Amsterdam Canal Cruise: History and Culture

Embark on an all-inclusive history tour of Amsterdam’s canals with Captain Jack. Discover the rich history of the city while enjoying typical Dutch bites, drinks, and entertaining stories. Suitable for families and friends. Limited availability for open boat rides on beautiful days.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Rijksmuseum - The docking point is right in front of the Rijksmuseum (Rijksmuseum departure). Take a moment to appreciate this incredible museum. The building itself is stunning, and the exhibitions are remarkable. Not to mention, it houses the world-renowned masterpiece by Rembrandt, the Nachtwacht (Night Watch).
  • Amsterdam Canal Ring -…
What's Included
  • Free Audio Guide in 9 languages
  • 1.5-hour canal cruise in electric open boat
  • Unlimited Heineken Beer and Wine
  • Snacks
What's Not Included
  • Toilet, there is no toilet on the boat
Additional Information

The boat operates with a closed roof from November 1st to April 1st.
Awarded Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2023, 2024, and 2025!
If English isn’t your first language, enjoy a free audioguide available in 9 different languages!
Join a serene small-group canal cruise through Amsterdam, accommodating up to 24 guests. This open-boat tour is…

Location
Captain Jack Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
Museumbrug
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(18638 Ratings)
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Lois
May 20, 2026
Wonderful 90 minute canal cruise - First rate canal cruise. The captain on our 5pm voyage was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and friendly and knew a lot of the captains on the other boats we passed who were with other companies. We had a nice leisurely 90 minute trip and since we had a smaller boat holding about 20 people we were able to go down some of the smaller less busy canals. We passed many historic sites and without windows to get in the way of taking photos in the open boat. The wine, cheese and other snacks were a delicious treat. Also you couldn’t get an easier location for boarding. We walked out of the Rijksmuseum turned towards the bridge and canal and their dock was right there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacation38018583344
Apr 30, 2026
All inclusive tour - Great tour! Leonard is a great captain. Selection of snacks and drinks is fantastic. Would recommend to anyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
454issief
Apr 11, 2026
Captain Tim was the best! - Thank you to Captain Jack Canal Cruises and to Tom for being such a fantastic guide on the water. Tim is a life long Amsterdam resident and m was able to tell us so much about the history of the city, as well as little details about modern-day Amsterdam that we would have easily missed. All in all it was a lovely Friday evening on the water!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
George_n
Apr 10, 2026
Brought the city to life - What a wonderful way to get a feel for the city of Amsterdam. The boat was clean and bright, the food and drink were plenty. The guide, Captain Dan was knowledgable, fun and entertaining. Well worth the money and time. Brought the city to life.
Review provided by Viator
Terrytx9324om
Mar 24, 2026
Lovely Afternoon in Amsterdam - We learned so much interesting history about Amsterdam on our afternoon trip with our local guides - Thom and Tim - as they led us through the charming canals. There was no boring rehearsed line-for-line commentary. The guides were born/raised here and know everything about every place, and answered customer questions as we traveled over the canals. Our cruise left from the Rijksmuseum. We traveled with our 11 & 14 year old grandchildren, and the tour was enjoyed by all. Nice wine and snacks as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amyby3444mu
Mar 6, 2026
Excellent Canal Cruise with Captain Joe - We had a great time mingling with the other guests and learning about the history of Amsterdam from Joe. Captain Joe was so much fun. It was lively and informative. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dreamer507198
Mar 6, 2026
Beautiful tour and a wonderful tour guide - It was very relaxing and informative
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Clairemj4705ra
Mar 5, 2026
Informative and fun - Comfortable boat with plenty of wine and snacks available. Informative and fun captain.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannon1780
Mar 17, 2026
Sunset cruise - Arnold was a fantastic captain. Boat was overcrowded and uncomfortable with no leg room. Snacks were mediocre at best.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennaleel2023
Mar 7, 2026
Ok - Interesting tour, couldn’t hear a lot everyone was loud and talking over the guide so didn’t get to hear much. The fairy lights were turned off 2 minutes into the tour, boat wasn’t heated but had a blanket. Free soft drinks, wine & Heineken & a few Dutch snacks
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $29
up to 30 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).