Is the seating assigned on a Blue Boat tour?

Seating is not assigned and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you are on a daytime trip or an evening sail, we recommend arriving at the pier 15 mins early to secure your preferred spot.

Will the cruise be affected by bad weather?

No. Every Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise is operated on modern, glass-topped boats with full central heating. This solves the pain point of Amsterdam’s unpredictable weather, ensuring you stay warm and dry while enjoying the views through panoramic windows.

Are meals included on these cruises?

Standard tours do not include a full meal. However, the Christmas and Light Festival cruises offer festive snacks like Dutch butter cake, hot drinks, or optional snack boxes with cheese and wine to enjoy while you sail.

What is the difference between Blue Boat and other operators?

Blue Boat Amsterdam is a family-owned operator known for its accessibility and sustainability. It is the only operator to offer wheelchair-accessible vessels and a dedicated children's audio program, setting this tour apart from standard city cruises.

Book Blue Boat Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets

Why choose a Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise?

Unmatched accessibility: Blue Boat Amsterdam is a pioneer in inclusivity; nearly their entire fleet is wheelchair accessible, featuring unique hydraulic lifts to ensure every guest can enjoy a Blue Boat tour.
Multilingual expertise: Every Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise provides a personal audio system available in 21 languages, including a special "Kids Cruise" story for younger travellers.
All-weather comfort: Whether you are on a winter evening sail or a summer Blue Boat tour, the heated, glass-canopy boats solve the problem of unpredictable Dutch weather while maintaining crystal-clear views.
Convenient departures: Located directly opposite the Rijksmuseum and near the Heineken Experience, a Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise is the perfect addition to a day of museum hopping.

Types of Blue Boat cruises & tickets explained

Cruise type	Duration	Inclusions	Seating & ambiance	Best for
Sightseeing canal cruise	75 mins	Multilingual audio guide, heated boat, and wheelchair accessibility.	Casual & educational; features both an indoor saloon and an open-air deck.	Families and first-time visitors on a budget.
Winter & Christmas cruise	90 mins	Multilingual audioguide, heated boat, and festive treats like hot drinks and Dutch butter cake.	Romantic & cosy; focused on the "Golden Hour" and twinkling bridge lights.	Couples and travellers wanting a warm winter experience.
Amsterdam Light Festival cruise	90 mins	Special festival route, audioguide, and optional wine/snackbox upgrades.	Artistic & immersive; designed for optimal viewing of light installations.	Art lovers and groups celebrating the winter holiday season.
Combo tickets	75-min cruise	Boat tour plus access to the Rijksmuseum or Heineken Experience.	Practical & efficient; combines a standard cruise with top-tier attractions.	Efficient sightseers and groups wanting to save time.

Things to know before booking a Blue Boat Amsterdam cruise

Seating policy: Every Blue Boat tour operates on a free-seating basis. To secure the best views on a canal cruise, especially the outdoor aft-deck spots, we recommend arriving at the pier 15 mins early.
Menu & upgrades: Standard tours do not include food, but you can upgrade your Blue Boat Amsterdam experience by pre-booking a snack box—ideal for families with kids. The "Happy Holidays" cruise includes a hot drink and traditional Dutch butter cake.
Accessibility: Blue Boat Amsterdam is a leader in accessibility. For a wheelchair-friendly blue boat tour, specific slots are available. Since boats accommodate a maximum of three wheelchairs, you must contact the operator in advance to reserve space.
Booking & cancellations: Tickets for a Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise are valid only for your selected date and time. Booking online often provides better rates than the ticket office.

Features of the Blue Boat fleet

All-weather decks

Ships feature expansive glass roofs for panoramic sightseeing. Most boats in the Blue Boat Amsterdam fleet also include an open-air aft deck and are centrally heated during the winter.

Dining style

The fleet focuses on casual dining and snacks. While not a fine-dining vessel, you can enjoy seasonal treats like Dutch butter cake, hot cocoa, or pre-booked snackboxes on your Blue Boat tour.

Accessibility

Blue Boat Amsterdam is a leader in inclusivity. Their fleet features unique wheelchair-accessible boats equipped with hydraulic lifts, a rare and vital feature for an Amsterdam canal cruise.

Onboard tech

Every Blue Boat tour includes a personal audio system available in 15 languages. There is even a special "Kids Cruise" audio story tailored specifically for younger passengers.

What you’ll see on a Blue Boat cruise

Anne Frank House

View the famous Prinsengracht house from the water, providing a unique perspective on one of Amsterdam's most significant historical sites.

Hermitage Amsterdam museum facade with visitors walking and cycling nearby.

Plan your Blue Boat cruise

Blue Boat Amsterdam operates from two primary docks. Please check your ticket to confirm your specific departure pier for your tour:

Heineken Experience Pier: Stadhouderskade 550

By tram: Lines 1, 7, 19 (Stop: Vijzelgracht).
By metro: Line 52 (Stop: Vijzelgracht)

Hard Rock Cafe Pier: Stadhouderskade 501

By tram: Lines 1, 2, 5, 12 (Stop: Leidseplein)
By bus: Multiple city lines to Leidseplein

blue boat cruise complimentary earphones

Arrival: Arrive at the Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise dock at least 15 mins before your scheduled departure.
Validation: Present your digital or printed ticket at the boarding desk.
ID: Keep a valid photo ID ready (especially for adult-only Heineken combo cruises).
Boarding: Follow staff instructions to your assigned Blue Boat tour vessel.

Amsterdam canal tour boat cruising under a historic bridge on the Blue Boat Cruise.

75-min city canal cruise: Departures daily from 10am to 6pm.
Evening & Amsterdam Light Festival cruise: Slots typically run from 6:30pm to 10pm.

Frequency: Boats depart every 30 mins during peak hours. Timings for your Blue Boat Amsterdam experience may vary seasonally.

Evening canal cruise boat on Amsterdam canal with illuminated buildings.

Connectivity: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available on every Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise.
Restrooms: Onboard toilets are available on all large, closed boats (not available on small open boats).
Audioguides: Complimentary earphones are provided for the multilingual audio commentary.
Climate control: Closed boats are fully heated for a comfortable winter tour.
Wheelchair access: Blue Boat Amsterdam is the only operator offering wheelchair-accessible vessels.
Requirement: Please notify the operator in advance to ensure your Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise is assigned an accessible boat with a hydraulic lift.

No outside food and drinks sign at an outdoor seating area.

Dress code: Casual and comfortable. For evening cruises, we recommend warm layers.
Baggage: Large suitcases are strictly prohibited; please use city lockers.
Food: No outside food/drink. Snack boxes are available for purchase at the Blue Boat Amsterdam docks.
Pets: No pets allowed, except for registered service dogs.

Tips & guidelines

Arrive early for best seats: Plan to arrive at the Blue Boat Amsterdam pier at least 15–20 mins before departure. Early arrival ensures you can choose a prime window seat for unobstructed photos during your tour.
Go paperless: There is no need to print your booking. Simply show your e-ticket on your smartphone at the boarding point to start your Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise hassle-free.
Bring headphones: You can access the Blue Boat Amsterdam multilingual commentary via the onboard Wi-Fi. Bring your own headphones to enjoy the audioguide comfortably on your personal device.
Cashless boarding: Note that the Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise vessels are cashless. Ensure you have a debit/credit card or contactless payment method for any onboard purchases or snack box upgrades.
Layer up: Even in a heated cabin, the breeze on the aft deck can be cool. Carry a jacket or sweater to stay comfortable while stepping outside for photos during your blue boat tour.
Snack box prep: If you didn't pre-book a snack box, you can purchase one at the Blue Boat Amsterdam ticket office before boarding to enjoy during your sightseeing journey.
Strategic timing: Book an early morning Blue Boat tour for a serene, less crowded experience, or choose a 90-min evening slot to see the city's iconic bridges illuminated.
Peak vs low season: 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.
Beyond your cruise: 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 Blue Boat Amsterdam tickets

Yes! Every child’s ticket for a Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise includes a special "Kids Cruise" audio story and a souvenir activity booklet with a treasure hunt. This makes a Blue Boat tour both educational and engaging for young travellers.