Lisse is famous for its stunning flower gardens and lush countryside, but it also offers some wonderful options for boat tours and cruises that let you experience the region from a different perspective. Whether you’re exploring the iconic windmills, gliding through tulip fields, or soaking in panoramic views, these boat experiences add a relaxing and scenic element to your trip. We especially love the Amsterdam tour to Keukenhof Gardens with a windmill cruise for its combination of world-class floral displays and classic Dutch windmill scenery, but each of these options offers something unique.
If you want an easy day trip from Amsterdam, the Keukenhof tour combines a visit to one of Europe’s most famous flower gardens with a charming windmill cruise through the low-lying Holland landscape. For a more intimate experience, the Leiden windmill and countryside cruise offers a quick, affordable boat ride with lovely views of historic mills and Dutch villages. And for those wanting to enjoy spring scenery with an included Keukenhof ticket, the Warmond windmill cruise perfectly captures the essence of Holland’s tulip season.
Quick Overview
This list features three top boat tours in Lisse that suit different interests and budgets. The first is a full-day Amsterdam: Tour to Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise, combining garden exploration with a scenic windmill cruise. Next, near Leiden, the Windmill and Countryside Cruise offers a quick, affordable ride through the polder landscape. Lastly, the Warmond Windmill Cruise and Keukenhof Ticket provides a relaxing hour on the water with a tulip-filled backdrop and included garden entry. Keep reading for detailed descriptions to help you pick the perfect cruise.
1. Amsterdam: Tour to Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise
At number 1, this full-day tour from Amsterdam offers a fantastic combination of the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens and a windmill cruise through the low-lying Dutch landscape. The tour starts at Overhoeksplein in Amsterdam, and for about $62 per person, you get around 8 hours of sightseeing, including a boat cruise on the Kaag Lakes. The highlight is the opportunity to explore Keukenhof’s vast flower displays at your own pace — a perfect way to see the famous tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in bloom.
What makes this tour stand out is the cruise through Holland’s iconic windmills, which are not just picturesque but also historically vital for water management. The boat ride lasts about an hour, giving you close-up views of working mills that have kept the land dry for centuries. The trip also includes a transfer back to Amsterdam, with a flexible schedule allowing you to spend as much time as you wish at Keukenhof.
Tour reviews highlight its reliability and fun atmosphere, with many mentioning the entertaining captain and the beautiful gardens. For around $62, this is excellent value, especially if you want to combine flower viewing with a scenic boat ride. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a full day of Dutch highlights, with the flexibility to linger at Keukenhof.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, reliable choice for a full day of flower gardens and windmill scenery, especially if you value flexibility and a lively cruise.
2. Leiden: Windmill and Countryside Cruise near Keukenhof
Number 2 on our list is a shorter, budget-friendly option, ideal if you’re looking for a quick windmill cruise close to Lisse. For just $22, the Leiden Windmill and Countryside Cruise offers a 1-hour boat ride through the Kagerplassen lake system, famous for its historic windmills and peaceful waters. The tour departs from Leiden, which is just about 10 minutes from Lisse’s tulip fields, making it an easy addition to your sightseeing plans.
This cruise showcases Dutch polder landscapes dotted with working windmills, giving you a chance to see how these structures continue to shape the region’s land and water management. Several reviews mention how beautiful the scenery is and how the captain’s friendly approach makes the experience memorable. The boat ride also offers a glimpse into small Dutch villages, adding cultural interest to the scenery.
While shorter and less comprehensive than the full-day tours, this cruise provides great value for those wanting a relaxed, scenic experience without a big time commitment or cost. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in Dutch windmills and polder landscapes, or those with limited time.
Bottom Line: An affordable, scenic ride that captures the essence of Holland’s windmills and countryside, perfect for a quick and relaxing outing.
3. Warmond: Windmill Cruise and Keukenhof Entry Ticket
Rounding out our list, the Warmond Windmill Cruise offers a one-hour journey on the Kagerplassen lake system for around $45. This tour combines a cruise through tulip-laden landscapes with an included ticket to the famous Keukenhof Gardens, making it a very good value at this price. Starting from Warmond, the route takes you past classic Dutch windmills and spring scenery, ideal for capturing colorful photos and relaxing on the water.
The highlight is the balance between scenic sailing and garden exploration. The cruise provides panoramic views of Holland’s countryside, with plenty of opportunities to capture photos of tulips and windmills. The included Keukenhof ticket allows you to explore the gardens at your own pace afterward, making this a flexible option for spring visitors. Many reviews appreciate the combination of nature and floral beauty, especially during the tulip season.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a short but scenic cruise combined with garden access without the full-day commitment. The price point and the beautiful views make it a good choice for families or couples looking for a relaxed, picture-perfect outing.
Bottom Line: An excellent balance of scenic cruising and garden visit, ideal for spring visitors wanting a compact yet memorable experience.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Lisse
Choosing between these boat experiences depends on your time, budget, and interests. If you want a full-day adventure with both Keukenhof and windmill cruising, the first tour (Amsterdam to Keukenhof with Windmill Cruise) is hard to beat. For a short, budget-friendly trip that still offers lovely scenery, the Leiden cruise (Windmill and Countryside Cruise) is perfect. And if you’re looking for a quick scenic ride combined with garden access, the Warmond cruise (Windmill Cruise and Keukenhof Ticket) offers a flexible, picturesque option.
Consider your schedule—full-day or half-day—and what you want to see most: the flower gardens, the windmills, or the Dutch countryside. Book early, especially during tulip season, to secure your spot and enjoy these beautiful Holland waters.
In summary, Lisse offers a range of scenic boat tours that beautifully complement your visit to the tulip fields and windmills. Whether you’re after a comprehensive day trip, a short scenic cruise, or a combination of garden and water views, these options deliver authentic Dutch experiences from the water. For travelers eager to see Holland from a different perspective, booking one of these boat tours will leave you with lasting memories of its iconic landscapes.