Canal Cruises

Amsterdam canal cruises offer a unique way to experience Amsterdam. With Amsterdam boasting over 160 canals since the first was built in the 17th century, it's no wonder that Amsterdam is often called "the Venice of the North".

Canal cruises are a peaceful, laid back, fun and interesting way to explore Amsterdam's many beautiful canals. Offering numerous photo opportunities, tours are available during the day or even at night, when the bridges are illuminated and present a particularly romantic setting.

The standard canal cruise lasts an hour and typically takes in Amsterdam's main canals - Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel. Often, the boat will also visit the Amstel river and the Ij, behind Centraal Station.

Commentary via recording is provided in numerous languages, usually including Dutch, English, German, French and Japanese. The driver will often stop at picturesque spots to allow photographers to snap away. You are usually also photographed on boarding the boat, but there is no obligation to purchase the developed photo on leaving the tour.

Most canal cruises depart from Centraal Station or Damrak, with a small number of operators located at Rokin. There is no need to book beforehand, and there are usually a number of operators available with little to choose from except price. There are some operators who offer something a little different such as a romantic environment or dinner. Others such as "Canal Bus" offer a hop-on, hop-off service on a predetermined route.

Below are a selection of popular tour operators who can be found near Centraal Station, Damrak or Rokin:

Amsterdam Canal Cruises (020-626 5636)
Holland International (020-622 7788)
Meijers Rondvaarten (020-623 4208)
Rederij Boekel (020-612 9905)
Rederij Hof van Holland (020-623 7122)
Rederij Lovers (020-530 1090)
Rederij Noord Zuid (020-679 1370)
Rederij P. Kooij (020-623 3810)
and Rederij Plas (020-624 5406)