Ghent Completely – 90-minute boat tour (DUTCH ONLY)

Introduction

Navigating the charming city of Ghent via boat offers a fresh perspective that combines sightseeing with a touch of adventure. While we haven’t personally taken this specific Ghent Completely boat tour, its popularity and detailed reviews suggest it’s a highly engaging way to explore the city’s historic waterways.

We love that this tour covers over a thousand years of architecture and stories, gives access to lesser-known tunnels, and offers a chance to see Ghent from its medieval ports and scenic canals—all in one 90-minute ride. The fact that the guide speaks only Dutch might be a consideration for non-Dutch speakers, but the visuals and route itself promise plenty to enjoy.

A potential drawback is the language limitation—since it’s guided solely in Dutch, non-Dutch speakers might miss some of the context or stories. Still, this tour is ideal for travelers comfortable with understanding some Dutch or those eager to practice their language skills. If you’re interested in a comprehensive, authentic view of Ghent’s waterways, this experience is perfect for history buffs or anyone who wants to see the city from its waters in an active, engaging way.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Dutch-guided experience focusing on Ghent’s waterways and architecture
• Includes access to tunnels under Laurent Square and views of historic mercantile houses
• Duration of 90 minutes, offering a thorough overview without feeling rushed
• Accessible from Korenlei at the Green Boathouse, with easy check-in and departure
• Limited to Dutch language, so some prior knowledge or patience may be needed
• Ideal for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and waterway explorers

Exploring Ghent from the Water: An In-Depth Review

The Itinerary and Sights You’ll See

This boat tour offers an impressive list of sights packed into just 90 minutes. We’ll walk through what you can expect and why each stop matters for your understanding of Ghent’s rich past.

St Bavo’s Cathedral, Belfry, and St Nicholas Church: Starting with these iconic landmarks, the tour gives a panoramic view of Ghent’s skyline. The Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and from the water, you can appreciate its height and the detailed architecture. The guide, although Dutch-only, points out these landmarks’ significance, and you’ll definitely want your camera ready for these classic views.

Tunnels beneath Laurent Square: Going through these tunnels is a highlight noted by reviewers, like Marion, who mentions “dikke info met een vleugje humor” (clear info with a touch of humor). These tunnels were historically used for trade and transportation, and seeing them from the water adds a layer of intrigue and authenticity.

Sailing over three waterways: The route covers multiple canals and water routes, including the Nederschelde and the Reep, which are central to Ghent’s medieval merchant activity. Such varied waterways mean you’ll see different perspectives of the city’s architecture—from quay walls lined with mercantile houses to the old port areas.

Ancient Port of Ghent and mercantile houses: The tour glides past the historic port, revealing old warehouses and quay walls that tell stories of Ghent’s trading past. This part, appreciated by reviewers, shows how the city’s waterways once bustled with commerce and activity.

Castles of the Counts and the Princes Court: From the water, the impressive castles look particularly majestic, providing insight into Ghent’s medieval power structures. The Castle of Gerald the Devil and the Episcopal Palace are among the highlights, giving a sense of Ghent’s historic importance.

Other notable sites: The tour also passes the old Fish Market, the Meat Hall, 13th-century monasteries, the old Law Courts, the Opera, and the Handelsbeur concert hall. These diverse sights showcase Ghent’s layered history of commerce, law, and culture.

The Experience and Atmosphere

The reviews paint a vivid picture of the tour’s tone—informative but also lively. Marion appreciated the “dikke info met een vleugje humor,” which suggests the guide’s style is engaging and accessible. Although the guide speaks only Dutch, the visual storytelling and the scenic routes compensate well, especially for those with some understanding of the city or language.

The boat itself is described as comfortable and stable, with umbrellas on board in case of rain—a practical detail that ensures the experience isn’t spoiled by weather. The 90-minute duration feels just right, offering enough time to see major sights without fatigue.

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Practical Details and Value

Starting at the Green Boathouse on Korenlei 4a, the check-in process appears straightforward. The tour runs rain or shine, making it a reliable option regardless of weather, with umbrellas provided if needed.

The tour includes a live Dutch guide, adding authenticity but limiting accessibility for non-Dutch speakers. The ticket price covers the boat trip and guide but does not include additional language options, so travelers should consider this when booking.

One reviewer, Barbara, called it a “whole lot of fun,” emphasizing that the tour is a delightful way to see Ghent. Considering the cost for a 1.5-hour guided experience, it’s an excellent value—especially when compared to walking tours that might not cover as many sights from a single perspective.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for Dutch-speaking travelers or those eager to practice their Dutch. It’s ideal for anyone interested in Ghent’s historic architecture, waterways, and medieval castles. If you enjoy guided experiences that combine scenic beauty with cultural insights, this tour hits the mark.

It may not be the best choice for travelers seeking an English-speaking guide or a more casual, less structured experience. Still, for its focus on authenticity and detailed sightseeing, it’s a great way to get a rundown of Ghent’s waterways.

Additional Insights from Reviews

Reviewers like Marion mention the humor and clarity of the guide, which enhances the experience despite the language barrier. Barbara highlights how the tour is “whole lot of fun” and emphasizes the city’s greatness, which suggests the route and sights truly resonate with visitors.

Final Thoughts

Ghent Completely’s 90-minute boat tour offers an immersive and visually stunning way to appreciate Ghent’s historic waterways and landmarks. Although guided exclusively in Dutch, the route’s visual richness and the scenic beauty of the city make it a worthwhile experience even for non-Dutch speakers.

You’ll love the way this tour combines iconic sites like the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral with more hidden treasures like tunnels and mercantile quays. It’s especially suitable for history and architecture buffs, or anyone wanting a deep dive into Ghent’s past from a unique water-based vantage point.

The experience balances value and authenticity—an engaging, educational, and scenic journey for those eager to explore Ghent’s waterways in a relaxed, guided setting.

FAQ

Is the tour guided in English? No, the tour is guided exclusively in Dutch, so some understanding of Dutch or patience with visual cues will enhance your experience.

How long is the boat trip? The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, offering plenty of time to see many of Ghent’s key sights without feeling rushed.

Where do I meet for the tour? Check in at the Green Boathouse located at Korenlei 4a, a central and easily accessible location.

Does the tour go rain or shine? Yes, it runs regardless of weather. Umbrellas are available on board in case of rain.

What sights are included? Expect to see St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, St Nicholas Church, tunnels under Laurent Square, the old port, mercantile houses, castles, and other historic sites.

Is the tour suitable for children or families? While not explicitly stated, the route and scenic views make it a family-friendly activity, especially for those comfortable with Dutch.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible with a pay later option.

In brief, if you’re looking for an authentic, scenic, and educational way to explore Ghent’s waterways and history, this guided boat tour is a solid choice—especially if you’re open to a Dutch-language experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: