This summer, Amsterdam’s canals are once again filled with the familiar, massive canal cruise boats. More and more skippers are changing course with alternative concepts that focus on food and drink.
The offerings range from specific tastings on the water to fully customized private boat tours. Here are seven options to experience Amsterdam from the water, without the usual clichés.
Cookie Cruise by Flagship and Het Koekemannetje
The TikTok sensation Het Koekemannetje and Flagship Amsterdam have teamed up for the city’s tastiest canal cruise: the Cookie Cruise. During this one-hour tour, you’ll enjoy the legendary “cookie drop,” where freshly baked, warm cookies are delivered directly to the boat from a bridge. Pair your sweet treat with a refreshing mango-matcha latte or cocktail as the skipper takes you past the most beautiful canal-side buildings.
The Floating Cafe tour by The Boat Cafe
The Floating Café Tour is a 1.5-hour canal cruise on the electric sloop Ivan Frank, which is equipped with a restroom, a beer tap, and a canopy. On board, this floating café serves snacks with Filipino influences, such as bright purple ube cake and homemade soy-garlic chicken bitterballen. A local guide shares stories about the city while you enjoy coffee or a drink from the bar.
Private “Kidnap Your Captain” tour by Those Dam Boat Guys
For a good dose of humor, book the “Kidnap Your Captain” tour from Those Dam Boat Guys. During this hilarious private boat tour, you set the pace yourself and can even dock at cozy canal-side bars. Pick up your drinks in advance at their quirky “pirate headquarters” and experience Amsterdam with your group of friends in a delightfully absurd way.
Aperol Spritz Cruise by Stromma
Instead of fighting for a seat on a crowded terrace, this Aperol Spritz Cruise takes Amsterdam’s happy hour out onto the water aboard an open boat. The sixty-minute tour departing from Damrak combines Italian aperitivo culture with a route past the Magere Brug and the historic canal belt.
Fries Canal Cruise by Fabel Friet and Flagship
Discover Amsterdam’s canals and the city’s most famous snack all at once with the unique Cruise & Fries. You’ll cruise for 60 minutes, including a hot serving of Fabel Fries with toppings like truffle mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. While the live guide shares fascinating city stories, you’ll relax on the water.
Luxury 4-course dinner cruise by Lovers
This culinary evening cruise replaces the traditional restaurant visit with a four-course dinner served on board as you glide along the beautifully lit canal belt. What makes this tour special is that your backdrop literally changes with every course as you enjoy a meat, fish, or vegetarian menu. With all drinks (wine, beer, and soft drinks) fully included, this is the ultimate romantic and alternative way to dine out in Amsterdam in the evening.
The Smokeboat
While commercial cruise lines enforce a strict no-smoking policy, this specific tour departing from the Red Light District serves as a floating extension of Amsterdam’s coffee shop culture. Visitors simply bring their own cannabis on board to smoke legally on the water. The concept swaps the standard tourist audio guide for an informal, minimalist cruise through the historic city center.
