Amsterdam Canal Cruise: An All-Inclusive History Tour with Captain Jack

Embark on an all-inclusive history tour of Amsterdam’s canals with Captain Jack. Discover the rich history of the city while enjoying typical Dutch bites, drinks, and entertaining stories. Suitable for families and friends. Limited availability for open boat rides on beautiful days.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rijksmuseum - We dock right in front of the Rijksmuseum (Rijksmuseum departure) Take a moment to enjoy this amazing museum. Beautiful as a building and amazing expositions. And of course the master piece of the world famous Rembrandt called the Nachtwacht (Night watch).
  • Amsterdam Canal Ring - Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, has more than one hundred kilometers of grachten (canals), about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. The three main canals (Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht), dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings.[1] The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Jordaan, were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010,[2] contributing to Amsterdam’s fame as the “Venice of the North”
  • Prinsengracht - One of the three main canals of Amsterdam, named after the three prinses of Holland.

Construction started in 1612 on the initiative of Mayor Frans Hendricksz. Oetgens, after a design by city carpenter Hendrick Jacobsz Staets and city surveyor Lucas Jansz Sinck.

The part between the Leidsegracht and the Amstel was developed during the city explanation of 1658. The section to the east of the Amstel was constructed during the last expansion. This part was named Nieuwe Prinsengracht.

The Korte Prinsengracht is in the extension of the Prinsengracht between the Brouwersgracht and the Westerdok.

  • 9 Little Streets (Negen Straatjes) - We will pass this amazing place, with the most amazing shops. Not those big chain companies, but smaller lovely boutiques, local little restaurants, local designers and beautiful vintage shops.
  • The Amstel - The Amstel is the biggest canal of all, and Amsterdam was founded from this canal which was originally a river. Fisherman builds a “dam” and called is Amsterdam. Amstel is also the name giver to the famous beer.
  • Koninklijk Theater Carre - The Royal Theatre Carré (Dutch: Koninklijk Theater Carré) is a Neo-Renaissance theatre in Amsterdam, located near the river Amstel. When the theatre was founded in 1887, it was originally meant as a permanent circus building. Currently, it is mainly used for musicals, cabaret performances, and pop concerts.
  • Hermitage Amsterdam - Hermitage Amsterdam is a branch museum of the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg, Russia, located on the banks of the Amstel river in Amsterdam. The museum is located in the former Amstelhof, a classical style building from 1681.
  • Blauwbrug - The Blauwbrug (English: Blue bridge) is an historic bridge in Amsterdam, Netherlands over the river Amstel. It connects the Rembrandtplein area with the Waterlooplein area and lies south to the Stopera.
  • Dutch National Opera & Ballet - Dutch National Opera (DNO; formerly De Nederlandse Opera, now De Nationale Opera in Dutch) is a Dutch opera company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its present home base is the Dutch National Opera & Ballet housed in the Stopera building, a modern building designed by Cees Dam and Wilhelm Holzbauer which opened in 1986.
  • South Church (Zuiderkerk) - The Zuiderkerk is the first church designed for Protestant worship in Amsterdam. The church was built near the Sint Antoniesbreestraat in the Last, a neighborhood that was added to the city at the end of the 16th century. Today this is the Nieuwmarkt neighborhood. The church is located at Zandstraat no. 17.
  • Our Lord in the Attic Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder - Tucked away in the heart of Amsterdam’s inner city lies a small marvel: Our Lord in the Attic Museum: a uniquely preserved seventeenth-century house from the Dutch Golden Age. Explore the narrow corridors and climb the stairs to historically furnished living rooms, kitchens, and bedsteads, leading literally to the highpoint of the museum: an entire church in the attic.
  • Nieuwmarkt - One of the oldest markets in Amsterdam. An amazing location combining the Chinese area and red light district. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Waag. Now a restaurant but in the old days the western entrance of the old city. And the also hanged withes and criminals there.
  • Emperor’s Canal (Keizersgracht) - The three main canals (Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht), dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Jordaan, were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, contributing to Amsterdam’s fame as the “Venice of the North”
  • Herengracht - The three main canals (Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht), dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Jordaan, were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, contributing to Amsterdam’s fame as the “Venice of the North”
  • Singel - The Singel is a canal in Amsterdam which encircled the city in the Middle Ages. It served as a moat around the city until 1585, when Amsterdam expanded beyond the Singel. The canal runs from the IJ bay, near the Central Station, to the Muntplein square, where it meets the Amstel river. It is now the inner-most canal in Amsterdam’s semicircular ring of canals.
  • Centraal Station - Amsterdam Centraal is the largest railway station in Amsterdam, Netherlands. A major international railway hub, it is used by 162,000 passengers a day, making it the second busiest railway station in the country after Utrecht Centraal and the most visited Rijksmonument of the Netherlands.
  • St. Nicholas Basilica - The Basilica of Saint Nicholas (Dutch: Basiliek van de Heilige Nicolaas) is located in the Old Centre district of Amsterdam, Netherlands, very close to Amsterdam’s main railway station. It is the city’s primary Roman Catholic church.
  • OBA Library of Amsterdam - The Amsterdam Public Library, OBA, is a cultural organization aimed to promote a free flow of knowledge and information within the community of Amsterdam. In addition, the OBA provides a center for dialogue and education for all sections of society.
  • Magere Brug - One of Amsterdam’s many bridges is the beautiful Magere Brug, known to English speakers at the Skinny Bridge. This wooden drawbridge was once so narrow that it was hard for two pedestrians to pass each other. To cope with increasing traffic on the Amstel, a wider bridge replaced the narrow original in 1871. Also known as a love bridge, kiss on top or underneath and your love will be forever!
  • Museum Het Rembrandthuis - The Rembrandt House Museum tells the story of the multi-faceted Rembrandt. He is known above all as an artist, the maker of dozens of self-portraits, intriguing cronies, compelling history paintings and convincing portraits. But Rembrandt was much more than a talented painter, etcher, and draughtsman. In the museum, you will encounter Rembrandt the man, the teacher, the collector, the entrepreneur and the Amsterdammer. Come and meet him in his own home!
  • Het Scheepvaartmuseum| The National Maritime Museum - The collection of The National Maritime Museum is one of the largest and most prominent maritime collections in the world with approximately 400,000 objects, including paintings, ship models, navigation instruments and world maps. Discover 500 years of Dutch maritime history and how strongly this is connected to the society of today and of the future.
  • Scheepvaarthuis - A beautiful building across central station. Build in 1912 as the head office of the 7 major harbor companies of Amsterdam. Nowadays it holds a 5* hotel. It is a perfect example of the local architectonical style called the Amsterdam school. In the ‘80 and ‘90 it was the main office of the Amsterdam Transport Company (GVB) responsible for all trams, subways and busses within Amsterdam.
  • Red Light District (De Wallen) - It is very likely that you have heard about this neighborhood and to be frank, everything you have heard is probably true. From brothels to sex shops to museums, the Amsterdam Red Light District has it all. But contrary to what a lot of people might think, the Amsterdam Red Light District has a very friendly atmosphere and isn’t as dangerous as it used to be.
  • Munt Tower (Munttoren) - The Munttoren (mint tower) was once part of the Regulierspoort which consisted of a gate with a tower on each side. It was built between 1480 and 1487 as part of the medieval city wall. Back in the 17th century, the tower was used to mint coins.
  • Museum of the Canals - For centuries here, money has been earned, art created, feasts celebrated and life enjoyed. This is the story that the Museum of the Canals brings to life.
  • Melkweg - The Melkweg is a pop venue and cultural center with live music, club nights, photography, film, and festivals. It is in a former sugar refinery and milk factory on the Lijnbaansgracht in Amsterdam, behind the Leidseplein and next to the Stadsschouwburg.
  • Amstelveld - Amstelveld is a square in the center of Amsterdam, between Reguliersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Kerkstraat, close to Utrechtsestraat. The Amstelkerk, a predominantly wooden building, stands on the square. The characteristic plantation consists of 46 Caucasian wingnut trees
  • Joods Historisch Museum - The Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam is a museum that highlights Jewish culture, religion, and history. The museum has been located on Jonas Daniël Meijerplein since 1987 in the heart of the old Jewish Neighborhood. A good alternative for the Anne Frank house as well.
  • Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam - The Amsterdam Icebar is one of the coolest locations in the city (literally) and is certainly in the top 10 best things to do in Amsterdam. This fantastic bar is kept at a constant temperature of -10 ° C and everything is made entirely of ice. Be surprised by this fantastic experience and unique location while enjoying your favorite drinks
  • De Kleine Komedie - The Kleine Komedie is a theater in Amsterdam located on the Amstel and was built in 1786. It is the oldest theater in Amsterdam and can accommodate 503 spectators. The theater that focuses on small art has since the 1980s become ‘the cabaret temple of the Netherlands.
  • Rokin - The Rokin is a water and a street in Amsterdam, located between Dam Square and Muntplein, part of the former course of the Amstel.
  • De Krijtberg - Sint Franciscus Xaveriuskerk - The Krijtberg or St Francis Xaverius church is a Roman Catholic rectorate church in the center of Amsterdam, dedicated to St Francis Xaverius. It is served by priests of the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits.
  • The Bulldog The First Coffeeshop - The story of The Bulldog starts in 1974, in the middle of the red light district. Henk de Vries created a place where everyone is welcome. A place where people can enjoy the privilege of being themselves: The Bulldog coffeeshop. Inspired by his dog at that time, a bulldog named Joris. Even the company logo was inspired by Joris; a drawing of Joris’ head.
  • Oude Kerk - The Oude Kerk (English: Old Church) is Amsterdam’s oldest building and youngest art institutes (since 2012). The building was founded circa 1213 and consecrated in 1306 by the bishop of Utrecht with Saint Nicolas as its patron saint. After the Reformation in 1578, it became a Calvinist church, which it remains today. It stands in De Wallen, now Amsterdam’s main red-light district. The square surrounding the church is the Oudekerksplein.
  • Museumplein - The Museumplein is a square and city park in the Amsterdam-Zuid district, just south of Amsterdam-Center. It owes its name to the Rijksmuseum, which opened in 1885 and is located on the square. The Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Moco Museum, and the Concertgebouw are also located on the Museumplein.
  • Mozes en Aaronkerk - The Moses and Aaron Church, officially dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, is a Roman Catholic church on Waterlooplein in Amsterdam, in the Dutch province of North Holland.
  • Amsterdam Museum - The Amsterdam Museum, known until 2011 as the Amsterdams Historisch Museum, is an Amsterdam based museum, dedicated to the present and past of the city.
  • Rembrandtplein - The Rembrandtplein is a square in the center of Amsterdam, between Reguliersbreestraat and Amstelstraat. The square borders on the Thorbeckeplein. The Reguliersdwarsstraat, Korte Reguliersdwarsstraat, Halvemaansteeg, Bakkersstraat, and Utrechtsestraat also lead to the square.
  • Hortus Botanicus - The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is a botanical garden. The garden is located on Plantage Middenlaan, in the Plantage neighborhood. The garden is approximately 1.2 hectares and contains more than six thousand tropical and native trees and plants
  • Museum Quarter (Museumkwartier) - Museumkwartier (Amsterdam) (the Museum Quarter) is a neighbourhood of Amsterdam, Netherlands, located in the borough of Amsterdam-Zuid.

It is bordered by the Stadhouderskade, Vondelpark, Emmastraat, Reinier Vinkeleskade and the Hobbemakade.

The area was developed following the construction of the Rijksmuseum.

The neighbourhood gets its name from the major museums at Museumplein; the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum. Other attractions in the area include the Concertgebouw and the Vondelpark.

  • Willet-Holthuysen Museum - The Willet-Holthuysen Museum on Herengracht 605 in Amsterdam is a canal house that is open to the public, with fully furnished period rooms. The museum gives a picture of life in a chic building on the Amsterdam canals in the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum is managed by the Amsterdam Museum.
  • The Smallest House in Amsterdam - The smallest house in Amsterdam is located at Oude Hoogstraat 22 in the old city center of Amsterdam, next to the Oost-Indisch Huis and the gate to the Walloon Church. The house, by some called the “Smallest house of Europe”,[1] is 2.02 meters (6 feet 8 inches) wide and 5 meters (16 feet 5 inches) deep. With its distinctive spout gable, this house represents a miniature version of a typical Amsterdam canal house.

The smallest house in Amsterdam is registered as a national heritage site

  • Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat - The Pieter Cornelisz. Hooftstraat, usually P.C. Called Hooftstraat, is a street in Amsterdam. The street was named in 1872 after the historian, poet, and playwright Pieter Cornelisz. Hooft. Now it is know to have shope with the more expensive brands like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, G-star, etc..
  • Waterlooplein Market - Waterlooplein is the oldest flea market in the Netherlands. Founded one hundred and thirty-three years ago, open six days a week and with about three hundred stalls, one of the nicest and nicest places in the heart of Amsterdam. You can wander around, watch and tap on something fun. From vintage cameras to second-hand books, to jewelry and the latest fashion for little
  • Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam - The Resistance Museum (Dutch: Verzetsmuseum) is a museum located in the Plantage neighbourhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.[1] The Dutch Resistance Museum, chosen as the best historical museum of the Netherlands[2], tells the story of the Dutch people in World War II. From 14 May 1940 to 5 May 1945, the Netherlands were occupied by Nazi Germany.

Permanent exhibits of the museum recreate the atmosphere of the streets of Amsterdam during the German occupation of World War II. Big photographs, old posters, objects, films and sounds from that horrible time, help to recreate the scene. The background of the Holocaust is also visualized to the visitor. This is an exhibition about everyday life during that time, but also about exceptional historical events and the resistance of the population against the Nazis and heroism.

What's Included
  • Heineken beer and wine
  • Snacks: Typical Dutch bites
What's Not Included
  • Toilet, there is no toilet on the boat
  • No Entrance tickets to museums
Additional Information

Not suitable for hen or stag parties or any other drinking parties. History tour!

With a fun group (max 24) we will go on the most relaxing, fun family and friends open boat ride during summer through the canals of Amsterdam. But not just any boat ride. You will be introduced with typical dutch bites and bits, drinks, stories, history and humor. You will get to know the rich history of Amsterdam and so much more. . And you will also meet with guests from all over the world who all speak English. So not only get to know Holland but also France, India, Spain, Andorra, Italy , US and so much more while your at it. And because my friends and I are your host for the whole tour, we will entertain you with amazing facts, funny and exciting stories.

I only have open boats for so on beautiful days you have an amazing views.

  • Due a lot of traffic at the dock, I can’t wait more than 5 minutes. Please make sure you are at the dock 10 minutes before departure.
  • A fairly big step needs to be taken to get in the boat. Of course we will assist you.
  • Beware all my boats are open. So when it rains, you can get wet. But rebooking with rain is always possible
  • I always try to give the best tour possible (5*). But in rare occasion things don’t go as you and me would like. Please let me know asap. Aither direct or send me an email of text. I will contact you.
  • The tour is a historical canal cruise, it is not a booze cruise. So if you are looking for a bachelor party boat or any other booze cruise, this is not the cruise for you.
  • Captain Jack is collaboration between friends. Captain Jack is not perse himself on the boat.
  • There are two startinglocations. Check your ticket and/or comfirmation for the right starting point!
  • There is no toilet on the boat.
  • Due Health regulations (regarding food) animals are not allowed (service animals excluded).
Location
Captain Jack Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
Museumbrug
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(9598 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
896ritviks
Sep 2, 2024
Great Tour and amazing Guide - The tour was amazing. It was well paced and our guide Fabrice T Craenmehr made sure we got the best views and information. He is an excellent guide and made it a very lovely and enjoyable evening. He made us feel welcomed and it was a great tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marilyn_b
Sep 2, 2024
Calm and interesting tour of Amsterdam canals - Loved the canal and seeing the architecture and personality of Amsterdam by boat. A very knowledgeable guide who knew the area well.
Review provided by Viator
Saschaf524
Sep 2, 2024
Perfect tour to explore Amsterdam. - Amazing tour with a lot of „aha“ moments. We certainly enjoyed the different perspective from the water and all the little nudges of information shared by our guide. Kudos to Teun for making history fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_w
Sep 2, 2024
Awesome - Our tour guide was funny, charming, and knowledgeable. Made it a fun way to see the beautiful city. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Leftcoastmike
Sep 2, 2024
A great value and super fun, picturesque and educational - The 90 minute canal cruise was beautiful, fun, a great value and I learned so much more about Amsterdam. Our captain Arne was a great communicator, a skilled pilot and was able to answer everyone’s questions. We loved the small size of the boat. It allowed us to sail through the narrowest canals and the passengers also got to introduce themselves. We even sang happy birthday to one passenger. I would highly recommend this canal cruise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rlpnyc
Sep 1, 2024
Relaxing city overview - Relaxed, informative, fun 90 minutes with Arne as our captain. Wonderful way to get an overview of the this rich city. Arne gave us a history as we floated by and answered our questions about daily life & sightseeing tips. . Really worth having an experienced guide to make sense of the canals and city. We helped ourselves to beer, wine, soda and nibbles.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yogini_p
Sep 1, 2024
Fun experience - It was nice ride through the canals and the driver was very knowledgeable. There was plenty of cold beer, water and snacks on board. The crew was happy to watch our baby stroller on the dock while we went for the ride. It was easy to get to however there are steps down to where the dock is. There is not handicap accessible entrance that I saw. We had to take our baby out of the stroller to go down the steps. It was not a big deals for us but anyone that might need a ramp could struggle.
Review provided by Viator
Tristen
Sep 1, 2024
Captain Jack Canal tour! - Great canal cruise! The captain is very knowledgeable and talks to you about how Amsterdam was built up! Had an absolute blast. Free beer and wine is always a plus as well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebekah_h
Sep 2, 2024
Not what I was expecting- nothing like the reviews - Commentary was extremely poor, could not hear at all! I learnt nothing. Snacks were very basic, cheese that was sitting in the hot sun at least 45 minutes before the tour started. Nothing like the reviews.
Review provided by Viator
Tony
Sep 1, 2024
Disappointing - Have to say I was a bit disappointed in the trip. Boat was pretty ordinary, not as the pictures looked. Overcrowded boat, stuck up the front under perspex on a warm day with screaming kids. Couldn’t hear the commentary but there wasn’t much substance in that. Drinks are included but were not cold and some cheese squares with dry biscuits. Sorry nice guys but missed the mark.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today