River trips · WORLDWIDE

Best Canal Cruises: Our Top 15

156 sailings  ·  boarding from $9 a head

Amsterdam’s ring, the Bangkok klongs, Bruges and Venice: canal boats are slow, low and cheap. The 15 below are compared on boat type, open or glass roof, and whether the commentary is live or recorded.

Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks & Bites option - The Anne Frank House from the water
Amsterdam River Cruises, Canal Cruises, Luxury River Cruises, Luxury River Cruises in Amsterdam, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks & Bites option

1.Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks & Bites option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30,518 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $18Our pick

Cruise Amsterdam’s canals for about an hour aboard a small electric boat, passing the Anne Frank House, Jordaan, Rijksmuseum, Magere Brug and the Bridge of 15 Bridges. Guides such as Sofia, Arnoud and Stef bring humor and local stories. Check your ticket carefully, since drinks and bites depend on the option and departure point.

“Quick and comfortable canal cruise on a lovely wooden ship with real windows (not roll down plastic protection). Enjoyed it especially at night as we could glimpse lovely interiors as we cruised. The only downside was condensation on the windows on a chilly night.”

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Amsterdam: Heated Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Bite - The Skinny Bridge and the Amstel Hotel
Amsterdam River Cruises, Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Amsterdam: Heated Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Bite

2.Heated Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Bite

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21,431 reviews · 1 - 1.5 hours · from $18

Cruise Amsterdam’s canals for 1 to 1.5 hours aboard a fully electric boat with an English-speaking skipper and host. Expect views of the Anne Frank House, Skinny Bridge, Hermitage Museum, Golden Bend, and Amstel Hotel. Choose unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and a small snack, or buy drinks onboard.

“Well organised! Seating on boat was good not too packed, drinks where constantly refilled, snacks were nice! Guides were very informative and made us laugh!”

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Amsterdam: 75 Minute City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide - What the 75-minute route shows you
Amsterdam River Cruises, Canal Cruises, River Cruises, River Cruises with Audio Guide, River Cruises with Audio Guide in Amsterdam, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews

Amsterdam: 75 Minute City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide

3.75 Minute City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 19,938 reviews · 1h 15m · from $18

Cruise Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt for 75 minutes, passing Westerkerk, Centraal Station, the Amstel, Magere Brug, and the museum district. Choose an audio guide in 19 languages, or give children the Fresh Water Pirate version with a booklet and goodie bag. Snackbox tickets include sweet and savory snacks plus a drink.

“The experience was a little sad as it was not well attended that particular Sunday morning. I would have appreciated more participants. The audio guide was good. The captain often spoke over what was being offered via the audio which made it hard to follow both. Still, I had a great time being on the water & seeing the city from that vantage point.”

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Amsterdam: City Centre Canal Cruise including Audioguide - Choosing the best starting point
Amsterdam River Cruises, Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Amsterdam: City Centre Canal Cruise including Audioguide

4.City Centre Canal Cruise including Audioguide

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 16,901 reviews · 1 hour · from $17

Take a one-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed centre from Central Station, Anne Frank House, Leidseplein, or the Rijksmuseum. A heated boat, audio commentary in 19 languages, and friendly captains such as Simon, Jack, and Stijn make this an easy city introduction. Routes vary, so not every landmark appears on every sailing.

“To see the most beautiful and important places in Amsterdam”

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Copenhagen: Canal Cruise with Guide - Starting at Ved Stranden and the city center
Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Copenhagen: Canal Cruise with Guide

5.Canal Cruise with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,115 reviews · from $26

Spend about an hour on Copenhagen’s harbor and canals with a live English or Danish guide, passing Christiansborg, Amalienborg, the Opera House, the Little Mermaid, and the old Stock Exchange. Boats may be open to the weather, so arrive early and dress for the forecast. Return to Ved Stranden or Nyhavn.

“Our tour guide, if I caught her name correctly was Lola, if not I apologize, allegedly was her first day on the job but it seemed like she’s doing this thing like forever, she was knowledgeable and experienced. She also offered to give tips after the cruise in case anyone wanted. She made the cruise even better. The views from the cruise were gorgeous, with the canals and all the things we saw. Recommended for sure!”

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Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride - Meeting near Wat Pho and crossing the Chao Phraya
2-Hour Experiences, Bangkok River Cruises, Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride

6.Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,909 reviews · from $37

Meet your English-speaking guide near Wat Pho, then cross the Chao Phraya River by longtail boat into Thonburi’s canals. You’ll visit Baan Silapin, pass Wat Paknam’s giant Buddha, and return after about two hours. Guides may include Joe, Bella, Yohan, Fern, or Neo. Expect local homes, canal locks, and variable commentary.

“Easy to book and the tour itself was great. Saw some really interesting sights from both the river and the canal. Seeing the giant buddha then the stop off at Thon Buri were highlights for me. The only issue I had was that the initial organisation was rather chaotic with several different trips all congregating at the same place. The various tour guides found it hard to separate who was in which group and because I'd only booked a couple of hours earlier, I didn't seem to be on anyone's list. I had to be really firm with the guides to ensure I was included on one of the tours…”

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Amsterdam: Covered Canal Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks - Boarding from Amstel 178 or Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230
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Amsterdam: Covered Canal Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

7.Covered Canal Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,435 reviews · 1 hour · from $18

Spend one hour cruising Amsterdam’s central canals, the Amstel, Herengracht, and Prinsengracht with an English-speaking host and skipper. Choose two drinks or an open bar with beer, wine, and soda. Boats hold up to 26 people, are partly covered, and return to the city center.

“Edward and Pedro are dope, edward was hella funny and Pedro was cutting these canals like crazy. Whole experience was fire”

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Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket - Planning the fixed Heineken time first
Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket

8.City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,367 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Set aside about three hours for a canal cruise and the Heineken Experience. You get a timed brewery entry, two complimentary drinks, and an open cruise ticket usable at either of two docks. The cruise uses multilingual audio, while the Heineken visit is self-guided, lively, and limited to adults 18 and older.

“very interesting plenty of information a lot of fun”

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Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Unlimited Drinks Option - Passing the Hermitage Museum adds a cultural landmark
Amsterdam River Cruises, Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Unlimited Drinks Option

9.Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Unlimited Drinks Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,976 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $21

Spend about an hour on Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals aboard a small electric open boat with an English-speaking captain. Expect views of Westerkerk, Jordaan waterways, bridges, and the Hermitage Museum. Guides such as Luuc, Matt, Jaro, Anthony, and Sebastian have been praised for their stories and easygoing style. An unlimited-drinks upgrade is available, but confirm how it works before departure.

“It was a great evening cruise, the boat operator shared lots of details of the city. This was so informative evening, great to see the city come to life with all the lights. Would definitely recommend this cruise.”

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Amsterdam Newest Canal Cruise with local guide and small group - The Canal Ring from an open boat
Amsterdam River Cruises, Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Amsterdam Newest Canal Cruise with local guide and small group

10.Amsterdam Newest Canal Cruise with local guide and small group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,735 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $21

Spend about an hour cruising Amsterdam’s Canal Ring in a small boat for up to 28 people. Your English-speaking skipper may be Mark, Alfred, JJ, Eddie, or another local guide, sharing stories as you pass leaning houses, Oude Kerk, the Amstel, and smaller canals. Ponchos, umbrellas, blankets, and covered seating help with changing weather.

“The tour was amazing and JJ was very knowledgeable! He answered all my questions and was very humorous as well. I don't recall the co captains name, but he was really nice and friendly, and also very knowledgeable. It was an awesome tour and a must do while in Amsterdam! Seriously 5/5 for the tour and drinks. They also give blankets and pillows! Def recommend this tour! My only reason for the 4 star was that the description stated to look for the "dark green flag, eco line boats, and blue jacket members" and the directions stated "Station 18". Well, There was no green flag, I don't remember seeing eco…”

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Manchester: Canal & River Cruise - Old Trafford from the Manchester Ship Canal
Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

11.Canal & River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,638 reviews · 1 hour · from $16Best value

Board beneath the blue and white Millennium Lift Bridge by The Lowry Theatre for a one-hour English-language cruise from Salford Quays. You’ll pass MediaCity, Old Trafford, Pomona Docks, Stephenson’s 1830 railway bridge, and Hulme Lock while onboard commentary explains Manchester’s industrial past and changing future. Indoor and outdoor seating, a toilet, and light refreshments are available.

“The activity was really good, relaxing and very educational. Would recommend.”

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Milan: Navigli Canal Boat Cruise - What the Naviglio Grande reveals first
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Milan: Navigli Canal Boat Cruise

12.Navigli Canal Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.3 · 4,502 reviews · 50 min · from $25

Board a small electric boat at Alzaia Naviglio Grande 4 for a 50-minute round trip through Milan’s Navigli district. You’ll pass San Cristoforo, Vicolo dei Lavandai, Darsena, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Conchetta. An English or Italian host helps with boarding, while audio commentary is available through a QR code in five languages.

“it was great experience to see the sunset enjoying some aperol spritz while listening to amazing music”

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Bangkok: Longtail Boat Canal Cruise - Meeting at Elefin Coffee near Wat Pho
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Bangkok: Longtail Boat Canal Cruise

13.Longtail Boat Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,076 reviews · 2 hours · from $36

Ride Bangkok’s klongs by long-tail boat with an English-speaking guide, passing Wat Arun and Wat Paknam’s giant Buddha before stopping at Khlong Bang Luang. You’ll have about 30 to 40 minutes to explore the Artist’s House, browse small shops, feed catfish, or make a bracelet. Guides such as Ken, Pam, Bella, and Neo are known for lively, helpful commentary.

“Great! We loved Bella who was a lot of fun. Boat ride was cool and like a speed boat at times 😂. Would 100% recommend. Felt chilled and loved the mini market stop ♥️”

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Prague: Canal Cruise Around Charles Bridge - Finding the Charles Bridge Museum meeting point
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Prague: Canal Cruise Around Charles Bridge

14.Canal Cruise Around Charles Bridge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,986 reviews · 45 min · from $26

Spend 45 minutes on a traditional boat around Charles Bridge, passing the National Theatre, Prague Castle, Rudolfinum, and the narrow Devil’s Channel. You get headphones with commentary in 19 languages, a drink, gingerbread or summer ice cream, and entry to the Charles Bridge Museum. Redeem your voucher downstairs before boarding.

“When booking this I didn't realise it also included entrance to the Charles Bridge museum, so we visited this before taking the boat cruise. The museum itself was interesting and the boat cruise was informative. A beer and ice cream was very welcome on a hot day and the audio commentary was very interesting and definitely taught us a lot! We also saw beavers on the cruise that I didn't even know lived in Prague!”

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Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket and City Canal Cruise - Entering the Van Gogh Museum at your reserved time
Amsterdam River Cruises, Canal Cruises, Museums, River Cruises, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket and City Canal Cruise

15.Van Gogh Museum Ticket and City Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,899 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Visit the Van Gogh Museum at your reserved entry time, then take an open-ticket canal cruise from the Hard Rock Café or Heineken Experience docks. You’ll see Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, and The Potato Eaters, followed by Amsterdam’s bridges, merchant houses, newer architecture, and an audio commentary in 21 languages.

“Loved the museum I wasn’t met at my meet pint so made my own way to location”

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Newly added: Canal Cruises

★ 4.8Giethoorn Guided Day Trip with Canal CruiseFrom $80335 reviews
★ 4.8Giethoorn Sightseeing Tour and Canal CruiseFrom $33022 reviews
★ 4.7From Gdansk: Elblag Canal Boat CruiseFrom $52710 reviews
★ 4.4Durban Point Waterfront: Luxury Canal Boat CruiseFrom $9298 reviews
★ 4.6Grand Canal Cruise with DinnerFrom $79143 reviews
★ 4.7Dubai: Water Canal Cruise and La Perle Show with DinnerFrom $136833 reviews
★ 4.7Dubai: Private Creek Harbour and Water Canal Cruise36 reviews
★ 4.6Dochgarroch: Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness 50min CruiseFrom $30101 reviews
★ 5.01-Hour Motor Boat Ride on Grand CanalFrom $2652 reviews
★ 4.7Old Canals and Hidden Gems Social Boat TourFrom $102371 reviews
★ 4.5Canal Boat Cruise & Old Town/Nyhavn Walking TourFrom $2744 reviews
★ 4.6Corinth Canal Cruise: Ancient Ports, Crystal Waters &HistoryFrom $11714 reviews
★ 4.51 or 2-Hour Canal Tour in Silent Electric BoatsFrom $3088 reviews
★ 5.0Colombo/Negombo: Muthurajawela & Dutch Canal Boat AdventureFrom $854 reviews
★ 4.9Chioggia: Venetian Lagoon and Canals Boat TourFrom $67130 reviews

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