Amsterdam: Private Cruise with Drinks & Optional Snacks

When you visit Amsterdam, the best way to see the city’s famous canals is from the water. This private cruise offers a leisurely 90-minute or 2-hour journey through the city’s historic waterways, guided by a local skipper. For around $253 per person, you’ll enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, with optional snacks or Prosecco, making it a relaxed, personalized experience that captures the essence of Amsterdam’s charm.

What we love about this experience are two main things: first, the personalized nature of a private boat—no crowded tour buses or noisy groups—and second, the chance to learn local secrets from someone who knows the city’s waterways intimately. The open boat is comfortable and allows for fantastic views of the city’s architecture and bridges. The optional snacks, featuring cheeses, sausages, and dips, add a tasty touch to the cruise, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of grazing while cruising.

One consideration is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to make your own way to the dock next to the floating restaurant “Seapalace”. Also, if you’re hoping for a lively party atmosphere with music, it’s worth noting that due to new restrictions, music isn’t permitted on the canals, which might be quiet for some travelers expecting a party vibe.

This cruise is ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a relaxed, intimate way to see Amsterdam. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate good drinks and authentic city views, with a chance to learn about the city from a friendly local guide.

Key Points

• Private and personalized experience offering more intimacy than group tours.
• Unlimited drinks included, making for a laid-back, social atmosphere.
• Flexible duration with 90-minute and 2-hour options to fit your schedule.
• Optional snacks or Prosecco available for added indulgence.
• Learn local secrets from your knowledgeable skipper guide.
• No music allowed due to new government restrictions, so expect a quieter cruise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Cruising through Amsterdam’s canals is a quintessential way to see the city, and this private boat tour elevates that experience with personalized service and comfort. From the outset, the meeting point next to the floating restaurant “Seapalace” sets a casual tone. The boat itself is open, providing unobstructed views of the gabled façades, arched bridges, and the gentle flow of the canals. The skipper guide isn’t just steering; they’re sharing stories, local insights, and fun facts that make the city’s history come alive.

The 90-minute option is perfect if you’re short on time but still want a taste of the waterways, while the 2-hour cruise offers a more relaxed pace and additional scenery. During the journey, you’ll glide past some of the most picturesque parts of the city, including iconic bridges and historic buildings, all while enjoying the unlimited drinks. We loved the way the guide pointed out hidden spots and told stories about the city’s past, adding depth to the scenic views.

If you opt for the snack platter, your taste buds will be delighted with a selection of cheeses, sausages, nuts, olives, and dips, served with fresh breadsticks and French bread. Reviewers appreciated the quality, describing the cheese and sausage as “generous” and “well-curated.” It’s a simple but thoughtful addition that makes the cruise feel more like a private gathering than a commercial tour.

The unlimited drinks policy is a real highlight, allowing you to relax and toast Amsterdam’s beautiful scenery. While some travelers noted that the experience is quite mellow—without music or dancing—the focus on conversation, scenery, and drinks creates a very laid-back atmosphere. Keep in mind, due to local rules, no music is allowed onboard, so if you’re hoping for party vibes, you might be disappointed.

The skipper guides are local and friendly, often sharing insider tips about the city’s hidden corners. This personal connection is what we love about this tour from larger, more generic boat trips. Many reviewers mention how engaging and knowledgeable their guides were, making the trip not just scenic but also educational.

Pricing at $253 per person might seem steep compared to group tours, but the private setting, unlimited drinks, and optional snacks add value for travelers seeking a more intimate experience. It’s particularly appealing for special occasions or those who simply want a relaxing, personalized tour without the hustle and bustle.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the standout features is the private nature of the cruise. Unlike large group tours, you have the boat all to yourself or your group, allowing for a more relaxed, customizable experience. The guide’s insights bring the city’s canals to life, making it more than just a scenic ride; it’s a mini sightseeing adventure with a personal touch.

The unlimited drinks are a nice touch, especially for those who enjoy a glass of wine or cold beer while taking in the views. The optional snack platter adds a layer of sophistication and comfort, perfect for savoring cheeses, sausages, and nuts as you glide along the waterways.

Another advantage is the flexibility of the duration. Whether you choose the 90-minute or 2-hour option, you can tailor the experience to your schedule and interests. The longer cruise provides more time to absorb the scenery and chat with your guide.

From the reviews, it’s clear that travelers appreciate the authenticity of the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was so friendly and shared stories that made the city’s history feel alive,” highlighting how personalized guides enhance the tour. Others remarked on the peaceful atmosphere, especially since the tour is more about enjoying the city from a quiet, comfortable boat rather than loud music and party antics.

Practical Tips for Your Cruise

• Arrive early to ensure you find the dock easily and get settled before your scheduled departure.
• Bring your passport or ID for check-in, as it’s a requirement.
• Remember, no swimming or loud music is allowed, so if you’re expecting a lively party boat, this isn’t it.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible or suitable for people with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.
• The experience ends back at the starting dock, so plan your return transportation accordingly.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect if you’re seeking a relaxed, intimate experience with a personal guide, drinks in hand, and a close-up view of Amsterdam’s historic waterways. It suits couples celebrating a special occasion, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a quiet, scenic break. If you’re after a lively party atmosphere, you might prefer other options, but for those wanting authenticity, comfort, and a bit of local insight, this tour hits the sweet spot.

A private canal cruise with drinks and snacks offers a charming, personalized way to see Amsterdam from its waterways. It’s best suited for travelers who value comfort, intimacy, and authentic local stories over loud music or big crowds. The unlimited drinks, optional snacks, and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile splurge for a relaxed day on the water.

While it might be pricey, the value is evident in the exclusivity and customization of your experience. Perfect for a special occasion or simply a break from busy sightseeing, this cruise allows you to enjoy the city’s beauty at your own pace with a glass of wine in hand.

If you’re looking for a calm, scenic, and refined way to explore Amsterdam’s canals with a touch of local flavor, this tour is a highly recommended choice.

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FAQ

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private cruise, meaning you’ll be on the boat with just your group and the guide, providing a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the private round-trip cruise, local skipper guide, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and optionally, snacks if you select that during booking.

Can I choose the duration of the cruise?
Yes, you can select between a 90-minute or 2-hour cruise, depending on your schedule and how much time you want to spend on the water.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, no swimming is allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Also, due to regulations, music isn’t permitted onboard.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just your passport or ID, since it’s required for check-in. No other special items are necessary unless you want to bring a camera.

Will I get any local insights?
Absolutely, your skipper guide will share stories and secrets about Amsterdam’s canals, making the experience more engaging and informative.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Since there’s no mention of age restrictions and no mention of child-specific amenities, it’s best suited for adults. Check with the provider if you’re considering bringing children.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly.

Set out on a peaceful, scenic journey through Amsterdam’s waterways, enjoying drinks, optional snacks, and the company of a knowledgeable local guide. It’s a charming way to see the city from a different perspective and create memorable moments on the water.