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Private canal cruise Amsterdam with your own skipper.

Private cruising on the Amsterdam canals with a professional skipper. Drinks and catering tailored to you, fully taken care of.

View experiences
Aerial view of the Club Amstel boat on the Amsterdam canals
Champagne and oysters on board
Guests enjoying drinks at sunset
Group on the boat heading to the Amstel
Boat at sunset with the Amsterdam skyline
Friends laughing with wine on the canals
Relaxed atmosphere on board during golden hour
Canal houses in warm evening light

Our signature experiences

Experience Amsterdam from the water.

Private or shared

Why a private canal cruise rather than a ticket.

There are two ways to book a canal cruise in Amsterdam. The large operators sell individual tickets and you share the deck with strangers on a fixed schedule and a fixed route. At Club Amstel you charter the whole boat for your own party. This is what that difference looks like in practice.

Shared canal cruisePrivate with Club Amstel
Who is on boardStrangers, usually a full deckYour own party only, from 2 to 30 guests
Departure timeFixed timetable, you join itYou choose the day, the time and the duration
RouteOne standard route for everyoneCanal ring, Plantage or the Amstel, by arrangement
BoardingFixed jetty, often near Central StationDeparture and mooring wherever suits you
Drinks and cateringA bar on board, or nothing at allSharing boards, dinner or a wine tasting, tailored
SkipperAudio tour or one guide for the whole boatYour own skipper, focused on your party
PricePer person, from around €20Per boat, from €250 per hour excl. VAT

From roughly twelve guests onwards, a private canal cruise in Amsterdam often costs about the same as individual tickets — on a boat that is yours alone.

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions?

Can't find your question here? Feel free to get in touch.

How many people fit on the boat?+

Our boat offers space for a maximum of 30 people as standard. For special occasions, an extension to a maximum of 52 people is possible.

What is the difference between a private canal cruise and a regular one?+

On a regular canal cruise you buy individual tickets and sail alongside strangers on a fixed timetable. On a private cruise you charter the entire boat for your own party and decide the time, the route, the duration and what is served on board.

How long does a canal cruise in Amsterdam take?+

With us you sail for a minimum of two hours, which covers the full canal ring at an unhurried pace. By arrangement we extend to three or four hours, for instance when dinner is served on board.

What does a cruise cost?+

Boat hire is €250 per hour (excl. VAT) with a two-hour minimum, including a professional skipper. Drinks and catering are charged separately.

Can I bring my own drinks and food?+

Yes, you can. We charge €7.50 per person per hour and provide glassware, ice and service. You can also choose one of our packages.

How far in advance should I book?+

As far ahead as possible, to be sure of a spot. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible too. Just get in touch and we'll check availability.

What happens in bad weather?+

In bad weather, your cruise is rebooked to another time free of charge.

Where do you depart from?+

We depart from a central location on the Amsterdam canals. The exact spot is arranged together.

Is a private canal cruise more expensive than individual tickets?+

It depends on the size of your party. You pay per boat rather than per person, so the larger the group the better it works out. From around twelve guests a private cruise usually comes close to the cost of individual tickets.

Is a canal cruise suitable for children or less mobile guests?+

Yes. The boat is covered, sits steadily in the water and has a low step-in. Let us know in advance and the skipper will pick a boarding spot that is easy to reach.

Can we steer the boat ourselves?+

No, an experienced skipper is always on board. The Amsterdam canals are busy and the bridges are low; with a skipper at the helm the cruise stays relaxed instead of becoming work.