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Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Award 2024 and 2025

Small group

canal cruise in Amsterdam

Max 12 guests • No script • Local captain

Relax and see the city like a local

Comfortable

Saloon
Outer deck
Toilet on Board

Personable

Your captain
Your guide
Your host

All-inclusive

Boat tour
Captain
Flexible route

Small group

Max 12 guests
non-scripted
Cruise in style

CAPTAIN DAVE'S Canal cruises Amsterdam

—every day an adventure

Canal Cruises Amsterdam by Captain Dave Amsterdam -The official

Experience the magic of Amsterdam in total comfort. Step on board and leave the crowds behind. With only 12 guests, every cruise feels easy, personal, and full of character. No script, no fixed route —just real stories, shared laughs, and Amsterdam through the eyes of your local captain. 

TIP: Book directly via our website for the lowest price. Add trip protection for extra peace of mind. Check availability —often fully booked.

—Canals to ourselves

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

—explore the canals

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

—cruise in style

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

Winter festival 2026/2027

—Celebration Edition

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

Winter festival 2026/2027

—Celebration Year

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
authenticity
personal touch
small-group

What our guests say

—about Captain Dave's canal Cruises Amsterdam

Our guests say it best:
Authentic stories, personal touches, and unforgettable moments make every cruise special. That’s why we’re proud to be ranked #2 of 561 Outdoor Activities in Amsterdam and honored with Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 —a reflection of the confidence and joy our guests share.

Want to support us? Book directly on our website for the best experience and to help us keep creating these unforgettable moments.

Meet our fleet

—One classic with royal history. One modern pioneer with a 360° view

A classic Dutch saloon boat, the flagship of Amsterdam, since 1928  with character and history. Warm, comfortable, electric —with sliding windows, a sliding roof, heating and a toilet on board.

Sailling monument Jonckvrouw - the flagship of Amsterdam

Jonckvrouw, a 1928 Registered Historic Vessel

A former water taxi with open views in every direction. Fresh air, wide canals, and that open‑boat feeling —even on a crisp morning. Designed for any weather. See the City in Full View (360°!)

James Bond, a 1990 former Amsterdam water taxi.

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. 

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.

  • 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

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!

Everything you might want to know

—FAQ Canal cruises Amsterdam

For more information, visit our FAQ page

How long does a canal tour last?

Most canal tours in Amsterdam last 60 minutes on a fixed route. Our group tours take a relaxed 90 minutes along flexible routes —real time to settle in, enjoy your drink and soak up the city. Want the boat to yourselves? A private tour runs from 90 minutes to 6 hours, fully tailored to you.

With us, every minute is about the experience. Drinks are self-service —usually one person in the group looks after them —so you help yourself to a coffee, tea or drink whenever you like, with no pausing to check tickets, serve or settle the bill. Check out our tours and find your perfect cruise.

 

What will we see during the tour?

Iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House, the 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.

Is there a toilet (head) on board?

Yes —both our boats have a basic toilet for quick stops (number 1 only, please!). Save number 2 for before or after the trip, so you can fully enjoy the cruise.

Does the boat have a roof, shade and heating —what about rain or sun?

Our boats are built for all weather.

The Jonckvrouw and James Bond both have a solid sliding roof, so we cruise rain or shine, and a heated saloon keeps you warm in autumn and winter. In spring and summer we open the windows and roof, or you enjoy the open decks. We only stay in for severe or unsafe weather —and then we reschedule or refund you.

 

Where do we meet —what's the boarding location?

Your boarding location is Prinsengracht 397, right next to restaurant Verlan —on the canal side, behind the parked cars. Simply follow the Google Maps link in your confirmation email, or type “Captain Dave Amsterdam —The Official” into Google Maps.

The boat arrives about 5 minutes before departure. 👉 No boat yet? You’re in exactly the right place —just relax and wait.

For the Winter Festival of Lights evening tour (26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027) we meet at a different location —please check your ticket for details.

 

Ready for your best day in Amsterdam?