Local Guide, Bar And Bites

Local Guide, Bar And Bites is one of thirteen canal cruises compared on this site, it runs 1 hour, and the live listing opens at $26 a person. It carries 4.7 from 6,128 reviews, reproduced here exactly as the operator publishes it.

Overview

Starboard Boats runs a one-hour cruise on a covered electric boat with a skipper and a host on board, capped at 32 passengers. Depending on the option booked, you start either on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal near the Red Light District or on the Amstel, and the route loops through the central canals before dropping you back in the city centre. Along the way the crew points out sights that do not make the standard tourist list, and the boat passes under seven historic bridges on the Amstel.

The format is simple. You sit back with a drink while the host tells stories about the city. Beer, wine and soda are for sale on board, along with Dutch stroopwafels, and an open bar applies only if you picked the drinks option. A digital QR audio guide is available in several languages if you would rather listen through your own headphones.

It suits travellers who want a short, relaxed introduction to the canals without committing half a day, and reviewers repeatedly single out the guides as the reason it works. One reviewer even had a good time sailing alone. It runs rain or shine, and the roof means a wet afternoon does not sink the trip.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting pointTwo start points depending on the option: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230 or Amstel 178. The Dam Square meeting point applies to certain options.
2. Red Light District cruiseThe boat spends about 10 minutes cruising the Red Light District canals.
3. Central canalsRoughly 5 minutes through the central boat cruise section, followed by about 5 minutes along the Oudeschans.
4. Amsterdam canalsThe longest stretch, about 25 minutes, through the main canals of Amsterdam.
5. HerengrachtAbout 10 minutes on the Herengracht.
6. Seven Bridges View PointA short 2-minute pass at the Seven Bridges viewpoint on the Amstel.
7. PrinsengrachtAbout 10 minutes along the Prinsengracht.
8. Drop-offThe cruise ends in the city centre, with two drop-off locations: Amstel 13 or Amstel 178.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from what travellers report will help you get the most out of the hour.

• Bring headphones. The audio guide plays on your own smartphone and headphones are not provided. Bring a pair if you want commentary in a language other than English.
• Dress for weather. The tour runs rain or shine, and the boats are covered on rainy days. One reviewer took the cruise in the rain and still enjoyed it, so a light rain layer matters more than a perfect forecast.
• Keep arms inside. One reviewer notes the crew is strict about arms staying inside the boat, for safety reasons. It is worth knowing before you lean out for a photo.
• Drinks on board. Beer, wine, soda and stroopwafels are sold on board, but outside food and drinks are not allowed. If you did not book the open-bar option, plan to buy on the boat.
• Group feel. With a maximum of 32 people, the boat is roomy but not empty. One reviewer mentions a good balance between the guide sharing knowledge and leaving room for conversation within your own group.
• Bring ID. The listing asks you to bring a passport or ID card, plus a driver's license.

Common issues. The main complaint in the review summary is unclear or late meeting-point updates, which has left some travellers confused about where to board, so confirm your exact start address before heading out. Bites are not included in the standard ticket, only stroopwafels for sale on board. Pets, outside food and drinks are not allowed, and music cannot be played on the canals. The live commentary is in English, with other languages available only through the digital audio guide on your own phone.

Questions People Ask