Ghent is a city built on water. Its canals, port, and historic riverfront make boat tours a natural way to see the city from a different perspective. Unlike walking tours that focus on the streets, a boat trip offers a fluid view of Ghent’s medieval towers, castles, and waterfront houses. Many visitors find that a cruise reveals hidden details and provides a relaxing break from cobblestones and museums. For example, the 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip gives a lively overview of the city’s most iconic sites, including St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and the impressive Gravensteen castle. It’s a favorite for its friendly guides and excellent value.
If you prefer a shorter, more focused experience, the 40-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour offers a quick introduction to Ghent’s main sights with live multilingual commentary. For those wanting a deeper dive into Ghent’s history, the 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center explores more of the city’s secrets and architecture—all while enjoying the gentle movement of the river. For scenic coastal views, the Unique skyline sailing takes you along the Belgian coast for 45 minutes, combining sea breezes with stunning dunes and skyline vistas. Lastly, for a comprehensive exploration, the Ghent Completely – 90-minute boat tour covers the entire city with detailed commentary—ideal for those with a passion for history. Below, we explore each of these options in detail.
1. Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip
At number 1 on our list, the Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip offers a balanced mix of history, sights, and ease of access. This tour is praised for its friendly guides and lively commentary, making it easy to follow along with Ghent’s story. It’s perfect for travelers who want an overview without committing too much time or money.
This boat trip navigates through the heart of Ghent’s medieval port area, where you’ll see St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and St Nicholas’ Church—all landmarks that define Ghent’s skyline. You’ll glide past the old guildhalls of the labormen and enjoy views of noble castles like the Counts’ Castle and the Princes’ Court. The Ancient Port, with its quay walls and merchant houses, adds charm to the scenery. The tour includes live and written commentary, which keeps things engaging.
Guests love the value, with tickets costing only $11 per person, and reviews consistently highlight the friendly guides and interesting commentary. One reviewer says, “It was a lovely time with fantastic views and a very informative guide… worth the money.” The tour operates from two starting points, giving flexibility. It’s suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for an efficient introduction to Ghent’s highlights.
Bottom Line: A fun, affordable way to see Ghent’s main sights from the water with lively commentary and friendly staff. Perfect for first-timers or those short on time.
2. Ghent: 40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour
Second on our list is the 40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour. This experience offers a slightly quicker ride, ideal for travelers who want a concise overview of Ghent’s core attractions. It’s especially valued for its multilingual guide, who navigates in Dutch, English, and French, with additional languages available through illustrated texts.
The tour takes you through Ghent’s breathtaking medieval harbor, where the guide points out the towers of St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and St Nicholas Church, along with the impressive Castle of the Counts. It’s a great way to see the city from the water without feeling rushed. Reviewers note that the guide was friendly, funny, and fluent in multiple languages, which enhances the experience. One said, “It was a very nice boat tour with a friendly guide,” emphasizing its approachable atmosphere.
For $11, this tour offers good value and a comfortable setting. It’s suitable for those who want a quick but informative glimpse of Ghent’s waterfront without a lengthy commitment. The boat’s covered options also make it a good choice in less-than-perfect weather.
Bottom Line: A quick, engaging way to see Ghent’s medieval sights from the water, with a multilingual guide making it accessible for international travelers.
3. Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center
Number 3 is the 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center, which emphasizes Ghent’s fascinating history and architecture. This trip is perfect if you’re curious about the stories behind the buildings and want a relaxing way to learn.
The tour departs from Graslei and explores the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Castle of the Counts and the Old Fish Market. The guide shares stories about the city’s evolution over centuries, from medieval times through the present day. Guests appreciate the opportunity to see Ghent’s impressive city walls and merchant houses from the water—a perspective often missed on foot.
Reviews mention the tour’s informative narration and the comfort of the covered boat, especially in rainy weather. One reviewer notes, “It’s a great way to discover Ghent from the water side and learn about its long history.” For $11, this tour strikes a good balance between depth and brevity, appealing to history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Bottom Line: An educational yet relaxing ride that reveals Ghent’s long-standing architecture and secrets, ideal for history fans and those wanting a gentle cruise.
4. Unique skyline sailing
For something different, the Unique skyline sailing takes you out to the Belgian coast for 45 minutes. It’s not in the city center but offers a splendid view of the dunes, coast, and skyline. Departing from Blankenberge, the tour is led by a professional skipper, with soft drinks served onboard. Capped at just 12 passengers, it’s perfect for a personal, relaxed experience. Travelers rave about the professionalism and the stunning scenery, especially during sunset or clear days. It’s a great choice for those wanting a coastal escape with a touch of adventure.
Bottom Line: Ideal for coastal scenery lovers seeking an intimate, scenic sailing experience away from Ghent’s waterways.
5. Guided Boat Trip in Ghent
Number 5, the Guided Boat Trip in Ghent, emphasizes a romantic, comprehensive water experience. Over about 40 minutes, the boat glides along the River Leie, passing Graslei, the Castle of Counts, and the Groot Vleeshuis. The tour offers both open and covered boat options, with on-board commentary in multiple languages to ensure you don’t miss any details. Reviewers praise the guide’s humor and knowledge, making this a lively and educational experience. One says, “A very enjoyable boat tour with a great guide,” highlighting its friendly atmosphere.
Priced at $11.61, it’s a slightly more immersive option for those who want a detailed water tour in Ghent. It’s well-suited for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to see Ghent’s riverside architecture from a different angle.
Bottom Line: A lively, informative cruise that combines good value with a chance to explore Ghent’s waterways with a personable guide.
6. Ghent Completely – 90-minute boat tour (DUTCH ONLY)
For travelers who want a deep dive into Ghent’s history, the Ghent Completely tour is a 90-minute journey guided solely in Dutch. It’s ideal for Dutch speakers or those eager for a detailed, leisurely exploration. This tour covers over 1,000 years of architecture and includes going through tunnels under Laurent Square, sailing on three different waterways, and viewing the castle of the Counts.
While it’s more costly and time-consuming, the reviews praise the clear, humorous narration that leaves a lasting impression. One reviewer notes, “Mooi, duidelijke info met een vleugje humor. Goede indruk gekregen van de geschiedenis van Gent.” It’s best suited for those with more time and language skills, offering a comprehensive look at Ghent’s storied past.
Bottom Line: A thorough, detailed tour for Dutch-speaking visitors wanting to explore Ghent’s history at a relaxed pace.
7. Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Tour with Cruise & Chocolate Visit
Number 7 offers an all-day adventure combining Bruges, Ghent, a canal cruise, and a chocolate tasting. This full-day trip from Brussels is perfect for travelers wanting to maximize sightseeing. It includes a walking tour of Bruges, a river cruise, and a visit to a renowned chocolatier. The Ghent portion features a 30-minute guided tour plus a canal cruise.
It’s highly rated, with travelers praising the guide’s enthusiasm and the well-organized schedule. The trip provides a comprehensive snapshot of Flanders, especially for those who enjoy combining multiple experiences in a single day. For around 10 hours, you’ll see the highlights of both cities, enjoy local chocolates, and cruise along scenic canals.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting an all-in-one day trip that covers the highlights of Bruges and Ghent, with added treats like chocolate tasting.
8. Ghent: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip
Finally, the Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip offers the best of both worlds. Starting with a land-based tour of Ghent’s historic sites, it then transitions to a boat cruise along the canals. This 2.5-hour experience is a perfect way to combine sightseeing on foot with a relaxing water journey.
The tour covers the Belfry, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, the Ghent Town Hall, and Patershol, giving a well-rounded look at Ghent’s architecture and history. The subsequent 30-minute boat cruise provides scenic views of the three towers that define Ghent’s skyline. Reviewers mention that the guide’s storytelling made the history come alive, and the boat ride was a great way to unwind after walking.
For $32, this is a good value, especially for those who want a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want both walking and water views, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way through Ghent’s top sights.
How to Choose Your Ghent Boat Tour
When selecting your ideal Ghent boat trip, consider your budget, available time, interests, and physical comfort. If you want a quick overview, the 40-Minute Guided Tour offers plenty for a small price. History buffs might prefer the 90-minute tour for its depth. For coastal scenery, the skyline sailing is unbeatable, while families or groups wanting a full experience should consider the guided walking and canal tour. Remember to check the schedules and book early, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
To sum it up, Ghent offers a variety of boat tours suited to every interest and schedule. Whether you prefer a quick scenic ride, a comprehensive historical exploration, or a coastal sailing adventure, there’s a water experience waiting for you. For first-time visitors, the 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip provides an excellent introduction, while history lovers might lean toward the 90-minute tour. No matter your choice, booking early ensures a smooth experience. Ghent’s waterways are a delightful way to see the city’s charm and character from a fresh perspective.