8 Best Kayak And Canoe Tours In Amsterdam

Grab a paddle and discover Amsterdam the way locals have for centuries – from water level. The city’s canals and nearby countryside offer an authentic, crowd-free perspective that you just can’t get on foot or by bike. The most rewarding tours combine peaceful canal paddling with Dutch village exploration, particularly the early morning and sunset options when the water traffic is minimal.

We especially love the countryside combo tours, where you’ll glide past historic windmills and traditional farmhouses while spotting local wildlife. Urban canal tours get our vote for photography and architecture buffs, offering unique angles of 17th-century merchant houses and hidden gardens.

Check out these top-rated kayak and canoe tours that showcase the best of Amsterdam’s waterways:

Key Points

• The Countryside Bike and Kayak Tour offers a 13-mile bike ride and over 1.5 hours of peaceful kayaking in canals with an experienced guide.
• The Stand Up Paddle Board Tour provides a 2-hour exploration of Amsterdam’s iconic canals, suitable for those with some balance and swimming skills.
• The Guided Canoe Adventure in Waterland is a 5-hour tour that accommodates up to 8 participants and includes vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free picnic options.
• The Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour is a 4-hour experience in the Waterland region, limited to 10 participants and includes a picnic dinner by a lake with views of windmills.
• The Dutch Countryside Sunset Canoe Tour is a 4-hour tour through the Dutch countryside, limited to 8 participants, and includes a pre-tour drink and a light picnic by a lake.

Countryside Bike and Kayak Tour Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Countryside Bike and Kayak Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty surrounding the Dutch capital.

Travelers can embark on a 13-mile bike ride through the picturesque countryside and enjoy over 1.5 hours of peaceful kayaking in the canals. The tour includes use of a bicycle and kayak, bottled water, and all necessary equipment.

With a maximum group size of 13 and an experienced guide, Tristan, this tour provides an intimate experience to see non-touristy parts of Amsterdam.

While a moderate fitness level is required, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with serious medical conditions.

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Amsterdam: 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour

Although the Amsterdam Countryside Bike and Kayak Tour offers a unique exploration of the city’s natural surroundings, the 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour provides a different way to experience the iconic canals.

For $132.10 per person, this tour includes a guide, all equipment, and photos of the experience. Participants will paddle through the canal network, passing by the Nautical Museum and a replica 18th-century ship.

The tour begins in a quiet section to allow for skill acclimatization before heading into the city center. While most reviews are positive, some noted difficulty finding the meeting point and lack of storage for personal items.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12 or non-swimmers.

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Guided Canoe Adventure With Picnic Lunch in Waterland From Amsterdam

Setting out on a guided canoe adventure in Waterland from Amsterdam, travelers can enjoy the region’s serene natural beauty while savoring a delightful picnic lunch.

This highly-rated 5-hour experience accommodates up to 8 people and departs from the Amsterdam NOORD metro station. Included are a local guide, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free picnic options, beverages, round-trip transportation, and canoe use.

Participants should have a moderate fitness level and be able to swim, as this activity isn’t recommended for those with back, heart, or other serious medical issues.

With 82 excellent reviews, this adventure offers a relaxing opportunity to spot wildlife and learn about the area’s unique landscapes.

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Amsterdam: 2-Hour Guided Canoe Trip

A 2-hour guided canoe trip in Amsterdam offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s picturesque waterways and tranquil wetlands. Priced at $40.16 per person, this small-group adventure (limited to 8 participants) allows you to paddle through Watergang village and the surrounding Dutch countryside, led by a live guide in either Dutch or English.

Along the way, you’ll spot wildlife like cows, goats, and ducks, and enjoy refreshments of stroopwafels and juice halfway through the tour. After the canoeing, you can relax in the guide’s garden, though food and snacks aren’t included.

The meeting point is a blue house behind the church in Watergang, accessible by bus, car, or bike.

Read our full review: Amsterdam: 2-Hour Guided Canoe Trip Review
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Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland With Dinner

Explore the picturesque Waterland region of Amsterdam on a small-group guided sunset canoe tour.

This 4-hour experience takes you through reed beds, meadows, and past traditional wooden houses, offering insights into the region’s history and culture. You’ll paddle past landscapes that inspired Rembrandt and learn about land reclamation.

The tour includes a picnic dinner by a lake, with views of windmills. With a maximum of 10 people, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your local guide.

The tour is priced at €78 per person and includes round-trip transportation, life jackets, and beverages.

Reviewers praise the serene setting and knowledgeable guides, making this an unforgettable way to connect with nature and Dutch culture.

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Amsterdam: Dutch Countryside Sunset Canoe Tour

Participants gather at the Amsterdam NOORD Terminal metro station, where they meet their guide holding a Wetlands Safari sign.

The group embarks on a 4-hour Dutch countryside sunset canoe tour, limited to 8 participants. They visit a local house for a pre-tour drink before paddling past farmhouses, mills, and grazing animals.

The group stops for a light picnic by a lake, with an option to swim on warmer nights.

Afterwards, they return to Amsterdam via public transport, enjoying another included drink.

This tour offers an authentic, tranquil experience just 15 minutes from the city, with a 5/5 rating based on 9 reviews.

Read our full review: Amsterdam: Dutch Countryside Sunset Canoe Tour Review
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Amsterdam 5-Hour Guided Canoe Trip in the Wetlands

Setting out on a captivating 5-hour journey, adventurers can enjoy the serene wetlands near Amsterdam.

This guided canoe trip, limited to just 8 participants, offers a unique opportunity to explore a 17th-century landscape teeming with birdlife.

Along the way, guests will enjoy a picnic on an island, featuring local delicacies like cheeses, breads, and juices. They’ll also have the chance to take in scenic views of Dutch windmills and even go for a swim during warm weather.

With a knowledgeable guide providing insights into the area’s history and ecology, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.

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Amsterdam: Countryside Bike and Kayak Guided Tour

For those seeking a well-rounded adventure in the picturesque Dutch countryside, the Amsterdam: Countryside Bike and Kayak Guided Tour offers an exhilarating 5-hour experience. Priced at $72.92 per person, the tour takes participants on a bike ride and kayaking excursion, with a visit to a historic windmill and petting farm along the way.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour accommodates up to 13 people and features equipment like kayaks, bikes, and waterproof gear. Reviewers praise the guides’ expertise and the unique opportunity to take in the rural charm of the region, paddling alongside wildlife.

With free cancellation and flexible booking, this tour provides an excellent way to explore the Dutch countryside.

Read our full review: Amsterdam: Countryside Bike and Kayak Guided Tour Review
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Sum Up

Amsterdam offers a variety of kayak and canoe tours that showcase the city’s scenic countryside and waterways. From guided trips with picnic lunches to sunset tours with dinner, there’s something for every adventurer. Whether you prefer kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or canoeing, these tours provide a unique and memorable way to explore Amsterdam’s natural beauty beyond the bustling city center.