English
English
- About Amsterdam Canals
- Sightseeing Cruises
- Dinner Cruises
- Evening Cruises
- LOVERS Cruises
- Blue Boat Cruises
- Canal Cruise Combos
- Flagship Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tours
- Harbor Cruises
- Rijksmuseum Tickets
- Amsterdam Heineken Experience Tickets
- Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
- SAIL Amsterdam Tickets
- Moco Museum Amsterdam
- Anne Frank Tours
- Amsterdam Red Light District Tours
- Fabrique des Lumières
- The Upside Down Amsterdam Museum Tickets
- Xtracold Icebar Tickets
- AMAZE Amsterdam
- A'DAM Lookout Tickets
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum Tickets
- Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets
- Volendam Cheese Factory Tours
- WONDR Experience Tickets
- NEMO Science Museum Tickets
- National Maritime Museum Tickets
Book Amsterdam River Cruise Tickets
Visit Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam and enjoy Dutch heritage at your own pace.
- Day out to Zaanse Schans where you’ll explore windmills, enjoy live cheese tasting & watch clogs being made in authentic artisan workshops.
- You'll get round-trip luxury coach transfers at different departure times, a digital walking app, a village map & discounts at 10 artisan shops.
- Zaanse Schans: Visit a postcard-worthy heritage site with working windmills, wooden shoe makers, and cheese farms, just outside the buzz of Amsterdam.
- Live activities: Sample farm-fresh cheeses and watch skilled shoemakers shape traditional clogs—both iconic to Dutch culture & crafted before your eyes!
- Upgrades: Make it a bigger day by selecting the Go City Explorer Pass, letting you club Zaanse Schans with two premier attractions in Amsterdam.
Visit Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam and enjoy Dutch heritage at your own pace.
- Day out to Zaanse Schans where you’ll explore windmills, enjoy live cheese tasting & watch clogs being made in authentic artisan workshops.
- You'll get round-trip luxury coach transfers at different departure times, a digital walking app, a village map & discounts at 10 artisan shops.
- Zaanse Schans: Visit a postcard-worthy heritage site with working windmills, wooden shoe makers, and cheese farms, just outside the buzz of Amsterdam.
- Live activities: Sample farm-fresh cheeses and watch skilled shoemakers shape traditional clogs—both iconic to Dutch culture & crafted before your eyes!
- Upgrades: Make it a bigger day by selecting the Go City Explorer Pass, letting you club Zaanse Schans with two premier attractions in Amsterdam.
- Ensure your entry tickets, and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Foldable strollers are allowed on the coach.
- For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
- Late arrivals can't be rescheduled, and tickets are non-refundable—so be sure to arrive on time!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Cruises in AmsterdamHarbor Cruises
Why go on an Amsterdam river cruise
- Enjoy the views of the Amsterdam harbor from the deck of the luxurious cruise and admire the world’s largest cocoa and petrol port. Get to learn about interesting details and future development plans of the port.
- Get to explore the areas of Amsterdam port that are only accessible for commercial shipping and sail between large cargo ships.
- Sail off the former historic NDSM yard and indulge in the food and drink choices available onboard.
- Explore the historic town of Zaanse Schans and experience the Dutch cultural heritage on an amazing 3-hour excursion.
About the Port of Amsterdam
During the Dutch Golden Age, the Amsterdam Harbor was an important port for the Dutch East India Company. Today, it's still a major player – it's actually the second-biggest port in the Netherlands! The port comprises several harbor areas, with over 1,500 acres of waterways and almost 4,930 acres of land. And can you believe it has a history that goes all the way back to the 13th century? A seaport located on the North Sea Canal and IJ, a former bay connecting the North Sea, it serves as the fourth busiest port in Europe. Plus, it's connected to the Rhine River through the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal.
Sights covered on your Amsterdam river cruise
Port of Amsterdam
Built in the 13th century, the Port of Amsterdam was originally the main hub for the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. Today, it's still super busy – it's the fourth busiest port in Europe and the second-largest in the Netherlands! You can take a boat tour and see the whole thing, including the biggest cocoa and petrol port in the world.
Zaan River
Originally a sidearm of the IJ Bay, the Zaan River is about 13.5 kilometers long and has played a big role in the Netherlands' geographical and cultural history. Several towns and cities along its banks are even named after it, like Zaanse Schans. These towns are like time capsules, holding onto the river’s cultural heritage.
Zaanse Schans
Deriving its name from the Zaan River, Zaanse Schans holds on to the original Dutch cultural heritage with its well-preserved historic houses and windmills. You can even visit a bakery museum and learn about clog-making. It's a great spot to experience the real Netherlands and see why it's so popular with tourists.
Know before you go on an Amsterdam river cruise
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Visitor tips
- From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour: 10:30am and 2:15pm
Duration: 6 hours - Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour: 2 pm
Duration: 2 hours
You can board both cruises on the dock opposite Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 45 (NDSM Wharf)
Take the free ferry to the NDSM Wharf (purple line F4) from the Amsterdam Centraal Station to get to the dock.
- Entertainment tax is included in the price for the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- Downloadable multilingual audio guides are available in Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish & Italian on both cruises
- A Spanish-speaking guide is available on the Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour
- Free Wi-Fi is available onboard the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- Food and drinks are available for purchase on the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- Service animals are permitted onboard the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- The Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour includes round-trip transfers from Amsterdam
- Make sure to reach your boarding point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time for the cruise for a smooth check-in and to get the best seats onboard.
- You might experience a drop in temperature once you are onboard. Make sure to dress appropriately in warm clothes to enjoy a comfortable ride.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam river cruise tickets
What is the difference between an Amsterdam canal cruise and a river cruise?
A river cruise takes you beyond the city’s famous canals and into the larger waters of Amsterdam’s harbor and surrounding waterways, providing a broader view of the city’s maritime history, industrial zones, and modern architecture.
Is an Amsterdam river cruise suitable for families?
Yes, river cruises are great for families. Children often find it exciting to see large ships, cranes, and bustling docks. Some cruises may also offer commentary specifically tailored for younger audiences.
Can I see large ships and cargo vessels on an Amsterdam river cruise?
Yes, the river cruise offers views of large ships, including cargo vessels and ferries that dock and pass through the port. You’ll see a bustling side of Amsterdam that’s far different from the calm, narrow canals.
From happy customers
Henrique
SpainMay, 2025
We loved the experience. When we arrived at the boat station, we discovered that there was super flexibility in the timetable. So we visited the Heineken factory first and then took the boat trip. The boat was super comfortable and also had an outside area so we could take photos. We also bought a snack, which exceeded our expectations. There was plenty of food and it helped curb our hunger. 😅
View original review in Portuguese
Combo: Heineken Experience Tickets + 75-Min Canal Cruise
Easwaran
FranceApr, 2025
Very easy and simple process. On boarding very systematic. Driver is excellent
He explained so well about history.
We learned a lot about The Netherlands
From Amsterdam: Day Trip to Keukenhof & Tulip Farm
Christophe
FranceApr, 2025
Clean and punctual boat. Friendly staff speaking different languages... but not French.
At the start of the tour, headsets are provided and you can either use the boat's audioguide (including a French version) or use your own cell phone with a Qr code.
The tour lasts an hour and a half and covers a good part of the city center.
The landing stage is just opposite the heinecken museum. I recommend this tour. A version with lunch is also available.
View original review in French
Amsterdam: 75-Minute City Canal Cruise
Rita
BelgiumApr, 2025
The rijkmuseum visit was great. For the lovers cruise, we had to wait 45 minutes.
In general, we're satisfied with our reservation. Do it again
View original review in French
Combo: Rijksmuseum Entry Tickets + 75-Min Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Marja-lisa
Apr, 2025
We really enjoyed the Tour! The boat was well-maintained and really comfortable. The service was great – and our captain was just amazing: super friendly, happy to answer any questions, and he shared lots of interesting little details on top of the audio tour that we wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. We’d definitely do it again and can wholeheartedly recommend it!
Amsterdam: 75-Min City Centre Sightseeing Cruise
Cristina
BrazilApr, 2025
The experience was great, but Headout sent me to the wrong location, so I missed my reservation. I had to rebook for the next day at a different time slot. But Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans are amazing!
From Amsterdam: Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Tour
Sarah
Apr, 2025
Was a good boat tour for the cheap price. Wasn't an hour, was closer to 40 mins. Saw a decent amount of things. I am not sure we ever passed the Anne Frank house as advertised, and if we did the audio guide did not point it out like it did the other attractions.
Amsterdam: 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise
Rekha
Mar, 2025
Embarking on a canal cruise in Amsterdam through Headout offers a delightful and immersive experience. The luxury electric boats provide a serene journey through the city's historic waterways, allowing passengers to enjoy iconic sights such as the Dancing Houses and the Skinny Bridge. The presence of knowledgeable guides and skippers enhances the trip with engaging stories and insights about Amsterdam's rich history and culture. Additionally, the availability of onboard amenities, including well-stocked bars and warm blankets, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable voyage for all guests.
1-Hour Luxury Canal Cruise in Amsterdam