Is food and drink included on the cruise?

Yes, the tour includes typical Dutch snacks and drinks served onboard.

Are the boats heated and enclosed?

Yes, the classic saloon boats are covered, heated, and festively decorated for guest comfort.

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise leaves from Stationsplein 18, 1012 AB Amsterdam, close to Central Station.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome and there are special ticket prices for younger guests.

How long is the cruise duration?

The tour lasts between 60 and 70 minutes, depending on canal traffic.

Are reservations required?

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the festival to secure your spot.

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Captain Jack Amsterdam | Boat Tour | Events

Amsterdam’s canals carve an intricate web through the heart of Noord-Holland’s capital, offering a unique vantage point to witness the city’s winter transformation. At Stationsplein 18, Captain Jack Amsterdam invites travelers aboard a classic saloon boat for the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise, a 60-minute journey that blends art, history, and cozy Dutch hospitality. From late November through mid-January, the Amsterdam Light Festival coats the city in vivid illuminations that redefine familiar canals, bridges, and architecture with captivating light installations.

This cruise sets itself apart by immersing guests in both the visual spectacle and the stories behind the artworks. The boat’s heated and enclosed cabin, adorned with festive decorations, ensures comfort against the chilly winter air while offering panoramic views of the illuminated houses and playful houseboats reflecting on the water. Captain Jack not only pilots the vessel but serves as a knowledgeable guide, weaving historical and cultural insights that enrich the experience. His engaging narration ties into the festival’s 2024 theme, "Rituals," highlighting how light anchors moments of transformation and togetherness across cultures.

Guests sip warm drinks and sample traditional Dutch snacks as they glide past key artworks and historic sites near Amsterdam Central Station, making this a must-do evening in the city. The timing is perfect—long winter nights meet art that lights up the darkness uniquely, revealing the city’s layered personality.

Captain Jack Amsterdam’s offering stands out in the urban outdoor adventure scene by combining the tranquility of the canals with an event that transforms urban space through creative illumination. This seasonal trip invites visitors and locals alike to engage with Amsterdam’s evolving cultural landscape from a distinct and accessible outdoor platform—the water. For travelers keen on combining relaxed sightseeing with compelling storytelling, this cruise marries comfort, culture, and calm in one unforgettable ride.

About Captain Jack Amsterdam

Captain Jack Amsterdam operates guided boat and bike-and-boat tours from the heart of Amsterdam in Noord‑Holland. The company offers a range of curated canal cruises and combined bike-and-boat excursions that showcase Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals, iconic museums, historic neighborhoods and nearby rural highlights.

Tours include all-inclusive 90-minute canal cruises, evening canal experiences with snacks and drinks, seasonal Amsterdam Light Festival cruises, small-group Rijksmuseum tours, and bike-and-boat trips that visit windmills, clog factories and cheese producers.

Skippers are local guides who lead tours aboard comfortable, covered saloon boats and fully electric vessels designed for quiet, environmentally friendly cruising. Several experiences emphasize small-group settings for a more personal atmosphere, while special events such as SAIL Amsterdam and fireworks cruises provide longer-duration celebrations on the water.

The company’s offerings include explicit itineraries and clear meeting points at central locations such as Amsterdam Central Station and the city center, simplifying planning for visitors. Tickets commonly include snacks, drinks and live commentary in English; seasonal programs add themed storytelling and illuminated artworks.

As a locally based operator featured by The Adventure Collective, Captain Jack Amsterdam focuses on reliable scheduling, experienced captains and accessible routes through the city. Booking options typically accommodate families, friends and travelers seeking relaxed, scenic exploration. Practical details such as duration, boat type and departure location are provided for each trip to help visitors choose the best fit for their interests and travel plans. Operates year-round with seasonal highlights, making it suitable for short visits and flexible travel itineraries and family-friendly options available.