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1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Explore Amsterdam's iconic canals on our charming cruise aboard the historic salon boat, Sophie (est 1911). With a maximum of 12 guests, this small-group experience ensures a cozy and personalized journey.
Your host and guide for six days a week is Amsterdam native Boudewijn Metzelaar, also known as "Captain Bow." On Saturdays, one of his trusted friends will step in to guide you.
Whether you want to seat indoors or outdoors, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the cruise, rain or shine, in true Dutch style.
Indulge in a variety of (alcoholic) drinks and delicious nibbles as you relax and enjoy the view. With a WC on board, your comfort is fully catered to throughout the experience.
Captain Bow’s deep connection to Amsterdam and his unique perspective, shaped by his diverse upbringing, promise insightful stories and engaging conversations. The small group size fosters a warm and friendly atmosphere, making this cruise a truly special way to discover the heart of Amsterdam.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Little sweet and savoury snacks to nibble on with your drinks are provided
Extensive open bar with local beers, top shelf liqours, soft drinks and hot drinks. You will not be disappointed! I make a killer G&T with local gin
Amsterdam Canal Ring
All cruises are captained by myself as the captain/owner of the Drift Away. We depart from the Singel no.7 and we will return to this location at the end of the cruise. I do not offer a fixed route, depending on your wishes as guests I will tailor the cruise to you specifically. Due to the custom design of the Drift Away we have access to even the narrowest canals of Amsterdam and are able to pass even the lowest of bridges. If you do not have any preferences I will put together a route which will give you an overview of the canal belt, a few of the small less travelled canals, the Amstel river and the eastern maritime area. As a born and raised ¨Amsterdammer¨ I have a wealth of knowledge about Amsterdams history, culture and the Dutch way of life in general. I love sharing with you about my hometown in an easy going manner, with a good sense of humor and the typical Dutch straight forwardness!
The Jordaan
We will pass through the pitoresque district the Jordaan. The name of the Jordaan finds its origin in the French word Jardin, meaning garden. Many of the streets in the district are named after flowers.
445 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kacey M,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
This is a smaller boat with John as our guide. The boat was great and John made it a great experience for us. It had rained a bit before but he cleaned off the front seats so we could sit outside. The drinks and snacks were a bonus.
Tammy B,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
Now was the best Captain! His boat is absolutely beautiful and he gives a very informative tour with lots of history about Amsterdam. You can tell he loves his city and enjoys sharing the history and beauty of it. We would book with him again 100%!
Charnaye G,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
This cruise was a nice time! Nice way to see the city by being on the water and the open bar doesn’t hurt! Captain was very nice and welcoming.
Lindsay B,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
Very rare to pay for something especially tours and be able to say it was far better than expected Great informative friendly Captain spotless boat and the drink and food were truly unlimited Small group of 12 a real bonus and heaps of inside or outside room to sit It was a great tour highly recommended. And thanks Captain
Cynthia W,
Aug 1, 2025
- Viator
Fabulous! Totally worth it. John is super nice, very knowledgeable about Amsterdam and charismatic. The boat could certainly hold more than 12 so it’s nice that he only takes 12. Lots of room to spread out. You can sit outside or inside. There’s a bathroom. Full bar and some snacks (nuts, crackers and cookies). It started to rain and it was seamless for him to get us all inside the boat. We took this ride at 5 pm which was perfect since we had a busy walking day so it was a great way to wrap up the day. We had an issue getting to the boat as some roads were closed. It was easy to communicate with him via the app about it and he was very responsive.
Operated by Amsterdam Private Boat Tour - Day Tour