Private Cruise on the Sophie
A cozy, cocktail & snacks inclusive canal cruise
Exceptional
395 reviews
What guests loved most
Zach C.
“Pleasant experience. The Fonz was delightful.”
Book up to 2h before departure
From €355.25
·1 hour & 30 mins
About this tour
Private Charter • All-Inclusive Cocktails & Snacks • Up to 12 Guests
Private Boat Tour on the Sophie
The Sophie is a classic salon boat with large windows that frame the canal houses as you pass, whether you're seated inside or out on deck. With space for up to twelve guests and a roof that closes when the weather turns, this private canal cruise amsterdam keeps your group comfortable for the full ninety minutes. A spacious onboard toilet means no awkward dashes to shore.
All-Inclusive Drinks and Snacks
An international open bar is included — spirits, sparkling wine, wines, beers, soft drinks, coffee and tea, with everything you need to mix your own cocktails — along with a selection of savoury and sweet nibbles. The open bar and nibbles come with a mandatory €15 per person, already included in the price you pay when booking. If you'd rather supplement the snacks with something from your favourite bakery or deli, you're welcome to bring your own food on board.
Just Your Group on Board
Because this is a private boat tour amsterdam, the Sophie belongs to your party alone. Birthday drinks, a family afternoon, a work team that needs a change of scenery — whatever the reason, the pace and conversation are yours to set. Your captain steers through quieter sections of the canal network where the big tour boats rarely go, sharing stories about the city's past and present with a dry sense of humour. Free cancellation gives you flexibility if plans shift. Depart from Singel 7, and for an hour and a half, Amsterdam unfolds at your group's own rhythm.
“Pleasant experience. The Fonz was delightful.”
Food & drinks on board
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure
- Change time up to 48 hours before departure
- Change guests up to 12 hours before departure
- If the operator cancels because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you receive a full refund or credit
- Contact the operator by phone to cancel or to ask about a cancellation
- No-shows are charged the full price
What guests say
Zach C.
August 2026
“Pleasant experience. The Fonz was delightful.”
David A.
August 2026
“Fons is the absolute best!! Such a memorable experience :)”
Manuel U.
August 2026
“The tour was excellent and that day it didn’t rain, the weather was nice 🌞. The captain was super friendly 😊 and even spoke to us in Spanish 🇪🇸. Thank you very much! 🥂”
Nick D.
August 2026
“Amazing canal tour on a beautiful boat, plus Fons was a brilliant captain and host. Would highly recommend.”
Kelly G.
August 2026
“Fonz was fantastic! He made our cruise so enjoyable and really gave us a lot of info that made it memorable! Thank you Fonz!”
Lily S.
August 2026
“really amazing tour experience that focused on keeping the group small and the experience fun. will be telling all my friends this is the tour to do! Fons was an incredible guide”
Doğukan S.
August 2026
“Amazing tour, Mr Fons was very knowledgeable and kind. The tour is really informative and beats the generic touristy boat tours. Highly recommended!”
Jessica M.
August 2026
“We had a wonderful time aboard the Sophie! She’s a beautiful boat and so comfortable. The drinks and snacks aboard were great. Fons was super knowledgeable and he made the tour special for us! We got lucky with the weather but I think it’s awesome to have the option of sitting outside or in.”
Hafeez S.
August 2026
“Fons is as exceptional in navigating the canals as he is knowledgeable about the city's history and beyond. Highly recommended. Great value. He also allows for a curated experience based on the group.”
Martin H.
August 2026
“Took the group tour today. Really amazing, captain Fonzi was great fun and knowledgable. If your looking for something a little better that everything else, this is it!”
Sue
August 2026
“Fons was the best! He was so personable and truly understands the culture and history of Amsterdam. He shared o personal connections to the sites we passed. I really like that it was a small group. I went on my own to this canal tour and I felt welcomed by Fons and the other guests. There were beautiful sites to see and great laughs. I would 100% book again. I found this through an Instagram ad and liked that the experience was unique and affordable. Thank you so much and I'm glad I stumbled upon this experience. I would highly recommend to anyone. The booking was seamless through the website and I messaged the WhatsApp and called them to ensure I was in the right location and they helped me while staying on the phone until I found the boat. Thank you for a great time.”
joanne M.
August 2026
“Fons was a fabulous Captain/Tour Guide/Bar man. Small format canal cruise, really informative and a beautiful boat. Highly recommend.”
Michael S.
August 2026
“Wonderful canal tour. Fons was terrific. It really couldn’t have been any better! Enjoy!”
D P.
August 2026
“Amazing boat tour, entertaining and attracted a great group of people. 10/10”
Frank S.
August 2026
“Nick took great care of us. The boat was clean, good vibes, and perfect experience seeing the views from the canal.”
Jimmy S.
August 2026
“Best boat tour! The captain was fantastic and the full bar had everything you need, including garnishes.”
Chava W.
August 2026
“Wonderful cruise. Perfect way to spend time in Amsterdam. Jan, our captain, was engaging, funny, warm. He made everyone welcome. He shared lots of information and stories. Snacks and beverages were available and nice. Highly recommend.”
Barmak C.
August 2026
“Bow is the best person you can find for a private tour who knows and explains everything about the city. He is so nice, knowledgeable and explains everything you need to know. His boat is so clean, lots of refreshments, alcoholic drinks and non alcoholic drinks. Thank you so much for such an amazing experience!!”
Owen L.
August 2026
“Very fun ride, small groups, amazing skippers. Jane was the best he was the best, he was very informative and funny. The boat was nice and clean. Overall an amazing experience and would definitely do again.”
Victoria B.
August 2026
“Highlight of our 3 week European trip! Highly recommend!!!!”
Who This Is For
Great for
- Groups who want the whole boat to themselves
- Celebrations and group outings (up to 12 guests)
- Guests who want unlimited drinks included
- Winter and rainy days — the boat is covered and heated
Maybe not for
- Anyone hoping to join an existing group — the whole boat is booked at once
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this cruise depart from?
Private Cruise on the Sophie departs from Singel 7, 1012 NA Amsterdam.
How long is this cruise?
The cruise lasts 1 hour & 30 mins.
How many people can join this cruise?
Private Cruise on the Sophie is a private charter for up to 12 guests — you have the whole boat to your own group.
How much does this cruise cost?
Prices for this private charter start at €350.
What is included on this cruise?
This cruise includes Free Cancellation, Onboard Toilet, Unlimited drinks & cocktails and Roof in case of rain.
Are drinks included on this cruise?
Yes — unlimited drinks are included in the price of this cruise.
Are snacks included on this cruise?
Yes, snacks are included on this cruise.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, there is a toilet on board this cruise.
What happens if it rains?
This boat has rain cover, so you stay dry on board if the weather turns.
Is this an open boat?
Yes, this is an open boat rather than an enclosed one, and it has rain cover for when the weather turns.
Is the boat heated?
Yes, this boat has heating on board, which keeps it comfortable in colder weather.
Can I bring my dog on this cruise?
Yes, this cruise is pet-friendly, so your dog is welcome on board.
Can I cancel this cruise for free?
Yes, this cruise offers free cancellation.
How late can I book this cruise?
You can book this cruise up to 2 hours before departure.
Who operates this cruise?
Private Cruise on the Sophie is operated by Bow's Journeys and can be booked directly through BoatLocal.
Can we customize our route, or celebrate a special occasion on board?
Yes — as a private charter, you have the boat to yourselves and can work with the captain on the route within your booked time. Celebrating a birthday or other occasion? Let us know in advance (or in the booking note) and we'll do our best to help set things up.
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About Bow's Journeys
Bow's Journeys
Bow's Journeys was started by Boudewijn, who began giving canal tours at 14 on his family's small boat and built the company around one idea: people don't want to be passengers, they want to be guests. The fleet is two fully electric boats — Sophie, a 1911 salon boat restored to her original elegance, and Pien, a sleek private cruiser — with Sophie running both the shared cruises and private charters, and Pien available for private charters only. Every tour caps at 12 guests and is led by a local captain — a mix of former photographers, historians, musicians and leadership coaches — sharing lived stories instead of a rehearsed script.
View all cruises by Bow's Journeys