Gouda: Open Boat City Canal Cruise

Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, the historic city of Gouda beckons visitors to explore its charming canals. The "Open Boat City Canal Cruise" offers a unique opportunity to do just that. This captivating one-hour journey takes passengers on a leisurely voyage through the city’s waterways, showcasing an array of iconic landmarks and providing fascinating insights from knowledgeable skippers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this cruise promises to unveil the hidden gems that make Gouda a truly enchanting destination. With convenient booking options and a free cancellation policy, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience on the city’s picturesque canals.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best City Tours In Gouda.

Good To Know

• 1-hour open boat canal cruise through historic Gouda, offering a unique perspective on the city’s hidden waterways and iconic landmarks.
• Guided by knowledgeable skippers who provide informative and entertaining insights in English and Dutch.
• Priced at $19.14 per person, with a flexible schedule and free cancellation policy.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or non-swimmers, and restrictions apply on drones, intoxication, and other activities.
• Highly rated by customers, who praise the intimate experience and the guide’s expertise in bringing Gouda’s history and cheese-making traditions to life.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Gouda: Open Boat City Canal Cruise is a 1-hour activity that takes visitors on a leisurely journey through the historic canals of Gouda.

Priced from $19.14 per person, the cruise offers a unique perspective with access to hidden areas not covered by other tours. Guided by a live tour guide, the cruise is available in both English and Dutch, providing entertaining insights about Gouda’s rich history.

Guests can enjoy the free cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later.

The cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or non-swimmers, and certain restrictions apply to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Experience and Itinerary

Starting from the Korte Vest in Gouda, the 1-hour open boat canal cruise takes visitors on a north-south journey through the city’s historic waterways. The route passes 9 notable sites, offering a unique perspective of Gouda’s hidden areas not accessible on other tours. Knowledgeable skippers provide entertaining insights and fun facts, immersing guests in the city’s rich history.

Highlights	Details
Starting Location	Korte Vest, Gouda
Route	North-south through Gouda canals
Unique Perspective	Access to hidden areas
Fun Facts	Provided by expert skippers
Duration	1 hour

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Gouda: Open Boat City Canal Cruise, awarding it an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 46 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the intimate experience with just two on the boat, which they found a fun way to see Gouda. They also commended the guide Lola for being informative and accommodating, with the bilingual information proving interesting.

One guest, Hans, praised the guide’s extensive knowledge about Gouda.

Important Information

To access the Gouda: Open Boat City Canal Cruise, guests must meet at the side of the Gouda Cheese Experience building next to the canal. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or non-swimmers. The following restrictions apply:

Restriction	Details
Drones	Not allowed
Intoxication	Not permitted
Alcohol/Drugs	Prohibited
Littering	Not allowed
Touching Marine Life	Forbidden

The 1-hour boat tour includes a skipper/guide and a map of the historic sites along the route, which may be subject to change. Guests are advised to check availability for starting times.

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Starting Location and Route

Located along the Korte Vest in Gouda, the 1-hour Gouda: Open Boat City Canal Cruise departs from the side of the Gouda Cheese Experience building.

The route takes passengers on a north-south journey through Gouda’s historic canals, passing nine iconic landmarks. This unique perspective allows access to hidden areas not covered by other tours.

The skilled skippers provide entertaining insights, sharing fun facts about Gouda’s rich history and culture. With a mix of English and Dutch commentary, the cruise offers a captivating and informative experience for both local and international visitors.

Unique Perspective and Fun Facts

The open boat canal cruise offers a unique perspective on Gouda’s historic sites that visitors won’t find on other tours. Skippers provide entertaining insights that bring the city’s rich history to life.

Passengers can:

• Access hidden waterways and secluded areas not covered by traditional land-based tours
• Admire iconic landmarks like the Gouda Cheese Experience and the Sint-Janskerk from a new vantage point
• Enjoy a relaxed, intimate atmosphere with just a small group on the boat
• Learn fascinating facts about Gouda’s past, from its role in the Dutch Golden Age to its renowned cheese-making traditions.

This one-of-a-kind cruise provides an engaging and informative way to explore the charming canals of this picturesque city.

Inclusions and Restrictions

The Gouda canal cruise includes a 1-hour boat tour with a knowledgeable skipper/guide, as well as a map highlighting the historic sites along the route. However, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind:

Allowed	Not Allowed
Taking photos	Using drones
Enjoying the scenery	Being intoxicated
Listening to the guide	Consuming alcohol or drugs
Staying seated	Littering
	Touching marine life

Plus, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or non-swimmers. Guests are advised to check availability for starting times, as itineraries may be subject to change.

Availability and Booking Details

According to the information provided, the Gouda canal cruise can be booked online, with a convenient "Reserve now & pay later" option that allows guests to secure their spot without upfront payment.

The cruise operates on a flexible schedule, with starting times subject to availability. To ensure an enjoyable experience, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or non-swimmers.

Guests should also note the restrictions, which prohibit the use of drones, intoxication, alcohol, drugs, littering, and touching marine life.

The 1-hour boat tour includes a knowledgeable skipper/guide and a map of the historic sites along the route, providing a unique perspective on the hidden areas of Gouda’s canals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

The cruise doesn’t allow bringing your own food or drinks. Passengers must respect the cruise operator’s rules, which prohibit outside consumables to maintain a clean and safe environment for all guests.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any age restrictions. Children are likely welcome, though the boat may not be suitable for young kids who can’t swim. It’s best to check with the operator for specific age policies.

Can I Take Pictures or Videos During the Cruise?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the cruise, though drones are prohibited. The tour operator requests that guests refrain from littering or touching the marine life for safety and preservation reasons.

Is the Boat Equipped With Any Amenities or Facilities?

While the boat doesn’t have amenities like onboard restrooms, it’s equipped with comfortable seating to enjoy the scenic canal views during the 1-hour cruise. Passengers can bring their own snacks and drinks to make the most of the experience.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour?

Customers can request a private or customized tour, subject to availability and additional fees. The tour operator may be able to accommodate special preferences or group sizes, though standard itineraries are typically offered for this cruise.

The Sum Up

The "Open Boat City Canal Cruise" offers a delightful way to experience Gouda’s historic charm. Guests can enjoy a guided tour, learning about nine iconic landmarks while taking in stunning scenery. With flexible booking options and an affordable price, this cruise provides an intimate and unforgettable glimpse into the city’s picturesque waterways. It’s a must-do activity for anyone exploring the enchanting town of Gouda.

You can check if your dates are available here: