, 4.8843)
- Captain Jack (52.3607, 4.8860)
- City Sightseeing Shop (52.3613, 4.8847)
- Classic Boat Tours (52.3603, 4.9052)
- Cruise & Jazz (52.3783, 4.8978)
- De Watermannen (52.3850, 4.8939)
- Floating Amsterdam (52.3786, 4.8984)
- Flying Dutch Boats (52.3755, 4.8841)
- Het Wapen van Amsterdam (52.3713, 4.8887)
- Leemstar Amsterdam (52.3679, 4.8829)
- Lovers Canal Cruises (52.3787, 4.8970)
- Mokumboot Canal Tours (52.3782, 4.8989)
- Private Boat Tour Amsterdam | Grachtenfahrt & Bootstour | Dinner cruise | Bateau Croisiere (52.3708, 4.9029)
- Private Canal Cruise Amsterdam | Grachtenfahrt & Bootstour | Croisière privée Bateau (52.3745, 4.8827)
- Private Canal Cruises/ dinnercruises/ romantic cruises/ proposals (52.3725, 4.8890)
- Pure Boats - Amsterdam Canal Cruises (52.3774, 4.8874)
- Rederij De Jordaan (52.3766, 4.8839)
- Rederij Eventus (52.3786, 4.8984)
- Rederij Friendship (52.3723, 4.8960)
- Rederij Lovers (52.3776, 4.9008)
- Romantic Tour Amsterdam (52.3676, 4.8848)
- Schuitjevaren (52.4187, 4.8797)
- Sebi Boat Tours (52.3737, 4.8846)
- Urban Ventures Amsterdam (52.3723, 4.8960)
The canal is at its best in the dark
Take the canal trip after sunset if you can. The bridges are outlined in lights, the houses show their windows, and the big daytime crowds thin out. In winter the Amsterdam Light Festival puts installations along the water from late November into January, and many operators run special routes for it. The one day to avoid, or to plan everything around, is the Pride Canal Parade on the first Saturday of August, when the Prinsengracht is packed and normal routes stop. Open boats are the better ride in good weather; the glass-topped ones are for rain.
Questions people ask
How many boat tour companies are there in Amsterdam?
Num's directory maps 38 boat tour operators in Amsterdam, from large cruise fleets to small private boats.
What is the best time for a canal cruise in Amsterdam?
Evening, when the bridges are lit and the daytime queues are gone. In winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival adds installations along the route.
Open boat or covered boat in Amsterdam?
An open boat on a dry day, for the view and the quiet. A glass-roofed boat when it rains, which in Amsterdam is often.
Ask Num for a canal boat that suits your group in Amsterdam
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