If you’re heading to Amsterdam and thinking of doing a canal cruise (because… duh, you’re in Amsterdam), let me save you from the mega boat packed with selfie sticks and tour groups. Instead, do yourself a favour and book a small group canal tour with Captain Dave’s Canal Tour. We did, and it ended up being one of our favourite experiences of the whole trip.
Why We Chose Captain Dave's Canal Tour (And Why You Should Too)
I’m all for the scenic stuff, but cramming onto a boat with 100 strangers isn’t my idea of fun. We were looking for something a little more relaxed… something where you could actually hear yourself think (and hear the stories, too).
That’s why we booked with Captain Dave. Their boats only take 10 to 12 people max, which sounded perfect. As luck would have it, there were only seven of us on board for our noon tour! Talk about VIP treatment!
Oh, Did I Mention the Boat Is Royal?
Now here’s the juicy bit… the boat we were on isn’t just any boat. It was once used by the Dutch royal family. Yep, we were casually cruising the canals on a saloon boat fit for a king… or at least a very fancy Dutch queen.
It’s been lovingly restored, with plenty of charm and some modern touches for comfort. Think plush seating, a cute little outdoor area at the back and just enough elegance to make you feel a bit posh (without needing to wear heels).
The Vibe? Casual Luxury Meets Local Storytelling
Our captain (not Dave, but just as fabulous) was friendly, funny and full of great stories about the city. He managed to strike that perfect balance between being informative and chill. We learned loads, like why Amsterdam has all those leaning houses… but it never felt like we were in school lol. It felt like chatting with a very clever friend who knows all the back alleys and the good gossip.
And yes, there were drinks and snacks. Coffee, wine, beer, sweet bread – all included. I may or may not have gone back for seconds on the wine (it was a holiday, after all).
The Route: Big Sights + Hidden Gems
One of the best things about this tour was that we didn’t just stick to the main drag. We saw the iconic stuff, I mean sure bridges, houseboats, postcard perfect views – but we also ducked into quieter canals and local neighbourhoods you wouldn’t get to on a bigger boat.
It felt like we got to see the real Amsterdam… the stuff the locals actually use, not just the tourist brochure version.
Final Thoughts: 10/10, Would Cruise Again
This canal tour ticked all the boxes… small group, comfy boat, excellent host, drinks, snacks and a side of royal history. If you’re after something a bit more special (and less shouty tour guide on a microphone), Captain Dave’s Canal Tour is 100% the way to go.
It was such a lovely way to spend a couple of hours in the city. Chill, scenic, a bit fancy and we felt like insiders, not just tourists.
So yes, skip the cattle boat. Sail like a queen.
HOT TIP: Book ahead – these tours fill up fast! Captain Dave Amsterdam
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