Haarlem Open-Boat Canal Cruise with Live Guide (Electric Boat)

Overview

Available languages

English

Dutch

Mobile ticket

Explore the charm of Haarlem the way locals love it most: from the water.

Step aboard a stylish, comfortable open electric sloop and cruise through Haarlem’s historic canals and along the Spaarne River. With a real live guide on board (not an audio recording), you’ll hear the stories behind the city’s oldest buildings, beautiful bridges, and hidden waterways—plus plenty of fun facts you won’t find in a guidebook.

This cruise is small-scale and personal. Ask questions, get local tips (cafés, museums, photo spots), and enjoy Haarlem at a relaxed pace. The boat is usually open for the best views, and if the weather changes, a rain cover can be used so you can stay comfortable.

Perfect for couples, families, and anyone who wants a real Haarlem experience—quiet, scenic, and sustainable.

Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board.

Additional Info

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Haarlem

Meet your captain/guide at the dock in central Haarlem Comfortable seating with cushions Live storytelling + local recommendations Cruise through city canals and the Spaarne River Return to the same location

50 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Skipper

Options

Haarlem Open-Boat Canal Cruise with Live Guide (Electric Boat)

Reviews

4.90

242 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

228

Met the guide at his electric open boat for a fantastic 50 min trip around the canals of Harry.
ryan senior,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Engaging, good facilities, friendly service
Relaxed boating
Joanne V,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Nice to get information from the water about museums, almshouses etc. that you can visit later.
Well worth it
Paul M,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We took the boat on a lovely sunny afternoon in early March, and the captain/guide ran it specially for us after he was supposed to have finished for the day, so we were the only passengers. It was a most enjoyable excursion, and our captain was friendly, knowledgeable and informative, and clearly very proud of his home town (and rightly so). Seeing Haarlem from the water gave a very different perspective, and we saw sights that we were able to return to later in our visit. I would strongly recommend that anyone spending time in Haarlem take this tour early on in their stay, as it gives an excellent introduction to this beautiful city.
Open boat tour Haarlem
J4651CJstefans,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Super fun and interesting tour. We had Peter as our guide, a very competent and enthusiastic guide or captain, who knows a lot about the city. This in German, English and of course Dutch.
A wonderful trip with...
Deborah B,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
A wonderful trip with detailed history of Haarlem from our knowledgable guide. The boat was very comfortable. Thoroughly recommend this canal tour.
Great
Navigator57966250451,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great cruise. The guide made it worth every penny!
Great experience!
632jardens,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very nice cruise with many stories about haarlem. Would recommend this cruise to anyone. Nice host and skipper!
My tour guide was very...
Rook M,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My tour guide was very friendly and engaging, spoke perfect English, and was happy to answer all my questions about the history of Haarlem. Would highly recommend for anyone visiting the city!
We had a wonderful time yesterday...
Wendy R,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We sailed with our friends yesterday. Our skipper and guide quietly told nice things about Haarlem! Was a fun hour! Enjoyed it!
The river Spaarne is 5m deep in the middle
AnnevdH,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely trip along river and canals surrounding Haarlem. Interesting guide with lots of information. Pleasant way to spend 50 minutes, we’d the added bonus of sunny weather.