Canal Cruise & Beer Boat in Amsterdam with Amsterdam Boat Experience
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; guests remain seated or standing on a stable boat.
Overview
Cruise Amsterdam’s historic canals with unlimited drinks aboard the Beer Boat from Amsterdam Boat Experience. Perfect for friends and colleagues looking for a lively, customizable outing complete with a professional skipper.
Details
Amsterdam Boat Experience invites travelers to see the city’s historic waterways from a fresh and spirited perspective. Offering a fully customizable Beer Boat cruise in the heart of Amsterdam, this local company unlocks a unique way to connect with the city’s celebrated canal network. The canals—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—thread through Amsterdam’s vibrant neighborhoods, past centuries-old gabled houses, leafy bridges, and quiet corners often missed on foot. Here, guests can relax aboard a comfortable, well-maintained vessel while enjoying unlimited drinks, all guided by a professional skipper who navigates through the lesser-known routes and hidden nooks of the city’s waterways.
This experience stands out in Amsterdam’s outdoor recreation scene by blending iconic urban sightseeing with a lively social atmosphere. It’s an ideal outing for groups of friends or colleagues wanting to unwind with good company, good drinks, and unparalleled views without worrying about logistics or steering. The Beer Boat can be customized to fit your group’s preferences—from music choices to drink selections—making it a flexible and memorable journey.
Beyond the party aspect, the cruise offers a window into Amsterdam’s unique layout rooted in 17th-century canal engineering, revealing a blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture, small parks, and artisan shops lining the water. Weather permitting, the decks provide open-air views perfect for photography and people-watching alike.
Whether you’re seeking a festive private event or an original way to see one of Europe’s most water-centered cities, Amsterdam Boat Experience crafts a smooth, sociable adventure with distinctly local charm, combining recreation, relaxation, and discovery all at your own pace on Amsterdam’s waterways.
Adventure Tips
Book Well in Advance
The Beer Boat experiences fill quickly, especially on weekends—reserve early to secure your preferred date and time.
Dress for the Weather
Canal air can be cool and breezy, even in summer—bring a light jacket or layers for comfort.
Drink Responsibly
Unlimited drinks don’t mean unlimited tolerance—know your limits to fully enjoy the cruise safely.
Keep Valuables Secure
Canal cruises are relaxed settings, but it’s wise to keep personal items secure to prevent loss or damage.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- Discover quiet canals like the Brouwersgracht, known for its well-preserved merchant houses and less traffic.
- Check out the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) area—small boutique-lined streets visible from certain canal routes.
Wildlife
- Watch for native waterfowl such as the mallard ducks and mute swans that frequent Amsterdam’s canals.
- Occasionally spot river otters or herons along quieter stretches in the less urbanized parts of the canals.
History
Amsterdam’s canal ring was developed in the early 17th century as a sophisticated urban expansion project, laying the groundwork for its modern cityscape.
Conservation
The canal system is carefully managed to maintain water quality and preserve this historic area amid urban pressures and tourism growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Underneath the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)
- view from the boat near the Anne Frank House
- along the Jordaan district canals
What to Photograph
Recommended Gear
Light Jacket
Keeps you comfortable during cool breezes and potential rain showers in spring.
spring specific
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during extended daylight hours on the open canal decks.
summer specific
Non-Slip Footwear
Stable shoes help you move safely on potentially wet surfaces aboard the boat.
Warm Scarf or Gloves
Extra warmth for chilly winter canal cruises especially during evening hours.
winter specific