Private Tour
Amsterdam 90-min Private Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Drinks
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Would you like to relax after a busy day of sightseeing? Leave behind the chaos of the overcrowded streets and loud bicycle bells. Instead, step aboard our boat and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Amsterdam’s canals!
This private cruise offers the rare opportunity to sail the canals like a local! That means no giant tourist boats packed with strangers. You’ll have the chance to slow down and take in views of the historic waterways by night as you travel through the UNESCO-listed Canal District and De Wallen.
Gliding along the water as the sunset paints Amsterdam orange is simply magical. With our customizable itinerary, you can even select a drop-off point near that cute little pub you’ve been wanting to visit. This is truly an unforgettable experience that you’ll be bragging about for years to come.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation in case of extreme weather. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Blankets and optional roof available
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Drinks (water, various soft drinks, beer, Prosecco)
Private Tour
Local certified skipper
Live commentary on board
Eco-friendly sightseeing cruise
Food (may be taken on-board)
What To Expect
Amsterdam Canal Ring
All of our tours are optimised for the season, time of day and customer wishes. Our tours cover many of the standard highlights, as well as provide insight about the unique Amsterdam way of life.
Options
English 90 minutes
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Reviews
278 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cozy custom canal tour, can’t be beat!
MargaretM3485,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our first cruise with Paap was more than 10 years ago, and we keep coming back to him and his skippers time and again. Nothing beats having your own boat with a super knowledgeable guide to take you around, to be able to revise the path as you go, and to have a stocked fridge of drinks besides! Last night we took our two small kids and two visiting adult friends who’d never been to Amsterdam, and everyone had the time of their lives as we went under one twinkling bridge after another. Paap pointed out all kinds of interesting features and history we would never have thought to ask and that surely wouldn’t have come up on the mass tours that go from Centraal Station. Once you have a few friends with you, the private tour cost isn’t even more than the giant boats with pre-recorded audio. Would book again in a heartbeat and we are looking forward to riding with this outfit for the upcoming lights festival. Don’t miss this experience!
Engagement surprise!
lucywO1053DY,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the best experience I’ve ever had! Paap was an amazing man who took us on a fabulous cruise around Amsterdam and even recorded my fiancé proposing to me on the boat 😭 such a lovely experience, thank you Paap!
Fantastic
DeniseP2510,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mark Paping was a brilliant host, we had a cup of tea and chocolates when we boarded, the offer of alcohol was offered. If a photo opportunity was missed Mark turned the boat around. Definitely highly recommend this tour
Such a fantastic experience!
Companion714601,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were looking for a non-smoking, family-friendly canal tour that offered great information about the canals and Amsterdam. After hours of research for our family of three, we finally decided to book a private tour with Rederij Paping after reading recommendations on Facebook. Paap did a 1.5-hour tour for us and it was excellent! We’re so glad we booked with them. He took us through the canals to the harbour and back to the canals then dropped us off near our accommodation, all while providing fascinating insights into the canal systems, local history, and famous landmarks along the way. We definitely recommend his tour!
Fantastic experience
Explore38928998387,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fabulous canal tour with Lucas at the Helm! Knowledgeable and very friendly. Our first time in Amsterdam but definitely not our last! Thank you Marc and Lucas for a fabulous experience
a very nice experience
312youssefc,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The cruise was an amazing experience of Amsterdam and the skipper was really helpful, friendly and informative. would gladly recommend.
Best Way to See Amsterdam!
MichaelJMas,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked a private canal cruise in Amsterdam and it was absolutely fantastic. Skipper Paap has nearly 20 years of experience, and it showed in every detail. He was welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to answer all of our questions. We learned so much about the city while enjoying a relaxing ride through the canals. A wonderful experience that we’d highly recommend!
Perfect private tour with local guide
Chase L,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect private tour with a local guide. Great option for a more intimate tour without the big groups. Great for couples.
Would 10/10 recommend!
Melissa S,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Would 10/10 recommend this private canal tour. Was an excellent small group activity. Pap was a wealth of knowledge, funny, and open to our questions, etc. We are Ted Lasso fans and he even showed us where Rebecca fell in the canal and which house boat they were on!
Super Team Event on the canal cruise
UrsulaR802,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed our time on the boat during our team event and also received some exciting information about Amsterdam. The pickup at the agreed meeting point worked perfectly.
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