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4.9 on 6,000+ reviews

Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Award 2024

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Captain Dave's

canal cruises Amsterdam

Let's cruise

Comfortable

Saloon
Outer deck
Toilet on Board

Personable

Your captain
Your guide
Your host

All-inclusive

Boat tour
Captain
Flexible route

Priceless

Small group
non-scripted
Cruise in style

CAPTAIN DAVE'S Canal cruises Amsterdam

—every day an adventure

Looking for an unforgettable Amsterdam experience? Captain Dave’s small-group canal cruises offer a fun, personal way to explore the city —whether it’s your first time or your tenth. Discover why so many call it the best canal cruise in town.
Ready to make memories? Book today!

Early morning cruise
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Early Morning cruise

—Canals to ourselves

  • 90 minutes
  • Small group up to 12p
  • Daily at 8:00 and 8:30 AM*
  • €39 adult / €31 child

Canal cruises Amsterdam, a must when in the city! Empty canals, magnificent views. Incl. coffee, tea & sugar bread.

10% summer discount - use code: SUMMER10
SNYS3193
Let's go local

CRUISE LIKE A LOCAL

—explore the canals

  • 90 minutes
  • Small group up to 12p
  • Afternoon and evening
  • €42 adult / €32 child

No crowds. No scripts. Just stories, laughter, and the magic of Amsterdam. An all-inclusive cruise with good company.

BTZL8222
Book private cruise

PRIVATE BOAT TOUR

—cruise in style

  • from 90 minutes
  • Private group up to 12p
  • On availability
  • Only €215 per hour

A cruise with family, friends, or coworkers? Take a Private Tour. Plus, book snacks & drinks.

Winter festival 2025/2026

Festival of light cruise
Reserve your seat

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

—#14

  • 90 minutes
  • Small group up to 12p
  • 11/27/2025- 01/18/2026
  • €42 adult / €34 child

Annual event! Enjoy a 1st-class view on the light art. Winterfestival cruise with mulled wine & hot chocolate!

Winter festival 2025/2026

Festival of light cruise
Reserve your seat

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

—#14

  • 90 minutes
  • Small group up to 12p
  • 11/27/2025 - 01/18/2026
  • €42 adult / €34 child

Join us for the Annual Canal Event and enjoy a 1st-class view of the beautiful light art on Amsterdam’s canals! Choose an afternoon or evening cruise and relax with mulled wine or hot chocolate as you take in the magical sights. Spots are filling up fast, so book your unforgettable cruise now and experience this special event like never before!

*rather start at 10:00 or 10:30 AM? Check out our Morning canal cruise. 

WHY
CHOOSE US
personal touch
small-group
sustainability

What our guests say

—about Captain Dave's canal Cruises Amsterdam

Captain Dave and his team have become a favorite among both locals and visitors. Every cruise is personal, fun, and full of charm. Thanks to all the amazing feedback, we’re proud to share that we’ve been awarded Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025 —a true honor and a reflection of the unforgettable experiences we create on the canals.

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Features of the Royal Jonckvrouw

—The flagship of Amsterdam since 1928

Canal cruises Amsterdam on the Jonckvrouw 4
100% electric —Since 2021 the Royal Jonckvrouw is fully electric.
1
Sliding sunroof —We slide the roof open when the weather is right. The fun of an open sloop with the comfort of a salon boat.
2
Outerdeck —A plus for taking pictures, enjoying the beauty of the canals and the bright sky. Or if you want to smoke a cigarette, you can do it here.
3
Sliding windows —The boat has as much coverage as you want. You can easily open and close the glass windows yourself.
5
Toilet on board —An unexpected luxury. Most boat owners cut down the toilet to create additional seating. We understand the need.
7
Captain's Office —With the authentic 1928 wooden steering wheel. Want to sail yourself? Ask the captain!
6
Covered lounge —12-person comfortable saloon with 2 spacious couches and 2 love seats. In the middle a table for drinks, snacks, lunch or buffet.
Canal cruises Amsterdam by Captain Dave
  • 100% electric
  • Authentic steering wheel
  • Covered saloon 12 pax
  • Sliding roof
  • Sliding glass windows
  • Open outer deck
  • Bluetooth music system
  • Heating
  • Onboard toilet for light use
  • Best captains!

QUICK DETAILS: Dimensions: Length 13.40 m —Width 3.04 m —Depth 1.40 —Material: Steel and Teakwood —Safety: Double steel hull

See also the history of the Jonckvrouw

NEW Features of the James Bond

—Canals. Charm. Confidential.

4

100% electric —The James Bond is fully electric.

1

Enjoy the best of both worlds —open-air freedom and cozy comfort. With a simple slide, the roof opens on both sides.

2

Two outer decks — one at the front and one at the back — offer a full 360° view of the canals and sky. Perfect for snapping photos, soaking in the scenery, or stepping out for a breath of fresh air (or a cigarette, if you like).

2

Two outer decks — one at the front and one at the back — offer a full 360° view of the canals and sky. Perfect for snapping photos, soaking in the scenery, or stepping out for a breath of fresh air (or a cigarette, if you like).

3

Drop sash window —Vertically sliding window opens from the top, letting in fresh air while keeping the lower half closed for protection. 

5

Toilet on board —An unexpected luxury. Most boat owners cut down the toilet to create additional seating. We understand the need.

7

Captain's Office —Equipped with taximeters, mobile phones, and even a minibar. 

6

Covered lounge —12-person saloon with side couches and a central dining table — perfect for relaxing or gathering.

Meet our new boat
—James Bond!

This classic taxiboat from 1990 comes with a cool 360° view of Amsterdam. We’re happy to have it in our fleet—and even happier to welcome you on board!

QUICK DETAILS: Dimensions: Length 9.55 m —Width 2.85 m —Depth 1.10 —Material: Steel

  • 100% electric
  • Authentic steering wheel
  • Covered saloon 12 pax
  • Sliding roof (2)
  • Top-hinged windows
  • Outer deck —front and back
  • Bluetooth music system
  • Heating
  • Onboard toilet
  • Best captains!

Captain Dave®

—and his team of lively captains

Canal Cruises Amsterdam by Captain Dave Amsterdam -The official

Hi, I am Dave. I was born and raised in Amsterdam, specifically around the Jordaan area, close to the Anne Frank House. I turned my hobby into my profession, and I can honestly say I love every moment of it.

Captain Dave Amsterdam is not just a brand, it’s all about teamwork—together with Bas, Gisela, Jan, Jay, Klaas, Mare, Okke, Rob, Romin, and Tony. We’re fully licensed captains, and passionate storytellers. Plus, we don’t just give you facts; we bring the city to life with our lively stories about Amsterdam, its canals, and everyday life here.

Finally, it’s our mission to make Captain Dave’s boat tours the highlight of your stay, leaving you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to this amazing city.

Captain Dave —Canal Cruises Amsterdam

Frequent Asked questions

—FAQ Canal cruises Amsterdam

For more information, visit our FAQ page. 

How long do boat tours last?

Most canal tours in Amsterdam last 60 minutes, usually following a fixed route. Our group tours or shared cruises, which offer flexible routes, typically take 90 minutes, while with a private tour, you can choose the duration—anywhere from 90 minutes to 6 hours, fully tailored to your preferences!

Check out our tours and discover the perfect canal experience for you!

What will I see during the boat tour?

You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, the Skinny Bridge, and beautiful 17th-century canal houses. Our tours feature 4 flexible routes, so you’ll also experience the Amstel River, parts of the UNESCO-listed canal belt, and hidden gems throughout the city. At Captain Dave, we’re not just about the sights—we’re real storytellers, bringing the history and charm of Amsterdam to life as we cruise.

Are there different types of boat tours (e.g., day, night, or themed tours)?

Yes! We offer a unique early morning canal cruise at 8 and 8:30 AM (no other boats on the water!) and 10 and 10:30 AM, as well as our Cruise Like a Local tour—a fun afternoon or evening experience at noon, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM and 8 PM. We also offer special themed tours, such as the Light Festival in winter at 4:30 PM, 5 PM, 6:30 PM, 7 PM and 8:30 PM and private group tours tailored to your needs.

Does the boat have a roof in case of rain?

Yes, both of our boats feature a roof — designed for comfort in every season!

Jonckvrouw is a beautifully restored saloon boat with a solid sliding roof, sliding windows, and an outer deck. You’ll enjoy the breezy, open-air feeling of a sloop, combined with the elegance and comfort of a saloon boat—offering the best of both worlds, no matter the weather.

James Bond, our second boat, brings a modern twist. Once a taxi boat, it now offers 360° views, two spacious outer decks, a comfortable saloon, and a sliding roof —perfect for a unique and memorable cruise.

Where do I meet the boat?

We’ll meet at Prinsengracht 397, on the odd-numbered side of the canal. Look for us on the water side, where the boat will be docked. We don’t be in a house, so please come directly to the boat. Simply follow the Google Maps link in your confirmation email or type Captain Dave Amsterdam—The Official into Google Maps.

If the boat isn’t there when you arrive, we may be bringing it around or finishing a previous trip. Double-check your confirmation for the correct date and address!

Book before it sells out!