Amsterdam's canals: do you need the boat to yourselves?
Ad · We earn a commission when you book through the links on this page.
The answer
Only for an occasion that needs the boat to yourselves, such as a proposal or a family with small children. Even full, it never beats a seat on a shared boat on price, and for most people the shared boat is enough.
As of 2 November 2026
One boat for up to six, or a seat among strangers on the same water.
The small open boats run this water; the large glass boats keep to the wider ring
The photographs are our own. worth importing is an independent magazine · About
When to skip it
Read the current figures on GetYourGuide's own page before you book. Anyone who needs a toilet on board; the GetYourGuide boat has none. A cold wet evening in an open boat.
Questions people ask
The boat is a small open launch for up to six, with a skipper who talks. Water, beer, soft drinks and prosecco are on board. The route is the canal ring and the Amstel, for one to two hours on the listing. With the boat to yourselves the skipper goes where you ask.
How it works
The private boats are small open launches, electric or quiet diesel, with a skipper who talks and a cool box. The route is the canal ring and the Amstel, for one to two hours. On the shared boats you sit with strangers and drink what is in the box. On the private boat you choose the route and who comes.
What to watch for
- The GetYourGuide boat has no toilet, and that trip runs up to two hours with drinks on board.
- In rain an open boat means a blanket and a hood, and the operators still sail. Check the forecast the day before and use the 24-hour cancellation.
- The Viator cruise is priced per person and the price varies by group size; the from-price is for a full boat. For two, read what the selector shows before you book.
Safety on a private canal boat
A skipper steers every private boat here: a small open launch for up to six, on the canal ring and the Amstel, for one to two hours. There is no toilet on board. In rain the operators still sail, with a blanket and a hood. Check the forecast the day before; the boat can be cancelled free up to 24 hours ahead.
When the shared boat is enough
For almost everyone it is enough, on the same water and under the same bridges.
Book the private boat for an occasion that needs it empty: a proposal, or small children who need the room.
For that, the GetYourGuide boat is the one to look at.
FAQ
- Is an Amsterdam canal cruise worth it?
- Yes, on a small open boat in the evening.
- Open boat or glass roof?
- Open and small, with a skipper who talks. The private boats here are all like that.
- Can we bring food?
- Read the boat's own terms, or ask when you book.
Source
Send this page · Copy the link
Checked 2 November 2026