In short
- Glass-top boats provide reliable shelter from rain and wind.
- Open sloops offer better photo angles without window reflections.
- Both boat types navigate the main 17th-century canal ring.
In this article
Amsterdam offers two main styles of canal cruises. Traditional glass-top boats are large, enclosed vessels that operate year-round. Smaller open-air sloops put you right on the water. Each has clear advantages for navigating the 165 canals of the Grachtengordel.
What is a glass-top canal cruise?
A glass-top cruise uses a large, covered boat with clear panoramic windows and a roof.
These boats are the standard choice for navigating the Amsterdam Canals. They protect you from wind and rain. Many feature heating for cold winter days. They typically hold more passengers than open boats. The trade-off is that window reflections can interfere with photography.
What is an open boat canal cruise?
An open boat is a smaller, roofless sloop that offers unobstructed views of the waterways.
These vessels sit lower in the water. This provides excellent angles for taking photos of the 17th-century merchant houses and arched bridges. Open boats have no amplified music to comply with local noise rules. You will need warm layers and a windproof jacket to handle chilly winds off the water.
Which boat is better for taking pictures?
Open boats are significantly better for photography.
Glass windows on covered boats create glare and reflections. Rain can also obscure the glass. Open sloops eliminate these barriers entirely. Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the architecture.
What happens if it rains on an open boat?
Most operators provide umbrellas or temporary covers if it rains.
However, an open boat is fundamentally exposed to the elements. If the forecast predicts heavy rain, a glass-top boat is the smarter choice. Some hybrid boats offer sliding glass windows or retractable roofs. Always pack a lightweight rain jacket when visiting Amsterdam.
How do prices compare between boat types?
Standard cruises range from €15 to €25, regardless of the boat type.
Prices increase when tours include extras like food or unlimited drinks. Small-group open boat tours often charge slightly more for the intimate setting. Prices change based on the platform and season. Both boat types usually follow routes lasting 60 to 75 minutes.
| Feature | Glass-Top Boat | Open Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Protection | Excellent (fully enclosed) | Minimal (exposed) |
| Photography | Poor (glass glare) | Excellent (no barriers) |
| Passenger Capacity | High | Low to Medium |
| Noise Levels | Audio guides common | Live guides, no amplified music |
Are both boats allowed on the same canals?
Yes, both types travel through the primary Grachtengordel network.
Glass-top boats and open sloops both navigate the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. The speed limit is 6 km/h for all vessels. Smaller open boats can sometimes access narrower side canals that large glass-top boats cannot fit through.
Questions travellers ask
How long is an Amsterdam canal cruise?
A standard guided canal cruise in the Grachtengordel typically lasts between 60 and 75 minutes.
Can you drink alcohol on a boat in Amsterdam?
Yes, passengers can drink alcohol on a boat. However, the skipper must remain sober. The legal blood alcohol limit applies just like driving a car.
How deep are the Amsterdam canals?
The average depth of the Amsterdam canals is approximately 2.6 meters (8.5 feet).
