5.0 (843) · Amsterdam · By Captain Dave Amsterdam Free cancellation
Captain Dave Amsterdam pioneered early morning canal cruises in the city years ago. We set sail at dawn when the canals are at their most tranquil, offering the ideal conditions for a peaceful journey and capturing stunning photographs.
Unlike typical tours with predetermined routes and scripted narratives, our cruises are designed to be personal, engaging, and enjoyable. Each tour unfolds uniquely. We begin along the renowned Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and allow the city's charm to guide our path.
Our Boats:
At 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, we cruise aboard the Jonckvrouw, an intimate vessel from 1928, designated as a Navigating Monument. Once utilized by Dutch royalty, she features sliding glass windows, a sunroof, an open aft deck, heating, and a conveniently located, lightly-used toilet.
At 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, we sail on our distinctive James Bond boat. This former taxi boat offers unobstructed 360° views, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts. A toilet is available on board.
We are proud recipients of awards for the Best Amsterdam Boat Tour, have been honored with the Badge of Excellence, and are recognized among the Best Rated Airbnb Experiences.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard,
Captain Dave Amsterdam
✓ Coffee, tea, fresh orange juice, and a Dutch specialty✓ Two boats with indoor saloon, outdoor deck, and on-board restroom (rare luxury, light use).✓ 90-minute small-group canal cruise✓ Heating on board and extra blankets✓ Non-scripted live commentary by your local captain1 Morning Canal Cruise
Join our award-winning 'Best Boat Tour for Amsterdam'.
Sail through the beautiful canals of Amsterdam on our unique, comfortable boat. When the weather is nice, we open the roof and windows for fresh air and splendid views.
We don't follow the same route every time or give boring talks. Instead, we take different paths and share fun stories about what we see.
The tour starts and ends at Prinsengracht 397. Come and enjoy the Best of the Best boat tour in Amsterdam!
· 1 h 30 min
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Dock Prinsengracht 397, Boat name: Jonckvrouw. DO NOT use Apple maps!
Getting here
By tram: #2 and 12 stop Prinsengracht, #5, 7 and 19 stop Elandsgracht
By bus: #N83, N84 and N88 stop Elandsgracht
Dock Prinsengracht 397, Boat name: Jonckvrouw. DO NOT use Apple maps!
Getting here
By tram: #2 and 12 stop Prinsengracht, #5, 7 and 19 stop Elandsgracht
By bus: #N83, N84 and N88 stop Elandsgracht
Look for the boat named "Jonckvrouw" or "James Bond" by Captain Dave Amsterdam. If you don't see the boat, we will be at the canal side (behind the parked cars at the height of Prinsengracht 397) 5-10 minutes before departure. Do not ring the bell at the houses.
Meeting point
Prinsengracht 397, 1016 HG Amsterdam, Pays-Bas
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals allowed Public transportation options are available nearby Suitable for all physical fitness levels The freedom of an open boat, combined with the comfort of a warm, covered saloon. Small Group Experience. We accommodate up to 12 guests We have a heated boat and extra blankets to keep you warm Children must be accompanied by an adult Not recommended for travelers with acute intestinal problems (Early) Morning Canal Cruise Small group experience, 12 max Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Drinks & sugar bread included: Unlimited coffee, tea, and orange juice —plus traditional Frisian sugar bread! Non-fixed canal tour: We want our tours to be unique with lively and personal guidance. Expect our tour to be different every time. Jonckvrouw and James Bond: 8:00 & 10:00 – Jonckvrouw Sailing Monument® from 1928. 8:30 & 10:30 – James Bond Former taxiboat with 360° panoramic view Arrive at the departure point at Prinsengracht 397 at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Do not use Apple Maps for navigation to the departure point; follow the provided directions. Dress in layers, as the weather in Amsterdam can change quickly, even with onboard heating and blankets. Be sure to look for the specific boat names ('Jonckvrouw' or 'James Bond') to find your tour. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 91551P2
Activity offered by Captain Dave Amsterdam via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Travelers seeking a quiet and scenic experience. Photography enthusiasts. Those who appreciate intimate, small-group tours. Visitors interested in history and unique vessels. Experience the tranquility of Amsterdam's canals in the early morning. Enjoy a personal and informative commentary from your local captain. Cruise aboard unique and comfortable boats, including a historic 1928 vessel. Small group setting with a maximum of 12 guests for an intimate experience. Award-winning tour recognized for its excellence.
Population 921,468 (2023)
Elevation -2 m
Currency euro
Official language Dutch
Driving on the right
Power plugs C, F · 230 V
Emergency number 112 Average temperatures 4° Jan 3° Feb 6° Mar 9° Apr 13° May 16° Jun 18° Jul 18° Aug 15° Sept 12° Oct 8° Nov 5° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the best time to take this canal cruise? + The early morning cruises are recommended for their calm waters and beautiful light, ideal for photography and a relaxed experience.
What kind of boats are used for the tours? + Tours operate on either the 'Jonckvrouw', a historic 1928 Navigating Monument, or the 'James Bond' boat, a former taxi boat with panoramic views.
Is there a toilet on board? + Yes, both the 'Jonckvrouw' and the 'James Bond' boat are equipped with an on-board restroom.
Can I bring my pet on the tour? + Service animals are permitted on the tour.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Small group
Chilli05187049, October 2026
Nice to do a cruise in a small group, rather than a crowd. Fun and relaxing experience.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Beautiful boat with an awesome tour guide!
587lelab, October 2026
Captain Jon was very informative as well as entertaining with humorous stories. The boat was beautiful with coffee and juice available and the BEST sugar bread. The early morning cruise gave us the canals all to ourselves ( we saw 4 boats during our 90 minute tour. I highly recommend this cruise!
★★★★★ Viator review
Enjoyable time on the water.
Allen_A, October 2026
Great experience with Gisela. We were supposed to go on morning cruise but missed it. Captain Dave was very accommodating and let us join the evening cruise. It was so pleasant and we learned quite a bit about Amsterdam. Snacks and drinks were a welcome addition. I am happy to recommend this activity for the customer service and cruise. Both were much appreciated.
★★★★★ Viator review
Good to be only part of a...
Simon_W, October 2026
Good to be only part of a small group. Informative, fun and relaxing boat cruise tour. Would recommend.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Amazing bus tour on Amsterdam's canal
Definitlynotamandine, October 2026
Amazing boat tour. Shoutout to the very nice blond lady (I didn't get her name sadly). Breakfast delicious, you can open the window, there are covers, the boat is amazing and doesn't really move. I 100% recommend.
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