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About Blue Boat Amsterdam

Established in 1948, Blue Boat Amsterdam is a family-owned operator with a legacy spanning over 75 years. As one of the city's most trusted cruise providers, they welcome hundreds of thousands of guests annually. Their modern fleet features over 15 eco-friendly, electric glass-topped boats, specifically designed to offer panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed canal ring.

Why choose a Blue Boat Amsterdam canal cruise?

blue boat amsterdam
  • 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 typeDurationInclusionsSeating & ambianceBest 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.

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.
  • 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

Anne Frank House

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

Magere Brug
Hermitage Amsterdam museum facade with visitors walking and cycling nearby.
Westerkerk Church
Old Heineken factory

Plan your Blue Boat cruise

blue boat cruise timings

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 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.

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