Book up to 1h before departure
From €64
·1 hour & 30 mins
2 Drinks Included • Local Apple Pie • Live Guided Tour
This 90-minute amsterdam canal cruise departs from Keizersgracht 106 and does exactly what the name suggests: it covers the parts of the city that locals actually want to show you. The route takes in the 17th-century canal belt, the Jordaan neighbourhood, and a stretch along the Amstel river. Your captain guides the boat and the conversation, pointing out what matters without reciting a script. Maximum sixteen guests means you can actually hear them.
You board to a slice of locally sourced apple pie — whipped cream optional — and your first drink. Midway through, the boat pauses so the captain can pour a second round. The bar stocks craft beers and premium wines, both still and sparkling. It is a small thing, but starting the morning with good coffee or a glass of something cold while gliding through the canal ring sets a different tone than rushing between sights on foot.
The boat is electric and quiet, with mahogany wood finishing and teak decking underfoot. Seating is comfortable, there are warm blankets if you want them, and the cabin is heated with a retractable roof for grey weather. Children of all ages are welcome — there is a reduced fare for under-fourteens and a free spot for the very small. The amsterdam boat tour runs in English, with free cancellation up to 48 hours beforehand. If you are after something louder or larger, this is not it. If you want an unhurried morning on the water with a small group and a captain who knows the city, it is worth the early start.
Patricia Lartigue
July 2026
“Great experience!!!”
Samuel Stiles
July 2026
“My favorite boat tour in Amsterdam”
Laura Haneline
July 2026
“Fantastic private boat tour with wine and cheese. Bram was professional, informative and so pleasant. The boat is beautiful!!!”
Nancy Valentine
July 2026
“We did an afternoon cruise and enjoyed it so much! Our captain was a young grad student and super knowledgeable and friendly - great wine and snacks - the boat was pristine and charming. Highly recommend!”
Маргарита Говорова
July 2026
“We chose the 1 hour 15 minute Iconic Tour, and it exceeded our expectations. The organization was excellent, our captain John was welcoming and knowledgeable, and we learned many interesting facts about Amsterdam along the way. The boat was very comfortable, the route was beautiful, and the whole experience felt relaxed and well planned. If you’re looking for a canal tour in Amsterdam, this is a great choice. Highly recommended!”
Sally Vines
July 2026
“We had a wonderful sunset cruise. Oliver was fantastic and shared a lot of history with us. Lucy is the most beautiful boat on the canals of Amsterdam!”
Jason Marshburn
July 2026
“I cannot say enough positive things about this company and experience. I opted for the 2 hour Ultimate Canal Cruise, and was on the “Pure Spirit” with Bram as the captain & guide. From start to finish the tour was fantastic. A good selection of wines, beer, coffee, and tea were provided. There was also a nice selection of shared snacks (cheese, crackers, etc). Bram was a great and skilled captain. It was a nice way to experience Amsterdam and see sites that would otherwise not be seen. Bram did an amazing job engaging the guests and sharing information about the different sites and areas along the way. Highly recommend this company and tour.”
Sean Kyle
July 2026
S V
July 2026
“I had the best time ever and the captain was so great and he was really knowledgeable about everything. Great time! And the Lucy boat is really really nice.”
Jamie Ryan
July 2026
“Excellent sunset tour! The charcuterrie and service was lovely. Our guide was engaging and informative. We learned a lot. This is the perfect introduction to the ciry.”
ohad perry
July 2026
“We celebrated our son’s birthday on one of Pure Boats’ canal cruises, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The captain and the staff were incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, making us feel welcome throughout the cruise. They went out of their way to facilitate everything and ensure the celebration was perfect for us. The boat was beautiful, the atmosphere was relaxed, and cruising through Amsterdam’s canals made for a truly memorable occasion. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend Pure Boats to anyone looking for a special way to celebrate or explore the city.”
Rebecca Pallone
July 2026
“Best activity we did on our vacation. Highly recommend!!!!”
lucy
July 2026
“Took the ultimate cruise and are so happy we did. Misha was a funny, informative and overall a very entertaining guide. The sights were amazing from the canal. He also pointed out sights that were great to see at night under lights too. Definitely worth the price do your self a favor and take the trip. Hopefully he will be your guide to.”
Jennifer Velasco
July 2026
“This was my second time with Pure Boats, and I absolutely love it. It’s worth every penny. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience and the love you put into every ride — you truly make people fall in love with Amsterdam.”
Janet Lynn
July 2026
“Such a lovely experience. Quality charcuterie and quality wines. 100% recommend.”
Jovana Janjusevic
July 2026
“We heard about them through a travel guide saying they're local company and that they're better than tourist ones in the center. The lady who booked us was very nice and even gave us a discount for booking in late but we didn't expect much of it just a boat ride nothing more. However our captain was there to change our expectations. The weather was a bit bad, it was raining and was windy so the people who were supposed to be with us canceled and we had a private tour. The guy was were nice offered us blankets and umbrellas if it starts raining even though the boat had a cover in place. He talked about some Amsterdam history and fun facts and all in all it was a very pleasant experience. We thought it would be nice but it was even better so it's money well spent would recommend to everyone.”
Maggie McDonnell
July 2026
“I can’t say enough about this company! We got lost trying to find the right starting point and were very late. I got a call from the company and they waited 20 minutes until we arrived. Our captain was fantastic-he took us to wonderful, lesser known sites in Amsterdam He was informative, funny and delightful. Snacks and drinks were well worth it too”
Anna Carolina Costa
July 2026
“Amazing experience, specially because of the captain Gijs who was very knowledgeable and kindly explained to us everything about the canals of Amsterdam and its history. Besides that, the boat was very comfortable and well equipped with good drinks. I would a 100% recommend this experience.”
Virginia Connor
July 2026
“Had a wonderful early morning cruise. The canals were very quiet and beautiful. The advantage to a small boat is that you can go into areas that the mega boats can't go.”
Garner Dotson
July 2026
“One, I highly recommend this private boat tour. Two, I would like to call out Wes, our captain. For us, it was the perfect amount of him pointing out historical and interesting sites and good conversation. He is an asset to your company.”
Free cancellation 48h before departure time
Change time & day 48h before departure
Increase guests 1h before departure time
This operator's policy: Free cancellation 48h before departure time; Change time & day 48h before departure; Increase guests 1h before departure time.
This varies by cruise — check the feature badges and 'What's Included' section on this specific cruise page above for exactly what's covered (drinks, snacks, toilet, heating, and more) before you book.
Yes — shared cruises are booked per seat, so solo travelers, couples, and small groups can all join the same departure alongside other guests. Check this cruise page for how many seats you can book in one reservation.
The exact departure point is shown on the map further down this page — click "How far is this from me?" for directions from your location. Once you book, the full address and directions are also sent straight to your confirmation email.
Yes, as long as a time slot is still open for booking on this page. Every booking is confirmed instantly online — no waiting to hear back. Each available time shows its own booking cutoff, so grab a spot before it closes if you're booking for the same day.
