Small Shared Canal Cruise Local Captain and Hidden Gems Amsterdam

5.0 (22 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

22 reviews

5.0

Small Shared Canal Cruise Local Captain and Hidden Gems Amsterdam — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Small Shared Canal Cruise Local Captain and Hidden Gems Amsterdam, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

People always ask us: “Can you show us your favorite spots?” This is where we share the places, stories, and little secrets that make Amsterdam feel like home. Step aboard our historic boat with a cosy lounge deck, your floating living room on the canals. Take off your shoes, grab a cold drink, and relax.

Cruise through peaceful canals, hidden courtyards, and authentic corners that many visitors (and even some locals) never discover. Your local skipper grew up in Amsterdam and shares fascinating stories about the city’s history, architecture, traditions, and everyday life. There is no fixed script, just genuine stories that come naturally.

Meet people from around the world, enjoy good vibes and a relaxed atmosphere. No need to impress—you’re already invited in. Come as you are, and leave with authentic memories and a Polaroid keepsake.

Day Cruises Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Water Tours Canal Cruises Small Group Best Conversion Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English, Dutch
Operated by: Off Course Cruises Amsterdam

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Exclusive local stories & hidden gems
Included: Warm blankets if it gets chilly
Included: Historical stories and architectural insights (tailored to your interests)
Included: Shared canal cruise with a local skipper
Included: Open-air in good weather, covered and heated in cold or rainy weather
Included: Drinks are available for purchase on board (not included in the price)
Included: Curated music & good company
Included: A cosy lounge deck on a historic boat
Included: Polaroid keepsake

Not included

Not included: No toilet on board, but we are happy to make a short stop if you need to use a restroom

Itinerary

Brouwersgracht

Passing by

Brouwersgracht, the brewers' canal, made Amsterdam rich with beer money 400 years ago. The fancy houses you see? Built by beer makers who got wealthy here. Now artists and locals live in old warehouses. You'll spot houseboats covered in flowers where people actually live year-round
Herengracht

Passing by

Herengracht has been Amsterdam's fanciest street since 1612, when rich guys built massive houses here. These belonged to mayors and traders who got wealthy from spice trading. These aren't museums - they're still the most expensive homes in Europe. The canal stretches 2.4 kilometers through the heart of the city.
Stop 3

Passing by

Blauwburgwal is tiny at just 100 meters long but packed with big history. The name means "blue fortress wall" from when it protected the city. In 1940, bombs hit this street and killed 44 people. Now it's quiet and narrow. Most tourists miss it completely.
Singel

Passing by

Singel is Amsterdam's original moat that kept enemies out until the city got too big for its boots. Spot the world's narrowest house at number 7
Haarlemmersluis

Passing by

Haarlemmersluis is the 17th-century lock where herring used to get packed and shipped. Now canal boats pass through daily where fish traders once made their fortunes.
IJ

Passing by

The IJ is Amsterdam's huge water that used to connect to the North Sea. This is where the city's sea adventures began and ships from everywhere still dock. You'll see old Amsterdam on one side and modern buildings on the other - showing how this city keeps growing.
Amsterdam North

Passing by

Amsterdam Noord is where young creatives live across the water. Artists took over old factories here after industry moved out. The NDSM Wharf used to build ships but now it's full of art studios and startups. Old meets new everywhere you look.
Houthavens

Passing by

Houthavens loaded timber for centuries. Now young professionals live in glass towers while old harbor cranes watch like metal giraffes.
Prinseneiland

Passing by

Prinseneiland is the smallest Western Island where artists made their home. After WWII, creative people moved into empty warehouses here. It used to store wine, tobacco, and salt for the Dutch West India Company. Now those same buildings house charming canal homes.
Stop 10

Passing by

Realeneiland, named after the rich Reael family, is where Amsterdam built its ships. Shipbuilders, fish packers, and tar companies made this island buzz with work. Thirteen sea captains' houses still stand from when ocean money was made right here.
Stop 11

Passing by

Lijnbaansgracht, the rope canal, got its name from rope makers who needed long spaces to make ship rigging. Built in 1612, parts got filled in during the 1800s to create squares and streets you still see today connecting neighborhoods.
Bloemgracht

Passing by

Bloemgracht, the flower canal, ranks as one of Amsterdam's most beautiful waterways. Trees and 1600s buildings create perfect light that everyone tries to capture. Locals bike past while visitors stop for photos. The name flower canal makes total sense when you see it.
Cafe Papeneiland

Passing by

Café Papeneiland has been operating since 1642 on this famous corner. This brown café serves the apple pie that made Bill Clinton order a whole one to take away. The wooden inside and old tiles tell stories of Dutch history with pure Amsterdam vibes.
Prinsengracht

Passing by

Prinsengracht - 3.2 kilometers of Amsterdam's longest canal. Anne Frank hid here. Rembrandt's buried at Westerkerk. Houseboats where creatives live.
Egelantiersgracht

Passing by

Egelantiersgracht gets its name from the wild rose and was built for skilled workers and craftsmen. The houses are smaller than the fancy main canals because real working people lived here instead of rich merchants. That's exactly why they're so popular with locals now.
Stop 16

Passing by

Leliegracht, the lily canal, offers one of Amsterdam's most peaceful waterways lined with beautiful 1600s buildings. Small boats float by while locals drink coffee at cute cafés along the banks. It's a hidden gem that most visitors never find.
The Jordaan

Passing by

The Jordaan neighborhood used to be Amsterdam's poor area but now it's the most wanted place to live. Built for craftsmen and working people who made their own music and culture. Since the 1970s, artists and young professionals discovered this maze of small streets and cozy cafés.
Emperor's Canal (Keizersgracht)

Passing by

Keizersgracht, the emperor's canal, stands as Amsterdam's widest famous canal. Built during the Golden Age, it shows off preserved merchant houses that now hold cozy cafés, shops, and galleries. The trees explode with color every spring.
Brouwersgracht

Passing by

The corner where Keizersgracht meets Brouwersgracht creates the Instagram spot photographers hunt for. Two canals meet and make four lit tunnel views at night. When bridge lights come on, this becomes pure Amsterdam magic and the perfect end to your water journey.
Amsterdam

Passing by

We'll snap a classic Polaroid of your group with Amsterdam's canal houses behind you. Stick it on your fridge and remember the day you saw Amsterdam like locals do - from the water, at the right pace, with good people.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Go to the jetty/dock on the canal side.

That's where we will wait for you!

End point

Go to the jetty/dock on the canal side.

That's where we will wait for you!

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

Hidden Gems Cruise
Cruise with open bar

With Open Bar: Unlimited drinks flow like the canal beneath you. No judgy bartender, no overpriced tiny pours. Come thirsty. Leave happy.