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- About Amsterdam Canals
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- Anne Frank Tours
- NEMO Science Museum Tickets
- The Upside Down Amsterdam Museum Tickets
- Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
- Amsterdam Red Light District Tours
- Fabrique des Lumières
- Xtracold Icebar Tickets
- AMAZE Amsterdam
- A'DAM Lookout Tickets
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum Tickets
- Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets
- Volendam Cheese Factory Tours
- WONDR Experience Tickets
- National Maritime Museum Tickets
- Stedelijk Museum Tickets
Book Amsterdam River Cruise Tickets
Tour Zaanse Schans independently with cheese tasting and traditional demonstrations included.
- Day out to: Zaanse Schans where you see working windmills, watch clog making, and taste Dutch cheese while enjoying flexible self guided exploration.
- You’ll get: Round trip transfers from Amsterdam, access to cheese and clog demonstrations, and freedom to explore Zaanse Schans at your own pace.
- Zaanse Schans & Cheese Factory: Walk among iconic windmills and visit a cheese making site where you can watch production and enjoy fresh tasting varieties.
- Clog Workshop & Dutch Village Life: Observe wooden clog carving demonstrations and explore windmills village freely while experiencing traditional Dutch countryside atmosphere.
- Upgrades: Add English guided tour, canal cruise experience, cheese shop discount, or enhanced cultural access including digital guides and extended sightseeing options.
Tour Zaanse Schans independently with cheese tasting and traditional demonstrations included.
- Day out to: Zaanse Schans where you see working windmills, watch clog making, and taste Dutch cheese while enjoying flexible self guided exploration.
- You’ll get: Round trip transfers from Amsterdam, access to cheese and clog demonstrations, and freedom to explore Zaanse Schans at your own pace.
- Zaanse Schans & Cheese Factory: Walk among iconic windmills and visit a cheese making site where you can watch production and enjoy fresh tasting varieties.
- Clog Workshop & Dutch Village Life: Observe wooden clog carving demonstrations and explore windmills village freely while experiencing traditional Dutch countryside atmosphere.
- Upgrades: Add English guided tour, canal cruise experience, cheese shop discount, or enhanced cultural access including digital guides and extended sightseeing options.
What to bring
- Ensure your entry tickets and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.
What’s not allowed
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Accessibility
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Foldable strollers are allowed on the coach.
- For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
Additional information
- Late arrivals can't be rescheduled, and tickets are non-refundable—so be sure to arrive on time!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Cruises in AmsterdamHarbor Cruises
Why go on an Amsterdam river cruise
- Enjoy the views of the Amsterdam harbor from the deck of the luxurious cruise and admire the world’s largest cocoa and petrol port. Get to learn about interesting details and future development plans of the port.
- Get to explore the areas of Amsterdam port that are only accessible for commercial shipping and sail between large cargo ships.
- Sail off the former historic NDSM yard and indulge in the food and drink choices available onboard.
- Explore the historic town of Zaanse Schans and experience the Dutch cultural heritage on an amazing 3-hour excursion.
About the Port of Amsterdam
During the Dutch Golden Age, the Amsterdam Harbor was an important port for the Dutch East India Company. Today, it's still a major player – it's actually the second-biggest port in the Netherlands! The port comprises several harbor areas, with over 1,500 acres of waterways and almost 4,930 acres of land. And can you believe it has a history that goes all the way back to the 13th century? A seaport located on the North Sea Canal and IJ, a former bay connecting the North Sea, it serves as the fourth busiest port in Europe. Plus, it's connected to the Rhine River through the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal.
Sights covered on your Amsterdam river cruise
Port of Amsterdam
Built in the 13th century, the Port of Amsterdam was originally the main hub for the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. Today, it's still super busy – it's the fourth busiest port in Europe and the second-largest in the Netherlands! You can take a boat tour and see the whole thing, including the biggest cocoa and petrol port in the world.
Zaan River
Originally a sidearm of the IJ Bay, the Zaan River is about 13.5 kilometers long and has played a big role in the Netherlands' geographical and cultural history. Several towns and cities along its banks are even named after it, like Zaanse Schans. These towns are like time capsules, holding onto the river’s cultural heritage.
Zaanse Schans
Deriving its name from the Zaan River, Zaanse Schans holds on to the original Dutch cultural heritage with its well-preserved historic houses and windmills. You can even visit a bakery museum and learn about clog-making. It's a great spot to experience the real Netherlands and see why it's so popular with tourists.
Know before you go on an Amsterdam river cruise
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Visitor tips
- From Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour: 10:30am and 2:15pm
Duration: 6 hours - Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour: 2 pm
Duration: 2 hours
You can board both cruises on the dock opposite Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 45 (NDSM Wharf)
Take the free ferry to the NDSM Wharf (purple line F4) from the Amsterdam Centraal Station to get to the dock.
- Entertainment tax is included in the price for the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- Downloadable multilingual audio guides are available in Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish & Italian on both cruises
- A Spanish-speaking guide is available on the Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour
- Free Wi-Fi is available onboard the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- Food and drinks are available for purchase on the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- Service animals are permitted onboard the Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
- The Zaanse Schans Half-Day Tour includes round-trip transfers from Amsterdam
- Make sure to reach your boarding point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time for the cruise for a smooth check-in and to get the best seats onboard.
- You might experience a drop in temperature once you are onboard. Make sure to dress appropriately in warm clothes to enjoy a comfortable ride.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam river cruise tickets
What is the difference between an Amsterdam canal cruise and a river cruise?
A river cruise takes you beyond the city’s famous canals and into the larger waters of Amsterdam’s harbor and surrounding waterways, providing a broader view of the city’s maritime history, industrial zones, and modern architecture.
Is an Amsterdam river cruise suitable for families?
Yes, river cruises are great for families. Children often find it exciting to see large ships, cranes, and bustling docks. Some cruises may also offer commentary specifically tailored for younger audiences.
Can I see large ships and cargo vessels on an Amsterdam river cruise?
Yes, the river cruise offers views of large ships, including cargo vessels and ferries that dock and pass through the port. You’ll see a bustling side of Amsterdam that’s far different from the calm, narrow canals.
From happy customers
Bernadette
United KingdomMar, 2026
This was a great canal tour with helpful and friendly staff. The commentary was playful and engaging. Hassle free and calm. Perfect.
Amsterdam: 75-Min City Centre Sightseeing Cruise
Patryk
PolandMar, 2026
Audio guide and boat operator (capitan) funny jokes, inside stories. Nice route - 1 hour is long enough to see the most intersting parts and not to get bored.
Combo: Anne Frank Walking Tour + 1-Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Judy
Mar, 2026
Pickup was efficient, the venue fabulous. There was a little confusion catching the return bus, otherwise all went well.
Combo: Keukenhof Entry with Transfers from Amsterdam + 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise
Michelle
South AfricaMar, 2026
+ 2 more
It was magical! Girls loved it, moms loved it. Took so many photos! Cocktails and milkshakes super cool and tasty. Service is as friendly. Easy to book and pay.
Combo: The Upside Down Amsterdam Tickets + Barbie: The Dream Experience Tickets
Haifeng
Mar, 2026
Boat tour started 15 mins late but the experience were wonderful. Beautiful boat and lovely engaging captain. Definitely recommend
Amsterdam: 1-Hour Luxury Electric Open Boat Cruise with Onboard Bar
Hanna
UkraineMar, 2026
+ 2 more
WONDR & Barbie Museum in Amsterdam — tested with my 5-year-old daughter and fully approved 💕
We spent a few hours there and it was pure fun. Bright, interactive, and just the right kind of playful chaos.
My daughter was absolutely thrilled: colorful rooms, mirrors, ball pits, and the Barbie world — something exciting at every step. And honestly, adults will enjoy it too (and probably take 200+ photos 😄).
It’s a perfect place if you want:
• easy, light entertainment
• lots of эмоції and movement
• a genuinely happy time together
It’s not about deep meaning — it’s about joy. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need ✨
Combo: WONDR Experience Tickets + 75-Min Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Jochen
GermanyMar, 2026
A wonderful tour through Amsterdam's canals. The captain shared some very interesting facts about the city's neighborhoods, buildings, and unique features. And best of all: the weather was perfect :-)
View original review in German
Amsterdam: 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise on Closed Heated Boat
Caterina
ItalyMar, 2026
+ 1 more
Everything was wonderful, from the scenery to the atmosphere on the boat itself. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxing and pleasant—perfect for exploring the city in a "different" way. I highly recommend this type of tour.
View original review in Italian
Amsterdam: 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise on Closed Heated Boat