• Private Tour
• Family Friendly
• Carbon Neutral

Amsterdam is even more beautiful at night and from the water! And to make it even more magical, why not cruise its canals on a one-of-a-kind boat? Hop on a 100-year old Dutch boat and admire the city's lights while cruising the city while passing lighted up bridges and amazing monuments.

Destination

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

2 hours

Transport mode

Boat

Available languages

English, Nederlands, Français, Deutsch

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Vanessa.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at H'ART Museum (Hermitage Amsterdam) - Amsterdam to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Meeting Point

   Meet me at the HERMITAGE MUSEUM and hop on board my boat 'Delphine'

4. Houseboats Everywhere!

   Spot the many houseboats while cruising along the Prinsengracht

5. Skinny Bridge

   Ride to one of the most romantic hotspot in town

6. Iconic Sights

   Pass stunning warehouses and a monumental shipping house

7. Jewish Neighborhood

   Get a glimpse of the Portuguese Synagogue and see the National Opera house

8. Herengracht

   See the city lights and monumental houses where the merchants lived in the Golden Age

9. 7 Bridges

   Follow the waters and pass 7 bridges beautifully illuminated in the city landscape

10. End of Tour

    Goodbye & personal recommendations

11. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

debbie

18 October 2024

Fredrick was our skipper and he did s great job of showing us the city at night. It was one of the highlights of our trip! Very comfortable boat complete with blankets!

Michael🇺🇸 United States

20 April 2024

Despite rain and chilly night air we had a wonderful time w Vanessa and Paul. It was more leisurely that the larger boats. We had a more interactive discussion with them about the neighborhoods we glided thru and when they took us to the closest wharf for us to catch a taxi back to our hotel they made sure we were in the taxi before returning to their boat. Top notch service!Wonderful canal experience

Sarah🇺🇸 United States

1 April 2024

We had an incredible experience on our tour!! They adjusted for our kids and shared a lot of incredible insights on Amsterdam.Loves the cruise!!

Dan🇺🇸 United States

19 August 2022

Family of 7 with a small child. Couldn’t have been better. We all had a great seat and we’re able to see the old town unlike the larger canal boats. Will do again.Perfect

Karen🇺🇸 United States

10 July 2022

We booked with Vanessa for the last evening of a fabulous river cruise ending in Amsterdam. She was very flexible as we tweaked our reservation times & number of ppl. It was a highlight of our trip! Vanessa even dropped us at our hotel at the end of the evening, saving us a tram/uber ride. Can’t rate the experience high enough, thank you!Awesome canal tour

Geoffrey🇺🇸 United States

3 July 2022

We are so happy that we chose a 2 hr boat ride with Vanessa and her boat Delphine. There are so many party and tourist boats that pack 'em in to make as much money as possible. This is the opposite. A single owner supported experience. On a small, nimble boat that lets you explore the secret canals that many of the larger boats can't access. We've done the big boats in other cities. Not again. You get one on one access to Vanessa and her wealth of experience and a charming ride through this amazing city. Thank you.Choose the little Delphine

Eberhard🇩🇪 Germany

16 June 2022

Die Tour war informative und kurzweilig und unser Bootsführer ging auf die einzelnen Passagiere ein. Man kann die Tour wirklich jedem empfehlen Super

Meg🇺🇸 United States

8 June 2022

We had Pauline fill in for Vanessa on our tour - she was a great captain and guide!!! Seeing Amsterdam from the canal was a wonderful way to view it, especially during the beautiful golden hour! She took us to many places we hadn't seen before and gave us lots of background on Dutch architecture and their way of life. Would highly recommend the tour! Wonderful way to see the city!

Dennise🇩🇪 Germany

1 June 2022

If you want to experience a unique, informative and beautiful boat tour, you should definitely choose Vanessa! We had a fantastic time! Everything was lovingly prepared. Wine, blankets... and above all... an enchanting hostess!!! Thank you dear Vanessa. We will be back! Thank you for these beautiful moments…Ralf & Denniseunique, great, wonderful…Vanessa

Numa🇺🇸 United States

8 February 2020

Very much enjoyed an evening canal tour with Vanessa on her nimble, private electric-boat Delphine, together with Captain George at the helm. Vanessa and George were extremely kind and knowledgeable hosts, who went out of their way to assist me during and after the tour (I am visually-impaired): they even invited me to a repeat tour gratis during daylight hours! An excellent opportunity to learn about the history and layout of the great city of Amsterdam. Thank you very much, Vanessa and Captain George! STRONGLY RECOMMENDEDMagical Canal Tour

Anna

29 October 2019

We had a night-time boat trip with Vanessa that was both fun and educational. We learned a lot about Amsterdam from an insider’s point of view which is a rare opportunity and enjoyed every minute of it. Definitely would repeat! Best experience

Diana🇭🇰 Hong Kong

12 September 2019

I think Vanessa and her boat is one of Amsterdam's great hidden gems! The boat is so charming and cozy (one of 2 of the smallest boats of its kind in Amsterdam) but big enough to fit our family of 4. Listen to Vanessa share stories about her family while you sip on wine and tour the canals. We happened to have some scattered showers during the tour but the boat completely covered so we were safe from the rain. Everything about this tour was absolutely delightful and worth every penny. Thank you so much for your warm hospitality, Vanessa!Most charming canal cruise in Amsterdam!

phil🇺🇸 United States

10 July 2019

Vanessa met us at our hotel promptly for a two hour night canal cruise. Her ship is wonderful, there were only three of us, plus Vanessa and we had a fine trip sailing along many of the canals, both in and around town, and also up around the large boat area, passing the zoo, and heading back around town, and back to our hotel. Her knowledge of the city was enjoyable to listen to as we sailed the canals. Definitely a highlight of our two days in Amsterdam.loved our night time canal cruise with Vanessa

Bernie🇺🇸 United States

8 July 2019

Everything about our tour was fantastic. From the boat to the knowledgeable driver to the tour itself. This is a great way to experience Amsterdam and I would recommend this private tour to anyone. 10/10. Thanks for having my family and I. AaronAmazing experience

christian🇩🇪 Germany

1 July 2019

Vanessa - thanks for an absolutely beautiful Canal Tour on your lovely and delightful authentic boat. It was by far the best boat tour we have ever been on - you took such good care of us, not only by taking us to beautiful places in the city. But also by explaing interesting developments of the city to us and by educating us about so many current issues of the city. And last but not least, the catering you provided turned our tour into an awesome (Birthday) Tour - it was a fantastic experience. Thank you so much - you are a top captain and a delightful person on top of it!! You are the best!! Chris & familyAwesome Boat Tour !!

Victor🇺🇸 United States

30 June 2019

I give thanks to Vanessa for the AMAZING tour around Amsterdam. She was very sweet, she gave my group some history of the city, took us through the most beautiful places, and had some good laughs. Truly something to be remembered. As a first timer it was great. Thank you Vanessa! AMAZING

Carmen🇦🇹 Austria

27 June 2019

The tour was such amazing🥰🥰🥰🥰the best boat trip we‘ve ever had! Vanessa is a lovely heart warming person🥰🥰🥰🥰we love to do it again for our next stay in AmsterdamAmazing

Kay🇺🇸 United States

3 June 2019

We had a fascinating evening with Mark touring the canals and viewing the buildings and interesting sites. The weather was perfect and Mark the perfect host.Great ride!

Karen🇨🇭 Switzerland

27 April 2019

My family and I were greatly looking forward to a boat ride through the canals, and this experience was way better than any of us could have hoped. Vanessa's love of the city was contagious and we were non-stop raving about the ride! It was the perfect way to end our first trip to Amsterdam!Excellent!

cecile🇫🇷 France

10 February 2019

We did a wonderful private Amsterdam canal cruise with our great skipper Vera on Vanessa's typical and lovely boat. I was with 11 friends of mine and we could enjoy great view over amsterdam's houses and bridges from inside the boat while enjoying drinks for 2 hours. It was a magical moment specially as we did it at night time when Amsterdam lights are on. Vera our skipper was also very knowledgeable and kind as she dropped us at the canal next to out hotel. Thanks for that great moment ! we loved it! A magical private tour

erik🇫🇷 France

29 September 2018

Quoi de plus agréable que cette promenade hors temps en compagnie de Vanessa et Delphine ? Vanessa , la jeune , est le skipper et l’heure Propriétaire de petit bijou sur l’eau... excellente guide, commentaires , anecdotes, dans une ambiance très amicale . Delphine, plus âgée , en née en 1915 . Magnifique bateau en bois , moteur électrique , glisse en douceurs dans les canaux .... merci à toutes les deux pour ce moment magique !Promenade hos temps

Lizika

20 July 2024

Wir haben diese Reise zu zweit angetreten, meine Mutter und ich. Es war ein Geschenk ihrer Kinder und Enkel zum 89. Geburtstag. Zwei weitere Personen hätten gut Platz gehabt, dann wird es kuschelig. Wegen eines Notfalls in der Familie hat Frederik, der Mann von Vanessa und Partner im kleinen Ausflugsunternehmen, uns gefahren. Das war im Vorfeld gut kommuniziert. Wir hatten am Morgen der Reise Kontakt über Whatsapp, so dass wir den Steg problemlos finden und rechtzeitig an Bord kommen konnten. Das kleine Schiff fanden wir wunderschön und liebevoll gemütlich und persönlich eingerichtet, es wurden uns freundlich Getränke angeboten. Da es unsere erste Reise nach Amsterdam war, hatten wir keine besonderen Ansprüche an die Route. Nach Gesprächen mit anderen Touristen im Nachhinein denke ich, es war eine Standardstrecke. Die Führung war in gutem Deutsch, unterhaltsam, persönlich und informativ. Fakten waren klug ausgewählt, um elementares Vorwissen zu ergänzen oder einzuordnen, persönliche Anekdoten ergänzten sie zu einem Eindruck, wie Menschen in Amsterdam leben und welche Probleme sie beschäftigen. Das ganze vermittelte Frederik auf professionelle und humorvolle weise, während er ja das Boot steuern musste, was uns zwischendrin auch die Zeit gab, die wir benötigten, um die Fahrt auf dem Wasser zu genießen, die Atmosphäre auf uns wirken zu lassen, die Häuser zu betrachten und zu fotografieren. Vielen herzlichen Dank für dieses freundliche und autentische Willkommen.Stilvoll, professionell, persönlich

Joanna

5 May 2024

The boat is absolutely lovely. There was a bar setup but we were told anything from it would be extra so we did not partake- it would have been maybe a glass of wine and a soda. We had a tour with Vanessa's husband and to be honest, was had to engage him to get any information. We weren't even told where we were or given much history at all. It seems a trend with the tours by her husband. It was okay, not worth the price

pq5mmt67mh🇨🇭 Switzerland

1 April 2024

A wonderful, personalized tour suitable for a family (2 adults and 2 teenagers). Very informative, relaxed and good fun. Would recommend. A great experience!

Virginie🇳🇱 Netherlands

23 December 2023

I specifically booked the Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) with Vanessa because she advertises tours in several languages including French; I thought this would be perfect for my parents' first visit to Amsterdam as they only speak French. I wrote to Vanessa and explained the situation with my parents, so I expected her to drive the boat and give us the tour in French. However, she was never to be seen and we were instead greeted by Captain Edward near the H’ART Museum. He was on time, very friendly, and gave us a bottle of red and white wine for us to enjoy during the tour. He spoke some French but certainly not enough to talk about the ALF sculptures. Overall the ”Delphine” boat is super cute and well equipped with blankets and we were plenty warm on this cold winter night so 5 star on that. However, 1 star for Vanessa for not providing a tour in French as sold to us.Cute boat but no French-speaking captain

Unknown

10 September 2023

Vanessa is a wonderful tour guide. Her knowledge/info provided was informative, and she's a master at navigating the canals. The wine was a nice touch. She went above and beyond by letting us off at a stop closest to the train so that we could return to the cruise ship on time.Amsterdam Canals Tour

Regina 🇺🇸 United States

12 July 2023

We enjoyed our cruise. Unfortunately Vanessa was not available but her husband did a good job. We wished there would be a bit more history & local stories rather than just pointing out the sites. We had to ask questions v them engaging with us. Boat is cute - big enough for 4. If you’re looking for a nice cruise without other tourist or for a special event this is it Value for money is low.Nice boat

Daniel🇬🇧 United Kingdom

7 July 2023

Thank you Vanessa for a very nice tour through the canals on your lovely boat. It was the perfect start for our corporate day out!Super trip through the canals

Lory🇬🇧 United Kingdom

5 July 2023

A lovely relaxed evening. Felt like we were with a good friend who was showing us around the canals.Charming ride with Vanessa

smtalbott🇺🇸 United States

25 April 2023

Vanessa’s tour was an absolute JOY! Beautiful boat - just the perfect size to get into the smaller canals - and very enjoyable conversation with our family of four - it was informative, friendly, and fun! Highly recommended!!!Best Amsterdam Canal Tour!

Michelle🇺🇸 United States

16 April 2023

Vanessa is a great captain and hostess. Our experience cruising the canals in her perfectly sized smaller boat was superb. Best way to see the unique architecture is from the water. We highly recommend Vanessa's tour, especially first time visitors. You can see and learn so much in such a short time on the water. Enjoy!Exceptional Canal Cruise

Jeroen🇳🇱 Netherlands

13 April 2023

I booked this trip with a group of colleagues from different countries. Vanessa took us through the old city and all the old canals in about 1 1/2 hours. Definitely the quickest and coolest way to show Amsterdam to my colleagues. Much preferred from the larger tourist boat attractions. Thank you Vanessa! Very cool view of the city

Marion🇺🇸 United States

9 April 2023

Loved the boat ride, was nice to have a private tour of the city and learned a lot about the history and current events in Amsterdam. Would highly recommend!

Otmane🇳🇱 Netherlands

20 November 2022

We had a great experience visiting Amsterdam with Vanessa in this private and cosy boat ! She spent all necessary time explaining details and interesting stories about the canals and we truly enjoyed the trip. We will definitely do it again !What a wonderful visit in Vanessa's boat !

Christina🇩🇪 Germany

30 October 2022

Vanessa gave us a great tour through the grachten of amsterdam at dusk. It was perfectly tailored to our needs and very private and informative. Custom peaceful amsterdam boat tour

Robin🇨🇭 Switzerland

11 October 2022

Vanessa was a delight! She was friendly, knowledgeable and interacted well with my kids. She personalised the tour and was sure to point out landmarks and discuss history that interested everyone. She had great suggestions of attractions and sights that might interest us. Her boat is lovely and gave us a wonderful perspective of Amsterdam. Wonderful personalised canal tour

Savannah🇺🇸 United States

12 September 2022

Don🇺🇸 United States

14 August 2022

This was a nice relaxing afternoon. This boat was great, the comforts of a bigger boat but small enough to go down the quite canals off the beaten pathSuch a relaxing way to see Amsterdam

Unknown🇺🇸 United States

1 August 2022

Vanessa took a small group of 4 of us through the canals of Amsterdam. She was very knowledgeable, friendly and able to maneuver where the larger boats could not. The wine and crackers were a bonus. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip to The Netherlands!Personal barge tour

Unknown

16 July 2022

We loved our tour with Vanessa. She has a beautiful boat and all the local knowledge one could want. Very personable and an overall fabulous tour guide. Canal boat tour

Mike🇺🇸 United States

16 July 2022

Vanessa was the perfect guide. A nice easy evening on the canals with Vanessa providing great company. Pizza from the boat was a treat! Thanks for a great night!The Best Way to See Amsterdam

Beth🇺🇸 United States

8 July 2022

The only way to do Amsterdam is a board this wonderful boat. We toured all the canals and learned all about the tremendous history of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. We kept looking over at all the large commercial tour boats, and no one looked happy on them. This is a must do in Amsterdam day!The only way to do Amsterdam

Cortney🇺🇸 United States

8 July 2022

We loved our tour on Vanessa’s charming boat! It was private and tailored to what we wanted to see. We could definitely see more on the smaller canals than the larger boats could see. What a beautiful way to see Amsterdam! Thank you Vanessa! A wonderful tour!

Francesco🇮🇹 Italy

3 July 2022

It was a wonderful experience with Vanessa's amazing tour. her boat is clean and very neat and the amazing beauties of the canals are brought out in the best way.Vanessa

Amita🇮🇩 Indonesia

23 June 2022

Rolf was brilliant..he told us many interesting facts about the history of Amsterdam as well as the present Amsterdam. Me and my family (including 4 kids) truly enjoyed the experience..and he even dropped us in front of our restaurant just in time for our dinner reservation :) Thank you again Rolf and Vanessa..Wonderful and memorable

Valerie🇺🇸 United States

17 June 2022

Rolf was a gracious and knowledgeable guide. He shared interesting, personal anecdotes along the way. He adjusted his route based on our interests. He even made a dinner reservation for us and dropped us nearby. Relaxing and fun!Charming Ride

Janice🇺🇸 United States

9 June 2022

We had a lovely experience with Pauline. She gave us a relaxing and informative ride thru the various canals. She had lots of drink options we had a great time!Lovely ride

Corinne🇨🇭 Switzerland

27 May 2022

Lovely cruise with a friendly guide…the boat is super charming and cosy and it’s really worth it to see the city from the water. Great experince !

Darryl🇺🇸 United States

24 May 2022

Had scheduled this canal boat tour for our first evening in Amsterdam, and found it to be the most enjoyable, relaxing way to view city, and it kept us safe from all those bicycle riders! Our guide was both knowledgeable and charming. Highly recommend this cruise.

Nick🇩🇪 Germany

19 April 2022

Vanessa was great, with a lot of knowledge about the city and its history. The boat is also quite special and comfortable, especially with the electric motor.Really nice tour