We had an amazing private tour with Captain Jan on the Sophia. Highly recommend the evening tour so you can see the beautiful city in the twilight. Capt. Jan is so much fun and full of stories and abundant energy!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Little sweet and savoury snacks to nibble on with your drinks are provided
- Extensive open bar with local beers, top shelf liqours, soft drinks and hot drinks. You will not be disappointed! I make a killer G&T with local gin
Excludes
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Located next to the "Koepelkerk" a big domed church (please call the number on your voucher/ticket for Jack if not able to find him)
Return
- Located next to the "Koepelkerk" a big domed church (please call the number on your voucher/ticket for Jack if not able to find him)
Itinerary
Join me on a journey to explore Amsterdam over the canals. All cruises are captained and guided by myself Boudewijn Metzelaar aka ¨Captain Jack¨ for those that are unable to pronounce my impossible Dutch name. We will sail on a fully electric luxury salon boat. There is comfortable seating for each guest indoors and outdoors, whatever the unreliable Dutch weather may bring you will be comfortable onboard the ¨Drift Away¨ A full array of (alcoholic) drinks and delicious snacks are included. Feel free to enjoy yourself with the beverages, there is a bathroom onboard! I am not only an Amsterdammer by birth, I am one by heart. Through my diverse upbringing in life choices, I have developed a unique perspective on Amsterdam which I really enjoy sharing with others. The small scale of maximum 8 guests allows for an intimate and enjoyable level of conversation during the cruise. For the route, we can what you prefer, but I of course have ample routes mapped out you can choose from.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Spending time in Amsterdam was a life long dream, as my family are Dutch. I wanted to organise something special that the whole family would enjoy and stumbled across Bow's Journeys and the excellent reviews they have. I'm so glad I booked a private tour. The boat is beautiful , Mark , our captain was really friendly and was a wealth of information about Amsterdam and The Netherlands. It rained and I was worried it would spoil the tour, but it didn't make a difference , it was fantastic. We've travelled 10 countries on this trip and went on multiple tours, but both my husband and I agreed that this was the best tour of the whole trip (we didn't want to get off the boat when the tour ended) . Both my sons, 13 & 19 years old also loved it , so it's a winner for the whole family !!
Fantastic voyage with Bow along the canal's of Amsterdam at night. Bow is very knowledgable about Amsterdam and the city's culture and history. Our late afternoon/early evening journey was enjoyable, comfortable and a full bar to ease into the evening. The cruise was a highlight of our time in Amsterdam and would recommend it to anyone. Only draw-back was expecting a few more nibbles on the boat.
What a great Amsterdam experience. The captain was a great host, knowledgeable, fun, and he the vandals very well. We were lucky with the weather in October so had a beautiful ride. Would highly recommend and also do again if we go back to Amsterdam.
Fantastic tour with Bow. Great stories and great shots of Amsterdam from the canals. Such a lovely bloke - cannot recommend him enough. An absolute must do when you come to Amsterdam! Thanks Bow - you legend!
Wonderful experience. Mark our Captain and guide was absolutely brilliant. His knowledge of Amsterdam and the canals was exceptional. Bows (the owner) was also really helpful and knowledge and the boat itself stunning and extremely comfortable. Do not hesitate to book with these guys.
As always, Bow’s Journeys create the most magical moments on the Canals. Captain Fons & Mark were brilliant guides and we had a delightful time. Bow knows how to run a great company!
We ended up doing the private boat tour. The captain had so much knowledge of the city of Amsterdam. Great guy, very personable! He even dropped us off closer to our next destination. I highly recommend booking a boat tour through Bow’s Journeys.
Our canal tour with Bow was great. He is very knowledgable and his many stories were interesting. He adapted his tour to our interests. He has a fine looking, comfortable boat with high end open bar as advertised. We strongly recommend Bow!
We had heard great things about the trip with Captain Bow's and we were not disappointed. Although due to a last minute conflict Bow's did not serve as our captain, but he arranged for Captain Fons instead. Fons was great, he was extremely knowledgeable and very entertaining. He was very passionate about Amsterdam, which we appreciated. The boat was a perfect size for our group of 4 couples and it provided a nice selection of drinks and snacks. We all agreed that this trip was one of our highlights in Amsterdam.
We loved our Captain Jon. He was informative, accommodating, and funny. The rain did not stop us from having a good time. We took the tour at 4:30 pm. Cocktails were flowing.
The boat, amenities and captain were all excellent. Boat... well look at the pics. The amenities...a great bar with enough alcoholic and non-alcoholic to keep anyone happy. Captain Niko was professional, friendly and knowledgeable.
It was just a superb time! The boat is beautiful and very comfortable. Captain Bow was an interesting, friendly and knowledgable guide. Drinks and snacks on board plentiful, good choice, nothing too much trouble. As for the sunlight canals of Amsterdam, well you just can't beat it, so beautiful. Really enjoyed the whole thing, would definitely recommend.
Everything was perfect! We had the best captain, a nice clean boat, and wonderful drinks and snacks! He was also able to share so much information about Amsterdam. Such a worthwhile event!
Perfect activity for your first day in Amsterdam. We could barely keep our eyes open, but Nikos told wonderful stories and provided a great introduction to the city.
We splurged a bit and rented their small boat to tour the cannels as a couple and boy was that a good decision! Our Captain was terrific. Pointing out architecture and pointing out places of interest. Terrific way to see the canals. A little hard to find but well worth the trouble.
What an absolutely FABULOUS experience! We had captain John as our host, and he was the best captain ever. He is a really great guy who has his master's in history, so he doesn't just know his way around the canals. He is also incredibly knowledgeable and well informed. Plus, he has a terrific sense of humour too. I can highly recommend a tour with him - it was utterly perfect from start to finish. Thank you so much, John. YOU ROCK!
I loved the intimate tour! They guide was amazing an so knowledgeable on anything we would ask about. I wouldn’t do a tour any other way, totally worth the money
Bow's Journey is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. The boat, Sophie, looks like something out of a dream, the captain is a true local with a wealth of knowledge, and the open bar is exceptionally well stocked. Time flew by as we soaked up the beautiful scenery and enjoyed the sweet, sweet life. A truly unforgettable experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting Amsterdam. BIG THANK YOU!
We had a group of 11 and did a private canal tour on the Sophie. Our captain, Fokko, was so much fun. The boat was beautiful with the perfect amount of outdoor seating. There was also indoor seating available, but we did not need to use that since the weather was beautiful. There were blankets available to use on the boat. Drinks (including wine, beer, liquor, and soft drinks) were included as well as light snacks. There was also a bathroom available on the boat. This was the perfect way to end our time in Amsterdam.
There wound up being just two of us on this great cruise (maximum number is 12). John was willing to discuss Dutch history and culture with us along with telling us lots about the sites that we saw in Amsterdam. Snacks and drinks were included.
We did a private canal tour with Hans. Hans was very friendly and shared his knowledge about the city. The boat is beautiful, there was an open bar, snacks. It was a wonderful experience.
Amazing experience! The boat tour was beautiful, the dinner was delicious, and the open bar was a great bonus. The heating inside made it very cozy and comfortable. One of the highlights of our time in Amsterdam!
If you find yourself in Amsterdam, you absolutely must book this private tour with Bow’s Journeys! Captain Fokko is a native who knows everything about the city and could navigate the canals blindfolded. The tour comes with an all-inclusive bar, breathtaking views of the city, and as much history/lore as you care to know. My friends and I had such an incredible time - if you find yourself in Amsterdam, this is a MUST!
We had a truly wonderful canal cruise. The boat itself felt like it came from another era...beautifully authentic and more than 100 years old, which immediately set this experience apart. Our skippers, Bow and Fokko, made it even more special. Their deep knowledge of the canals and the houses along them was remarkable, and they pointed out so many details we would have otherwise completely missed. We’ve been on canal boats before, but this one was truly unique. It felt intimate, thoughtful, and special from start to finish. Everyone in our group loved it. Thank you for this unforgettable experience.
This boat ride was a highlight of our trip to Amsterdam! We were here for a couple of days with no real agenda, so we asked for a recommendation from our concierge at the Renaissance. The concierge called and got us a reservation and even walked us over. The boat was only a block from the hotel. We were met with a warm greeting by Captain John. He got us on board and settled in, offering us drinks and blankets. The boat is beautiful, clean and well cared for. John provided an amazing tour, filled with history and information about each light exhibit that's currently set up in the canals for the light festival. John was very knowledgeable about all things Amsterdam, and a lot more. We walked away knowing so much more than we did prior to stepping on board. John took us to some less traveled routes to give us a view of things the larger "tour bus" type boats couldn't show their passengers! We highly recommend using this company to give you the best canal tour experience!
John was an amazing boat guide and very knowledgeable, friendly, and took time to answer everyone’s questions. I strongly recommend it!
On very short notice we arranged a private canal tour on a beautifully restored vintage canal boat with our very engaging Captain John. We had a marvelous time!
Fabulous. Boy was our Captain. Friendly and Knowledgeable. Spend a little more and get the perfect cruise tailored for you!
Wonderful private canal boat tour with Captain Bow! He was so welcoming and informative for our party of five, including 4 adults and one 7 year old granddaughter! Boat was clean and well stocked with drinks and snacks and we cruised down both more and lesser known canals around the city. It was a very special treat for all of us, thanks to Captain Bow!
Great experience with a very authentic Captain John. 2 hours passing by hidden gems as well as touristic hot spots. Best in class!
Wonderful introduction to Amsterdam. Beautiful boat and our host Captain John, was a wealth of knowledge and made the experience. Beverages to suit everyone and tasty snacks. Highly recommend.
This was our most favorite experience in Amsterdam. We have taken boat tours previously but none compared to the luxury and serenity of riding with Bow’s Journeys. Born in Amsterdam, he shared wonderful stories and local tips. The drinks and snacks were a lovely touch. Highly recommend. My two boys adored this tour and the Captain was so kind to them. We will for sure take another tour with Bow’s Journeys when we return to Amsterdam.
Delightful trip on board the Sophie! The boat is beautiful, clearly loved and cared for, and comfortable. We appreciated the break from the city’s crowds as the boat glided, silently, through several canals. The charming captain provided a perfect amount information and chat. While there is a plentiful selection of good alcohol available as part of the cost, that was not the focus. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are also on board, as well as a bathroom. I highly recommend this boat tour!
We booked a private tour for a large family group (7 adults, 3 kids) on Drift Away, the smaller of his two boats. I called and spoke directly with Bow to answer a few questions prior to booking and then booked easily online. We had the best time with Bow. He is an Amsterdam native who grew up boating on the canals and now runs his own business. We had the all inclusive tour, with a wonderful selection of drinks and snacks. (He makes a great Aperol spritz.) The boat was spotless, including the bathroom. We had gorgeous weather, but it was spacious enough to fit all of us inside had it been drizzly. Bow is gracious, funny, knowledgable and clearly enjoys his work. We learned about the city's history and got to hear his hot takes on life in Amsterdam. His is the kind of small, local business that I love to support while traveling. He has our strongest recommendation.
The trip was wonderful! It was a beautiful cruise on a cozy boat. Captain John was very insightful and very sweet. Thank you!
Highly recommend Captain John and the Bows Journeys. The boat is beautiful, drinks are included, and there is a bathroom (with three kids is a necessity!). Captain John provided us with an interesting history of Amsterdam and the canals. The tour struck the perfect balance between being relaxing while also learning a bit about the city.
What an incredible experience we had with Captain Bow and his beautiful, refurbished boat, the Sophie, during our private tour of Amsterdam! From start to finish, everything was perfect. Captain Bow was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the city’s history and landmarks, but he also had a fantastic sense of humor that made the tour so much fun for our whole group, including our 10-month-old. The Sophie itself was stunning—sleek, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. It was clear that a lot of care went into refurbishing it, and it provided the perfect setting for our private tour. We all felt so relaxed and at ease as we cruised through Amsterdam's picturesque canals. Captain Bow made sure we were all comfortable, which was greatly appreciated. Throughout the tour, Bow shared interesting facts about the city, pointing out hidden gems and giving us a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s rich history. His stories were both educational and entertaining, keeping everyone engaged from start to finish. It felt like we were cruising through the heart of the city with a friend who was not only an expert but also genuinely passionate about sharing his knowledge. We also really appreciated how welcoming and accommodating Captain Bow was to our entire family. He took extra care to make sure we had everything we needed, and we felt like he went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. If you’re looking for a private, personal tour of Amsterdam, we absolutely recommend Captain Bow and the Sophie! It was an experience we’ll cherish for years to come.
We had an amazing time with Captain Jack. He’s very knowledge of all things Amsterdam and was the perfect captain for our family. Thanks again!
My husband and I had the most amazing tour with Captain Jack! We even went to the wrong dock and he picked us up from there! Fine drinks were served and he was so informative of the history of Amsterdam. Would recommend highly and go back again!
The family canal boat tour through Amsterdam during the holidays was magical. The boat steered by our personable, fun captain past twinkling bridges and gorgeous architecture. Cozy blankets and a vast array of drinks made the experience even better. The captain shared fascinating stories, creating an unforgettable journey through Amsterdam’s winter wonderland. Highly recommend!
I was looking for a unique and private tour of the Amsterdam canals on a vacation with my girlfriend. I found Jack's tour and decided to try it out given all his amazing reviews. The tour did not disappoint and Captain Jack was amazing. Before booking the experience, I emailed Jack and let him know I was planning to propose to my girlfriend on the tour. Jack spent the time to help me plan an amazing proposal and made suggestions about how best to do it / what had worked well in the past. During the trip we enjoyed the open bar onboard, the wonderful Dutch snacks, and the wealth of interesting knowledge our captain had about Amsterdam and its canals. When the time came for the proposal, Captain Jack inconspicuously convinced my girlfriend that the lovers bridge was a great photo op. He took my phone and was able to get the entire proposal on video while keeping it a total surprise. Our canal tour with Captain Jack was truly amazing and something we will remember forever. Thanks for making our experience so amazing!
Such a great way to see this amazing city. I'm sure Captain Jack has done this tour so very many times, yet he was able to make this really personal and fresh for me and the other guest on board. We both enjoyed it so much. A chilly December night, but warm inside the boat. Just do it.
Jack was amazing and this boat tour was a highlight of our trip. I booked it on a recommendation from our hotel and Jack opened up an earlier spot to accommodate us. My son had visited Amsterdam a year prior and has since past away, he took a picture on a bridge but we couldn't find the bridge. I guess there are over 1700 bridges in Amsterdam. We showed Jack the picture and he knew exactly where it was and took us there. It was very special. Thank you Jack for taking the time. The boat is beautiful, the open bar was lovely and Jack was very knowledgeable. Do not hesitate to book!!
Gave Jack a 5-star because 6 was not available. For a small group, this is the only way to tour the canals of Amsterdam. Worth every euro. Captain Jack is informative, funny, and patient, explaining the highlights and positioning/holding the Drift Away in position for all the pictures you want. Our group of three couples unanimously thought this event was the best thing we did while in Amsterdam.
We had a fantastic cruise with Jack! It may have been our favorite experience of our entire week in Amsterdam! Jack was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, welcoming, and overall a wonderful captain. The boat is beautiful, has a bathroom, and comes fully stocked. We wished we had booked it for longer than an hour as it was so enjoyable and informative. We loved our private cruise very much and would 1000% recommend booking with Jack!
Fantastic experience. Jack is a great captain, informative, funny. We had a wonderful trip seeing very different parts of the city. Highly recommend!
We spent a great afternoon with Jack with a great selection of snacks and drinks. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon seeing Amsterdam. Highly recommend this tour
Our hotel recommended Jack for a canal tour and we had a blast! Loved his humor and knowledge! We had snacks and cocktails all which were great! Thank you Jack!
VIP tour. Highlight of our 2 weeks in Europe. G&T was perfect and the knowledge he had on all things Dutch was impressive. Will recommend to anyone visiting Amsterdam.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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