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

If you’re visiting Ghent and want a different perspective on this Belgian city, the Ghent Completely boat tour offers a unique 90-minute journey through its ancient waterways. While it’s guided only in Dutch, this tour packs in a wealth of sights that reveal Ghent’s historic charm—from its medieval castles to bustling ports and lively quays. We’re here to help you decide whether this experience suits your style, based on detailed insights and honest assessment.

What we love about this tour is its comprehensive scope—you’ll see some of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks—and its affordable price point, which makes it an excellent value considering the amount of sightseeing packed into 90 minutes. However, since the guide is only in Dutch, non-Dutch speakers might find it less accessible unless you’re comfortable with the language or have prior knowledge.

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy visual storytelling from the water and want an intimate, atmospheric glimpse of Ghent’s historic waterfronts. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for a flexible, guided introduction to the city’s layout and key sights. If you’re not fluent in Dutch or prefer guided tours in other languages, you might need to consider additional resources or a different tour.

Key Points

• Unique Water Perspective: See Ghent’s landmarks from its waterways, providing a different appreciation of its architecture.
• Historical Highlights: Explore sites like St Bavos Cathedral, Belfry, and old guildhalls, all narrated in Dutch.
• Convenient and Accessible: Starts at the Green Boathouse, with a clear 1.5-hour schedule, perfect for fitting into a busy day.
• Authentic Local Experience: Guided by a Dutch-speaking guide, offering insights that add local flavor.
• Value for Money: A reasonably priced tour offering a broad overview without breaking the bank.
• Weather-Friendly: Rain or shine, umbrellas are provided, making it a dependable option even in unpredictable weather.

The Ghent Completely boat tour offers a surprisingly extensive itinerary for a 90-minute trip. We’ll break down the main sights and explain their significance, helping you understand what you’ll see—and why it’s worth your time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point: The Green Boathouse at Korenlei 4a

The tour begins at the Green Boathouse, a well-marked departure point along Ghent’s scenic Korenlei street, known for its historic quay walls and picturesque cafes. From here, you’ll immediately be immersed in the waterside ambiance that has defined Ghent for centuries.

The Waterways: A Cross-Section of Ghent’s Past and Present

You’ll sail over three different waterways, each offering a different view of the city’s layered history and vibrant present. Expect to glide along the Nederschelde, a major waterway that has served as a vital port for centuries, and pass quay walls lined with old mercantile houses, which hint at Ghent’s historical role as a trading hub.

Key Landmarks on the Water

• St Bavos Cathedral, Belfry, and St Nicholas Church: While you won’t enter these monuments, the tour provides an excellent vantage point to appreciate their size and architectural styles from the water, with commentary in Dutch that highlights their historical importance.
• The Ancient Port of Ghent: You’ll see how water shaped the city’s economy, with views of old warehouses and the bustling port area that once handled goods from across Europe.
• Castles of the Counts and Princes Court: These impressive medieval structures, now part of the city’s skyline, reveal Ghent’s importance as a seat of power and its defensive history.
• Old Guildhalls and Historic Quays: From fishmongers to grain measurers, the old guildhalls along the port whisper stories of the city’s commercial past.

Noteworthy Stops and Passages

• Tunnels under Laurent Square: Going through these tunnels offers a glimpse into the city’s underground history, providing a more intimate, slightly secretive perspective.
• Rabot and the Castle of Gerald the Devil: These structures speak to Ghent’s medieval saga, with legends and historic significance layered into their stones.
• The Old Fish Market & Meat Hall: These bustling centers of commerce highlight Ghent’s lively market traditions.
• Monasteries of Augustinians and Dominicans: Their remains remind travelers of the city’s religious and cultural history.

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End Point: The Scenic Marina and Back to Korenlei

The tour concludes back at the Green Boathouse, offering a complete loop that leaves you with plenty of visual memories and stories to explore further on foot.

What the Experience Feels Like

Onboard, you’ll enjoy the gentle rocking of the boat while the guide provides vivid insights, all in Dutch. While the language may be a barrier for non-Dutch speakers, many reviews suggest that the visual spectacle and the lively commentary offer enough context. One reviewer mentioned, “Mooi, duidelijke info met een vleugje humor,” which translates to “Beautiful, clear info with a touch of humor,” hinting that the guide’s storytelling is engaging.

The boat itself is comfortable, and umbrellas are provided if the weather turns wet, which in Belgium is not always predictable. The 1.5-hour duration strikes a perfect balance—long enough to see many sights but short enough to fit into a busy itinerary.

Value and Practicalities

For about the price of a nice lunch, you get a rundown of Ghent’s waterways and history. The inclusion of a Dutch-speaking guide adds authenticity, offering insights you might not get from a self-guided walk. The tour’s flexible schedule—especially during the warmer months when it runs every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00—means you can plan it easily into your day.

Remember that the ticket is only valid for one trip, so plan your timing accordingly. Also, since guidance is solely in Dutch, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with the language or those willing to enjoy the scenery and context visually.

This boat trip is ideal if you’re curious about Ghent’s maritime history, medieval architecture, and local legends. It’s particularly good for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic overview without heavy walking. If you enjoy storytelling from a knowledgeable guide and don’t mind Dutch, this is a charming way to connect with the city’s past from its waters.

However, if you prefer guided tours in English or other languages, or if you’re after a more detailed historical narration, you might find this less suitable. It’s best to see this as an atmospheric, water-based complement to walking tours or museum visits.

In essence, this tour offers an engaging, visually rich introduction to Ghent’s waterway network and architectural treasures. It’s a relaxed way to get your bearings, especially because it covers many of the city’s highlights in just 90 minutes. The value for money is clear, given the broad scope of sights and the authentic guide-led experience.

For those interested in Ghent’s medieval port, castles, and old town, this boat tour is a delightful choice. It provides a snapshot that’s both easy to access and packed with memorable views, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a scenic, informative, and authentic experience.

While the Dutch-only guidance might be a consideration, many travelers find that the combination of water views and vivid scenery compensates beautifully for the language barrier. If you’re open to a slightly different linguistic experience and want to see Ghent from its waterways, this tour remains an excellent addition to your Belgian itinerary.

Is this tour suitable for non-Dutch speakers?
While the guide is only in Dutch, many travelers find the visual experience and scenic views compensate. If you’re comfortable with some Dutch or enjoy absorbing sights without detailed narration, it can still be worthwhile.

How long does the tour last?
The boat trip runs for approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable yet comprehensive experience.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at the Green Boathouse on Korenlei 4a, a central and scenic location along Ghent’s historic quay.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
Yes, it goes rain or shine. Umbrellas are provided onboard if needed, so don’t let weather stop you.

Are pets allowed on the boat?
Pets are not allowed, though assistance dogs are welcomed.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

This well-rounded, waterborne exploration of Ghent offers a memorable mix of history, scenery, and local flavor—all accessible from the city’s waterways. Whether you’re new to Ghent or returning for a second look, this tour adds a distinctive perspective that’s both relaxing and enlightening.

You can check availability for your dates here: