Volendam Marken Express Boat Cruise: Historic Harbour Exploration and Coastal Scenery

Embark on a historic boat cruise to explore the charming harbour of Volendam and the former island of Marken. Discover the coastal scenery, learn about the region’s history, and even bring your bike along for a personalized adventure. Suitable for all ages and weather conditions.

Duration: 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Present your vouchers at any of our ticket offices located in the harbors of Volendam or Marken, conveniently situated next to our boats. Our Dock Captain will exchange them for boat tickets and guide you to the boat’s captain.
Departures occur approximately every 30 to 45 minutes, with a one-way journey lasting 30 minutes. After your cruise to Volendam…

What's Included
  • Boat transfer (one-way or round-trip options available)
Additional Information

Explore the historic harbor and fishing village of Volendam, and visit the former island of Marken on a boat tour that has been operating for more than 80 years.
Delight in the stunning coastline of the former Zuiderzee area while learning about the region’s history and development through an audio guide available in English and Dutch.
Bring your bike on…

Location
Havenbuurt
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(82 Ratings)
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Carla
Nov 20, 2025
Beautiful tour with rain or sun - This tour is beautiful has to walk *****is the second time I come and very worth seeing many shops , cafes and the cheese factory.
Review provided by Viator
Patriciavj865iz
Nov 7, 2025
Great experience - Because we were married for 121⁄2 years we went for a day of volendam, which of course includes the boat trip. I have to say was a really great experience and we had super nice weather.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kjmindt
Sep 12, 2025
Captain John was marvelous!! - Captain John was marvelous!! He met us as we were boarding the ferry to Marken and unfortunately had to explain to us that our public transportation ticket didn’t work on the Volendam Marken Express. This could have been frustrating, but John immediately calmed us and explained what we needed to do for the ferry ride and he said not to worry, as he’d wait for us. We told him we were taking a return bus to Amsterdam. He told us to stop by the pilot house and he’d explain how to catch the return back to Amsterdam. We stopped by the pilot house and John welcomed us in. He explained how to catch the return bus to Amsterdam, but also explained to us about the waters he was navigating, his ship, and the challenges of captaining a flat bottom 70 ton ship in cross winds. As we entered the Marken harbor, he explained how he was maneuvering the ship to turn 180 degrees with minimum clearance. John executed the maneuver flawlessly. We will definitely look for Captain John on our next crossing and look for his beautiful wife captaining a ferry in Amdterdam. Fantastic job John!! Julie and Ken
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tanja
Aug 10, 2025
Boat trip - Nice boat trip about 30 minutes everything sails neatly on time and boat is big enough and neatly clean friendly crew
Review provided by Tripadvisor
259fr_d_ricg
May 29, 2025
A Beautiful Encounter - Did we travel with Captain John? It's possible... In any case, the ferry took us to the right place. It was especially our meeting with Yvette (the ticket office hostess) that was a wonderful and unforgettable moment. We were most likely the last to book two tickets for the crossing. Thanks to Yvette, we were able to see the fishermen's houses of Volendam at the running pace (it was only 10 minutes before the ferry left the port) as well as the bridge of lovers. So much generosity touched us in the heart and we thank her again warmly for her kindness and joie de vivre! Another huge THANK YOU to Yvette who also expresses himself in a remarkable Frenchman.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Craigmuss
Aug 13, 2025
Nice boat journey into history - If you are staying Volendam, then do take the boat over, Markham is a lovely island to visit, some great cafes and walks,,,, Being honest if i go back to Volendam, i wont be taking the boat over for a 2nd visit, but certainly glad i have been
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ripamaga
May 25, 2025
Typical Nordic fishing village - I was in Volendam for a few hours, just long enough to visit. Time seems to have stopped. Wooden houses of various colors with in the harbor from which a ferry leaves that in 30 minutes takes you to Marken, a very small fishing island that gives the impression of living in a fairy tale of the Arctic countries. I highly recommend visiting both.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Isabellesn2203ww
Jul 6, 2025
Only if no other possibilities via land ex bus, car, bike - A little expensive crossing No explanation given contrary to what their ad mentions Prefer cheaper road journey
Review provided by Tripadvisor
531essied
Oct 13, 2025
Marks - The speed across is really fine! However, there is exactly nothing to do on the island of Marken. A few restaurants and mini museums (not freely accessible). We went for a walk and further in the village the houses all look poorly maintained! It's a waste of money, actually...
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dreamer234338
Aug 2, 2025
Waste of my hard earned money - Just worthless for 55 euros pp. Better take 12.50 euros day ticket of EBS. Cheese making demo is just video and waffle making demo is explained by novice kid. Travel by boat is not at all wow
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $12
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).