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 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.
What‘s Included
Drinks (Water, Soft drinks, Beer, Prosecco)
Private Tour
Local certified skipper
Live commentary on board
Eco-friendly sightseeing cruise
Food (You may bring your own on-board!)
Options
English 90 minutes
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Reviews
284 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unique Canal Experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sherilyn S,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the best time with Skipper Paap! He showed us way more than we expected and took the time to capture several photos of us. I’ve taken a few canal tours and this one was far more exciting and enjoyable than the others. Highly recommend this private 90-min tour!
Private Tour - Unique Experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
sherilynsegura,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time with Skipper Paap! He showed us way more than we expected and took the time to capture a few photos of us. I’ve taken a few canal tours and this one was far superior than the others. Highly recommend this private 90-min tour!
Magical
JLTU,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paap was a great host, he took us on a guided tour of the canals and told the history and pointed out all of the key sites. The boat was superb, it had heated seats and blankets, so we never felt cold during November. We also had drinks and chocolate. It was magical, especially when all of the lights came on. I would highly recommend this tour.
Great Canal Cruise
NYerInExile111,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun trip through the canals, accompanied with delicious wine and beer. Coordination with the provider was easy. The meeting location was easy to find. The boat was comfortable and the narration was excellent.
Private, relaxing and interesting
Quest620748,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was lovely to take a private sunset tour in a small craft. Beverages, chocolates and blankets were offered (cool night air). We saw the city from a new different perspective; we were able to appreciate the vast number of houseboats and admire the distinctive architecture from the canals. I highly recommend!
Go Private with Paap! There’s no better way!
Carmen F,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s not that much more for private…&…worth it! The excellent boating skills, personal attention and knowledge of this local enhances any experience!
Can’t recommend enough
671duncank,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Can’t recommend enough! A fantastic way to see Amsterdam, with our super skipper Paap, who is both a gentleman and a scholar. This was the highlight of our trip, and we’ll be recommending Paap to all our family and friends.
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
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