Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours in Amsterdam

Home to some of the world's most iconic Van Gogh paintings, Amsterdam's Van Gogh museum attracts lines often in excess of two hours. Beat the crowds with this admission ticket that also includes a 1-hour canal cruise, during which you'll get unobstructed views of Amsterdam's waterside attractions. This stress-free combo ticket is an ideal choice for first-time visitors with limited time in the Dutch capital.

Discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam, known as the "˜Venice of the North,' from the water on this 1-hour sightseeing cruise. After reserving your preferred departure time, skip past any lines and set off on the UNESCO-listed waterways aboard a glass-topped canal boat. Glide under pretty bridges, past 17th-century buildings and landmarks such as the Skinny Bridge and Anne Frank House, and learn about the city's history from the audio guide. Upgrade your canal cruise with admission to Amsterdam's top attractions, such as Body Worlds Amsterdam or Rijksmuseum.

Enjoy two of Amsterdam's must-do activities in one day with a scenic canal cruise and an admission ticket to the Van Gogh Museum. Settle into a comfortable, all-glass cruise boat and soak in the pretty 17th-century architecture, bridges and churches strung along the city's UNESCO-listed canals. After admiring the sights from the water, make your way to the Van Gogh Museum. Explore the stunning collections by Van Gogh and his contemporaries, including his world-famous "˜Sunflowers,' self-portraits and more.

See the annual Amsterdam Light Festival on a winter evening cruise that showcases dozens of light sculptures and projections, all created by artists from around the world. Admire these unique works of art from your glass-topped barge and enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere on board. During the 75-minute cruise, listen to audio commentary about the dazzling installations as well as city attractions including the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), City Hall and the Amstel River.

With the hop-on hop-off Boat Day Pass, enjoy an easy overview of Amsterdam at a pace that suits you. Step aboard boats that operate along Amsterdam's canals and track the tour routes of the Green Line and Orange Line. While on board, listen to engaging commentary on the city and sights you see along the way. Choose between a 24- or 48-hour pass, and get on and off at 7 to 9 stops (depending on the season) as often as you like.

Enjoy a quintessential Amsterdam experience as you cruise around the city's famous canal ways. Hop aboard a nostalgic 1960's lifeboat for a private 1.5-hour cruise and drift through the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht districts. Sip a cool beer or a glass of Prosecco, and nibble on snacks as you spot city landmarks like the Old Port, the Skinny Bridge and the notorious Red Light District.

Take the wheel of an open boat for a 4-hour private rental in Zaandam with transfer from central Amsterdam. Experience the flexibility of an independent trip, and steer to the Amsterdam waterfront or towards the windmills, barns and traditional homes of Zaanse Schans. Relax on deck with a picnic lunch while you soak up the sun and scenery on the coast of the Netherlands; enjoy your time away from the hustle and bustle of the city before returning to Amsterdam.

Avoid waiting in a long line with fast-track access to Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, then unwind after a busy day's sightseeing on a canal cruise. Take advantage of the combined deal to save money and tick off 2 popular city attractions. Learn about Holland's history and culture as you explore the national museum, and benefit from audio commentary for insight into landmarks as you cruise the iconic canals.

Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canals are the postcard star of the Dutch capital, and a canal cruise is the quintessential experience for first-time visitors. Glide down the waterways on a traditional salonboat on this 1.5-hour small-group cruise, and admire landmarks like the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Opera House.

From the peaceful atmosphere of a luxury, glass-enclosed boat, enjoy the highlights of Amsterdam along its UNESCO-listed canals during this 1-hour cruise. Hear narrated commentary on the sites along the way, including the Anne Frank House, the Golden Bend, the Reguliersgracht and the Skinny Bridge. With a variety of departure times available, this picturesque and comprehensive overview by water is easy to fit into your day of sightseeing.

Explore the picturesque village of Giethoorn and sail down its beautiful canals during this full-day private tour from Amsterdam. Giethoorn is a car-free known for its old thatched-roof houses and boat-filled canals as well as its special museums. Then head to the Zaanse Schans district and see the famous Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and cheese factory before heading back to Amsterdam.

See the historic harbor and fishing village of Volendam and discover former island Marken on a boat tour that's been running for over 80 years. Enjoy the beautiful coastline of the former Zuiderzee area and learn all about the region's history and development with an audio guide (English/Dutch). Enjoy a coffee and apple pie on the boat's sun terrace during your crossing. Take your bike on the boat for a small fee, determine your own track and speed and explore each destination. An experience that you will never forget and that is suitable for any age and all weather conditions.

See the windmills of the River Zaan from the water and enjoy a 3-course dinner on this 4-hour small-group river cruise experience from Amsterdam. Travel to the picturesque region around the city of Zaandam, savor a glass of bubbles, and embark on a leisurely cruise along the Zaan. Pass the enchanting windmill village of Zaanse Schans; and visit three restaurants to enjoy a starter, main course and dessert. As you cruise, admire Zaandam's wooden warehouses and cottages, and hear about the area's industrial heritage and working mills from your skipper-guide.

This Amsterdam dinner cruise pairs a freshly prepared 4-course meal with the illuminated sights around the city's romantic canals. Dine on top-quality food "” with your choice of meat, fish or vegetarian dishes "” on one of the few Amsterdam sightseeing boats to offer meals that are cooked on board. Sip a welcome drink from the bar and savor the sights, including attractions like the Anne Frank House and Hermitage Museum. Beer, wine or soda are included along with coffee and tea on your 2.5-hour excursion.

Sail past the "˜Water Colors' light sculptures of the Amsterdam Light Festival on a 75-minute cruise. Settle aboard a whisper-quiet, electric boat and listen to the crystal-clear onboard commentary as you admire the sparkling illuminated artworks on the canals, bridges, and monuments. Hear the story behind the installations, sip hot chocolate or "˜glühwein,' and use the provided pillow and blankets if you need extra warmth on the open and semi-indoor decks.

Combine two Amsterdam essentials in one day with a canal cruise and skip-the-line admission to the Heineken Experience. Board a comfortable boat and admire the sights along Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage canals on a 75-minute cruise. Waft by lovely canal houses, bridges and churches; and savor this delightful quarter from the water. Complement your cruise with fast-track entry to the Heineken Experience at the beer's former Amsterdam brewery. See the vintage brewery equipment and learn about the production process on an interactive journey that finishes with a free beer tasting.

 Ensure a relaxing Sunday in Amsterdam immersing yourself in culture and history. First, listen to well-loved works performed by top musicians in the Royal Concertgebouw, one of the world's top concert venues. Choose an afternoon time that works for you to cruise the waters of Amsterdam's iconic canals, seeing both the historic past and modern buildings of the city.

Go for Amsterdam gold: a 24- or 48-hour Amsterdam hop-on hop-off Boat Pass, plus entry to the Heineken Experience. Cruise Amsterdam's scenic waterways and hop on and off at any of the 7 to 9 stops (depending on the season) located near the city's top attractions including the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. During the Heineken Experience, discover the tradition behind one of the world's most famous breweries at a site that is part beer museum and part amusement park.