#1 outdoor activity in Amsterdam on
4.9 on 1000+ reviews

Amsterdam's Top-Rated Canal Cruise Experience

#1 outdoor activity in Amsterdam on
out of 520 activities

Our Best Selling Shared Canal Cruises

Personal experience

Book Our Top Rated Private Amsterdam Boat Tour

Experience Amsterdam’s enchanting canals in exclusive intimacy with the #1 private boat tour Amsterdam has to offer. Where unforgettable memories await just you and your guests.

For the first time in 10 years

SAIL Amsterdam 2025

Experience Amsterdam’s grand maritime celebration from August 20th -24th from the water with exclusive front-row views of tall ships and premium hospitality during this once-in-a-decade event.

The most colourful event of the year

Pride Amsterdam

Join Pride Amsterdam 2025 on August 2nd! Experience the ultimate Gay Pride Amsterdam celebration with our exclusive Pride Boot Amsterdam. Celebrate love and diversity on Amsterdam’s iconic canals.

The perfect winter activity

Amsterdam Light Festival

Enjoy the festival from the Amsterdam canals and let Starboard Boats guide you through this wonderful world of art. Experience the festival first-class in our modern, comfortable and electric boat.

Join Our Team

Carreers at Starboard

Working at Starboard means being part of a collaborative team where genuine connections flourish through company events and daily interactions. The supportive environment encourages professional growth while valuing individual contributions, creating a balanced workplace culture. Leadership’s commitment to transparency ensures everyone feels included in the company’s journey, making Starboard not just a workplace, but a community where achievements are collectively celebrated.

We're hiring!

Interested in joining our team? Have a look at our open positions!

Our Guests

Why Starboard is perfect for you

Brand New & Modern Fleet

Experience Amsterdam’s iconic canals from the comfort of our stylish modern fleet, featuring beautiful new boats designed with today’s travellers in mind. Our recently launched vessels blend smart features with elegant touches, giving you a smoother ride, better views, and a more eco-friendly way to explore the waterways – making your canal journey just as impressive as Amsterdam’s historic surroundings.

Guests on board of the private boat cruise Amsterdam laughing, enjoying themselves and being served with drinks
Why Starboard is perfect for you

Fully Customizable

Enhance your cruise with our diverse catering options – from local cheese platters to gourmet multi-course meals from partner restaurants – or select from our curated beverage packages featuring premium wines, craft beers, and champagne. For a truly unique celebration, transform your boat into a floating party with our silent disco option, allowing you and your guests to dance through the canals with wireless headphones. Simply share your vision, and we’ll craft a personalized experience that exceeds expectations.

Why Starboard is perfect for you

Highest Reviewed Canal Cruise

Embark on Amsterdam’s highest-reviewed canal experience, where our commitment to exceptional quality has earned us countless five-star ratings from delighted guests worldwide. Our consistent excellence on the water is reflected in the glowing testimonials from travelers who highlight our attentive service, knowledgeable crew, and the unforgettable memories created aboard Starboard – making us the clear choice for those seeking the very best Amsterdam canal cruise experience. 
A Group enjoying the Canal Cruise Amsterdam Highlights Cruise
Why Starboard is perfect for you

Affordable Pricing

We at Starboard offer exceptional value with our transparent and affordable pricing structure designed to make Amsterdam’s iconic canal experience accessible for every budget. We’ve thoughtfully created various package options that deliver outstanding experiences at different price points, allowing you to select the perfect balance of features and value for your needs. Whether you’re joining a shared cruise or booking a private experience, you’ll appreciate how our reasonable pricing makes it possible to enjoy Amsterdam’s magnificent waterways without compromising on quality or service.

#Starboard team

Meet the team!

Meet the passionate individuals behind Starboard Boats Amsterdam, a dedicated team of canal enthusiasts and hospitality experts committed to transforming your Amsterdam experience from ordinary to extraordinary with every cruise.

We're hiring!

Interested in joining our team? Have a look at our open positions!

Ashley
Jacobs
Sales & Operations Coordinator
Rahul
Wadhwa
General Manager
Marie
Fleiter
Duty Manager & Hostess
Sander
de Wijs
Skipper & Maintenance Coordinator
Tolga
Turut
Head of Finance
Juraj
Batosta
Duty Manager
Dasha
Suvorova
Operational Supervisor
Dean
Graubard
Host
Rutger
Buhrs
Skipper
Ravinder
Singh
Head of Runners
Timo
Haaker
Head of Marketing & Co-Founder
Guy
Kuttner
Director & Co-Founder
This is just
the beginning
More than 80 people make up our amazing crew – and every one plays a crucial part.
#1 outdoor activity in Amsterdam on TripAdvisor

Happy guests

Don’t just take our word for it – discover what our guests love about their Starboard experience.

Sarah
Sarah
Ireland
The tour was really lovely, the tour guide was very nice and gave us lots of tips and information about Amsterdam, what food places to go to as well. There was so much alcohol on the boat and also soft drinks. It was a really lovely experience for our first night in Amsterdam. Would 100% recommend.
Xavier
Xavier
The Netherlands
It was an amazing time had a blast and the crew and other people were a vibe. Good value for money with the drinks. Worth it if you are in Amsterdam. Great way to see the city.
Ian
Ian
United Kingdom
The Captain and host were very friendly and kind. The information was very interesting but they also made it fun. We had a wonderful time and would strongly recommend this trip. I am a wheelchair user and access to the boat from the Red Light District was easy and everyone very helpful.
Set
Set
Germany
It was super fun the guys that were in the boat the skipper and guide were incredibly funny and kind. I went by myself and they made it such a welcoming experience. Plus the facts and info was good. All around I enjoyed it and I’m going again with friends so they can experience it.
Mary
Mary
United States
This was the best boat tour I have ever been on in my entire life. The host and skipper were incredibly kind and blessed us with an amazing amount of information. They were beyond fantastic and are beyond over qualified!

More information

Starboard boats is an Amsterdam based company that offers luxurious canal cruises. The combination of Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and our drive for perfection is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Would you like to experience a shared or private Amsterdam boat trip?  Our reputation for excellent service, our local expertise and flexibility to meet your requirements, makes Starboard Boats the perfect people to show you the city we love in absolute luxury and style.

Starboard Boats offers a selection of unforgettable boat cruises, catering to every occasion and always striving to ensure that your group (whether family, friends or corporate) has the best possible experience onboard.

Sailing through the world-famous Amsterdam canals is an absolute must-do for many people visiting Amsterdam and we are here to ensure that your trip is smooth sailing throughout.

Seeing the city’s most iconic sights onboard our luxurious boat, whilst being well looked after by our team of professional hosts and skippers is the best way to see the city we are lucky to call home. An Amsterdam boat trip can be a magical experience and we know that you’ll love every minute you spend onboard with us.

Whether enjoying a sightseeing cruise with friends and family, an after-work or corporate drinks event with a unique twist, or even a delicious meal on board whilst seeing the best of the stunningly picturesque 17th century canal belt, we always strive to provide the best boat trip Amsterdam has to offer.

With our private boat tour Amsterdam can be seen at its absolute best and as you enjoy delicious food and drinks and are shown the city’s most beautiful sights through the eyes of a local host, the creation of lifelong memories is a certainty.

For your perfect boat experience in Amsterdam, look no further. Sit back in comfort and style and raise a glass to your perfect trip to Amsterdam

Spoil yourselves with an Amsterdam boat rental (a luxurious private boat cruise onboard our fully staffed boat) and take in the incredible atmosphere and the unique perspective that we have to offer.

Amsterdam’s canal-filled historic centre became what it is today through centuries of cultural change and events which have changed the path of European and world history. From the city’s humble beginnings as an area of reclaimed land in the middle ages to one of Europe’s most incredible capital cities can be felt as you sail along the city’s waterways. 

These canals have been the lifeblood of the Dutch capital for around 400 years, connecting it to the world for trade and conquest, colonisation and commerce.

These days, Amsterdam is a vibrant, dynamic city and, although it still remains a hub of trade, the canals are more associated with leisure and fun than trading spices from faraway lands. As you weave your way through these incredible waterways on a Private Boat Tour, Amsterdam’s best professional hosts and guides will be able to answer any questions that you might have and go the extra mile to ensure that your time is spent well in this paradise on earth!

FAQ

Have a look at our most frequently asked questions to help plan your perfect boat experience. We’ve compiled answers to common inquiries about our private and shared cruises to ensure your journey on Amsterdam’s beautiful canals is smooth and enjoyable.

We always try to use a boat with a roof in case of rain, but if bad weather comes unexpectedly, we cannot modify the boat anymore. For open boats, we do have umbrellas available. In case of storm, we ensure that the safety and comfort of our guests always remain guaranteed.

The cruises depart from Amstel 178 or Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230, depending on your booked ticket.

Looking for your next cruise?

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