Amsterdam Open-Boat Canal Cruise with Bar
- 📍 Amsterdam
- ⏱ 1 h
- 👥 up to 10 guests
- Available
One-hour cruise on an open boat with a bar through Amsterdam’s canals and the Amstel. A relaxed ride, not a history tour. Drinks are optional.
Key conditions
- Type
- Group trip: it may be shared with other travellers
- Price
- Per person
- Group size
- Up to 10 guests
- Duration and times
- 1 h · 13:15 · 13:30 · 13:45 · 14:00 · 15:00 · 16:00 · 16:30 · 17:00 · 17:15 · 17:30 · 17:45 · 18:00
- Food and drink
- Only what the “Included” list says; other items are agreed with the operator after booking
- Cancellation
- Free up to 24 h before departure
Overview
A relaxed one-hour cruise on an open boat with a bar on board. Every minute is on the water, along Amsterdam’s main canals and the Amstel. You can book without drinks, with 2 drinks or with unlimited drinks (beer, wine and soft drinks); the calendar shows which options each departure offers.
The route takes in the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, the Amstel and the Seven Bridges, gliding past historic houses and bridges in a canal district that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boat is never filled to capacity, there are cushions and blankets on board, and if it rains a protective canopy keeps the views open.
This is not a historical tour. The guide shares fun facts and curiosities about the city while you sit back and enjoy the ride. Commentary is in English, with a Spanish option around 13:30 and 17:30.
Good to know
- Duration: 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the boat and the conditions. Up to 10 guests per booking.
- Commentary in English; Spanish option around 13:30 and 17:30 (rates marked SPA).
- Meeting point near Central Station and Dam Square. The exact spot is on your voucher and can change to the Anne Frank House for operational reasons.
- If you book an option with alcohol, bring a valid ID.
- During the Amsterdam Light Festival this trip does not follow the festival’s official route, and the usual itinerary can change because of the city’s navigation rules. From mid-November to mid-January departure times can change.
- Ages 0–8 are booked as children and 9 and over as adults. Food, other drinks, tips and transfers are not included.
Video
What is included
- Canal cruise of about 1 hour
- Onboard guide with commentary in English (Spanish option around 13:30 and 17:30)
- Drinks according to the option booked: none, 2 drinks or unlimited drinks (beer, wine and soft drinks)
- Premium boat with reduced capacity, with cushions and blankets
- Protective canopy in case of rain
Not included
- Transfers to and from the meeting point
- Food and any drinks not part of your option
- Tips (optional)
What to bring
- Comfortable clothes suitable for the weather
- A light jacket or sweater (evenings on the water can be cool)
- A raincoat or umbrella in case of showers
- A camera or smartphone for the views
- A valid ID if you book the option with alcoholic drinks
Departure times
- 13:15
- 13:30
- 13:45
- 14:00
- 15:00
- 16:00
- 16:30
- 17:00
- 17:15
- 17:30
- 17:45
- 18:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 h before departure
Frequently asked questions
Is this trip private? Is the price per person or per boat?
The price is per person. It is a group trip: other travellers may be on board unless the page says otherwise.
What is included in the price?
What the “Included” list of the trip says. What is not on that list is not included, and the “Not included” list shows the usual extras (fees, tips…). The price you see in the last step is the price you pay, with the taxes that apply unless the page says otherwise. If you need something that is not listed, it can be agreed with the operator after you book.
What food and drinks are served? Is it an open bar?
Exactly what the “Included” list of each trip says. “Open bar” means the drinks in that list: we do not guarantee specific brands or types (such as champagne, prosecco, vodka, whisky or rosé) or quantities unless the page names them. Anything else (extra drinks, catering, special menus, allergies or dietary needs) is agreed with the operator after you book and may carry a supplement.
Which boat will we use? Can it change?
The photos show the type of experience and may be of the usual boat or of a similar one. We do not guarantee a specific model, layout or facility (indoor seating, cabin, bathroom, shade…) unless the page states it. If the planned boat is not available (breakdown, maintenance), the operator may offer a comparable boat, with similar capacity and category and the essential services you booked. If the change is significant, you will be told and can choose, under the cancellation terms and your legal rights, another date, another solution or a refund.
Where do we go? Is the route fixed?
The usual route and highlights are in the description of each trip. The final route depends on the skipper, the weather and the state of the sea, and times may vary. Wildlife sightings or other natural events are not guaranteed unless the page says so.
Where do we meet? Is there hotel pickup?
Each trip page has a “Meeting point” section, and the booking steps show whether hotel pickup is offered. Check it before you book.
When is my booking confirmed? Is the date I see guaranteed?
Your booking is confirmed when the payment is accepted and you receive the confirmation email with your reference. Availability is shown in real time, but a date that appears as available is not held for you until you complete the payment. Some experiences are sold through several channels at once and share the operator’s calendar.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The skipper or operator decides whether it is safe to sail, and that decision is final. If a trip is postponed, changed or cancelled because of weather, sea state or safety, you can choose another date or a full refund of the cancelled trip, even on non-refundable trips. The deciding factor is the safety of the navigation, not simply that it is cloudy or rainy. We recommend checking the forecast 48–72 hours before and writing to us if you have doubts.
What if the boat breaks down or the operator cannot run the trip?
If the trip cannot be run as booked, the operator will propose a comparable boat or another date; if neither suits you, you can choose a refund of the cancelled trip. Write to booking@sailingbeyondlimits.com with your reference and we will coordinate it with the operator. This does not limit your legal rights as a consumer.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes: free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. After that, or if you do not show up, the amount is not refunded. To cancel or change, write to booking@sailingbeyondlimits.com with your reference before the deadline.
How do I pay? Is there a deposit?
You pay the full amount by card when you book, through a secure payment provider: we never see your card number. The price you see in the last step is the price you pay. There is no option to pay only a deposit online.
Who runs the trip? What is your role?
Sailing Beyond Limits, S.L. sells and manages the booking as a travel agency. The trip itself is run by the owner or local operator of that boat, an independent company. The service contract is formed between you and that operator, through us. For any change, question or incident, write to booking@sailingbeyondlimits.com with your reference and we will coordinate it with the operator.
What if what I receive is different from what was advertised?
Tell us as soon as you can at booking@sailingbeyondlimits.com with your booking reference and, if you can, photos: we will ask the operator for a solution (a suitable replacement, a refund or another remedy that applies). Nothing in our conditions limits your legal rights as a consumer.
