Guide to private Amsterdam Canal Cruises

More than six million tourists go on a canal cruise in Amsterdam yearly, making it the most popular activity in the Dutch capital.

After all, it is one of the most memorable ways to experience the city’s sites and attractions.

Some tourists prefer to make it even more special by booking an exclusive canal cruise.

This article shares everything you must know before booking your private Amsterdam canal cruise.

Types of private canal cruises

If you are a group of tourists looking for a unique experience, booking an exclusive boat for a tour around the canals of Amsterdam is a fantastic option.

You can get up to 10% discounts on these Amsterdam private canal tours.

These customized private boat tours are suitable for groups as small as two people or as large as 35 people.

Boat captains lead all these canal cruises with years of experience on Amsterdam’s canals.

They also double up as guides, sharing the city’s history and trivia.

Private Canal Booze Cruise

The Booze Cruise is the perfect Amsterdam Canal Cruise for you if you want to spend some quality time with your friends or family on a luxurious private boat.

You take in the breathtaking sights of Amsterdam’s canals with an open bar with unlimited beer, wine, and soda. 

During this 75-minute canal cruise, a live guide points out the city’s history and landmarks in Dutch. 

Ticket Price: €28

Private Romantic Canal Cruise at Night

See how Amsterdam is lit up at night on this private canal cruise, which is perfect for romantic couples. 

You will sail past seven of the city’s most beautiful and famous bridges and learn about the 17th-century canal houses.

You can snuggle under a blanket with your lover and enjoy a warm cup of mulled wine or a refreshing glass of Prosecco.

Along the way, the captain tells you stories in English of the city’s impressive history, culture, landmarks, and tales of legends and lovers.

Ticket Price: €215 for two guests

Amsterdam Private Beer Boat

If you are a bunch of friends, you can get your exclusive party started even as you go on a private tour of Amsterdam’s canals.

You will sit back on the comfy cushions, pick up drinks with beer from an open bar, and enjoy a 90-minute cruise around the canals of the city’s Canal Belt. 

This cruise is suitable for 8 to 34 people, and the crew can customize the route and the dropping spot at the end.

Ticket Price: €340 for a group of up to ten guests

If you prefer something longer and more adventurous, check out the private Beer Bike & Beer Boat Package. You will see Amsterdam’s hotspots by bike and boat and drink a lot of beer!

Exclusive BBQ Cruise with Live Cook

On this special Amsterdam Canal boat tour, you will enjoy a BBQ or vegetarian menu even as you cruise past the famous sights along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and the Red Light district. 

Unlimited beer, prosecco, and soft drinks will also be available for your gang of friends or family. 

During the two hours of fun, you hear exciting stories about the city from your skipper.

Ticket Price: €590 for a group of up to ten guests

Tourists can choose from other kinds of Amsterdam Canal Cruises as well. Some of the most popular ones are – night cruises, dinner cruises, pizza cruises, cruises with unlimited drinks, luxury cruises, etc. 

Special Canal Cruise with Prosecco

During this personal boat tour, you and your group will sip on sparkling Prosecco (sparkling white wine from Italy) even as you navigate the canals of Amsterdam.

It will be a private party of sorts, lasting 90 minutes, with a knowledgeable skipper to show you past sights such as Anne Frank’s House, Rijksmuseum, etc. 

This tour boat can hold up to 10 passengers, and you can also request beer.

Ticket Price: €439 for a group of up to ten guests

Canal Cruise with Pizza and drink for your group

On this 90-minute private canal cruise, you will learn the history and see the hotspots of the capital city even as you munch on tasty pizza.

Savor a tasty pizza and sip unlimited drinks as you cruise past the Dancing Houses, the Anne Frank House, the Skinny Bridge, and more.

The electric boat can accommodate up to 34 passengers, ideal for huge groups who want exclusive time alone.

Bad weather is not a concern because the boat is equipped with a canopy and has heaters and blankets. 

Ticket Price

Adult Ticket (12+ years): €19
Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): €11
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free entry

If you are particular about having a Burger instead of a pizza, check out this private cruise.

Silent Disco Private Party Cruise

According to Government regulations, nobody should play music while sailing the city’s canals, but this cruise offers a workaround.

If you opt for this experience, you will dance to the tunes of a silent disco, enjoying an open bar on a private canal cruise.

You will hear the captain narrate stories even as you enjoy the world-famous waterways with a cold beer. 

Ticket Price: €595 for a group of up to ten guests

Route the private boats take

The captains know the city like the back of their hand and can tell you everything about the city on request. 

Usually, private canal cruises don’t have a fixed cruising route, and travelers are consulted during the ride. 

If you want to see the lesser-known parts of Amsterdam, the boat’s captain obliges. 

If you want to avoid being disturbed during your special moment on the boat, you can ask the captain to take you to a secluded area.