Discover the highlights of Amsterdam the local way!
Exceptional
2,022 reviews
What guests loved most
m b
“We had the most wonderful experience booking a private canal cruise with Pure Boats, and we cannot r…”
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.
m b
July 2026
“We had the most wonderful experience booking a private canal cruise with Pure Boats, and we cannot recommend them highly enough! From the moment we stepped onto our boat, "Lucy," we were so impressed. The vessel itself is absolutely beautiful, pristine, and incredibly clean, making for a very comfortable and intimate setting. Our captain, Benjamin, was fantastic—not only was he incredibly kind and helpful, but his knowledge of Amsterdam’s history and the stories behind the canals really brought the city to life for us. The experience was complete with a nice selection of drinks onboard. It was easily one of the best highlights of our trip, and we would absolutely book with Pure Boats again in a heartbeat. If you are looking for a high-quality, private, and memorable canal experience, this is it!”
SW (SW99)
July 2026
“Wonderful time spent with our guide John. He’s knowledgeable and kept us comfortable with introductions and he’s so gracious and kind. We look forward to bringing guests back to you!”
Dyani Johns Taff
July 2026
“Lovely! Great snacks and great guide!”
Rachel Sylvie
July 2026
“John was an amazing tour guide today !!! Awesome”
Kayla Barry Kempskie
July 2026
“We took a morning cruise with captain John on Wednesday, 7/8. The boat was beautiful and the perfect size. John was knowledgeable, charismatic, and very kind and welcoming! The route we took was amazing. Truly not a better way to see the canals and the city! Could not recommend Pure Boats enough!”
Avakova Anna
July 2026
“Amazing relaxing beautiful experience! Yuka was the best tour guide and a lovely person! Thank you so much for making us feel the beautiful vibe of the city”
Brad Rine
July 2026
“We loved our Pure Boats tour of Amsterdam. Small but very nice boat - perfect when you just want a tour with your friends and family! Our guide, John, was fantastic. He explained the geography, the history, and the culture of Amsterdam and The Netherlands. This tour exceeded our expectations and was the highlight of our week in The Netherlands!”
C J
July 2026
“Today we took a tour with Cedric, and it was a fantastic experience. He was incredibly knowledgeable, an excellent skipper, and made the trip both enjoyable and informative. The apple pie was delicious too! We highly recommend Pure Boats to anyone looking for great canal cruise.”
Sem van de wetering
July 2026
“Super mooie boot, vriendelijke schipper.”
Oliver Mäntynen
July 2026
Victoria Badgley
July 2026
“Highly, highly recommend this company and the canal tour if you’re visiting Amsterdam. They have the nicest boats on the canal by far, and our captain Floris was absolutely charming. We would do it again in a heartbeat. Also, the cheese/charcuterie option was excellent - super high quality.”
Britt Ribar
July 2026
“Wonderful experience, beautiful vessel, our guide was funny, pleasant, & basically perfect. Even the apple pie was delicious! Highly recommend.”
Petr Zelenka
July 2026
“We had an amazing experience with Pure Boats in Amsterdam. The cruise was super convenient on their boat. We cruised for two hours, had delicious snacks and amazing Cava wine and Chardonnay. The captain told us a lot about Amsterdam. Definitely worth the money.”
Lauren Blackketter
July 2026
“this was the best cruise! Thank you so much for a fabulous afternoon.”
Juliana M
July 2026
“There is a reason Pure Boats has so many 5 star reviews. We had a relaxing, beautiful cruise through the canals on an authentic canal boat with a wonderful local guide! It was the quintessential Amsterdam experience. There are a lot of crowded, second-rate canal cruises available. If you want a top notch company, go with Pure Boats.”
Claudia Baggio
July 2026
“Passeio delicioso! Superou nossas expectativas. Guia super simpático e engraçado fez toda a diferença! Com certeza repetiríamos a experiência.”
Ashley Haight
July 2026
J. P.
July 2026
“Our evening on the canals was an absolute delight, thanks to our charming and knowledgeable guide and host, Janine. As for the boat itself, it was elegant and absolutely spotless. If you want an upscale tour filled with great stories and hospitality, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you, Janine, for a truly memorable experience!”
Renee Compton
July 2026
“The ultimate pure boat tour in the evening exceeded our expectations. The captain and crew shared their extensive knowledge of Amsterdam and were kind and very attentive. It was a beautiful evening and made for a memorable experience.”
Abdulaziz
July 2026
“تجربة رائعة وفاخرة ، وانصح اللي عنده القدرة المادية ، احتفال الميلاد والكيكة لطيفة اتمنى المقدم يقلل معلومات”
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.
