Which canal cruise route through Amsterdam will you choose?
Wondering what you will see along the way? With Mokumboot you always sail privately, with only your own group on board. That means the route is not set in stone: the skipper has a standard loop through the canal ring, but adapts it to your wishes and to the time you book. You sail for 2, 2.5 or 3 hours, from € 425 per boat, skipper included.
Most cruises start at Amsterdam Central Station or at the NEMO Science Museum. From there you are in the old city centre within a few minutes.
Plan your private canal tour
Choose your boat, date and extras. You see the price right away, then choose: book and pay now, or request a quote first.
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The standard route through the canal ring
If you have no special requests, the skipper takes a route past the best-known spots in the city. You pass the Magere Brug and the Royal Theatre Carré and sail the Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel: the canal ring that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010. In between, he takes in the quieter canals where the pace slows down. Along the way the skipper tells you about the houses, bridges and stories of the city, in English and Dutch.
Along the Amstel and the Herengracht
From Central Station you sail past the St Nicholas Church and the Schreierstoren, one of the oldest defence towers in Amsterdam. Past the Dancing Houses, the narrow, leaning canal houses on the water, you reach the Amstel. The view opens up here and you see the Stopera, where the city hall and the Dutch National Opera & Ballet share one building.
Then the route turns onto the Herengracht, with its stately facades and monumental houses. This is where you see why the canal ring is on the World Heritage List.
Seven Bridges, Prinsengracht and Magere Brug
At the Seven Bridges you look from the water through a row of bridges lined up one behind the other, one of the most photographed views in Amsterdam. The route then turns onto the Prinsengracht, with houseboats, old canal houses and the quiet Amstelveld square.
A fixed highlight is the Magere Brug across the Amstel. A landmark by day, and at its best in the evening when it is lit up. Sail in the evening and you will see the canal houses and bridges lit up too.
A route to suit you
The boat is yours, so you can change the route. A few ideas to agree with the skipper:
- Old city centre: past the Munttoren, along the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and the Oude Kerk, through one of the oldest parts of the city.
- Western canals: along the Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht to the Westertoren and the Westerkerk.
- Plantage: a greener route past the Hortus Botanicus and Artis zoo. Book 2.5 or 3 hours for this one.
Share your wishes when you send your request. The skipper will see what fits in the time you choose.
Boarding and practical information
You board at Amsterdam Central Station or at the NEMO Science Museum. Boarding somewhere else, at your hotel or restaurant for example, can be arranged for an extra charge.
You sail in a classic tugboat or a luxury open sloop, both 100% electric, with room for up to 35 people. In autumn and winter the boats are covered, with umbrellas and blankets on board. Prams can come along and assistance dogs are welcome. Unfortunately our boats are not wheelchair accessible.
Rather sail a route yourself?
Want to take the wheel? Rent an electric sloop for up to 8 people. You do not need a boating licence, and we have ready-made sailing routes to follow.
Frequently asked questions
Canal cruise route FAQ
Does the skipper sail a fixed route?
The skipper has a standard route through the canal ring, passing the Magere Brug, Carré, the Herengracht and the Prinsengracht, among others. Because you sail privately, you can adjust the route together.
Where does the canal cruise start?
At Amsterdam Central Station or at the NEMO Science Museum. Boarding elsewhere, at your hotel for example, can be arranged for an extra charge.
How much will I see in 2 hours?
Two hours is enough to sail the standard route through the canal ring at an easy pace. Want to go further, to the Plantage for example? Then choose 2.5 or 3 hours. A private cruise costs € 425 for 2 hours, € 530 for 2.5 hours and € 640 for 3 hours, per boat.
Can we stop to take a closer look somewhere?
Yes. You have the boat to yourselves, so you can ask the skipper to slow down or pause for a photo, as long as the traffic on the water allows it.
Can I sail the route myself?
Yes, in an electric sloop for up to 8 people. You do not need a boating licence.
