Water-Activities & Dutch Boat Tours: Zaan Area Adventure

Duration: ca. 25 Minutes Age: For all ages

Embark on an open boat tour of the Zaan area and discover its rich history as you cruise by the 10 iconic UNESCO windmills while the skipper shares fascinating insights about their significance, the region, and the Netherlands as a whole. Admire the traditional 'Zaanse Houses,' known for their distinctive green color, visible only from the water, as the skipper reveals the secret behind their unique hue. Explore the world's largest cacao processing hub, home to massive chocolate factories. If the wind is right, enjoy the enticing aroma of chocolate and spot the famous 'Chocolate Boats' ferrying cacao between factories. Learn about the Zaan area's whaling past, with historic sites like an old whale hunting facility now transformed into a charming restaurant, and discover houses adorned with nods to this maritime history. Finally, pass by a centuries-old teahouse, a favored spot for the Dutch elite to savor tea, and glimpse the lifestyle of a bygone era.

What to expect?

All our tours are accompanied by an experienced skipper/tourguide, who will not only tell you everything about the area in perfect English, but who will also guarantee your safety. All our tours are done in luxury open boats, in order to guarantee a comfortable ride.

What to bring?

Camera, Smile and please dress according to weather. Do consider that it always gets colder on the water.

Important to Know

The tour only operates with good weather (no rain), we might cancel in case of poor weather conditions. We will always provide a 100% refund if cancelled.

Meeting Point

Our pick-up point is the main jetty at the Zaanse Windmills . Once you enter the Zaanse Windmill Park, this can’t really be missed. There are several transport options on how to come to the Zaanse Windmills, including train, bus, car and bike.

Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qxzG21v54vCGF9zm7