What are Amsterdam Blue Boat cruises?

Float down Amsterdam's canals, sipping delicious wine while taking in the city's iconic landmarks on a Blue Boat canal cruise! Blue Boat is one of Amsterdam's top boat tour companies, with a fleet of luxurious glass-canopy boats. They offer a variety of cruises, from sightseeing tours to evening cruises with meals. Choose from a range of options, all while enjoying stunning views of the city. With audio commentary in up to 21 languages, you'll learn all about Amsterdam's history and culture as you cruise along.

Why take the Amsterdam Blue Boat canal cruise

blue boat amsterdam
  • A new perspective: Explore the ‘Venice of the North’ on modern glass-paneled boats with audio guide access, providing glimpses into its past. Blue Boat offers easy, scenic day transportation with a soothing ambiance.
  • Grab amazing deals: Maximize value with Blue Boat's Amsterdam canal cruise combos, offering access to a luxurious boat and admission to iconic sites like the National Maritime Museum, Moco Museum, Straat Museum, Heineken Experience, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum.
  • Unique boats: Glide along the Amsterdam canals on Blue Boat cruises where the small open boat can navigate the smallest canals in the canal ring, unveiling the lesser-known spots of the city. 
  • Suitable for everyone: Almost all boats with the Blue Boat company are wheelchair-accessible and family-friendly, making it the go-to choice for a cruise agency in Amsterdam.

Things to know before booking your Amsterdam Blue Boat cruises

  • Want a fun yet informational cruise ride? Consider booking a sightseeing cruise offering live commentary or audio guide facilities. 
  • For a more romantic and magical experience, choose an evening cruise
  • The cruise tickets will only be valid for the date and time that you booked.
  • If you require a wheelchair-accessible cruise, book 10:30am, 12pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5pm slots on the City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide or the 7pm or 9pm slots on the Evening Canal Cruise. Make sure that you inform the company beforehand of your requirements as only 3 wheelchairs are allowed per boat.
  • If you have an iAmsterdam City Card, you are required to reserve a slot at either of Blue Boat’s ticket offices.
  • Upgrade your ticket to avail a snack box on your cruise, especially if you are traveling with hungry and tired kids.
  • Book your tickets online instead of at the ticket office for discounted rates.

Types of Amsterdam Blue Boat cruises

blue boat cruise

Sightseeing cruises

  • Want to see Amsterdam from the water without breaking the bank? A sightseeing cruise is the perfect option!
  • These cruises also include a multilingual audioguide or a live guide.

Recommended tickets: 

  • 75-Minute City Canal Cruise
  • 75-Minute Small Open Boat Canal Cruise
Blue Boat cruises

Evening cruises

  • Consider an evening cruise so you can enjoy the scenery during Golden Hour and see a magical version of Amsterdam. 
  • It's a bit more expensive, but is totally worth the experience, and perfect for a romantic experience. Plus, you can upgrade to include a snack box, cheese bites, and unlimited drinks!

Recommended tickets: 

  • 1.5 Hour Evening Canal Cruise

Sights covered on your Amsterdam Blue Boat cruise

Anne Frank House
Magere Brug
Hermitage Museum
Westerkerk Church
Red Light District

Know before you go on an Amsterdam Blue Boat cruise

blue boat cruise timings
  • 75-Minute City Canal Cruise: 10am to 6pm
    Duration: 75 mins
  • 75-Minute Small Open Boat Canal Cruise: 10:45am to 8:15pm
    Duration: 75 mins
  • 1.5 Hour Evening Canal Cruise: 6:30pm to 10pm 
    Duration: 90 mins
blue boat cruise complimentary earphones
  • There is free Wi-Fi onboard all Blue Boat cruises
  • Toilets are available onboard most boats, except on small, open boats. If you are booking these boats, use the facilities at the departure point before you board.
  • Complimentary earphones are available for the audioguides available onboard.
blue boat cruise timings
  • Large bags are not allowed on board or to be stored on the dock. Please store them at a nearby storage facility or leave them behind at your hotel.
  • Outside food and drink are not permitted onboard any boat. However, you do have the option of upgrading your tickets or purchasing a snack box at the departure point before you board.
  • Pets are not allowed on any boat. Guide dogs, however, are welcome.
  • Prams/strollers are prohibited on all boats.

Boarding points

Heineken Experience pier

  • By tram: 4, 7, 14, 19
  • By metro: 51, 52, 53, 54
  • By train: Intercity, Sprinter

Hard Rock Cafe pier

  • By metro: 51, 52, 53, 54
  • By tram: 1, 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 19
  • By train: Sprinter, Intercity

Visitors tips

  • You can listen to the commentary in the language of your choice by connecting to the Wi-Fi service on the boat. Bring your own headphones to limit direct contact. 
  • Cash is not accepted on the boat so make sure you have access to contactless payments.
  • It is highly recommended that you carry a jacket or sweater as it can get chilly in the evening.
  • If you skipped booking a snack box for your cruise, you can always buy one at either of the ticket offices at the departure points before boarding. 
  • For the most serene experience, early morning cruises tend to be less crowded and offer calm views. Evening cruises are perfect to see the city illuminated by the lights of its canals.
  • The summer months (June to August) offer the best weather and extended daylight for scenic views. However, autumn (September to October) and spring (March to May) provide a quieter experience with fewer crowds. Winter (November to February) cruises are also available, offering a unique view of Amsterdam's canals with holiday lights.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you get a good seat near the window, especially if you want a prime spot for photos.
  • It is not necessary to print your e-ticket. Just show your ticket on your smartphone or any other electronic device.
  • If you arrive early, explore the area around the departure point, as many cruises start near popular attractions like the Heineken Experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam Blue Boat cruises

Will I get seasick during the canal cruise?

It is very unlikely that you’ll get seasick during a canal cruise. The boats mostly sail within Amsterdam’s city centre where the water usually stays very calm.

Will the cruise be affected by bad weather?

Most canal cruise boats have a roof that can close fully and have central heating on board. So even if it is cold outside, you will be warm inside the boat. The boats mostly sail within the city center, where the water stays very calm, so they can sail in almost any weather. If a cruise is canceled due to extreme weather, your ticket will be rescheduled to another date.

Are Amsterdam Blue Boat cruises suitable for children?

Yes, they offer a special Kids Cruise designed just for kids, complete with a treasure hunt and activities that make the experience fun and educational for young travelers. The Kids Cruise audio guide and booklet are also available with every kid's ticket booked with other cruises, except the Open Boat Canal Cruise.

Can I take photos on the cruise?

Absolutely! Photography is encouraged, and the canal cruise offers many picturesque spots along the way. Evening cruises are particularly great for capturing the illuminated canals and bridges​​.

Can I book a private cruise?

Yes, Blue Boat offers private tours for special occasions or larger groups of up to 80 passengers. These can be customized to suit your preferences, whether for a corporate event, family reunion, or wedding​, along with dining options. To book a private cruise, please contact info@blueboat.nl.

Canal Cruises Amsterdam
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