Shared Off The Beaten Path, Hidden Gems Canal Cruise
Born-raised locals sharing secret spots and hidden gems. Chill vibes, real stories.
Exceptional
59 reviews
What guests loved most
Shosh M.
“Brilliant. Loved it. Just us and one other couple. Beer (our guide) was fantastic. Highly recommend.”
Book up to 6h before departure
From €35
·1 hour & 30 mins
About this tour
Born-raised locals sharing secret spots and hidden gems. Chill vibes, real stories.
People always ask us: “Can you show us your favorite spots?” This is the cruise where we share our favorite places, along with the stories and secrets that make Amsterdam feel like home. Discover a side of the city beyond the typical tourist routes, with local insights, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere, all at your own pace.
Step aboard on one off our historic boats with a cosy lounge deck - your floating living room on the canals. Take off your shoes, get comfortable, and make yourself at home. Enjoy the music, grab a cold drink from the fridge, and relax as Amsterdam slowly passes by. The boat is yours.
Your Floating Living Room
The Curaçao is perfect for families and groups of friends, this beautiful and spacious historic boat offers the luxury of extra room without losing its cosy atmosphere. With a generous lounge deck, soft cushions, and plenty of space to stretch out, it’s your own private floating lounge on the canals. Grab a cold drink, sit back, and enjoy the city in complete comfort.
Beyond the Postcard
We’ll take you to the places we actually love and visit ourselves. Expect a quieter, more authentic side of Amsterdam - even better than you’ll ever find on a postcard. Cruise through peaceful canals away from the crowds, discover hidden courtyards and charming corners, places even many Amsterdam locals forget exists.
A Local at the Helm
Your skipper is more than just a captain, they are a local storyteller. Your captains grew up dodging bikes and swimming in these canals. You’ll hear fascinating insights about Amsterdam’s history and architecture, combined with personal stories, childhood memories, local traditions, and the hidden stories behind the buildings and canals. There is no fixed script, just stories that come up naturally as you float through our hometown.
Come As You Are
Whether you’re celebrating with friends, spending quality time with family, hosting visitors, or looking for a unique Amsterdam experience, this private cruise gives you the freedom to relax, connect, and enjoy the city your way.
Just good vibes and chill people. No need to impress, you’re already invited in.
Come as you are, and leave with authentic memories and a Polaroid to remember your time together on the canals.
“Brilliant. Loved it. Just us and one other couple. Beer (our guide) was fantastic. Highly recommend.”
Food & drinks on board
Unlimited Drinks
Beer, wine, sparkling wine and soft drinks, unlimited for the duration of the charter.
€10.00 /pax/hr
Bring Your Own Drinks
Corkage fee to bring your own drinks onboard.
€5.00 /pax/hr
Pay per drink
Pay by cash or card directly after the tour.
Beer €4.20 · Soft Drinks €2.50 · Wine Glass €6.50 · Wine Bottle €30.00 · Sparkling Wine €35.00
Cheese Platter
€18.20 /portion
Bites Box Small
Serves 2 guests.
€20.00 /portion
Bites Box Medium
Serves 3-4 guests.
€35.00 /portion
Bites Box Large
Serves 6 guests.
€65.00 /portion
Charcuterie Platter
€21.60 /portion
Fruit Platter
€65.00 /portion
Dutch Classics Platter
€13.00 /portion
Dutch Fried Snacks Platter
€14.00 /portion
Deluxe Dutch Fried Snacks Platter
€18.00 /portion
Things You Need To Know
Food
- Feel free to bring your own snacks
Drinks
- Unlimited Drinks - €10/person/hour
- Pay per drink, by cash/card after the tour
- Beer - €4.20
- Soft Drinks - €2.50
- Wine Glass - €6.50
- Wine Bottle - €30
- Sparkling Wine - €35
More Benefits
- Silent and electrically powered
- Local Friendly Skipper
- Rescue sloop from 1950 with mahogany woodwork
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation 24h before departure time
- Change time 12h before departure time
- Increase guests 1h before departure time
What guests say
Isabelle R.
June 2026
“Great boat, route, and knowledgeable guide. I wish the guide would have offered up more information without having to be asked questions.”
Artem K.
August 2026
Mikey M.
August 2026
Shosh M.
August 2026
“Brilliant. Loved it. Just us and one other couple. Beer (our guide) was fantastic. Highly recommend.”
Clara S.M.
August 2026
“Un servicio y una experiencia de 10 de 10. Hubo un pequeño problema con la app en el momento de la reserva y tuvimos que cambiar la hora, pero el equipo nos llamó inmediatamente para avisarnos y gestionar la solución al momento. La gran sorpresa fue que, al final, disfrutamos de un tour completamente privado. Nuestra capitana fue fantástica: nos fue explicando datos súper interesantes que van mucho más allá del típico recorrido turístico convencional y nos llevó por canales preciosos que jamás habríamos conocido por nuestra cuenta. Repetiríamos sin dudarlo. ¡Totalmente recomendable!”
Cedrik J.
July 2026
“Oli was an incredible tour guide with a great little boat. He was engaging, we had a laugh, it was just amazing! We had a great time!”
Christos S.
July 2026
“Absolutely worth it. Captain Mare was especially great not only at steering the perfectly sized boat but also at giving us interesting facts about the city, the canals, the people and the culture. The 1,5 hours were just perfect for an afternoon boat ride. It was our first time in Amsterdam and this was the highlight of the trip.”
Roberto N.
June 2026
“An amazing trip through the canals of Amsterdam. The concierge was helpful and explained everything. Besides the option of the tour had been a nice surprise, allowing to see a new perspective of Amsterdam. To him a big thank you.”
Karel
June 2026
“The most amazing boat company in Amsterdam and the perfect way to see the canals.”
Jacckie E.
June 2026
“Was really great, would really recommend it to everyone”
JM
June 2026
“We had a delightful river cruise experience with Liam. Learnt lots about Dutch culture and spirit, sailed through some quiet but scenic routes, and generally enjoyed the views of the city from the water. Thank you Liam for being a professional host.”
Celeste P.
June 2026
“This tour was fantastic. We were on a lovely small boat, just my friend and I, and the route avoids the tourist hot spots. Liam was a brilliant captain - very friendly, knowledgeable and a safe driver. I would recommend this tour to anyone!”
Clare B.
June 2026
“Very enjoyable and informative boat trip. Beer has a relaxed approach. He is very skilled at navigating the canals and is knowledgable. Highly recommend!”
Camille S.
June 2026
“What a great way to see Amsterdam. Beer was a great guide. He shared with us the history of Amsterdam all the way through to modern day issues. The boat was beautiful and clean. It was the best way to start our vacation in Amsterdam.”
Susan D.
June 2026
“Lovely peaceful canal cruise with Beer. It was great to see the canals through the eyes of a local. Beer was a pleasure to cruise with and his c. 1915 boat is gorgeous! Would highly recommend!”
Dave C.
June 2026
“Excellent afternoon.”
Juanita T.
June 2026
“Incredible tour, amazing facts about Amsterdam. Really beautiful boat and amazing experience overall. 100% recommend”
Trond S.
May 2026
“Fantastic service! Our booking agency made a scheduling error, so our tour wasn't actually available when we arrived. As soon as the crew at Off-Canal Cruise realized the issue, they jumped right into action. They immediately contacted other local companies and managed to secure us a spot on a different cruise for the exact same time slot. The new tour was a bit more expensive, but Off-Canal Cruise completely covered the difference! It wasn't even their fault that the booking agency messed up, yet they still went the extra mile to save our day. Highly recommend their incredible customer support. Thank you!”
Sepatu S.
May 2026
“Great accommodating service. With a more original tour than the usual tourist boat ride. I highly recommend supporting small/family businesses in Amsterdam for a more authentic experience :)”
Fulco V.
May 2026
“Had a lovely evening touring the canals of my own city Amsterdam, quiet spots I had never been before. Thank you, Captain Beer, for your interesting background stories.”
Boat Tour Departure Location
Who This Is For
Great for
- Solo travellers and couples happy to share the boat with a few others
- Travellers who want a small, quiet group (max 12 guests)
- Guests who want unlimited drinks included
- Winter and rainy days — the boat is covered and heated
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a private boat — this cruise is shared with other guests
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this cruise depart from?
Shared Off The Beaten Path, Hidden Gems Canal Cruise departs from Brouwersgracht 64, 1, 1013 ED Amsterdam.
How long is this cruise?
The cruise lasts 1 hour & 30 mins.
How many people can join this cruise?
Shared Off The Beaten Path, Hidden Gems Canal Cruise is a shared cruise with a maximum of 12 guests on board, so you book per seat and travel alongside other guests.
How much does this cruise cost?
Prices for Shared Off The Beaten Path, Hidden Gems Canal Cruise start at €35 per person.
What is included on this cruise?
This cruise includes Free Cancellation, Last minute availability, Roof in case of rain and Bar Onboard.
Are drinks included on this cruise?
Yes — unlimited drinks are included in the price of this cruise.
Can I bring my own drinks on board?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own drinks on board 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.
Is this a small-group cruise?
Yes — this is a small-group cruise, capped at 12 guests on board.
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 6 hours before departure.
Who operates this cruise?
Shared Off The Beaten Path, Hidden Gems Canal Cruise is operated by Off Course and can be booked directly through BoatLocal.
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About Off Course
Off Course
Off Course is run by Jannah and Beer, a small team of Amsterdam locals who steer guests through quieter waters away from the tourist crowds and into the city's hidden corners — sharing the same spots they actually visit with friends, no fixed script. The fleet is two fully electric, restored saloon boats: Diana, built in 1915, and Curaçao, built in 1951 with a spacious sundeck. Onboard drinks are self-serve, and the vibe is deliberately relaxed — 'your floating living room.' Shared cruises run from €35 per person and private charters from €310, departing from Brouwersgracht 64 near the Jordaan.
View all cruises by Off Course