Off The Beaten Path Hidden Gems Canal Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
We drift different. While other boats herd 50+ people with megaphones, we keep it small and real. Think Amsterdam friends who own a boat.
Your captains, Jannah & Beer were born here. They know which bridge lights up best, where locals like to drink coffee and share some real life stories of crazy stuff we experienced on the canals.
Come as you are. Kick off shoes, grab blankets, help yourself to drinks. This isn't a museum boat - it's floating through Amsterdam in your friend's living room.
We skip tourist traps for hidden gems. You'll float past where Amsterdam actually lives. Max 6 people means real conversations.
Amsterdam moves fast. We move at water speed. No rush, no stress. Just good people and calm water.
You'll see Amsterdam like locals do - from the water, with people who live here. Plus you get a Polaroid and our insider map.
Welcome aboard. Welcome home.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Small group energy
Insider Map of the cafés, museums, restaurants & more, that we like to go too.
Covered in case of rain
Cozy blankets
Good vibes guarantee
That Polaroid moment
Available for regular prices onboard
Feel free to bring your own though!
Available for regular prices onboard
Instagram performance pressure
Weather guarantees
Scripted tour guide speech
What To Expect
Brouwersgracht
Brouwersgracht, the brewers' canal, made Amsterdam rich with beer money 400 years ago. The fancy houses you see? Built by beer makers who got wealthy here. Now artists and locals live in old warehouses. You'll spot houseboats covered in flowers where people actually live year-round
Herengracht
Herengracht has been Amsterdam's fanciest street since 1612, when rich guys built massive houses here. These belonged to mayors and traders who got wealthy from spice trading. These aren't museums - they're still the most expensive homes in Europe. The canal stretches 2.4 kilometers through the heart of the city.
Options
Secret Amsterdam Boat Tour: Off the Beaten Canals
Amsterdam Boat Tour w Open Bar
Open Bar: Unlimited drinks flow like the canal beneath you. No judgy bartender, no overpriced tiny pours. Come thirsty. Leave happy.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unique private canal experience
YooJin A,
Oct 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Truly unique way to experience the canals in a private and boutique experience, friendly guide and you really get to see some Off the Beaten path routes away from the crowd. So much more relaxing, no need to make small talk or share the Boat with strangers. Highly recommend
Beer led us on a...
James P,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Beer led us on a marvellous tour of amsterdamns less busy districts. Very knowledgeable, very friendly, very quiet and serene experience. Highly highly recommended!
Intimate boat tour
frank E,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very intimate and informative. Beautiful and quaint small boat that is 100 yrs old. Very relaxing., would book again.
Great intimate tour boat experience!
Bennet S,
Sep 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience taking the Off The Beaten Path Hidden Gems Canal Cruise on the good ship (OK, boat) Diana. We got a great local’s perspective on life in Amsterdam and lots of information about the various neighborhoods as we cruised around. We saw both the famous canal girdle and the less famous canals and islands. Our little antique boat, populated by just our small party, got plenty of admiring looks from the folks on the more crowded more modern boats. We had a great time.
Related Experiences
Operated by Off Course Cruises Amsterdam