Zaandam is a fantastic place to experience Dutch heritage from the water. Its iconic windmills, traditional houses, and historic sites are best appreciated from the river or canal. Unlike just wandering around on land, a boat tour offers a unique, up-close view of the area’s most famous attractions. We especially like the Zaanse Schans cruise because it combines lively storytelling with incredible views of windmills and historic buildings. Plus, the chance to smell fresh chocolate from the factories makes it a sensory treat you won’t forget. If you want a more intimate experience, the private cruises with drinks or food are perfect for special occasions or travelers seeking a relaxed, personalized journey.
For those who prefer a quick overview with plenty of sights, the shorter cruises provide a great balance of value and scenery. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in a full-day exploration that includes neighboring towns, the day trip to Windmills and Amsterdam offers a compact, comprehensive experience. Below, we’ve listed the top boat tours in Zaandam, comparing what makes each one special.
1. Zaanse Schans: Cruise UNESCO Windmills Village + Live Guide
This 25-minute cruise offers an engaging way to see the 10 windmills of Zaanse Schans, traditional Dutch houses, and more. The tour includes a live guide, making it both informative and lively. The boat glides past iconic sights like the whale hunting house, now a fine dining restaurant, and the world’s biggest chocolate factories, where the aroma alone is worth the price of admission.
What makes this tour stand out is its detailed focus on local landmarks and authentic scenery. You’ll see windmills used for everything from sawmilling to spice grinding, each with a story to tell. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guides and the up-close views of the historic windmills. It’s perfect for travelers on a budget or those wanting a quick but meaningful introduction to Zaanse Schans.
Bottom Line: An affordable, lively, and visually stunning 25-minute cruise that highlights Zaanse Schans’ most iconic sights, perfect for first-timers wanting a taste of Dutch heritage from the water.
2. Zaanse Schans Windmill Cruise – UNESCO Windmills With Live Guide
This 25-minute small-group cruise offers a more personalized experience, with a max group size of 12. The expert skipper shares stories about the history of the windmills and the region while you relax on the water. The tour emphasizes traditional Dutch houses and the chocolate and tea houses, weaving history with local culture.
A strength of this tour is its customizable nature—no two trips are exactly alike, depending on the group’s interests. Reviewers praise the friendly staff and mention that the perspective from the water makes the windmills even more impressive. It’s suitable for families with children or travelers who want a relaxed, intimate experience with flexible storytelling.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking a personalized, small-group cruise with rich commentary, ideal for visitors who appreciate a more tailored approach.
3. Zaanse Schans: Private Cruise + Live Guide + Drinks Included
For around $212, this private 1-hour cruise offers a luxurious way to explore Zaanse Schans. Including a live guide and unlimited drinks, it’s perfect for couples, families, or small groups wanting a relaxed, all-inclusive experience. You’ll enjoy views of 10 historic windmills and the Dutch houses along the water.
What makes this tour stand out is its private setting—you won’t share the boat with strangers—and the live commentary that deepens your understanding of the area’s history. The inclusion of drinks makes it ideal for a leisurely afternoon or special celebration. Reviewers mention the excellent service and the comfortable ambiance, making it a great way to combine sightseeing and socializing.
Bottom Line: An upscale, private experience perfect for those who want a personalized, relaxed cruise with drinks and storytelling included.
4. Private Zaanse Schans Windmill Cruise On Luxury Boat
This luxury 1-hour cruise on a high-end boat is designed for travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity. Starting from Zaanse Schans, your knowledgeable guide shares stories about the windmills’ history and the Dutch homes along the river. You’ll get prime views of the famous windmills used historically for timber, oil, and spice processing.
What makes this tour special is the luxury boat, which provides a smooth ride and a classy atmosphere. The well-informed guide makes sure you don’t miss anything interesting. Reviewers love the relaxed pace and the beautiful views. It is suitable for celebrating a special occasion or for travelers who want to indulge in style.
Bottom Line: An elegant, luxury cruise that combines comfort with educational storytelling, ideal for celebrating a special day or travelers with a taste for the finer things.
5. Zaanse Schans: Private Cruise + Guide + Incl. Food & Drinks
This 2.5-hour private cruise is the most comprehensive on our list, offering unlimited food and drinks along with a local guide. Starting from Westzijde 14g, it covers Wormerveer, Zaandam, and Zaanse Schans. The journey includes passages by historic windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and chocolate factories.
The highlight here is the full itinerary that combines sightseeing with gastronomic delights. You’ll visit specific sites like De Kat’s paintmill, Houtzaagmolen de Gekroonde Poelenburg, and the Zeepziederij De Adelaar. Reviewers mention the excellent food and the informative guide who brings the region’s history alive. This tour suits those with more time and a desire for an immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers, foodies, and those eager for a comprehensive, all-inclusive water tour of the region.
6. Excursion to Windmills and Amsterdam Boat Ride
This full-day combo trip includes a visit to Zaanse Schans, with cheese tasting in a traditional factory, a wooden clog demo, and a canal boat ride in Amsterdam. The tour departs from central Amsterdam and offers a seamless experience blending land and water.
While details about the exact boat are sparse, this option is ideal for travelers who want a quick escape to the countryside with the bonus of experiencing Amsterdam’s waterways. The inclusion of cheese and clog demonstrations provides an authentic taste of Dutch culture alongside scenic views. It’s suited for those with limited time who want a comprehensive day out.
Bottom Line: An excellent full-day excursion that combines land-based history with a scenic canal cruise, suitable for travelers wanting variety in their day.
$71 per person
How to Choose
Choosing the right boat tour in Zaandam depends on your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want a quick, affordable overview, the Zaanse Schans: Cruise UNESCO Windmills Village https://happytovisit.com/zaanse-schans-cruise-unesco-windmills-village-live-guide/ is a solid pick. For a more personalized experience, go for the small-group windmill cruise https://happytovisit.com/zaanse-schans-windmill-cruise-unesco-windmills-with-live-guide/. Celebrate a special occasion with the luxury private cruise https://happytovisit.com/private-zaanse-schans-windmill-cruise-on-luxury-boat/, or indulge in the comprehensive private tour with food and drinks https://happytovisit.com/zaanse-schans-private-cruise-guide-incl-food-drinks/.
Consider also how much time you have; the full-day combo is perfect if you want variety, while the shorter cruises suit quick visits. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, as these tours are popular.
Final thoughts
Zaandam offers a range of boat experiences that showcase its famous windmills, historic buildings, and local culture from the water. The Zaanse Schans: Cruise UNESCO Windmills Village provides a swift, scenic overview, while the private cruises add a touch of luxury and personalization. For a balanced mix of sightseeing and tasting, the full private tour with food and drinks is hard to beat. If your time is limited, the shorter, guided cruises give excellent value and unforgettable views.
No matter which option you choose, booking ahead ensures you’ll secure a spot on these popular tours. Enjoy your time in Zaandam — seeing its windmills from the water is a true highlight of any Dutch trip.