BEER TOURS · BEER CRUISES IN THE NETHERLANDS
The 13 best beer cruises in the Netherlands you can book today, with what each pours, how long it runs and what it costs. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Start with a 75-minute canal cruise past Amsterdam’s historic bridges, museums, and modern architecture, then enter the Heineken Experience at your reserved time. Expect a self-guided brewery tour, interactive exhibits, brewing details, and two drinks. This activity is for ages 18 and older.
“Two brilliant activities, well worth the money! What wonderful and educational experiences!”
Visit Heineken’s original Amsterdam brewery for an interactive self-guided tour, beer tasting, and two drinks, then cruise the Canal Belt for one hour with GPS commentary in 19 languages. The $44 combo lasts about three hours, but you must arrange the boat time separately.
“The activity was great, I thoroughly enjoyed the Heineken experience it was fun and super informative. The vibe in the bar at the end was great fun would definitely recommend going. The canal tour was great, the only thing was getting an understanding of where it starts but once you figure that out it’s all smooth sailing from there (yes pun was intended). Overall it was great!”
Board behind the Krasnapolsky Hotel on Dam Square for a one-hour electric canal cruise capped at 15 people in the usual format, though capacity may reach 22. Expect live commentary, Damrak Gin and Tonics, wine, beer, soft drinks, Dutch cheese, and friendly hosts such as Max, Lena, Ed, and Nina.
“Tour was great and tour guides were very knowledgeable however we paid extra to include unlimited drinks and Dutch cheese…. No cheese in sight…. Disappointing!”
You begin at the Heineken Experience with a timed, self-guided look at brewing, brand history, interactive exhibits, and two drinks. Then use your voucher for a 75-minute Blue Boat cruise past the Amstel, IJ, Skinny Bridge, Rijksmuseum, and Amsterdam Centraal. Plan the boat time carefully.
“Halfway through tour becomes a psychodelic graphic experience, including gaming adventures & Photo Booth ops! The Silver beer was better than regular Heineken.”
Spend about two hours at the interactive Heineken Experience, with two drinks included, then take a one-hour Lovers canal cruise with GPS commentary. The two attractions are in different parts of Amsterdam, so you must arrange the cruise time and allow extra travel between stops.
“Heineken experience was ok. Wished had done more per brewing process. Enjoyed canal but cruise so far from Heineken experience”
Spend 90 minutes circling Amsterdam’s canals with a host-captain, a cheese board, and three drinks from a bar offering European wine, Amsterdam craft beer, and non-alcoholic choices. The route can include Jordaan, Prinseneiland, the Amstel, Skinny Bridge, seven bridges, Anne Frank House, and de Wallen.
“Very relaxed! Micha was a good skipper, made the trip fun and there was lots to drink :-) Seeing the buildings go by from the water makes for a poetical experience. The boat was very comfortable and quiet with its electric motor. We moved like a whisper. Thanks”
Cruise Amsterdam’s central canals for about 40 to 45 minutes with an English-speaking guide. You’ll pass De Wallen, Rembrandt House, Oude Kerk, and Skinny Bridge. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available through an onboard open bar, with guides such as Justin, Butter, Ben, and Josua named in guest feedback.
“My reservation was for 12:00 but they called me at 12:05 to tell me that it had been canceled and that it should be at 14:00, it bothers me a lot because I had a reservation at a restaurant and museum, I arrived on time but the boat came at 14:30, the truth is that I would not recommend them because in addition the drinks were very cheap and for this reason my friend and I had a lot of headache and Diego vomited many times as”
Bring your group aboard a private open-top boat for a 90-minute cruise through Amsterdam’s Canal Belt. Your English-speaking skipper handles the route while you enjoy four beers per person, cushioned seating, Golden Age merchant houses, and possible drop-off at a requested site.
“Völlig locker und ausgelassen. Toller Spot um abzuschalten.”
Set out from the canal beside the Rijksmuseum for a 1-hour, adults-only cruise with one Heineken premium beer included. An English-speaking guide such as Ashley, Joel, or Conall may share Amsterdam stories and Heineken facts while you ride the historic waterways.
“We had a great time with our guides Joel and Conall, very entertaining and knowledgeable about the city”
Start at the Boothuys on Spaarne 11A at 5:30 pm for a Haarlem canal cruise with audio commentary, experienced skippers, and a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off pass covering four central boarding points. Food and drinks are available at your own cost. Wheelchair access is restricted.
“On a recent visit to Haarlem , my wife and I decided to take the hop on - hop off boat cruise.”
Spend four hours exploring Rotterdam with guides such as Willem, Rob, or Umeesh. Visit four breweries, sample four craft beers with small snacks, and ride two water taxis on the Maas. The tour starts near World Food Festival and ends at Fenix Food Factory.
“Our tour guide Rob was fantastic, it was a wonderful mix of fun, history, walking tour and good food and beer! Rob was a wealth of historical information and sharing of life in Rotterdam.”
Join Blue Boat Company at the dock opposite the Heineken Experience for a 45-minute canal cruise with a live English-speaking guide, one Heineken, and snacks. You’ll pass Amsterdam Centraal, the Skinny Bridge, NEMO, the Amstel Hotel, and major museums. This cruise is for ages 18 and over.
“We were denied entry due to a miscommunication from the organizer re the age limit, without offering a refund.”
You’ll cruise Amsterdam’s canals with a private skipper who adjusts the route to your interests, while a homemade hamburger and four cans of beer per person make this a casual dinner on the water. Skippers named Erin, Sophie, Stein, Letitia, Kamel, and Martin have led lively, informative trips.
“Letitia and Kamel were the best hosts! So much fun and learnt some really cool things about the city.”
