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Canal cruises amsterdam

Frequent asked
questions about
Captain Dave

—FAQ Canal cruises Amsterdam

Frequent Asked questions

—FAQ Canal cruises Amsterdam

  • Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the trip.
  • Free rebooking up to 24 hours in advance.


If we cancel due to severe or dangerous conditions or guest count, we’ll reschedule or refund.

Please note that no-shows and late arrivals are non-refundable.

We recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance for unexpected situations.

No problem! If you cancel more than 24 hours before your trip, you’ll receive a full refund. Just click ‘Change booking | Cancel booking’ in your confirmation email—it’s right below the date.

If you’re within 24 hours of your tour, we can’t offer refunds as we need time to rebook your spots. However, we always appreciate a heads-up if you can’t make it.

Any questions? Feel free to reply to your confirmation email or reach out to info@captaindave.nl!

Absolutely! We can reach you by text, but we recommend using the email you’ve provided. It’s the easiest way for us to share important updates about your trip. Be sure to check your inbox regularly so you don’t miss any important info!

We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons or special events like the Winter Light Festival.
However, it’s also possible to book last-minute tours, as we close the booking gate just before departure. To check availability, please refer to our calendar for the most up-to-date information. 

The shared cruises last 90 minutes, while a private boat tour allows you to set the duration yourself

We’ll be at Prinsengracht 397, on the water side. Simply follow the Google Maps link in your confirmation email or type Captain Dave Amsterdam into Google Maps.

For the Winter Festival of Lights (28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025), we meet at Herengracht 386. Please check your ticket for more details.

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!

Yes, we need at least 4 guests to run the tour. Don’t worry though—it’s usually not an issue. We’ll keep you posted and do our best to fit your plans. If the tour doesn’t go ahead and you can’t join us on another day, you’ll receive a full refund.

How will you know? We’ll email, text, or give you a call!

Most canal tours in Amsterdam last 60 minutes, usually following a fixed route. Our group tours, 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!

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.

The canals are beautiful year-round, offering something special in every season.

Spring and summer bring lovely weather, where we open the glass sliding windows and roof, or you can enjoy the outer deck. In autumn and winter, the cozy, heated salon keeps you warm and comfortable, especially during the magical Amsterdam Light Festival.

Our boat, the Jonckvrouw (Royal Lady), is perfectly suited for all seasons, adapting gracefully to ensure a wonderful experience no matter the weather.

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

Yes, we offer both private and group tours. Our boat, the Jonckvrouw (Royal Lady), is licensed for up to 12 guests and can be booked exclusively for your group or as part of a shared tour.

Our group tours run daily, including the Early Morning Canal Cruise at 8 AM, the Morning Canal Cruise at 10 AM, and the Cruise Like a Local at 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM.

Private tours are perfect for special occasions, corporate events, or a fun day with family and friends. Please contact us to arrange a customized experience tailored to your needs.

Yes, our tours are guided by lively captains and real storytellers who will share fascinating insights about the city and local life. We offer commentary in simply spoken English and Dutch. Some captains may speak additional languages and can explain certain things, but the main language of the tour is English.

We keep it cozy with a maximum of 12 guests on board, plus 1 captain. Our boat, the Jonckvrouw (Royal Lady), is officially licensed for up to 12 passengers, ensuring everyone has plenty of space to relax and enjoy the ride comfortably!

Almost none! Our boat Jonckvrouw is designed for all weather conditions, except during severe weather. If it’s not safe, we won’t go out—your safety comes first! Our team will assess the situation and, if needed, reschedule you for another time. If that’s not possible, we’ll happily provide a full refund.

Rain or shine, we’re ready for a great time on the canals!

You’ll be cruising on the Jonckvrouw, the flagship of Amsterdam! This beautiful saloon boat is a real gem—built with steel and teakwood, and equipped with a double steel hull for extra safety. At 13.40 meters long and 3.04 meters wide, it’s spacious yet intimate, offering the perfect balance for a relaxing and scenic tour of the canals.

You’re in for a truly special experience on board!

Yes, the Jonckvrouw is a saloon boat with a solid sliding roof, so we cruise rain or shine! The boat is fully covered, and we can slide the roof open depending on the weather. No umbrellas are needed! You’ll enjoy the fun of an open sloop combined with the comfort of a salon boat, ensuring a great experience no matter the conditions.

Yes! Our boat features a covered saloon with a sliding roof and glass sliding windows, so you can enjoy the views in comfort. We also have an outer deck with a bimini for extra shade when you want to be outside.

Yes! Our (early) morning canal cruise includes complimentary coffee, tea, juice, smoothies, and Frisian sugar bread. On the Cruise Like a Local, enjoy an open bar with Heineken beer, wine (white, rosé, red), soda, and Spa water

For private tours, you can book refreshments in advance, or bring your own for a €20 per hour corkage fee.

If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to bring your own snacks—just let us know beforehand!

We’re here to make sure your experience is just right!

Yes, we’re allowed to serve alcohol, but we aim to create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere—no booze cruises here! Our goal is to offer a fun experience for everyone

Yes and no.

On our shared group tours, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed. However, our (early) morning canal cruise includes complimentary coffee, tea, juice, smoothy, and Frisian sugar bread, and the Cruise Like a Local offers an open bar with Heineken beer, wine (white, rosé, red), soda, and Spa water. 

For private tours, you have the option to book refreshments, or if you prefer to bring your own, we charge a corkage fee of €20 per hour.

If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to bring your own snacks—just let us know beforehand!

Yes, small, well-behaved pets are welcome, but only on private cruises. Please inform us in advance if you’ll be bringing a pet so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Yes, our boat is heated in winter, so you’ll stay warm and cozy while enjoying the sights.
Yes, children and infants need a ticket, as we have a permit for 12 guests, and this includes everyone on board. We offer discounts for kids aged 3-10, so be sure to check the pricing details when booking.

For your convenience, we come directly to pick you up by boat! There’s no need to ring any bells—just wait at the designated meeting point, and we’ll arrive shortly.

Please note that our regular meeting point is Prinsengracht 397, but during the Winter Festival, we use a different meeting point at Herengracht 386. Be sure to check your confirmation for the correct location. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

We get this question a lot! While it can feel a bit awkward to ask, tipping is quite common in the Netherlands, and always appreciated if you’ve enjoyed your time with us. Of course, it’s entirely up to you! 

While we don’t offer group discounts, booking a private charter is often the best option for larger groups! A private tour can accommodate up to 12 guests and might be more cost-effective, depending on your group size. Plus, it’s a great way to have the boat all to yourselves!

No, we don’t offer transportation, but we recommend arriving by foot, bike, public transport, or taxi service. It’s an easy and scenic way to reach us!

For taxis, you can reach them at +31 (0)20 – 777 77 77. Keep in mind, Uber can be a bit unreliable in Amsterdam, so it’s always good to plan ahead!

Yes, we have a lost and found for any items left behind on the boat. Just give us a call, and we’ll let you know the next time we’ll be at the dock for a charter check-in, along with the time window to pick up your item.

Unfortunately, we’re unable to mail items, but we’ll make sure it’s easy for you to collect them!

Yes, we have a basic toilet on board, perfect for quick stops (number 1 only!). For everyone’s sake (and the toilet’s!), we kindly ask that you save number 2 for before or after the trip. 😊

Yes, we have life jackets on board, but it is neither necessary nor mandatory to wear them during the tour.

Unfortunately, our boat is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep stairs required for boarding.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us through WhatsApp

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