Small Group Boutique All-Inclusive Tour (max 12 p) With Captain
Overview
Available languages
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.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
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
What To Expect
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.
Options
Small Group Boutique All-Inclusive Tour (max 12 p) With Captain
Reviews
483 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend you take a tour with Bo's Journey
lkdb2016,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We would absolutely recommend that you book a tour with Bo's Journey. Our Captain, John was interesting and informative and entertaining. Being on the canal as the sun set and the lights of the city came up was the perfect time. Captain John is a historian so we learned about the architecture and history of the city. The bar was a nice bonus. The weather was cold so we had the option of sitting inside or sitting outside bundled up under warm blankets.
Skip the big boat and journey with Bow’s
Cupcakefeb1973,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic canal cruise with informative guide- John. you’re looking for a more intimate experience on a gorgeous restored boat this tour is for you. A full bar and snacks are included. Because of the boat’s small size we were able to move through smaller canals. A unique way to see Amsterdam.
A brilliant experience on a beautiful boat
Rowdy1983,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our cruise on the lovingly restored Sophie — it was a great way to see some of Amsterdam on a rainy afternoon. We didn’t catch our captain’s name but it was his final shift before moving on to pastures new; nonetheless he was friendly, professional and upbeat and he made us feel comfortable straightaway. We also enjoyed the range of drinks on board and left the trip feeling like we’d had a great experience. We’d happily recommend Bow’s Journeys to anyone visiting Amsterdam!
Excellent tour with personalized service
Melina E,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent, small group tour through the canals of beautiful Amsterdam. Our Captain was entertaining, had a lovely spread of drinks, nibblies, and blankets for a warm, inviting experience. Would definitely recommend.
What an amazing...
madison w,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing experience! So fun and a great way to kick off our trip. Our guide was so informative and a fantastic mixologist! Highly recommend!
Beautiful boat, warm atmosphere, great experience
crystal2787,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I loved our experience on this boat tour. The captain created a warm atmosphere and the information he shared was interesting, informative, and entertaining. The boat itself is beautifully refurbished with a great bar selection. Canal tours are such a great way to see Amsterdam, the canals are quiet and offer a different perspective on the city.
A magical and intimate experience on the canals of Amsterdam
dedelc2023,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This boat tour was truly one of the highlights of our trip! We were just two couples on board (plus the captain John), which made the whole experience feel very private and relaxed. Nothing like the big, crowded tourist boats. We did the tour in the early evening, just in time to watch the sun set over the canals and the city slowly light up as night fell. The views were absolutely stunning. The boat itself was super comfortable, we even had warm and soft blankets to keep us warm, the mini bar was a great bonus, and the captain’s stories and fun facts about Amsterdam made the ride even more enjoyable. You could really feel his passion for the city. My boyfriend and I loved everything about it. We 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a more special and personal way to experience Amsterdam’s canals.
A great canal trip!
Extraordinary543887,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great trip. Bow was so personable, freely shared lots of information both personal and historical. Beautiful journey. We would love to do it all over again.
Great time - don’t miss out
Khalm69,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. It was the highlight of our time in Amsterdam and John green😀 was the best captain!!! Don’t miss ! History and a glass of wine in the canals with a small group was great
Beautiful 160 year old canal boat for a small private tour of the canals in Amsterdam.
darrenwI2466ZX,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very friendly Captain Hans was great! He was full of stories on Amsterdam and the canal areas. Highly recommend. Drinks, wine and bar available.
Related Experiences
Operated by Amsterdam Private Boat Tour - Day Tour