Ghent Completely – 90-minute boat tour (DUTCH ONLY)

An Authentic 90-Minute Journey Through Ghent’s Canals

Imagine gliding smoothly over Ghent’s waterways, with its skyline dotted by medieval spires and castle battlements. This Ghent Completely boat tour, lasting about 90 minutes, takes you through the heart of this historic city’s waterways, revealing its architecture, stories, and secrets in a way that walking alone can’t match. Led exclusively in Dutch, the guided tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of Ghent’s most iconic sights, from towering cathedrals to bustling old ports.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines educational storytelling with beautiful scenery. The view of St Bavo’s Cathedral and the Belfry from the water adds a new perspective, emphasizing their grandeur and significance. Plus, the chance to explore the Ancient Port of Ghent and glide past mercantile houses offers a tangible connection to the city’s trading past.

A small but notable consideration is that the tour is only guided in Dutch. That might be a limitation for some travelers who prefer guides in other languages. Still, if your Dutch is decent or you’ve done your homework beforehand, this can turn into an engaging language adventure.

This boat tour suits those wanting a thorough overview of Ghent’s historic center with a local flavor—perfect for travelers curious about architecture, history, and city life, especially if you enjoy navigating waterways rather than just walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Focus on Historic Landmarks: Visit St Bavo’s Cathedral, Belfry, St Nicholas Church, and the Castle of the Counts.
• Waterway Exploration: Sail over three different waterways, including the Ancient Port of Ghent.
• Authentic Local Experience: Guided exclusively in Dutch, offering a genuine local perspective.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: Pass through tunnels, old guildhalls, and view the Royal Palace and old law courts.
• Short and Sweet: At 90 minutes, it’s a manageable tour that fits well into a day of sightseeing.
• Weather Consideration: Goes rain or shine, umbrellas are provided on board.

Detailed Review of the Ghent Completely Boat Tour

Setting the Scene: What’s Included and What to Expect

This guided boat trip is a solid way to see Ghent from a water-based perspective. Starting at the Green Boathouse on Korenlei 4a, you’ll check in and settle in for a 90-minute journey. The trip includes a live guide speaking Dutch, which means you’ll get a lively narration of the city’s architectural marvels and historical anecdotes—important if you’re trying to piece together Ghent’s story.

While the tour does not offer guidance in languages other than Dutch, it’s designed for those comfortable with Dutch or eager to listen closely. From April to October, the tour runs every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00, making it a convenient weekend activity.

Itinerary Breakdown: What Will You See?

The tour covers a surprisingly broad spectrum of Ghent’s highlights, making it a true city overview. From the start, you’ll marvel at St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, and the Belfry, which has watched over the city since the 14th century. The guide’s stories help you understand their importance within Ghent’s history.

Passing through the tunnels under Laurent Square, you’ll get a peek into the city’s medieval infrastructure—an often overlooked but fascinating detail. The boat then sails over three waterways, including the Nederschelde and the Reep, giving you a sense of the city’s water-based commerce.

One of the most photogenic moments is gliding through the Ancient Port of Ghent, lined with quay walls and mercantile houses that evoke the city’s centuries-old trading prowess. The tour also passes by castles of the Counts and the Princes Court, offering a glimpse into Ghent’s feudal and noble past.

Other stops include the old Fish Market facing the historic Meat Hall, the 13th-century Monasteries that once housed Augustinian and Dominican friars, and the Law Courts—each spot telling part of Ghent’s layered story. As you cruise past the Royal Opera and Handelsbeur concert hall, you see how the city’s cultural heritage continues to thrive today.

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Authentic Details and What Travelers Say

One reviewer, Marion, noted the “duidelijke info met een vleugje humor” (clear info with a touch of humor), highlighting how the guide made the history both accessible and entertaining. She appreciated the “goede indruk” of Ghent’s story, which the waterway perspective enhanced.

Barbara raved about the experience, calling it “geweldig, hele leuke tour, geweldige stad”—meaning a fantastic, fun tour of a wonderful city. Her enthusiasm reflects how the combination of scenery and storytelling makes this tour memorable.

Value and Practical Considerations

This tour costs about a reasonable amount for 1.5 hours, especially considering the immersive experience of seeing a city from the water. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxing yet informative activity that complements walking tours or other explorations.

Since guidance is only in Dutch, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a local language experience or are comfortable with listening closely. The rain-or-shine policy ensures you can enjoy it regardless of weather, with umbrellas provided if needed.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This boat trip is perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, and water enthusiasts. It appeals to those who want to see Ghent’s landmarks from a fresh angle without a long tour, making it ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a focused, authentic experience.

The Sum Up: Who Should Take This Tour?

If you’re visiting Ghent and want a comprehensive, scenic overview of the city’s main attractions, this 90-minute boat tour offers excellent value. It combines beautiful views with informative storytelling that helps you understand Ghent’s medieval roots and vibrant present.

Travelers who enjoy water-based sightseeing and are comfortable with Dutch guidance will find this experience particularly rewarding. It’s also well-suited for those who prefer a relaxed pace and don’t mind the language limitations—after all, the scenery and sights speak for themselves.

However, if you’re looking for tours in other languages, or prefer a more interactive, multi-lingual guide, you might want to consider alternative options. But for a genuine, local perspective on Ghent’s waterways and history, this tour is hard to beat.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-Dutch speakers?
This tour is guided exclusively in Dutch, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with the language or willing to listen carefully. Non-Dutch speakers might find it challenging to follow the narration.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 90 minutes, making it a manageable activity that can fit into a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat trip and Dutch live guide. No additional guidance is provided in other languages.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Does it operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour goes rain or shine. Umbrellas are available on board if the weather turns wet.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Green Boathouse on Korenlei 4a and ends at the same point, making it easy to plan around other activities.

This Ghent boat tour offers a lively, visually engaging way to understand the city’s history, architecture, and waterways. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler eager to deepen your appreciation, this experience gives you a unique perspective of Ghent’s charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: