Blue Boat Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: Information, Prices, and Tickets
Ahoy and welcome aboard, visitors to Amsterdam! With Blue Boat, you can discover Amsterdam from a completely new perspective-from the water, along the world-famous canals. A canal cruise in Amsterdam is an unforgettable experience, and with Blue Boat Company, you can enjoy a relaxing journey through the historic heart of the city.
This company is a family-run shipping company that was founded in 1948. Since then, the company has specialized in modern, comfortable tourism. During the canal cruise through Amsterdam, you will sail past the magnificent houses from the Golden Age of the 17th century, under charming bridges and past the characteristic houseboats. In addition to the fantastic views, you will receive exciting, in-depth information via the audio guide, which is available in numerous languages.
The classic canal cruise is the City Canal Cruise. This 75-minute tour is ideal for getting a first impression of Amsterdam. Whether in daylight or atmospheric evening light, the tours start at easily accessible, central departure points.
By the way: Barrier-free trips are also possible here without any problems! This special experience is sure to make your time in Amsterdam unforgettable.
Online Tickets for the Blue Boat canal cruise
It’s really important to book your ticket in advance. Sometimes the tours are sold out. The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting a ticket.
The canal tours have specific time slots. You must select your desired time slot when making your reservation.
Book a Blue Boat Canal Cruise online
Blue Boat also works closely with the iAmsterdam Card, which offers a complete package for visiting Amsterdam, including a canal cruise.
Buy the iAmsterdam Card online
The best time for a canal cruise
You’re probably wondering when the best time for a canal cruise is. Many visitors prefer to take a canal cruise in Amsterdam in the morning, while others want to enjoy the sunny afternoon hours. The good news is that the Blue Boat Company offers both! Trips are available at 11:00 a.m. in the morning and around 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Both options have their own unique charms:
A canal cruise at 11:00 a.m.: a fresh start to the day. In the morning, the weather is usually pleasantly calm, and the alleys are flooded with fresh light. As the sun is not yet very high at this time of day, it casts a soft glow on the facades of the historic buildings. This lighting is perfect for photos and offers clear visibility. In addition, there are usually not too many people out and about on the canals.
The afternoon tour at 3:00 p.m.: warm light and a lively atmosphere. The afternoon is a little busier than the morning. There are noticeably more pedestrians and cyclists on the streets, creating a lively atmosphere and that typical Amsterdam flair. Your camera can capture great contrasts and exciting scenes here.
Whether you decide to take a canal cruise in Amsterdam in the morning or afternoon, every time of day offers its own unique atmosphere and impressions. With the Blue Boat Company’s City Canal Cruise, you can choose between several departure times, allowing you to tailor your visit to this beautiful city to suit your individual preferences. Tickets for an evening cruise can be found further down in the text!
The itinerary: What is there to see?
You’re probably wondering what the highlights of Amsterdam are. The City Canal Cruise offers you the perfect answer: the route has been carefully planned and offers a panoramic view of Amsterdam’s most interesting sights:
> The Canal Belt: Magnificent gabled houses and mirrored facades line the path along the historic canals. An absolute must for every visit to Amsterdam.
> Magere Brug: For many, this is the most beautiful bridge in Amsterdam and a particularly popular photo opportunity—especially from the water!
> The Montelbaanstoren: The tower, nicknamed Dummer Jakob (“Malle Jaap”), towers majestically above the water.
> VOC ship ‘De Amsterdam’: The replica of a historic ship belonging to the East India Company is not only a piece of maritime history, but also serves as a museum.
> Houseboats & Everyday Life: In addition to all the attractions, everyday life takes place on the banks. Relax and watch the colorful hustle and bustle of cyclists, people chatting in cafés, or locals doing their shopping. This is typical Amsterdam!
Thanks to the audio guide (available in 20 languages), you can listen to exciting stories and historical background information at appropriate points throughout the tour. So keep your eyes and ears open and your camera ready!
Why take a canal cruise with Blue Boat?
There are several compelling reasons to take a canal cruise in Amsterdam with the Blue Boat Company:
Long-standing family tradition: Since 1948, traditional values such as local ties and personal service have been a top priority here.
Accessibility: Blue Boat is the only provider in Amsterdam that has wheelchair-accessible boats.
Multiple language options: Audio guides in 20 languages ensure that every visitor feels understood!
Family-friendly: Special Kids Cruise offers provide a program tailored to children.
Central departure points: Located near well-known attractions such as the Heineken Experience and the Hard Rock Café, the runs can be easily integrated into your daily schedule.
Top ratings: “Friendly crew,” “Smooth ride,” and “Good audio commentary”—just three of the many aspects that guests appreciate about the canal cruise with Blue Boat.
In short: Blue Boat combines tradition with participation, comfort, and quality. This offers you the perfect combination for exploring Amsterdam from a completely new and exciting perspective.
The evening cruises with optional wine and snacks are also particularly romantic.
Book a Blue Boat canal cruise in the evening online
Practical information before your canal cruise in Amsterdam
Of course, we want your canal cruise with Blue Boat to be as pleasant and smooth as possible. That’s why we’ve put together a few practical tips that have proven useful for many visitors:
Headphones for the audio guide & headphones: As already mentioned, the commentary is available in many languages. Portable headphones can also be borrowed on board, but many visitors prefer to use their own headphones.
Clothing: All boats are covered and thus provide protection from possible rain – however, it can still be windy, especially during the transitional seasons. A light jacket or down vest is therefore recommended, especially for trips in the early morning or evening.
Comfort & Facilities: The modern and clean boats offer plenty of space. If you are looking for a very special experience, try the Blue Sky Boat during the summer months: a summery, airy atmosphere with unobstructed views.
Snacks & Beverages: You can optionally book a snack box for each trip. This is not a must, of course, but it can add extra flavor to your trip!
Accessibility: Those who rely on a wheelchair will appreciate the available wheelchair spaces. You should indicate this directly when booking. Please be at the ticket office about 15 minutes before departure so that everything can be organized smoothly.
Ticket & Check-in: You can save time and money with online tickets. These can be easily presented digitally. With this option, you should also arrive at the ticket office about 15 minutes before departure.
Weather & Time of Day: Most boats are protected from rain by a canopy. We don’t let bad weather stop us—on the contrary: boat trips take place here almost 365 days a year.
Tips for your canal cruise
With a few additional tips, your trip with Blue Boat is guaranteed to be a success: A few tips to make your trip with Blue Boat a success:
Book online: If you buy your tickets online, you don’t have to worry about getting a seat, and you can sometimes even save money. You should buy your tickets online in advance, especially for special trips and barrier-free seats. Above, you can find the standard ticket, or you can book a visit to the Van Gogh Museum at the same time.
Blue Boat Canal Cruise and Van Gogh Museum
Be there early: If you arrive at the meeting point about 15 minutes before departure, boarding will be very relaxed-especially for wheelchair access.
Bring your own headphones: Bring your own earphones—this often provides better sound quality and is definitely more environmentally friendly.
Order a snack box in advance: Hunger and thirst often strike during the journey. Don’t feel like waiting in long lines? Then book a snack package right away!
Photographic equipment: The most beautiful views can be found on the front deck or on open boats. Be sure to have your cameras and cell phones ready!
Use the combination ticket: The most beautiful views can be found on the front deck or on open boats. Be sure to have your cameras and cell phones ready!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a special experience on your trip to Amsterdam, then a canal cruise with Blue Boat is just the thing for you! It offers the perfect mix of comfort, culture, and charm. As you glide leisurely through the canals, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can enjoy views of modern architecture and lively streets. You’ll also be accompanied by an audio guide that provides more information and details about the sights in your language.
Book a Blue Boat canal cruise online
The advantages speak for themselves: a family-friendly offering is rounded off by a child-friendly audio program, accessible boats, central departure points, and easy online ticket booking. With Blue Boat Company, you can look forward to a high-quality tour almost 365 days a year—whatever the weather!
FAQ about Blue Boat Canal Cruise
To summarize everything, here are the 10 most frequently asked questions about canal cruises on the blue boat in Amsterdam.
How long does the canal tour take?
The Blue Boat canal cruise takes a little longer than the Lovers Tour. The Blue Boat canal cruise takes approximately 75 minutes and the night cruise takes approximately 90 minutes. There are other tours that take approximately 120 minutes.
Where is the departure point for the Blue Boat cruise?
There are two starting points for the canal cruise in Amsterdam. The exact starting point is indicated on the ticket you purchased.
Location 1: Blue Boat pier at Stadhouderskade 550 (opposite Heineken Experience)
Location 2: Blue Boat pier at Stadhouderskade 501 (opposite Hard Rock Cafe)
It is really important to be there at least 15 minutes before departure time. If possible, it is advisable to be there 30 minutes early. You may need to use the restroom, find the right address, or buy something to drink. Many small details can come up at the last minute.
Is there an audio guide, and in which languages is it available?
Yes, an audio guide in 21 languages is included. The audio guide is included in the ticket price. You do not need to purchase an upgrade to get the audio guide.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Blue Boat’s boats are wheelchair accessible. However, it is better to call Blue Boat (+31 20 679 1370) after booking your ticket and let them know in advance that you will be traveling with a wheelchair, as a maximum of 3 wheelchairs are allowed per boat trip.
What happens in case of rain or bad weather?
The boats are built to operate even in bad weather. They have a glass roof and heating on board. The boats operate throughout the winter. It is very rare for the weather to be so bad that the tour has to be canceled. In this case, the ticket will be refunded or rebooked for another date.
What happens in case of rain or bad weather?
This rarely happens. The boat trip is designed so that the boat travels at a leisurely pace. The average speed is around 6 km/h. The boat does not move much. In an emergency, the driver can stop and let you disembark, but the ticket will not be refunded. However, this rarely happens and the likelihood of getting seasick is very low.
Are there toilets on board?
Yes, all boats have a toilet. So don’t worry, if the kids need to go to the toilet, they can just use the toilet on board.
Are dogs or strollers permitted?
Dogs are not allowed on board. The only exception is guide dogs. In addition, all strollers should be folded up so that they take up as little space as possible. Space is limited. Luggage is also rarely accepted.
Can I use the iAmsterdam City Card for the cruise?
Yes, Blue Boat Company works closely with the iAmsterdam Card. You can use the iAmsterdam Card to travel with Blue Boat.
Buy the iAmsterdam Card online
Can I bring my own food/drinks or buy snacks on board?
No, you are not allowed to bring your own snacks on board. However, there is a small kiosk at the entrance where you can buy various snacks for the cruise. Blue Bloat asks you to buy snacks at the kiosk and not to bring your own food and drinks!
