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.
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.
- Rijksmuseum - The docking point is right in front of the Rijksmuseum (Rijksmuseum departure). Take a moment to appreciate this incredible museum. The building itself is stunning, and the exhibitions are remarkable. Not to mention, it houses the world-renowned masterpiece by Rembrandt, the Nachtwacht (Night Watch).
- Amsterdam Canal Ring -…
- Rijksmuseum - The docking point is right in front of the Rijksmuseum (Rijksmuseum departure). Take a moment to appreciate this incredible museum. The building itself is stunning, and the exhibitions are remarkable. Not to mention, it houses the world-renowned masterpiece by Rembrandt, the Nachtwacht (Night Watch).
- Amsterdam Canal Ring - Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, boasts over one hundred kilometers of canals, approximately 90 islands, and 1,500 bridges. The three main canals (Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht), excavated in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside these canals are 1,550 monumental buildings. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Jordaan, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, enhancing Amsterdam’s reputation as the “Venice of the North.”
- Prinsengracht - One of Amsterdam’s three main canals, named after the princes of Holland. Construction began in 1612, initiated by Mayor Frans Hendricksz. Oetgens, following a design by city carpenter Hendrick Jacobsz Staets and city surveyor Lucas Jansz Sinck. The section between the Leidsegracht and the Amstel was developed during the city’s expansion in 1658. The part east of the Amstel was built during the last expansion and named Nieuwe Prinsengracht. The Korte Prinsengracht extends from the Prinsengracht between the Brouwersgracht and the Westerdok.
- The Amstel - The Amstel is the largest canal, and Amsterdam was founded from this canal, originally a river. Fishermen built a “dam” and named it Amsterdam. The Amstel also lends its name to the famous beer.
- Koninklijk Theater Carre - The Royal Theatre Carré (Dutch: Koninklijk Theater Carré) is a Neo-Renaissance theatre in Amsterdam, situated near the Amstel river. Established in 1887, it was initially intended as a permanent circus building. Today, it primarily hosts musicals, cabaret performances, and pop concerts.
- Hermitage Amsterdam - Hermitage Amsterdam is a branch of the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg, Russia, located on the banks of the Amstel river in Amsterdam. The museum is housed in the former Amstelhof, a classical-style building from 1681.
- Blauwbrug - The Blauwbrug (English: Blue Bridge) is a historic bridge in Amsterdam, Netherlands, spanning the Amstel river. It connects the Rembrandtplein area with the Waterlooplein area and is located south of the Stopera.
- Dutch National Opera & Ballet - The Dutch National Opera (DNO; formerly De Nederlandse Opera, now De Nationale Opera in Dutch) is a Dutch opera company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Its current home is the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, housed in the Stopera building, a modern structure 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 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 - Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam’s inner city is 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 to the museum’s highlight: an entire church in the attic.
- Nieuwmarkt - One of Amsterdam’s oldest markets, this amazing location combines the Chinese area and the red-light district. Don’t miss the beautiful Waag, now a restaurant, but once the western entrance of the old city, where witches and criminals were also hanged.
- Emperor’s Canal (Keizersgracht) - The three main canals (Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht), excavated in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside these canals are 1,550 monumental buildings. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Jordaan, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, enhancing Amsterdam’s reputation as the “Venice of the North.”
- Herengracht - The three main canals (Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht), excavated in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Alongside these canals are 1,550 monumental buildings. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Jordaan, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, enhancing Amsterdam’s reputation as the “Venice of the North.”
- Singel - The Singel is a canal in Amsterdam that encircled the city during 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 innermost 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 serves 162,000 passengers daily, making it the second busiest railway station in the country after Utrecht Centraal and the most visited Rijksmonument in 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 at promoting a free flow of knowledge and information within the Amsterdam community. Additionally, the OBA serves as a center for dialogue and education for all sections of society.
- Magere Brug - Among Amsterdam’s many bridges is the beautiful Magere Brug, known to English speakers as the Skinny Bridge. This wooden drawbridge was once so narrow that it was difficult for two pedestrians to pass each other. To accommodate increasing traffic on the Amstel, a wider bridge replaced the narrow original in 1871. Also known as a love bridge, a kiss on top or underneath is said to ensure everlasting love!
- Museum Het Rembrandthuis - The Rembrandt House Museum narrates the story of the multi-talented Rembrandt. He is renowned primarily as an artist, the creator of numerous self-portraits, intriguing cronies, compelling history paintings, and convincing portraits. However, Rembrandt was much more than a gifted painter, etcher, and draughtsman. In the museum, visitors 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 its strong connection to today’s society and the future.
- Scheepvaarthuis - A beautiful building across from the central station, built in 1912 as the head office of Amsterdam’s seven major harbor companies. Today, it houses a 5-star hotel. It is a perfect example of the local architectural style known as the Amsterdam School. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, it served as the main office of the Amsterdam Transport Company (GVB), responsible for all trams, subways, and buses within Amsterdam.
- Red Light District (De Wallen) - It is likely that you have heard about this neighborhood, and to be honest, everything you have heard is probably true. From brothels to sex shops to museums, the Amsterdam Red Light District has it all. However, contrary to what many 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. In the 17th century, the tower was used to mint coins.
- Museum of the Canals - For centuries, money has been earned, art created, feasts celebrated, and life enjoyed here. This is the story that the Museum of the Canals brings to life.
- 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 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. It is a great alternative to the Anne Frank House as well.
- 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, which focuses on small art, has since the 1980s become ‘the cabaret temple of the Netherlands.’
- Rokin - The Rokin is a waterway and 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 begins in 1974, in the heart 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 the 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 institute (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.
- Hortus Botanicus - The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is a botanical garden located on Plantage Middenlaan, in the Plantage neighborhood. The garden spans approximately 1.2 hectares and contains more than six thousand tropical and native trees and plants.
- Willet-Holthuysen Museum - The Willet-Holthuysen Museum on Herengracht 605 in Amsterdam is a canal house open to the public, with fully furnished period rooms. The museum provides a glimpse into 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, sometimes called the “Smallest house of Europe,” 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 called P.C. Hooftstraat, is a street in Amsterdam. The street was named in 1872 after the historian, poet, and playwright Pieter Cornelisz. Hooft. It is now known for its shops featuring high-end 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, it is open six days a week and features about three hundred stalls, making it one of the most charming places in the heart of Amsterdam. Visitors can wander around, browse, and find something fun, from vintage cameras to second-hand books, to jewelry and the latest fashion at affordable prices.
- Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam - The Resistance Museum (Dutch: Verzetsmuseum) is located in the Plantage neighborhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Dutch Resistance Museum, chosen as the best historical museum in the Netherlands, tells the story of the Dutch people during World War II. From 14 May 1940 to 5 May 1945, the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany. Permanent exhibits recreate the atmosphere of Amsterdam’s streets during the German occupation of World War II. Large photographs, old posters, objects, films, and sounds from that time help recreate the scene. The background of the Holocaust is also visualized for visitors. This exhibition covers everyday life during that time, as well as exceptional historical events and the resistance of the population against the Nazis and acts of heroism.

- 1.5-hour canal cruise in electric open boat
- Unlimited Heineken Beer and Wine
- Snacks
- 1.5-hour canal cruise in electric open boat
- Unlimited Heineken Beer and Wine
- Snacks
- Toilet, there is no toilet on the boat
- Toilet, there is no toilet on the boat
This experience is not suitable for bachelor or drinking parties. It’s a historical tour!
Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025 & 2024!
Join a delightful group (maximum 24 people) for a relaxing and enjoyable family and friends open boat tour through the canals of Amsterdam. This isn’t just any boat ride; you’ll be treated to typical Dutch…
This experience is not suitable for bachelor or drinking parties. It’s a historical tour!
Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025 & 2024!
Join a delightful group (maximum 24 people) for a relaxing and enjoyable family and friends open boat tour through the canals of Amsterdam. This isn’t just any boat ride; you’ll be treated to typical Dutch snacks and drinks, engaging stories, rich history, and humor. Discover the fascinating history of Amsterdam and much more. You’ll meet guests from over 100 nationalities who joined our tour last year! Our friendly hosts will entertain you with amazing facts and captivating stories. Our electric open boats ensure a quiet cruise with the best views.
Looking forward to welcoming you on board!
To enhance your experience, we’ve partnered with Uber! Book now and receive two 30% promo codes for all trips to and from the departure locations.
- 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. Either 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 himself on the boat.
- Due Health regulations (regarding food) animals are not allowed (service animals excluded).
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.