Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

57 reviews

From

7.50 EUR

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Experience Amsterdam in the best way possible: from the water! Relax with a drink on board a comfortable private boat sailed by a dedicated local skipper.

Duration: 1 hours

Available in

English,
Dutch,
German

Tour by Chris

Local

Enjoy an ice-cold drink while cruising along Amsterdam’s canals
Get a complete introduction to the city, from its famous sights to its hidden gems

Description

After I pick you up from your requested departure point, we’ll set off on a pleasant journey through the centre of Amsterdam.

You’ll get a complete introduction to the city, from its famous sights (the Red Light District, Anne Frank House, the I Amsterdam sign, the Heineken Brewery, the Rijksmuseum, and the Royal Theatre Carré, among others) to its hidden gems.

We’ll cruise down the canals on my personal, well-maintained 20 ft. boat, including those that are too narrow for the big tourist vessels to access.

The atmosphere is very laid-back, so just relax and enjoy an ice-cold drink as we sail through both the historical and contemporary districts. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos.

Feel free to bring your own food and drinks. There’s a big cooler on board to keep your drinks ice cold, as well as several Fatboy beanbags. Cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also available for an extra fee.

My boat is an open sloop and is in very good shape. The maximum capacity is 10 passengers.

This tour is exactly the same as my 2-hour boat tour, just shorter and a little less comprehensive. You can read additional positive reviews on the 2-hour tour page: www.likealocalguide.com/amsterdam/tours/amsterdam-private-2-hour-boat-tour.

What’s included & not included

Skipper
Fuel
Departure point of your choice
Arrival point of your choice
Big bucket of ice
Big Fatboy beanbags
Clean and warm blankets
Safety equipment

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available for an extra fee)

Check availability of the tour:

Check availability

Meeting point

Keizersgracht 157, 1015 CL Amsterdam

Reviews from travellers (57)

4.7/5

A great boat trip.

Chris was a great host. He replied to my texts straight away when sorting out where to meet him. He was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions during the trip. It was really lovely to be able to take a trip just the seven of us without having to go on one of the larger boats. I would definitely recommend this boat trip! Thanks Chris.

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Reviewed by Penny • February 14, 2019

5 star experience!

Chris is a very enthusiastic and knowledgable guy about Amsterdam. His boat is also great as it can get down all the smaller canals which the big tourists boats cannot, a lot more romantic!

We took the 2 hour tour which was the perfect time as we got to see lots of beautiful landmarks and did not feel rushed what so ever. Great value for money!

We will certainly be booking with Chris again the next time we visit, hopefully a summer boat ride next time! We will also recommend anyone who is thinking of a tour to contact Chris!

Thanks again for making it so special.

All the best,
Pete

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Reviewed by Pete • February 12, 2019

Still waiting for refund for canceled tour

I keep getting these review requests even though the tour was canceled by the operator?

Reviewed by Eureka • January 13, 2019

Very Good!!!!

Reviewed by Leandro • January 09, 2019

Perfect canal boat ride

Chris was great, he showed us anow amazing time and he was very knowledgeable. A great boat captain!

Reviewed by Alan • December 30, 2018

Phenomenal Tour

Awesome Tour - Chris was a great guide and was very knowledgable about the city. His boat was small enough to get down canals that some of the larger tour boats could not. Would highly recommend and would take the tour again if back in Amsterdam.

Reviewed by Garrett • November 06, 2018

Please book with Chris

First off, please do not book one of the giant boat tour companies for your visit in Amsterdam. If you want a fun, unique look at Amsterdam, you have to go with Chris.

Chris was the best. Very relaxed and super knowledgeable about his city. Also super funny. All around the one of the most authentic experiences we had in Amsterdam.

The boat was perfect. Nothing fancy but all you need for a small group of 3-6 people.

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Reviewed by Conor • October 22, 2018

Great time

Reviewed by Mike • October 21, 2018

Private Boat Tour with Chris

My husband, son, and I were in Amsterdam for 3 nights and had booked a private boat tour with Chris through likealocalguide.com. We had no trouble finding the meeting place that he gave us. In fact, he was the first person I bumped into at that place, not realizing it was him! I was rather jet lagged, as we had just flown to the city that morning from the United States, and we were in need of coffee. He kindly directed us to the nearest place to get some while he patiently waited for us, then we proceeded to take the most relaxing and enjoyable canal cruise.

Chris' boat is smaller, so can fit down the narrower canals that the bigger tourist boats cannot. This allowed us to see more of Amsterdam by canal than we would have otherwise. Chris is very knowledgeable about the city and the buildings, and we learned a lot while cruising with him. He even explained why the tiny and very narrow building in my photo is like that!

If you're looking for a more intimate setting for a canal boat tour, Chris is your guide!

Reviewed by Christina • October 17, 2018

Great Evening Cruise

Chris did a great job showing us the beautiful sites of Amsterdam by night. He even managed to find a few places I hadn't seen before!

Reviewed by Clint • October 14, 2018

Wonderful! Thank you, Chris!

Super fun and super interesting!
If you’re considering a boat tour, do it with Chris! He showed us the true beautiful Amsterdam! Thank you Chris and thank you “Like a Local”!
:) :)
Till the next time... Proost 🍻 !!!

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Reviewed by Sonja • October 13, 2018

Fantastic Chriss

I wanted something special for me and my wife. I booked Chriss and that boattrip was the top of or visit to Amsterdam.

Reviewed by Daniel • September 29, 2018

Chris was great!

Chris was great and very friendly, picked us up right outside of our hotel and we had a very comfortable and enjoyable ride. Thanks Chris

Reviewed by Edward • September 04, 2018

Best Trip ever

Chris was great. Showed us hidden neighbourhoods which we would Never have seen by ourselves. Was entertaining and a quite cool local.

Reviewed by Susanne • September 03, 2018

Boat trip cancelled due to rainy weather.

Unfortunately, we were not able to go on the boat as the weather did not work well in our favor. However, Chris, the skipper, has apologized profusely even though there was nothing he could have done to change the weather conditions.

Chris has further assured me that I will be refunded in full.

I would like to thank Chris for the professional way he handled the situation and I will be sure to book him whenever I visit Amsterdam again.

Reviewed by Arnu • August 26, 2018

Friendly and knowledgeable canal tour guide

We really enjoyed our tour with Chris who is very friendly, knowledgeable and approachable. It does feel much nicer having avoided the big 'commercial' canal tours in Amsterdam and opted for the more intimate and 'alternative' tour with Chris - although he is rightly charging for his services, of course.
We did really get the impression that we saw different parts of the canal system and the entire trip felt very relaxed.
The only thing is that getting on and off the boat can be a little challenging - no problem for young people or kids, but keep that in mind if mobility is not perfect.

Reviewed by Stefan • August 20, 2018

Wonderful tour

Chris was a great guide. Very knowledgeable about Amsterdam and its history. I would recommend the two hour tour to get to see everything from small hidden canals to open water where ferries and large boats go.

Reviewed by a • August 09, 2018

Fantastic way to see the city

I went out with four friends, our original booking had to be rearranged because of bad weather but Chris was very accommodating and we ended up going out the next day in beautiful sunshine. Chris was very knowledgeable and funny and clearly loves the city, it was more like going out on a friend's boat- so much better than the big tourist liners. We learned a lot and got to see parts of the city that we wouldn't have been able to otherwise, thanks Chris!

Reviewed by Xanthe • July 30, 2018

More than a business

Chris was great, his boat fitted the 5 of us easily for a nice visit.
You are not on a touriste tour, it is like being with a Friend on his boat.
Very relaxed, cool...
Thanks again Chris

Reviewed by Ali • June 29, 2018

Cris was the top!

I would love to recomend this private boat ride with Cris. We loves it!

Reviewed by Sabina • June 25, 2018

Highlight of Amsterdam visit

Amsterdam Canals tour is an amazing experience and even better when you have a boat for just you and your friends/family. The view is amazing and the sunset was just glamorous. Besides, Chris was a really friendly guide and drove us to some hidden gems as well as famous places. It was for sure the highlight of our Amsterdam visit.

Reviewed by Débora • June 23, 2018

Very nice tour

Chris was a really nice captain, really recomend the tour

Reviewed by Henrique • June 16, 2018

Great experience!

Chris was a fabulous guide and is extremely knowledgeable about the city. Seeing the city from the water gave us a beautiful perspective of our surroundings. Our family loved the private canal tour and we were so thankful to not be on one of those crowded tour boats. Highly recommend Chris!!

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Reviewed by Chris • May 30, 2018

Fabulous way to see Amsterdam.

Loved the boat trip. Chris was a great host and his knowledge of the city is extensive. He kindly brought lots of ice, beer and water. Very convenient pick up and drop off. Would definitely use him again.

Reviewed by Martin • May 23, 2018

Weather cancelled our trip

The inclement weather ended altering our trip. We didn't get to take the canal boat tour. Chris assured us we will receive full refund. Due to his busy Sunday schedule we were unable to change our tour.

Reviewed by Marshaa • May 22, 2018

Best part of our trip to Amsterdam!

This was money well spent! Chris was a great guide and we were able to see parts of Amsterdam that the large tour boats don't go to. We had a ton of fun and Chris took great photos of us on the canal. Overall, it was the best thing we did on our trip!

Reviewed by Karen • May 19, 2018

great tour & nice skipper

we did a nice canal tour, chris was quite funny, we enjoyed it 😊

Reviewed by Philipp • April 23, 2018

Best way to discover Amsterdam!

I definetly recommend the trip with Chris to everybody. We had so much fun and enjoyed the incredible beauty of the city without the touristic masses on the big boats but with icecold drinks. If you are even lucky with the weather as we were, this will be your Amsterdam highlight!

Reviewed by Ana • April 23, 2018

Great tour with a true local

Reviewed by Marcel • April 22, 2018

Enjoyable

Reviewed by Michael • April 19, 2018

Chris was very helpful and friendly

We took a 1 hour tour with Chris on the 20th of February. We had a great time on the boat. There were many blankets on board although we didn't need any as the weather was sunny. I highly recomment it!

Reviewed by Claudia • February 26, 2018

Six stars!!!!

Chris was friendly and knowledgeable - and a lot of fun! So much nicer than the big boat tours. I pleasant, comfortable evening - even in December cold, Chris had blankets and a warm sense of humor!

Reviewed by JOE • December 27, 2017

Cool, nice guy

The boat ride was the highlight of my visit to Amsterdam. The operator is very friendly and accommodating. I am more than satisfied and feel it was worth every penny.

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Reviewed by Vinay • November 13, 2017

Canal boat tour

We booked a boat tour with Chris which was great. Very interesting tour of the canals. Chris brought us to places which are not accessible to the normal tour boats. Whilst the weather did not always cooperate, he ensured we were always comfortable. He also stocks a good range of refreshments. We would have taken a 2 hour option if the weather had cooperated which sadly it didn’t. Will definitely do again.

Reviewed by Ann • October 06, 2017

Perfect weather, perfect tour ...

We, this is me and two of my friends decided to do a private boat tour.

We made our booking over "like a local" and choosed a 1h trip through the canals of Amsterdam. The weather was perfect to do so. The pick up point was "cafe brandon" where our guide Chris waited already. We bought some snacks at a supermarket close by and started. Chris is a very nice guy, living in Amsterdam for already 18 years. He has a lot of knowledge about the city and showed us several spots which you can only reach by boat. I really recommend a trip like this if you wanna see the city from a different perspective. We preferred to do a private boat tour because it's way nicer regarding to the fact that smaller boats are able to pass the smaller canals where the bigger tourist boats are not able to pass through. Also you are able to decide yourself what to see and where to go. The price is also very moderate. Thanks to Chris and hopefully till next time :-)

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Reviewed by Joan • September 26, 2017

Great 2h tour on the canals with Chris

My friend and I booked a private tour on the canals with Chris and got to see parts of Amsterdam from the water, that we have never seen before. Would highliy recommend the boat trip and Chris is a great captain and guide.

Reviewed by Yvonne • September 14, 2017

Excellent tour with a terrific guide

Reviewed by Henrik • September 11, 2017

Great way to see Amsterdam

Chris is a great guy and very easy-going. He showed us all of the wonderful canals that were not tourist attractions. The boat was very comfortable and plenty of beverages on board.

Reviewed by Barbara Davis • August 22, 2017

quite ok

Unfortunately, the boat was broken prior to the scheduled time, and Chris tried to get it fix - which was an hour delay. He's ok trying to take us around in the very last hour before the sunset. I was hoping we could start earlier to do 3hr of sightseeing, which would be a great way to start exploring Amsterdam.

Reviewed by Nattanan • August 22, 2017

Private Boat Tour

Chris was great and our canal cruise was awesome. We booked 3 hours and were able to see a lot of Amsterdam. I definitely would use Chris again when we return to Amsterdam.
Garry

Reviewed by Garry • August 22, 2017

Chris is a good guy and it's a great way to see the city

Enjoyed a Heineken while riding around the canals is a great experience. Chris took us to less crowded parts of the canals and parts of the city you would never see unless you were on the canal

Reviewed by Russell • August 12, 2017

Chris

Reviewed by Garry • June 29, 2017

Private Boat Tour with Chris

We had a GREAT time. Boat was very nice and Chris was a charming local. He showed us places we would never have seen on any other type of tour. Seeing Amsterdam via the water is a great way to see and fall in love with the city.

Reviewed by Julie • June 23, 2017

Chris was great.

Awesome tour. Wish we would have done it for 2+ hours!!

Reviewed by Brandon • June 14, 2017

The only way to have it your way!

So chilled, anything to make it your way. Take what you need on the boat...enjoy..

Reviewed by Amit • June 04, 2017

A totally alternative view of Amsterdam

I have always been very sceptical about boat tours in different cities, because they always look so commercial & touristic. The boat ride offered by Chris is totally opposite – a super relaxed way to cruise around Amsterdam and see the local life in a totally different perspective.

Besides being able to see the buildings in a much better way than walking or on bike, you can also see a lot of things happening in that vibrant city – from people shooting wedding photos on the bridges, to locals and/or tourists cruising on the canals with their friends and family, to seeing the life going on in the boat houses.

I'd say it's one of the must do things in Amsterdam and I would recommend Chris to everyone.

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Reviewed by Kalev • May 29, 2017

Easy going, friendly, and knowledgeable!

Chris had even put a Cananadian flag on his boat, but the beer was local!
Thank you for a very nice moment on the waters of Amsterdam.
Philippe

Reviewed by Philippe • May 18, 2017

Perfect way to enjoy the city

Me and my 5 friends enjoyed a super-chili Sunday-afternoon with Chris! I would recommend this really to anyone. Chris was an awesome captain and great host. 😍

Reviewed by Oona • May 09, 2017

Fantastic!

Great service from Chris and provided a great tour! Really enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it to others visitors to try out.

Reviewed by Intiaz • May 08, 2017

Okay, nothing spectacular

Reviewed by David • April 16, 2017

Excellent

Chris was very helpful and happy to change our pick up point at short notice. Interesting and informative tour. Very friendly guide.

Reviewed by Ann • March 28, 2017

Awesome time!

Chris is an absolutely great guy and we really enjoyed our tour. A couple of our party were running over 30 minutes late due to issues with the tram, and he waited and still gave us over a full hour of our canal tour.

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Reviewed by David • February 28, 2017

Highlight of the trip!

Boat trip was beautiful - a definite highlight for our whole group of 6 - and Chris was not only helpful and knowledgeable but also just a fun person to spend an hour or so floating down the canals with! He made the whole process very easy and was able to enrich the trip with facts about the city and locals-only insider info. He gave us a great recommendation for a bar and restaurant and was even able to drop us off near where we were staying. I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting the city. Great value for cost.

Reviewed by Katie Jane • February 16, 2017

A great experience!

Amazing trip, good atmosphere and a good introduction to get to know Amsterdam!
Captain Chris dis his job very good! And for sure I would recommend it to all the boattrip-lovers 😍🎇⛵️

Reviewed by Adelisa • February 16, 2017

Great tour!

We had a really nice time enjoying the city views,
Chris is very nice, has great knowledge about the city, and does his best so you have a good time,
A great experience :)

Reviewed by Céline • February 16, 2017

Pure Local Awssome Guide

We had such a fun time with Chris. He was so friendly on the phone when we were lost trying to find the dock. He even worked around some weather issues to make sure we picked the right time for our ride. He was very knowledge about the city and history and made the whole experience memorable. Seriously, seeing amsterdam from the water is the real way to experience it. So beautiful.

Reviewed by Seena / Withlocals • February 10, 2017

Had a blast with Chris

What service! Chris found a dock very close to our hotel, sent us directions in advance, met us there right on time, and took us on a customized tour of the whole city in his boat. My wife and I had an absolute blast laughing and taking photos. The people sitting in silence next to strangers on the large tourist canal boats looked jealous of our setup. Chris is informative, funny and laid back. I would highly recommend a tour with him to anyone visiting Amsterdam.

Reviewed by Paul / Withlocals • February 10, 2017

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Featured

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

57 reviews

7.50 EUR

Highlights

Description

What’s included & not included

Check availability of the tour:

Meeting point

Reviews from travellers (57)

4.7/5

Book a tour

Select date and participants

Other tours & activities in Amsterdam