canal tour experience

The 7 Best Amsterdam Canal Cruises [2024 Reviews]

Amsterdam is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, and it’s no wonder why. The history alone is fascinating, but then incorporate its delicious food, endless nightlife activities, beautiful architecture, and stunning canals and it’s incredible.

We’re going to focus a bit on the latter today, as cruises along the canal are one of the most popular activities to do. However, there are also a lot of tours available, so which one is the best? No need to wonder, as we have all the top canal cruises in Amsterdam right here!

Don’t leave Amsterdam until you see all the things there are to do in this beautiful City!

Best amsterdam canal tours, quick answer: the 7 best amsterdam canal tours for 2024.

• Best Romantic Tour: Amsterdam: Romantic Canal Tour with Bubbly
• Best Budget Tour: Amsterdam Private Canal Booze Cruise
• Best Value Tour: Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Plus Snacks and Drinks
• Best Evening Tour: Amsterdam Private Romantic Canal Cruise at Night
• Best Private Tour: Private Boat Tour: Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
• Best Family Tour: Amsterdam 90-Minute Private Family Canal Cruise
• Best Small Group Tour: Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Plus Snacks and Drinks

Be sure to see our reviews of Red Light District Tours, Van Gogh Museum Tours and Windmill Tours .

Amsterdam Canal Tour Reviews

1. best romantic tour: amsterdam: romantic canal tour with bubbly.

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Departure: Keizersgracht 198, 1015 CZ
• Departure Time:  4:00 PM
• Includes: Expert romantic tour guide and skipper , blankets and heated seats , local cheese, grapes and crackers, small bottle of Prosecco and water

One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is from a canal cruise. There’s just something magical about floating down the calm waters as you pass by centuries-old buildings and under beautiful bridges.

The Romantic Canal Tour with Bubbly is one of the best if you’re looking for a great way to spend time with your significant other. What’s great about this tour is that you can customize it, depending on your specific interests.

Your guide will ask if you have any particular interests so they can tailor the experience to them. There are plenty of different departure times, and lasting 1.5 hours, it’s super easy to fit into even the busiest schedules. Whether you go day or night, it’s simply a magical experience you have to try at least once.

Meet up with your guide, and hop on board, where you’ll be acquainted with your local, certified skipper who is an expert in all things “Amsterdam”.

They’ll tell you all about the city’s history and specifically that of the canals. The district is UNESCO-listed, and it’s unique to just this area.

Not only that, but they provide insight into the locals’ way of life and how the canals are used present-day. There are many people who actually live in house boats docked at the sides of the canals, which is pretty cool!

As you’ll get to see so much of the city, once you’re on land you’ll find that navigating around is much easier.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best budget tour: amsterdam private canal booze cruise.

• Departure:  Jungle Dock
• Departure Time:  12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Includes:   Live tour guide, t ransport for activity duration: sightseeing cruise, b eer, w ine,  s oft drinks

Amsterdam is a city that’s known for having a good time, and if you’re looking for one, you’re in the right place. The Amsterdam: Private Canal Booze Cruise lasts 1.5 hours and is a great way to start off the evening or day of sightseeing.

Take a break to relax, but cruising through the gorgeous canals with a refreshing beverage in hand! Sure, there are tons of bars in the city, but trust us when we say this way is much more fun! If it’s your first time in the city, it’s a must-do!

If you’re traveling in groups, this is a nice way to get everyone together from some simultaneous excitement and sightseeing. It’s available for groups of 10 people and under. Meet up with your guide near Central Station, which is easy to get to from just about any part of the city.

Board your boat, where you’ll be able to relax on the padded seats with plenty of leg room.  There’s also a restroom on board, which is ideal if you’re going to be drinking!

Crack open a cold beer, pop open a bottle of champagne, or some simple mixed drinks while you cruise around the canals. Think of it as like an open bar because you don’t have a limit on how many drinks you can have.

You’ll pass through the Amstel River, under 7 stunning bridges and some hidden gems your skipper will point out to you. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the city, where famous landmarks are, and will make it easier to plan excursions on land based on this.

Other Amsterdam Experiences To Try:

3. best value tour: amsterdam small-group canal cruise plus snacks and drinks.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departure: Keizersgracht 106, 1015 CV Amsterdam
• Departure Time:  1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM
• Includes:  Snack platter, unlimited drinks (open bar), professional guide, all taxes & fees, snacks, bottled water

The next one up is a bit longer than the other two we’ve covered so far. Clocking in at 2 hours, you’ll get to learn all about the local history, lifestyle, landmarks, and the canals, specifically.

Do it all while enjoying some delicious snacks and drinks on Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Plus Snacks and Drinks . If you’ve just arrived in Amsterdam, it’s one of the best ways to get an introduction to the city.

The ride is relaxing and beautiful, and ideal for a small group (maximum of 9 people) for a customized experience and the ability to ask any questions you may have to the skipper.

Start out in Jordaan, which is a great place to explore if you want to escape the crowds and general hustle-and-bustle of the city.

It’s a lovely area to sit back, relax, and take the views in. They’ll offer you all kinds of local eats like a snack platter with fruit, cheese, cookies, and sausages.

Wash it all down with some craft beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Pass by the city’s oldest hat factory, called the Rode Hoed (Red Hat), which now serves as an event center. Your guide will tell you all about its interesting (and lengthy!) history.

They’ll continue offering an educational commentary on the canals’ history and heritage, and how important they are.

Not only that, but you’ll get to see the gorgeous side houses that line the canals, along with the enormous mansions that sit on the bigger main canals.

The route does vary a bit, depending on the weather and time of day you book for. However, each trip is a very enjoyable experience!

4. Best Evening Tour: Amsterdam Private Romantic Canal Cruise at Night

• Duration: 50 minutes to 90 minutes
• Departure: At the canals (white boat with blue tops)
• Departure Time:  Variety Available
• Includes:   Private boat cruise at night, c aptain/storyteller, g lass of mulled wine (winter), s mall bottle of Prosecco (summer), l ocal cheese, grapes, crackers, and waffles, b lankets

On the hunt for the perfect date night adventure? If so, there are a lot of choices to select from, but this next tour always seems to rank quite high.

The Amsterdam: Private Romantic Canal Cruise at Night tour is a great alternative to heading to a fancy restaurant, because you have it all right here on board! While the city is beautiful just about any time of day or with any weather, it’s really something different at night.

The city is all lit up, with the warm lights reflecting off of the rippling waters. It’s also a great way to preface dinner, as it won’t spoil your meal but will definitely satisfy any hunger pangs and quench your thirst.

Board your comfortable, private vessel for the next 50 to 90 minutes while you get settled and cruise down the canals. The glistening lights light the way, as your skipper tells you all kinds of fascinating stories about the city’s history, culture, and notable landmarks.

They’ll share facts about important people from here, as well as local legends that always are fun to learn about.

With cozy blankets provided, along with some sparkling champagne, wine, cheese, and waffles, we can’t recommend this tour enough if you really want to get in some quality time with that special someone.

It’s also perfect if you want to learn more about navigating the city and how to access certain tourist hot spots.

While it’s not required, you do have the option of having the guide play some romantic music as well. It’s all up to what you and your partner would like to do – they’re all very accommodating and there to ensure you have a wonderful romantic evening.

5. Best Private Tour: Private Boat Tour: Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

• Departure: Oosterdokskade 8, Oosterdokskade 8, 1011 AE Amsterdam
• Includes:  Alcoholic beverages, soda

This next tour is perfect for couples or groups of friends and family, alike. You can reserve the boat for up to 12 people, making it a great way to spend some quality time and have a blast while doing it!

The Private Boat Tour: Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam lasts 1.5 hours full of laughs, adventuring, and learning about this unique city!

Start out by meeting down at the wooden dock next to the “Sea Palace” restaurant. We found the boats to look brand-new, and are in excellent condition. It actually is one of the more luxurious boats we’ve seen, with the wooden sitting area sporting traditional windows and padded seats.

Actually, this traditional vessel is one of just a few in all of Amsterdam that holds the title of “floating monument status” due to its historic traits! If you’re curious, your guide will tell you all about this beauty.

Enjoy unlimited champagne and sip the bubbly while you watch out over the gorgeous canals, as you cruise under bridges and past elaborately-designed homes that line each side.

The boat’s owner will tell you all about the history of the city and offer interesting anecdotes and personal stories, as well.

Enjoy attentive service as you cruise by important landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, Magere Brug, the Red Light District, National Maritime Museum, Heineken Experience, Café de Sluyswacht, Bridge of 15 Bridges, and much more.

We highly recommend checking at least some of those out once you’re on land, and now that you know how to get to them!

6. Best Family Tour: Amsterdam 90-Minute Private Family Canal Cruise

• Departure:  Keizersgracht 198, Keizersgracht 198, 1015 CZ Amsterdam
• Includes: Variety Available

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable excursion to take the entire family on, you’ve found it! The Amsterdam 90-Minute Private Family Canal Cruise tour is a fantastic way to explore the legendary Dutch canals, and see some of the most popular landmarks from a different perspective.

This is a must-do if you’re bringing the entire family along, and is great for all ages! With a max passenger limit of 10 people per boat, you can feel confident you’re going to receive personalized attention and be able to have any of your questions answered by a professional.

They captain will ask you if you have any specific interests, so they can tailor your cruise to them, too. While food and drinks aren’t served on the boat, you’re more than welcome to bring your own. After exploring, you may want to go grab some food, anyway.

This 1.5-hour tour offers quite a bit of flexibility with start times, making it easy to fit into busy schedules.

As you cruise down the charming canals, they’ll teach you all about the city’s history, modern-day attractions, and many stories with cultural relevance. They’ll show you some hidden gems that not many tourists get to see or even know about, too!

If you’re new to the city, they’ll offer some tips on places to visit later, including any restaurant recommendations! This is a fantastic way to learn about local lifestyles here, and how the canals impact them.

They’re an excellent mode of transportation and offer a bit of relaxation away from the crowds.

7. Best Small Group Tour: Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Plus Snacks and Drinks

• Departure: Keizersgracht 401, Keizersgracht 401, 1016 EK Amsterdam
• Includes:  Snacks, alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, fees and taxes

This next tour is always a blast, super affordable, and one of the most highly-rated canal cruises out there! The Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise plus Snacks and Drinks tour is one everyone should try, even if you’ve already done a canal cruise before!

Lasting 2 hours long, it’s a fantastic way to have fun, eat some delicious traditional snacks, and enjoy the views without the crowds. Located right in front of the Museum for Photography, you’ll meet up with your guide where you and the rest of your group will be escorted to the boat.

Due to the space, you will be limited to groups of 12 people. We really enjoyed the configuration of this boat, which is open on the ends but has a glass covering to keep you protected just in case of rain (which can happen even in the summertime!).

It also offers unobstructed views of this gorgeous city, where you’ll be able to fully enjoy the incredible architecture and canal views.

To keep your thirst and hunger at bay, they provide mulled wine and authentic Dutch snacks like the “bitterballen” and “stroopwafel” which are delicious and perfect if you like sweets! Start out in the old quarter of the Jordaan, which is arguably one of the prettiest areas.

Cruise along and spot landmarks such as the Anne Frank house,  Red Light District, National maritime Museum, Hortus Botanicus, and even the East Indiaman ship dating from back to the Golden Age!

You’ll even get to see various “hidden gems” that not too many tourists know about, and can go back to visit them once you’re on land.

Why You Should Take an Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tour

Taking an Amsterdam canal cruise is a great way to experience the city from a unique perspective.

• See the city from a different angle : Amsterdam is of course famous for its canals but taking a canal cruise/tour allows you can see can see sights that visitors walking around don’t get to see. You will get to see the city’s narrow streets, historic buildings and picturesque bridges from the water.
• Learn about Amsterdam’s history and culture : Most canal cruise tours have audio guides or live commentary which can provide interesting information about Amsterdam’s history, architecture and culture. You’ll learn all about the city’s most famous residents, its trading history and its most famous landmarks.
• Relax and unwind: A canal cruise is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening. have a glass of wine while you enjoy the sights. Most canal cruises have food and drink options so you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views.
• Ideal for all ages : A canal cruise is a great activity for families, couples or groups of friends. It’s a good option for families and is an enjoyable experience for everyone.

What Will You See on Canal Tour/Cruise?

• Architecture : Amsterdam’s canal ring is home to many stunning buildings, including 17th-century merchant houses, grand public buildings and its modern architecture.
• Bridges : Amsterdam has over 1,200 bridges many of which are historic and offer unique views of the city.
• Houseboats : Amsterdam is famous for its houseboats which line the canals and give you a glimpse into the city’s unique culture.
• Landmarks : A canal cruise will take you past many of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks, including the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and of course the Van Gogh Museum .
• Bustling streets : As you cruise through Amsterdam’s canals, you’ll also see bustling streets and neighborhoods, giving you a feel for the city’s vibrant energy and lively atmosphere.
• Red Light District – This area is probably one of the more obvious neighborhoods to go adventuring around at night. The iconic red windows and notorious coffee shops are everywhere and while this area is full of tourist traps. You should take a Red Light District tour so you can see all the cool spots like Belushi’s, Hill Street Blues, and Aepjen.

Tour Guides

The Private 1.5 hour Canal Tour in Amsterdam with your Loved One is our Editors Choice for the best canal tour in Amsterdam

Robert Baker

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This Amsterdam canal cruise is the No. 1 experience in the world—here’s what it's really like

Find out what earned this city cruise top marks from reviewers..

Nothing epitomizes Amsterdam ’s storybook charm quite like its 165 winding canals . Dating back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries, these waterways are more than just a postcard-perfect curiosity: they’re an essential transportation network for the Dutch capital. So it’s no surprise that canal boat tours have become a quintessential “when in Amsterdam” experience, with dozens of operators to be found along the routes.

But one company, Flagship Amsterdam , stands out. Its fleet of open-air electric saloon boats is adorned with polished wood detailing, and decked out with inviting tangerine-colored cushions and a working bar in the center. Flagship also offers a convenient docking point less than a dozen steps from the Anne Frank House and a welcoming crew. A promising start, to be sure—but to find out why this outfitter’s Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise was rated Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice No. 1 Top Overall Experience in the World (99 percent of the over 13,000 reviewers gave it a 5.0, or “excellent” rating) this year, I had to experience it for myself.

During a recent trip to the city, I stepped on board on a sunny afternoon and was greeted by skipper Faried and host Ariana. With 30 passengers aboard the Lucky Stripper (which Faried was quick to clarify was the name of the boat, not him), we set off down the Prinsengracht.

The in-the-round bench seating instantly fostered a sense of camaraderie among the passengers, which the crew leaned into by having everyone introduce themselves. I found myself among an international group of American, British, Norwegian, German, Colombian, and Italian travelers (the tours are offered in English). Faried gave us the lay of the land, noting that Amsterdam boasts more than 1,200 bridges, which meant we’d pass under one as often as every 30 seconds. “I'm a pretty good skipper, but a lousy doctor, so please don’t stand up,” he said, as Ariana took our drink orders. We sipped on sodas, wines, and cocktails (I opted for the Flagship Passion cocktail, a fruity drink with touches of vanilla and mint) as Faried delved deeper into the city’s history.

Gliding through the waterways, the tour felt like one part party boat and one part culture lesson. We learned about the link between the city’s architecture and economy (the picturesque canal houses were built narrow since they were taxed based on width ), as well as stopped by an Instagram hotspot on the Reguliersgracht canal where seven bridges can be seen at once and a curvy houseboat that some have nicknamed “the Kim Kardashian.”

Somehow in the space of an hour, Flagship managed to forge bonds among us passengers (I struck up conversation with my seatmates between each snippet of the skipper’s commentary), show us a highlight reel of city sights (we cruised by The Jordaan, Leiden Square, the Rijksmueum, The Amstel, Bourbon Street Music Club, Easy Times Coffeeshop, and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, among many other noteworthy spots), and pique our curiosity to see even more (the crew was eager to share tips on other must-see Amsterdam spots; see their must-visits below.)

Flagship also offers canal tours that depart in front of the Rijksmuseum and Oosterdokpalace, but it’s the departure point I opted for, in front of the Anne Frank House, that’s earned the accolades. And I can see why: My 5 p.m. cruise was perfectly timed to follow up my 2:45 p.m. Anne Frank House tour —with just enough time in between to grab fries at the famed Wil Graanstra's Frietkraam around the corner.

But what really makes this tour one to remember, beyond its ease and conveniences, is the people behind it. “We like working here—we have a lot of fun,” says Flagship crew member Giulla Kurt. “And we pass those good vibes along to the people.”

Local Favorites in Amsterdam

After disembarking, I chatted with the Flagship Amsterdam team for their top pre- and post-cruise recommendations.

NDSM Wharf : An old shipyard has transformed into a buzzy new area with plenty of cafes and bars, says Jules Altena. Tourists rarely go since it’s across the IJ, but it’s easily accessible by the free ferry, he says. “It’s like the hipster place of Amsterdam, with a lot of new startups and street art.”

Winkel 43 : “It has the best apple pie, and the whole street is quite fun, with restaurants and bars,” says Tiber Van Boeschoten. I headed straight there after the tour and can vouch for the pie.

Buitenzwembad Marineterrein: Canal swimming is absolutely legal and this spot is designed for it. “There are stairs, or you can just jump right in,” Van Boeschoten says. During your dip, you’ll get a great view of the NEMO Museum, too.

Noordermarkt : This historic market dating back to the 17th century has a wide range of products like antiques, books, and vintage clothes on Monday mornings and Saturdays, says Brigit Heddes.

Het Amsterdam Bos: To experience a completely different side of the city, Heddes suggests heading to the Amsterdam Forest for a walk or to catch concerts, theater productions, or films at the Bostheater .

Pampus Fort Island: Also off the beaten path is this human-built island that’s home to a 19th century fort, accessible by ferry, Heddes says.

A’DAM Lookout: Not for the faint of heart, but Van Boeschoten also says that you can have an overview of the city from the “beautiful swing” 20 stories up in the area. (I went for a ride, which was both terrifying and thrilling.)

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Canal Experience

Board an authentic mule drawn canal boat for a one-hour cruise on a restored section of the Miami and Erie Canal as Metroparks leaders dressed in historical clothing recreate life aboard an 1876 canal boat.

Click Here to view the days and time of operation for the Canal Experience.

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Tripadvisor’s #1 best cruise in the world!

Hop on the #1 best canal cruise in the world!

We are the #1 Traveler's choice best experience in the world on Tripadvisor!

Complete your Amsterdam Adventure with a Canal Cruise by Flagship Amsterdam

Discover hidden gems and fascinating stories on our canal cruises

Best canal cruise in Amsterdam

Looking for the best canal cruise in Amsterdam? Look no further, Flagship Amsterdam got you covered. We pride ourselves on providing the ultimate canal cruise experience. Our boats are equipped with all the necessary facilities to ensure your comfort and enjoyment, including an onboard bar with refreshing drinks and cocktails . Our skippers are highly experienced in navigating Amsterdam’s canals, so you can relax and enjoy a memorable canal cruise!

Why settle for a generic canal cruise when you can hop on the #1 best canal cruise in the world on Tripadvisor? Book your cruise now and discover Amsterdam’s canals in style!

Discover Amsterdam’s canals

By choosing Flagship Amsterdam for your canal cruise, you will have access to unbeatable views of the city’s stunning architecture and breathtaking scenery. Our yours are tailored to suit your needs, whether travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group of friends or family. We offer a variety of canal tours:

• Amsterdam Luxury Cruise
• Luxury Saloon Boat Cruise with Cheese and Wine
• Red-Light District Cruise – Open Bar
• Amsterdam Evening Cruise 

Free cancellations

Plans changed? No problem! Cancel up to 24 hours before your cruise starts and you will get your money back.

Personal cruise

Enjoy a personal canal cruise through Amsterdam with an enthusiastic, genuine local skipper.

Service oriented

We are available 24/7 to answer any questions that you may have. Contact us via phone, email and/or WhatsApp.

Book now and enjoy the best canal cruise in Amsterdam

with Flagship Amsterdam!

Ensure your spot on board!

Our public tours

Pick your canal cruise boat

Step aboard the #1 best day cruise in the world and get ready to sail away through the Amsterdam canals on one of our unique electric sloops and saloon boats.

Public tour Amsterdam Luxury Cruise

Departure from Anne Frank House, Central Station or Rijksmuseum

• Duration: 1 hour
• Legendary cruise
• Unique 100% electric boat

Public tour Luxury Saloon Boat Cruise with Cheese and Wine

Departure from Anne Frank House or Central Station

• Cruise past monuments and highlights
• Learn about Amsterdam's history and cultural heritage
• Enjoy the unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks and cheese

Public tour Luxury Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

Departure from the Anne Frank House

• Explore the city centre of Amsterdam
• Unlimited beer, wine & soft drinks

Public tour Amsterdam Evening Cruise

• Discover romantic Amsterdam
• Enjoy illuminated streets and bridges
• Small group with personal guide

Why choose Flagship Amsterdam?

• Unforgettable views : Our boats offer the perfect vantage point to take Amsterdam’s stunning architecture and scenic beauty. From historic bridges to charming canal houses, our canal cruise will provide you with an unforgettable view of the city.
• Comfortable and stylish boats : Our boats are designed with comfort in mind, with spacious seating, a fully stocked bar, and modern amenities. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
• Expert guides : Our expert skippers and hosts are passionate about Amsterdam’s history and culture, and will share their knowledge and insights with you troughout the cruise.
• Unbeatable value : Our canal cruises are competitively priced, offering excellent value for money. With Flagship Amsterdam, you can experience the best of Amsterdam’s canals without breaking the bank.

Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

Complete your Amsterdam visit with a Canal Cruise by Flagship Amsterdam. What sets us apart from other canal tour operators in Amsterdam? Firstly, our tours offer a more intimate and personalized experience . This means you can enjoy a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Secondly, our canal cruises are highly educational, with our skipper and host sharing fascinating facts and stories about Amsterdam’s history and culture. Finally, our canal cruises are suitable for everyone, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun activity with friends or family.

A canal cruise is the perfect way to discover the city and to see its famous sights in a relaxed way. Book your cruise now!

Watch our video

An impression of a canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam

Watch our short video in which we give you an impression of a canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam. Soak up the sun and relax on a beautiful open boat or classic saloon boat, with a refreshing drink in your hand. Yes, our boats are equipped with a fully stocked bar!

Learn more about the rich trading history, culture and famous landmarks of Amsterdam. Book your canal cruise in Amsterdam and enjoy!

Cruise through the beautiful canals with Flagship Amsterdam!

From where does the canal cruise start?

Departure locations Flagship Amsterdam

Anne frank house prinsengracht 263-267 1016 gv, amsterdam boarding location cruises all public cruises "},{"id":3934,"lat":"52.378349","lon":"4.897640","popup_content":" central station prins hendrikkade 33a 1012 tm, amsterdam boarding location cruises all public cruises "},{"id":1635,"lat":"52.360846","lon":"4.885790","popup_content":" rijksmuseum museumbrug 1 1017 rw, amsterdam boarding location cruises all public cruises "}]' data-center-lat="52.370216" data-center-long="4.895168" data-zoom="14"> tripadvisor reviews what others think of flagship amsterdam, amazing experience.

"We rented a big boat for Gaypride and we had such a great experience! The boat was perfect, in a great spot, and... working with Eduke was great. He was SO nice and patient with us, and reliable. "

Very nice cruise

"This is the cruise you should take! Why choose one of those standard tour boats when you could choose this one!! Super relaxed. It was so much fun! I highly recommend this."

Beautiful cruise, beautiful boat, excellent service!

"A day out with family in Amsterdam - a beautiful city when you walk around but you only see the real beauty of it from the water! Giel and Carrie were super and created a good, relaxed atmosphere on board with nice stories about Amsterdam. Thank you for an unforgettable hour on the Amsterdam canals!"

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7 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam To Experience In 2024

Amsterdam is one of the places I am constantly visiting; it’s my favorite. And since I’ve visited so many times, I’ve had the opportunity to take many of the best canal cruises in Amsterdam over the past few years! In this post, I’ve rounded up the top canal boat tours that are worth your time! I hope they will help you fall in love with Amsterdam as much as I have

Taking a canal tour is the #1 thing that visitors to the Netherlands must have on their Amsterdam itinerary whether it’s your first time abroad in Amsterdam or your 30th. No matter how many times I travel to Amsterdam (and I’m low-key obsessed with it, so….a lot!), I always take a canal tour. It’s the perfect way to see the beautiful waterways and immerse yourself in the city quickly. But, I’ve taken some awful canal tours over the years (those ones RIGHT outside Central Station ) , and it is so easy to get caught up on a tour that caters only to tourists and isn’t worth your time. That’s where I come in! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Amsterdam canal tours- from the most popular tour to the best small group tours, and even the most unique canal experiences- all with 5 stars and amazing ratings. Read on and take your pick of the best canal cruises in Amsterdam!

🏆 BEST AMSTERDAM CANAL CRUISE

Short on time? No problem! Captain Jack’s All-Inclusive Canal Cruise is the best canal tour in Amsterdam!

7 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam

Here are some of the top boat tours in Amsterdam:

1. Best Overall and Family-Friendly: Captain Jacks (My Favorite!)

⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

I just took this boat tour in Amsterdam about a month ago, and let me tell you, it was incredible! Captain Jack has a way of making Amsterdam feel like home, all the while providing interesting information about the city! If you’ve asked around about the best canal cruises in Amsterdam, chances are you’ve heard of Captain Jack. His name is a revered one among visitors looking for the best experience in the city, and let me tell you, he lives up to the name! As soon as we saw him, he greeted us with open arms and a massive smile! It’s no surprise that his tours have been awarded the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award more than once. And most recently in 2022! Choose from multiple departure times and places throughout the day and prepare to be regaled by the entertaining tales and commentary from Captain Jack himself or one of his teammates. Our guide was born and raised in Amsterdam, so he had tons of unique tidbits to share with us!

As with most of the boat cruises in the Canal Ring, Captain Jack’s takes in the main sights. He sails visitors past famous landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. This tour includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks in a small group environment, where you’ll set sail with a maximum of 20 total visitors. Overall, I’d highly recommend an Amsterdam river cruise with Captain Jack. It was such a welcoming experience- and we felt like royalty with all of the free snacks, beers, and stories!

2. Most Popular Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: Flagship Amsterdam

⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars (more than 30,000 reviews) | ⏳ Duration: 1 Hour | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

Looking for the #1 top-rated boat tour in the world? Flagship’s luxury open-boat tour is the one you want. With more than 30,000 five-star reviews, this is easily the most popular tour in Amsterdam , and it’s one of the most well-priced, too. I enjoyed this boat tour when I took it myself, and it’s absolutely my top recommendation for those who are looking for a good cruise at an affordable pricepoint! Board a chic, comfortable boat and sail through the canal ring of the Netherlands like you belong there. See more than 40 landmarks and areas of Amsterdam such as the Anne Frank House , the Houseboat Museum, and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet as you cruise along canals such as the Herengracht, Singel, and Prinsengracht. Flagship is known for its witty tour guides who regale travelers with their unique tales of Amsterdam and their cozy, family-like atmosphere. This tour is a must-do for a first-timers trip to the city, even if you are only there for one day !

Our guides were amazing! They had so many interesting facts and kept the whole group engaged throughout. They were really friendly and we throughly enjoyed our cruise. I would absolutely recommend this company over other boats! -ERIN (READ MORE REVIEWS )

This cruise runs year-round and offers blankets to keep warm in chillier weather so that you can still see the beauty of Amsterdam from the water. Plus… a cash bar on board makes this the perfect tour to book for a relaxing afternoon seeing the city.

3. Amazing Small-Group Evening Canal Tour: Pure Boats

One of my favorite canal boat tours ever was an evening one! There’s something about seeing the city all lit up at night that almost feels unreal. So, if you want a unique evening experience , look no further than the Pure Boats small-group nighttime canal cruise. It goes without saying that the 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage Canal Ring is a stunning sight to see under the stars. Glide through the waterways of Amsterdam as you enjoy an open-bar cruise complete with wine, craft beer, and delicious Dutch cheese. This river tour experience will blow you away as you take in the scenery of the city all lit up and watch Amsterdam descend into a night of excitement. When you’re finished, you’re all set to continue enjoying the fabulous European nightlife Amsterdam is famous for. With a maximum of 16 travelers, this small group tour creates an intimate environment with a personal touch.

Really intimate and beautiful. We did a canal boat ride during the day and the this one at night highlighted very different things. Claas was a great host. The cheese was freaking amazing. – HAFEESA (SEE more reviews )

Amsterdam basically never sleeps, so this is a unique opportunity to admire the beauty of popular must-see places like the Skinny Bridge, the Amstel, and the 7 Bridges. During your journey, learn historical facts and interesting stories from a local, trained guide.

4. Top Amsterdam Canal Cruise Experience: Amsterdam Food & Canal Tour

⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 4 Hours | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

Local guides provide a unique canal cruise and tour experience all in one with one of the top Amsterdam river cruises- the Amsterdam Food & Canals Tour. Spend four entire hours with your guide uncovering hidden gems and local favorites in the city. You cannot find this experience anywhere else! Meet a Dutch family, see historical sites, and explore Amsterdam both on foot and via waterway during your adventure.

Hanging with Gerard felt like an old friend. He shared old history stories throughout Jordaan and the city center as we stumbled into hidden gems. With a total of 6 food stops with herring fish and aged boeren overjarig cheese being my favorite! Our time ended with a private luxury salon boat cruise through the canals and even into the Amstel River. Book now before it’s sold out! – Dan (read more reviews )

First, your tour begins with a private boat ride that takes you around the UNESCO World Heritage canals such as the Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal) to see both traditional and unique buildings in Amsterdam. Then, take a walking tour and taste multiple Dutch foods while you engage with locals. This tour is a great way to meet some new friends in Amsterdam and see lesser-known parts of the city.

5. Top Private Luxury Canal Cruise Tour in Amsterdam

If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy romantic evening in the city for couples or an intimate tour for your small group, a private canal tour is the way to go! This entirely customizable boat tour in Amsterdam means you can have everything that you want for a personalized, unique night out with up to 10 of your closest friends. Decide on your cruise itinerary with the skipper from Rederij Paping. Have you been wanting to see a specific part of Amsterdam? Put it on the list, and your captain will take you there!

My fiancee and I had a fantastic time with Skipper Paap. He is extremely knowledgeable about Amsterdam and had a ton of offbeat insights to share, which made the tour more memorable. He was very hospitable and generous as well, sharing local cheese and beer along with his stories. I highly recommend this tour. -Russell (Read more reviews )

Depending on the season, choose the time of day that you’d prefer. Perhaps you want a sunrise viewing, lunchtime extravaganza, or a starlit evening cruise during Christmastime. This eco-friendly tour has won the Viator Badge of Excellence in 2022 , and previous adventurers rave about the insightful live commentary.

Tip: You can find my reviews on all of the BEST PRIVATE BOAT TOURS in Amsterdam here!

6. Best Combination Ticket + Canal Tour

⭐ RATING 4.5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 75 Minutes (Plus Museum) | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

One of the best ways to maximize your time in Amsterdam is to combine attractions whenever possible. If you’re planning to check a few things off of your Amsterdam list , definitely consider combining them with your canal tour! This tour offers audio commentary on your trip through the Amsterdam Canal Ring . You’ll see all of the typical sights on your 75-minute tour, like the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), Westerkerk, the Hermitage Amsterdam, and the NEMO Science Museum. But, in addition, you’ll also grab yourself skip-the-line entry to the Rijksmuseum.

The package is a must do for those visiting Amsterdam for the first time! The RIJKSMUSEUM is an enriching experience. The boat tour is another unmissable treat! You can enjoy the well chosen music while listening the excellent guide or go out to take those magical shots of the romantic canals and bridges at night! The package is definitely value for money! (sEE mORE rEVIEWS )

The Rijksmuseum entries can sell out quickly, so buying your ticket ahead of time with your canal cruise not only saves you money, but it also saves you time and prevents you from being disappointed should museum tickets become unavailable.

Tip: Looking to combine tours, but not interested in the Rijksmuseum? Try these popular combinations below: ✔️ Canal Cruise + Heineken Experience Tickets (Book Here!) ✔️ Canal Cruise + Van Gogh Museum (Book Here!) ✔️ Canal Cruise + Xtracold Icebar Admission (Book Here!)

7. Unforgettable Amsterdam Light Festival Holiday Boat Tour

⭐ RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 2 Hours | ✈️ BOOK NOW!

After being in Amsterdam for Christmas a few years ago, I can 10/10 recommend doing a nighttime canal cruise to see the Amsterdam Light Festival ! While you can certainly walk or bike around the city and view them, there’s something special about seeing them from the water. Look no further than hopping aboard a small-group canal cruise with Rederij De Wester. Each year, the Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city center into a magical winter wonderland. Artists from all over the world create unique works of art out of lights, decorating streets and canals alike. Hop into a luxurious sloop (one-mast sailboat) complete with heated seats and blankets and marvel at the stunning light displays around the city.

The captain was so knowledgeable and informative and humorous that he made the trip one of the best experiences we have ever had in our few trips to Amsterdam. -GP (SEE more reviews )

With 12 others, enjoy a more comfortable and personalized excursion where you can enjoy unlimited drinks from the open bar and authentic snacks such as the Dutch stroopwafel and bitterballen. What could be more heartwarming than sipping on mulled wine as you cruise around the twinkling canals with a loved one?

FAQ: Amsterdam Canal Cruises

With so many different Amsterdam boat tours available, it’s no wonder that people have questions. Here are some answers to the questions I get most often:

What is the best canal cruise to take in Amsterdam?

The best canal cruise to take in Amsterdam is Captain Jack’s All Inclusive canal cruise . It is an hour and a half filled with stories from locals, great sightseeing, and delicious Dutch treats. And who doesn’t love bottomless beer, wine, and soda? We felt like royalty on Captain Jack’s cruise- he has a way of making everyone feel welcome and included. Plus, we love supporting a fantastic small business.

Is the Amsterdam Canal cruise worth it?

110% an Amsterdam canal cruise is worth it. Do not let anyone talk you out of taking one. Some locals will say they’re touristy. But a boat tour is a beautiful way to see more of Amsterdam, and it is such a unique experience that is quintessentially Amsterdam. I’ve been to Amsterdam many times now, and I still take at least one canal cruise every time I visit!

Which canal is the most beautiful in Amsterdam?

The Brouwersgracht is widely considered to be the most stunning canal in Amsterdam. It has a mixture of magnificent architectural homes built during the Golden Age, unique bridges, and Amsterdam landmarks.

What is the best time for a canal cruise in Amsterdam?

The best time for a canal cruise in Amsterdam is during the day. That way, you can see all of the sights and get some fantastic pictures. Luckily, you can take a boat tour during any season- even winter! Many canal boats are equipped with blankets and covers for inclement weather.

Final Thoughts: Best Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

There you have it! The 6 most fantastic canal cruise tours for Amsterdam. I hope it was helpful! Regardless of which Amsterdam canal cruise you choose to take, you’re going to have an amazing time in this must-visit city ! In case you skimmed through to the end ( we are all busy!), here is the roundup of the top canal tours for each type of traveler:

✔️ Best Overall + My Personal Favorite Tour: Captain Jack’s ✔️Top Rated + Most Popular: Flagship Amsterdam Open-Boat Canal Cruise ✔️Best Private Canal Cruise: Rederij Paping 1.5 Hour Private Canal Cruise ✔️Best Canal Tour Experience: Amsterdam Food & Canals Tour

Planning a trip to Amsterdam soon? Check out my top Amsterdam posts below!

✅ My favorite Amsterdam itineraries for 4 days or one day in Amsterdam ! ✅ All the canal cruise private tours I recommend! ✅ An Amsterdam Bucket List to complete! ✅ Everything you need to know for visiting the Anne Frank House ✅ Top Weekend Trips from Amsterdam ✅ Review on my #1 Place to stay in Amsterdam ✅ If you’re biking around the city, here’s what you need to know ! ✅ Wondering if you can speak English in Amsterdam ? Or do you need to greet in Dutch ?

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

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Amsterdam Canal Cruise (2024): 10 Tips for a Better Experience

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 20, 2023

Are you thinking of taking a canal cruise in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and wondering if it’s worth it and what to expect?

In this guide, we share our experience-based tips for Amsterdam canal cruises to help you plan a truly unforgettable experience. In addition, you’ll also find our hand-picked recommendations for the best canal cruises in Amsterdam in 2024.

Amsterdam’s canal system dates back to the 17th century, the prosperous time of the Golden Age. They are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many of the oldest neighborhoods and historic buildings can be found along Amsterdam’s canals (‘grachten’). There is really no better way to get a first introduction to the city than by taking a sightseeing boat trip along the main canals of Amsterdam.

So if you are wondering if the Amsterdam canals cruise is worth it, yes, it absolutely is. More than that – it’s one of the best things to do in Amsterdam that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

If you visit the city on a sunny weekend, you will be amazed at the sheer number of boats on the canals all over Amsterdam. It sometimes looks as if everyone here owns a boat and they use every opportunity to get on the water… So do as the locals and don’t miss a chance to discover this beautiful city from the water.

Good to know: Since most canal cruises in Amsterdam only take 60-75 minutes and there are multiple starting locations , it’s really easy to fit it into any itinerary.

Now that we established that taking a canal cruise is really a must-do in Amsterdam, there are quite a few things that you may want to know before you go. Which boat to choose, where to start, what to wear, or how to make the most of your visit…

In this article, we share Amsterdam canal cruise tips and useful info that should help you avoid disappointment and have a truly unforgettable experience. At the end of this guide, you will also find some of the frequently asked questions about Amsterdam canal cruises.

TIP: If you have no time to read the entire article, here are the best options for Amsterdam canal cruise:

• Open-boat canal cruise . This is our personal recommendation, based on our various experiences with canal cruises in Amsterdam.
• Semi-open boat cruise . This is a very popular canal cruise, great in any weather. If you like the idea of enjoying an unlimited supply of Dutch cheese & wine (or other drinks if you prefer) during your cruise, then opt for this tour.
• Classic LOVERS canal cruise . This is the most popular, budget-friendly canal cruise on a covered boat with a glass roof.
• Evening canal cruise . This is a great option if you want to experience Amsterdam canals in the dark.
• Private canal cruise . The best option if you are looking for a more authentic experience and want the whole boat just for your own group/family.

Just in case you wonder, this article is not sponsored and all opinions are our own. We visit Amsterdam quite often and have done multiple canal tours. So all these tips are based on our first-hand experiences.

Here are our top tips for Amsterdam canal cruises:

1. Book in advance

First things first – if you are planning your itinerary and want to take a canal cruise in Amsterdam, we strongly recommend booking in advance . There are a few reasons for this.

First, by booking in advance, you can make sure that the location of the boat tour fits your overall itinerary. Furthermore, you can choose the boat type that you like, read customer reviews, compare prices, and know exactly what you get.

There are so many options for Amsterdam canal cruises that the choice is tough even online. Once you get to the city, it’s absolutely overwhelming. With dozens of companies running tours from numerous locations and various boat types and other options available, you never know exactly what you’ll get.

On a recent visit, we also noticed that most canal cruises in Amsterdam were slightly more expensive than online. Some companies also adjust their prices depending on demand. We saw multiple companies increase their price by a euro or two on the weekend or when it got busier. Luckily, most canal cruises aren’t expensive to start with, but a few euros extra for a big family can quickly add up.

Last but not least, booking in advance will save you time. While it is usually possible to book a canal cruise on the day itself as well, often that means that you’ll need to wait for the next available boat. On busy days at the most popular locations, you can waste a couple of hours or may not even be able to find a suitable option at all.

Further below, you can find more information on the best canal cruises.

2. Opt for an open-boat tour

Unless you are visiting Amsterdam in the coldest months, I highly recommend considering an open-boat canal cruise. The experience on these boats is incomparable to the (semi-)covered ones and the price difference is normally just 3-5 euros.

I still remember the first time we visited Amsterdam and took a ‘regular’ tour on a covered boat. It was so busy that everyone was packed inside. If you got on the boat a bit later than others, you had no window seat. Despite the beautiful sunny weather, the glass roof and windows were only partially open and we had obstructed views. To make things worse, we could hardly hear the commentary from the guide…

A lot has changed since then and most companies running canal cruises in Amsterdam try not to overload their boats too much, the sound quality is better, etc. Since a few years, there are also several companies offering open boat cruises in Amsterdam. So nowadays, we always try to opt for an open boat, even though it’s a bit more expensive and a bit more uncertain weather-wise.

The main advantage of an open boat is that you have unobstructed views (and can take better pictures). Plus, everyone gets the best seat since all the chairs are along the side. These boats are also much smaller than the traditional canal cruises in Amsterdam, so it feels like a much more local experience, and you can interact with the captain and the guide in person.

Open boats usually have an onboard bar, so you can order a drink and enjoy it while sailing on the canals. You’ll meet many locals doing exactly the same thing on their own little boats. So it feels like a much more relaxed local experience.

Good to know: One of the best companies for open boat cruises is Flagship Amsterdam . They have various options for canal cruises in Amsterdam. Their standard cruise with an onboard bar is the most popular choice (we took it recently and really enjoyed it). In addition, they have private cruises, cruises that include drinks and snacks, etc.

However, an open boat may not be suitable for everyone (e.g. people with mobility issues) – more info about it below.

3. Consider your mobility & season when choosing the boat

As already mentioned, our personal preference goes for open-boat tours on Amsterdam canals. However, they may not always be the best idea for everyone. So consider your personal situation and the season when you are visiting when deciding on the boat type.

For example, open boat cruises are definitely not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Classic boats like the LOVERS cruises are a bit more suitable if you have mobility restrictions. However, also there, you have to be able to walk 1-3 steps when getting in and out of the boat. Please also note that you cannot take a wheelchair (or a stroller) on board. You can leave them on the quayside; in that case, I strongly recommend packing a bicycle lock – it will give you peace of mind.

Blue Boat cruises have just one wheelchair-accessible location and that is if you start at Hard Rock Café Pier (close to Rijksmuseum). However, you have to book one of the following time slots (11 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, or 4 PM) and let them know in advance that you’ll be in a wheelchair. They allow just 3 wheelchairs onboard at the same time.

As for the weather, you can’t predict that in advance, often, not even a few days upfront. So decide based on the season, keeping in mind that there is always a chance of rain and wind in Amsterdam.

While open boat cruises typically have a few blankets and umbrellas available, it may not be your idea of a fun excursion. So if you are visiting in a shoulder season or are worried that you’ll quickly get cold, opt for a traditional boat or a semi-open boat instead.

Good to know: Traditional covered boats typically have heating in the winter, but it can still be chilly on the coldest days.

4. Pick a cruise location wisely

As already mentioned, there are multiple locations where you can take a canal cruise in Amsterdam. The most popular starting points are Amsterdam Central Railway Station, Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum.

Good to know: There is not one ‘best’ place to start your canal tour in Amsterdam. No matter where you start and which boat you take, most sightseeing cruises visit the same places and main highlights along Amsterdam’s Canal Belt ( Grachtengordel ) .

Depending on where you start, you will see somewhat different parts of the city, but typically, all cruises go on at least one or two main canals. Every cruise we’ve been to passed the most prestigious Herengracht which was traditionally inhabited by the richest and most prominent citizens of the city. Nowadays, you will find some of the most expensive hotels in the city here, such as Waldorf Astoria , and offices of companies like Booking.com .

They all take you to the famous Seven Bridges (and you have to be really quick to see them). All cruises go to the Amstel River as well, where you can see some of the most impressive bridges in Amsterdam and the famous ‘dancing houses’. (You will soon realize that pretty much all houses in Amsterdam’s city center are leaning one way or the other, but these cruises will always point out the same ones ;)).

There are also canal cruises visiting ‘off-the-beaten path’ canals in Amsterdam (e.g. this cruise that focuses on the Jordaan neighborhood), but those are less common. If it’s your first time in the city, you will want to see the top places, and for that, it doesn’t matter that much where you start or which tour you choose.

However, the location matters a lot for your overall itinerary . Choosing it wisely can save you a lot of time. In case you wonder, the cruises will always drop you off at the place where you started.

For example, if you are arriving by train and plan to spend just a day in Amsterdam , you may want to start your visit with a canal cruise right away. In that case, choose a cruise departing near the Central Station. Whereas if you are visiting the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum first thing in the morning, you may want to do a cruise right after that. In this case, choose the starting location at the Rijksmuseum.

On our recent trip to Amsterdam, we had tickets for Anne Frank House at 5 PM. Knowing that a typical visit takes about 1 hour, we booked a canal cruise starting at Anne Frank House at 6.30 PM. Planning in advance makes it so much more relaxing too!

TIP: This open boat cruise is possible from all three most popular locations; you choose them during booking.

5. Save money with combination tickets

Depending on the landmarks that you are planning to visit and the boat type, you can save some money on Amsterdam canal cruises by booking combination tickets.

Here are some of the best options :

• Amsterdam Pass . This is a digital pass that includes the three most popular things to do in Amsterdam: canal cruise (from the Central Station), Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum. The main advantage of this pass is that you can immediately book your timed slots for all the sites, including the cruise. Most other combination tickets don’t allow you to prebook the time slot for the boat in advance.
• Van Gogh Museum + Canal Cruise or Rijksmuseum + Canal Cruise . These combination tickets let you choose a timed entry for the museum of your choice, but the canal cruise is an open ticket. You can board the next available boat from one of the two docks at either Hard Rock Cafe or Heineken Experience (both docks are not too far from these museums).
• Van Gogh Museum + Canal Cruise or Rijksmuseum + Canal Cruise or Heineken Experience + Canal Cruise . Same as above – you can choose a timed slot for the museum visit. However, the canal cruise departs from the Central Station (which is on the other side of town from the museums), and the time slot has to be pre-booked at their office.
• i amsterdam City Card . This card offers great value if you are staying in Amsterdam for at least a few days. However, you will have to pre-book time slots for some museums and also canal cruises separately. It can be an amazing deal if you are here for 3-5 days and plan to visit many of the included attractions, but it’s a bit more hassle to arrange things where advance booking is essential.

Good to know: These combination tickets are actually quite popular, but be sure to consider all the practicalities such as the cruise departure location and ability/need to reserve the boat. Also, keep in mind that all these boats are traditional ones. So if you would like to take an open-boat cruise, simply book all your tickets separately.

READ ALSO: Tips for Visiting Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

6. Avoid weekends and peak times

Taking a boat trip on Amsterdam canals is the most popular thing to do in the city. So the canal cruises are at their busiest during weekends, school holidays, and also during the peak times in the middle of the day.

Plus, lots of locals take out their own boats for a ride on the canals when the weather is nice and they have more time. So on a sunny summer weekend, Amsterdam canals might look like a beehive. While it is always fun to watch from the side, it’s less fun to be stuck in a ‘traffic jam’ on the canals.

TIP: For a more relaxed experience, we recommend taking a canal cruise on a weekday, early in the morning (9-10.30 AM) or late in the afternoon (after 4-5 PM). Evening cruises (with or without dinner options) are also very popular and can be especially nice in the winter season when it gets dark early.

Not only is it much quieter on the canals in the morning on a weekday, but it’s usually also not as busy on the boat itself.

Good to know: Most canal cruises in Amsterdam start at 9 AM (bigger boats) or 10 AM (open boats) with frequent departure times throughout the entire day and until late in the evening.

7. Do a canal cruise at the beginning of your trip

If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time, I highly recommend doing a canal cruise at the start of your trip. In fact, I would do it on the very first day.

It’s such a good way to get a first introduction to the city, get your bearings, and also decide which places you potentially want to visit on foot later during your stay.

Depending on how much time you have in Amsterdam, you can always do an additional cruise (for example, in the dark or with dinner) later for yet a different experience. You can find more information about evening boat cruises in Amsterdam further below.

8. Use a bathroom before going on a boat

Boat trips on Amsterdam canals typically take 60-75 minutes. Plus, you will also need to arrive at least 10-15 minutes in advance. So you will not be able to use a bathroom for at least 1.5-2 hours.

So consider this and be sure to use a bathroom before you go on a boat!

Good to know: Most covered traditional boats have bathrooms on board, but you never know in advance if your boat will have a bathroom. Open boats have no bathrooms.

Recently, when we were on an open-boat canal cruise in Amsterdam, the guides asked everyone if they needed to use a bathroom before we left. Apparently, the previous boat had to stop and leave some people halfway through the tour because they needed to use a bathroom urgently.

Normally, bigger boats won’t even be able to stop at all (nor will you easily find a toilet readily available just anywhere).

9. Dress warmly

If you wonder what to wear for a canal cruise in Amsterdam, there is really no dress code, so dress comfortably. Comfortable walking shoes will also make it easier to get in and out of the boat, especially if you are taking an open-air cruise.

However, keep in mind that it can be cold on the boat, also because it’s often quite windy in Amsterdam. Even in the summer, you may want to wear a sweater (and sometimes also a jacket) on a boat. But in the summer, it’s just as likely that you will be fine in a T-shirt and will need sun protection too.

So check the weather forecast, but always pack one extra layer just in case.

Good to know: Closed boats have (some) heating in the winter, but they can feel really warm in the summer. Open boats have a couple of blankets on board, but they don’t always have enough for everyone, so they may not be ideal in the coldest season.

Just recently, we were in Amsterdam in June , and it was quite grey and windy on the day we took a canal cruise. The temperatures were around 18-20°C (64-68 F). I was wearing a light puffer jacket and was just fine, whereas my Italian friend who is not used to the colder weather we have here in the Benelux, was cold and had to ask for a blanket. They had just a couple of blankets on board that day.

So a lot depends also on what you are used to. In any case, I always recommend carrying at least a summer scarf or a sweater with you, even if visiting in the summer.

When I was in Amsterdam in December , most canal cruises were in closed boats, but I saw a couple of open boat cruises as well. If the weather is nice and it’s dry, it’s a nice option also in winter.

10. Consider evening cruises as well

In addition to exploring Amsterdam canals by boat during the day, consider taking an evening canal cruise too. Many bridges and buildings are really nicely lit in the dark and it is a really special experience.

Some cruises also offer dinner options, others – drinks and snacks.

Keep in mind, however, that depending on the season, it might get dark at 4.30 PM or at 10.30 PM. So evening cruises in the summer will be quite similar to the ones during the day; whereas in the winter, it’s not comparable.

Here are some of the best evening cruises in Amsterdam:

• Evening cruise . This is the most budget-friendly option and it simply includes a 1-hr boat tour.
• 1.5 hours cruise . This is the most popular evening cruise in Amsterdam.
• Evening cruise with drinks . This is an open-boat cruise including unlimited drinks.
• Dinner cruise . This is the best-rated cruise with a 4-course meal included.
• Wine & cheese cruise . This evening cruise includes wine and snacks.
• Evening cruise with pizza . This is a semi-open boat evening cruise with different pizza and drink options included.

Good to know: If you are visiting Amsterdam during the Christmas season , definitely book a boat cruise to see the artworks of the Light Festival . The Amsterdam Light Festival typically runs from the end of November to late January.

Yes, absolutely. Taking a canal cruise in Amsterdam is one of the top experiences and no visit to the city would be complete without exploring it from the water. That being said, there are big differences between boats, so for the best experience, be sure to pick the boat type that suits your travel style and expectations.

While it’s not an absolute must, we highly recommend booking a canal cruise in Amsterdam in advance. That way, you can be sure to have a spot on the boat type of your choice at the location and time slot that best suits your itinerary. Plus, by booking in advance, you can read real customer reviews, compare the best options, and it’s usually a bit cheaper too.

A standard canal cruise in Amsterdam typically costs 20-25 euros per person, depending on the type of boat and when exactly you visit. In addition, there are also canal cruises that include drinks, snacks, or even food, so prices can range up to 70-80 euros depending on your choices.

Amsterdam canal cruises typically take 1-2 hours. Standard sightseeing cruises take 60-75 minutes, whereas boat tours that include food or drink options typically last at least 90-120 minutes.

While most tourists opt for shared canal cruises, there are also private canal cruises available in Amsterdam. Prices vary greatly depending on the boat and the number of people, so be sure to compare before you book. This private evening/night cruise offers the best value that I was able to find.

It is possible to rent boats in Amsterdam, but I really don’t know if I would advise it if it’s your first time in the city. Private boats (with a skipper) are a much safer and more relaxing option. The most popular rental option is to simply rent a pedal boat for 1-1.5 hours.

Amsterdam canal cruises run the whole year round and are enjoyable in any season. However, we recommend avoiding weekends and school holidays, especially in the middle of the day. For a more relaxed experience, book a cruise on a weekday in the morning or toward the evening.

Yes, of course! Amsterdam canal cruises are suitable for the whole family (there are discounts for kids too) and most kids will love being on a boat. That being said, I recommend taking a boat that has an onboard bar or even includes drinks/snacks if you are traveling with children. They will enjoy it so much more and the food/drinks will keep them busy for a while.

READ ALSO: Amsterdam Travel Tips

So, these are our top tips for Amsterdam canal cruises. I hope that this gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you plan a truly memorable visit.

Have a great trip!

TIP: Before you go, you may want to check our other guides to Amsterdam and the Netherlands. You can find a short overview below and a full selection here .

More travel inspiration and planning tips for Amsterdam:

• Best things to do in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam’s must-see museums
• Best places to stay in Amsterdam (close to everything)
• 1 day in Amsterdam
• 2 days in Amsterdam
• 3 days in Amsterdam
• 4 days in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam countryside
• Best day trips from Amsterdam
• Best tulip fields in the Netherlands
• Tips for visiting Keukenhof Gardens
• Kinderdijk Windmills
• Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Best things to do in Delft

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Friday 3rd of November 2023

Your blog is amazing, Jurga! So much useful information! We will be traveling with our daughters (ages 11 and 12) in mid-December to get the most of the holiday season. We are planning a day canal cruise (open) and an evening one to see the lights. Would you recommend an open, closed or partial for the evening one? We want to make sure we have a great view of the lights but are worried about the weather. Thank you and keep up the good work!

Saturday 4th of November 2023

Hi Erika, December can be really cold (windy) and rainy too, so a partially-open or a closed boat might be the safest option in the evening. I see that most cruises that offer 'light festival' trips are closed boats, but if you take a look at the pictures, you can see that some boats open the sides if the weather permits. So it's really your preference. In any case, dress warm because it's usually chilly even on the closed boats. Also, please note that regular canal cruises visit other places than the 'light festival' evening tours, so indeed, these would be two different experiences. Have a great trip!

Sunday 22nd of October 2023

Thank you for your blog, Jurga. It was very helpful. We just came back from Amsterdam and used your tips. We took an open-boat canal tour as you suggested and it was lovely. A bit chilly but they gave us a blanket and it was perfect. So pretty! Thank you once again!

Tuesday 24th of October 2023

Glad to help, Laya. Happy travels!

Friday 8th of September 2023

Thank you for the post! Im going to Amsterdam for the second time in the first week of november and im doing my research bc its gonna be my first cruise there! Great tips

Monday 11th of September 2023

Glad to help, Bianca. Enjoy Amsterdam!

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

Hi Jurga, we are going to Amsterdam in the first week of October and I cannot decide if we should book an open boat cruise. Do you think the weather will be ok or should be book a closed boat? Thanks

Hi Semi, we live in this part of Europe and if I can tell you one thing is that it's absolutely impossible to predict what the weather will be like months in advance. You can have the most gorgeous sunny day or a torrential downpour at any time of the year here. In general, the first week of October should still be quite nice and not too cold, so I would opt for an open boat or a semi-open boat. The tickets we recommend usually have 24hr free cancelation option, so if the weather looks really bad, you can always cancel it the day before and rebook for a closed boat. You can also simply opt for this popular canal cruise which uses a semi-open boat. The best of both worlds. PS Open boats also have umbrellas available. It could be an interesting experience to do it in the rain... Now that I think of it, some of our most memorable travel experiences are of those moments where things didn't go as planned. :) So relax, don't worry about the weather, and have a fabulous time in Amsterdam!

9 Best Canal Boat Tours In Amsterdam & Your Questions Answered! [2024]

Amsterdam has many canal cruises, but which is best for you? Which one is the most worth taking? No one tour caters to all. I’ve taken some of the best canal tours and will share how to pick the best one for yourself, professional tips, and answer all your questions.

Table of Contents

Which Canal Tours to Take?

This post provides detailed information to help you choose the best canal trip. Click here if you wish to see the best boat tours in Amsterdam right away .

Most Asked Questions When Booking A Canal Tour

You might have some questions about Amsterdam canal tours; I have listed them here.

Is It Worth Doing A Canal Cruise In Amsterdam?

Yes, especially if you visit Amsterdam for the first time.

Taking the canal tours allows you to see the historical and beautiful canal houses, understand Amsterdam’s history, and experience the Dutch vibe on a boat.

You might hear some people saying it is not worth it, but they probably didn’t pick the most suitable tour for themselves and didn’t join a good rating tour. That is why I have this post, so you have the best canal tour experience.

Is It Necessary To Book The Tickets In Advance?

Yes, especially if you take small boat tours or evening dinner cruises . Why?

You won’t find ticket offices selling small boat tours; most only sell big ones. That is why you need to book in advance. In addition, the tours I recommended in this post are top-rated, so be sure to book them in advance.

For dinner cruises, there’s only one boat per evening. Spots are limited!

Do Amsterdam Canal Boats Have Bathrooms?

There’s a toilet on board for big boats, but I advise you to use the bathroom before taking the tour. (You can find the public toilets in Amsterdam here)

For small boats, unfortunately, no restrooms!

How Long Is Amsterdam Canal Ride?

In general, it takes around 60 to 90 minutes. Some tours, like dinner and evening cruises, can take about 3 hours.

Where Do Canal Cruises Leave From In Amsterdam?

There are three places: Damrak, close to Amsterdam Central Station; Near Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum.

Most tours depart from Damrak, but I recommend boat tours from Anne Frank House and canal tours from Rijksmuseum since it’s less busy, and you can rest more on the boat after visiting the nearby attractions.

Is the Amsterdam Canal Cruise Better At Night Or Day?

It depends on personal preference.

A day cruise offers better visibility, and the natural light during the day provides excellent lighting conditions for capturing the city’s beauty.

An evening canal cruise offers a romantic and enchanting atmosphere, with the city lights illuminating the canals and landmarks. It is also a good option if you want to see the sunset views in Amsterdam. It’s more relaxing, too, since fewer people are on the street than in the daytime.

Taking A Big Boat or A Small Boat Cruise In Amsterdam?

It depends on what you prefer and what you like; here are the pros and cons of taking big and small boats:

Pros And Cons Of Taking A Big Boat Canal Trip

Some benefits:

• More affordable as more guests are on board
• Have multiple language audio guides for the guests, great for people who need more confidence in English.
• Have semi-open boats, which means you won’t get wet or need a raincoat when it rains. The captain closes the deck once it rains and opens it when it’s sunny.
• The heating system is on in winter; there is no need to bring an extra coat to get on the boat.

Some disadvantages:

• More than 80 people are on board, and the guests don’t get much interaction with the captain/guide
• The trip is with an audio guide, not a live guide
• The standard route might be a bit boring for some people

An excellent choice for people who see comfort as their first priority.

Pros And Cons Of Taking A Small Boat Cruise

some benefits:

• More chances to interact with the guide as there are much fewer guests
• Have a live guide on board
• Some tours include drinks and snacks
• Some tours might be canceled due to heavy rain; please check the details when reserving the spots. However, don’t worry about it from May to early September
• Although some boats have a heating system and most provide blankets, it might still be cold for some guests.
• It’s highly recommended to reserve before leaving for Amsterdam, as there are limited spots only.

A perfect option for people who like fun, interactive tours and want to have local experiences.

Best Canal Cruise Tours In Amsterdam

Here are the best canal cruises in Amsterdam; they are with high rating reviews, and I experienced some of them ourselves:

Cheapest 1-Hour Canal Tour In Amsterdam

Big boats are the cheapest option since more people are on the boat.

It costs EUR 18. Stromma and Lovers are the leading companies offering canal cruises in Amsterdam.

**Here is the special deal for my readers if you book with Tiqets, use the link below to get the lowest price. The link is already applied with the dicount code (CANALCRUISE10).**

Suppose you book the canal tickets together with Rijksmuseum or Heineken entrance tickets. In that case, you get the highest discount for the canal cruise!

Pro Tip When Getting On The Boat

Take the seat in the middle of the boat! It’s a bit noisy at the front since the captain is constantly on the intercom checking the traffic, and it’s smelly if you sit in the back.

Luxury And Environment-Friendly Canal Boat Tours

Friendly, knowledgeable staff made this comfortable canal cruise very enjoyable. I would recommend this tour. Irmgard_C ( read more reviews )

If you prefer a luxury boat with a maximum of 30 guests, this tour is for you.

You can sit comfortably with the cushion by taking this electric, gas-free boat. In addition, there’s a live guide introducing the landmarks in Amsterdam, so you can ask any questions you have!

A big boat trip costs EUR 18, but this tour with a much smaller group only costs EUR 22. It comes with great value and good ratings; no wonder it sells out quickly.

My Experience With This Tour

I took this tour in late November, and I loved it!

Most canal tours come with an audio guide, but this tour has a live guide, which makes it much more enjoyable for a tourist. In addition, it’s with an electric boat, so there is no lousy air, and there are only around 15 guests on that day, so the quality is excellent.

The guide was funny and interestingly shared the old Amsterdam story. If you like interaction with the guide, there’s no problem. I sat next to the guide, so I asked him many questions.

If you decide to join this tour, book the tickets in advance as it is popular. In addition, be sure to get on the boat 10 minutes before departure to get a good spot.

Their boat departs from Central Station, Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum!

Fun And No Smoking Canal Tours With Food And Drinks

Can’t say enough how I recommend this tour! James did an awesome job in giving us a tour, with just enough historical information that didn’t make it boring. The food was light but tasty. Dr inks were plenty. A.must do activity! Annette_T ( Check the more reviews )

This is the best canal tour I’ve joined. It has a high rating from past guests as well.

You get to interact highly with the tour guide and ask any questions you have during the cruise. Most important of all, you get on a non-smoking electric boat!

I don’t like smoking and even hate the smell of it; this tour does not allow guests to smoke, while some other small boats only prohibit it if the guests mind.

Their boat departs from Central Station and Rijksmuseum!

Smoking allowed Canal Boat trip With Drinks

Very funny and informative boat ride; not only could you smoke/drink on the boat, but our guide, Anthony and Graham, were amazing. Anthony was a hilarious host and even rolled a customers joint for them! Which I thought was pretty good customer service; the boat itself is stocked up with drinks, and it’s electric, so you can charge your phone, etc, while on tour. Would 100% recommend it as an eccentric alternative to a regular canal cruise! Morad_A ( read more reviews )

Want to take small boats in Amsterdam but also plan to smoke and have drinks? You need a smoke-friendly boat tour !

This tour is more than just a smoke-free boat trip; the tour guides ensure you have a fun ride and see plenty of Amsterdam in a chill way!

Since it is a top-rated tour, be sure to book the tickets in advance in case it is fully booked.

Usual Boat Trip: Pedal Boat

If you already experienced the canal cruise or want a different experience in Amsterdam, the pedal boat is for you.

Most tours come with a captain navigating the boat; this time, you can pedal the boat yourself.

You can design your own route and explore Amsterdam at your own pace. In addition, while most small tours do not allow bringing your own food, you can do that if you rent the pedal boat!

The best part is that one pedal boat can have a maximum of 4 people; it’s also an excellent choice for small groups and families!

There are two locations for the boat: Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein.

Hop-on And Hop-Off Canal Boat Ride

Amsterdam is a canal city; it is perfect to experience it by taking the hop-on and hop-off boat service.

It is ideal for people who want to enjoy a different type of transportation in Amsterdam. There are 8 stops in Amsterdam city center, so you can easily access the attractions by boat!

After Covid, only one company offers unlimited hop-on and hop-off boat service.

You can also buy a combination ticket to enjoy the Amsterdam street view by taking their sightseeing bus!

Private Canal Tours With A Tour Guide: For Small-Groups And Families

If you travel as a family or with friends, joining a private tour with a guide, who is also your captain, is a great idea.

Why not navigate the private boat yourself? There are many private and tourist boats in Amsterdam canals; you need quite some skills or talent if you are new. Besides, with a local guide, you can fully immerse yourself in Amsterdam and enjoy the beautiful canal view like a local.

Remember to bring your own food and drinks as they are not included in the tour!

Evening Dinner Canal Cruise

After a long day traveling in Amsterdam, you should have some good food and quality time to have a perfect ending to the day! That’s why the Evening Dinner Cruise is popular!

This 2-hour tour lets you enjoy a fantastic canal evening view and symbolic buildings in Amsterdam while savoring the local three-course menu dinner.

I joined this tour with some colleagues a few years ago, the atmosphere was cozy, and it was an evening I will never forget.

Luxury Dinner Cruise

If you wish for more privacy and a quiet evening dinner, join this 3-hour long three-course dinner tour with a maximum of 16 guests only . Most importantly, a private table is guaranteed!

Romantic Private Canal Cruise For Couples

Amazing! Relaxing and informative! The tour guide was patient, knew everything about the area, and included complimentary drinks and blankets. Absolutely wonderful would definitely recommend it. Jason_G ( Read more reviews )

Want to have an unforgettable canal tour with your loved one?

This private tour is only for you and your partner, no other guests onboard. Besides, the guide can customize this 90-minute route based on your preference, giving you a special and unique canal cruise experience.

This tour is very popular from April to October; if the evening private tour is not available, try their day tour!

In Conclusion: Which Canal Tour is The Best?

Many options exist, but I like Captain Jack Canal Cruises after taking big and small boat tours.

If you prefer to take tours without drinks, join the Flagship luxury boat tour , which has a high value in terms of price!

If you wish to have a dinner canal cruise, this tour offers a great experience . This private table dinner canal tour is perfect if you want more privacy.

Want a romantic evening with your loved one? Book this romantic private tour with a customized canal route!

Want to explore Amsterdam in an unusual way? Pedal Boat is for you!

hope you enjoy this post; you can read more about Amsterdam travel tips .

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The Erie Canal Experience

Quick Details

• User Ages: All ages welcome
• Hour Glass Duration: 2.5 Hours

Land and Sea Tour of Lock 18 on the Erie Canal!

The Erie Canal Experience begins with passengers boarding a bus at Gems Along the Mohawk and traveling to Lock 18 in Jacksonburg for a guided land tour of the lock and the original/enlarged Erie Canal prism. The land tour would observe the operational components of Lock 18 with an overview regarding the various components of the Lock.

The tour continues with a visit to the historic power house featuring the original equipment used to generate power that operated the lock in 1918, one of very few remaining on the Erie Canal. The land tour will then conclude with a short walk on the Canalway Trail to the original Erie Canal prism that is still visible.

After a discussion on the original Erie Canal, visitors would board the bus and return to Gems Along the Mohawk for the Sea portion of the tour; a cruise on the Erie Canal through Lock 18. Upon boarding the vessel, visitors would receive a “Taste of NY Snack Pack” to enjoy on the cruise to the lock.

Passengers will enjoy a special narration and discussion about the original Erie Canal and the components of the lock, a trip through Lock 18 and then return to Gems Along the Mohawk. The Erie Canal Experience will depart on select days over the summer season.

This excursion includes some walking, steps and variable/uneven surfaces, it is not recommended for mobility impaired individuals.

Related Activities

• Departs Daily!
• Tags Daily Cruise

ERIE CANAL SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Our sight seeing cruises depart daily! Enjoy the scenery of the Mohawk Valley as you cruise the calm waters of the Erie Canal, learning about the history of the area and locks.

GROUP ERIE CANAL SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Group tours on the Erie Canal are perfect for groups of 25+ adults. One complimentary ticket will be given when the minimum is met.

The 8 best river & canal cruises around the world

Hop on board! Whether it’s the magnificent pink façade of the Doge’s Palace in Venice or the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling light show, the best vantage points are often from the water. On many of our tours around the world, we offer excursions that get you on the water, from river cruises in Europe and Australia to canal cruises in Amsterdam and Ghent. “Doing anything on the water offers a different perspective on the place you are visiting, and the views are usually the best!,” said staffer Emily. Read on for four of the best European river cruises and four of the best canal cruises you can take on  tour .

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Copenhagen Canal Tour

Guided Boat Tour from Nyhavn and Ved Stranden

Experience the beauty and history of Copenhagen on our classic one-hour canal tour! Learn about the beautiful and historic landmarks and all other sights of interest. This boat sightseeing tour departs from Nyhavn or Ved Stranden and passes some of Copenhagen's best sights and attractions. Looking for more history and additional sight? Choose our new, extended Grand Canal Tour.

Join our Classic Canal Tour - All the Must-See Sights

On this one-hour boat tour, you will discover the best of Copenhagen! You’ll experience all the famous sights and iconic landmarks, including the famous Little Mermaid, the majestic Amalienborg Castle – home of the royal family, and the old Stock Exchange building. Take in the beauty and history of the city as we sail through the historic harbor and narrow canals. During the late spring and all of summer, we sail in open boats. In the colder months, we sail in boats that are both covered and heated.

Most of our Classic Canal Tours are live guided. However, we also offer daily departures with an audio guide, please check daily departure times at our ticket houses.

Book our Extended Tour - Grand Canal Tour

From June 15th 2024 you can yet again join our Grand Canal Tour! You'll be taken on a historic journey from the Stone Age all the way to the modern day. We sail to the hip, trendy Nordhavn continuing on towards the raw and urban Sydhavnen. During the tour, you’ll get to see both famous and classic sights as well as lesser-known areas of the city. All our boats are covered. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks on the tour for maximum coziness.

The Grand Canal Tour is live guided in Danish and English, and it departs from Ved Stranden. The duration of the tour is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Our Ticket Houses

We have ticket houses at Nyhavn and Ved Stranden, where you can also purchase your tickets. Daily changes may occur. For more information on the day, please ask in our ticket house.

• See Copenhagen's iconic sights
• Classic and Grand canal tours available
• Kids sail for half price

Are the boats covered when it rains?

We cannot guarantee that all our boats will be covered, we do our best to adjust the type of boat according to the weather conditions. Should it rain while you are on one of our open boats, we offer all our guests a complimentary poncho to keep dry. During the colder months, we exclusively sail with boats that are both covered and heated, ensuring your comfort and warmth.

Can I bring my dog on board the boat?

Dogs are welcome on our boats, provided they are small enough to fit into a bag, friendly, and accustomed to being around other people.

Can I bring my stroller, pram, or buggy on board the boat?

Due to limited space on the boats it is not possible to bring your stroller, pram, or buggy on the boat. You are welcome to park it at our departure points at Ved Stranden and Nyhavn, however this is at your own risk and we highly recommend that you bring a lock.

Can we bring a wheelchair on board?

Unfortunately, our boats can't accommodate non-foldable wheelchairs due to the layout of the boats. Wheelchair users with foldable models who can board and sit in regular seats may be permitted, subject to the captain's discretion based on space availability. We regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Are there any stops on the tour?

No, there are no stops along the way, the tour starts and ends at the same location.

At what age do children have to pay adult prices?

Adult ticket prices apply from the age of 16 and above.

Where do I find information about delayed or cancelled departures?

For information on specific delays or cancellations, please visit our ticket offices at Nyhavn or Ved Stranden, or contact our Customer Service at tel: +45 3296 3000.

Lost something?

Lost items can be recovered at our ticket office at Ved Stranden, or you can fill out our Lost & Found form

How many passengers can fit in one boat?

Our fleet includes open boats, which can accommodate up to 168 passengers, and covered boats with a capacity of up to 150 passengers, 104 of whom can be seated under the roof.

Are there life vests on board?

Life vests available on all our boats and in the unlikely event of an emergency, our trained staff will provide everyone with a life vest. For more information please see safety on board.

Should I book tickets in advance for the tour?

We recommend you booking your tickets in advance to secure a spot on the tour that best fits your schedule. This is particularly important during the spring and summer months, when our departures tend to sell out quickly.

Can I use my HT ticket/card on the boats?

No, the HT tickets and cards can only be used on the yellow harbor buses.

Can I buy my ticket on the boat?

Tickets cannot be purchased directly on the boat. To join us on a canal tour, please buy your tickets online, at our ticket houses, or from one of our street sellers.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay with a credit card online, in our Ticket Houses, with our street sellers and on board our buses.

Can I pay with foreign currency?

We accept the following currencies in notes only: Euros and American Dollars. Please note, change will be given be in Danish kroner.

I need a receipt - how do I get one?

To obtain a receipt, please note that we issue tickets that also serve as receipts. Your ticket will be checked upon boarding, and you're welcome to keep it afterward for your records. Be aware that the majority of our tours are VAT exempt.

Can we bring our own drinks?

Feel free to bring your own drinks on board. However, we kindly ask that you take any bottles or cans with you upon departure.

Are there a toilet on board the boat?

Our boats do not have toilet facilities. However, public toilets are available close to our ticket houses at both Nyhavn and Ved Stranden. Please feel free to ask our staff for directions.

Are there a discount for schools and kindergartens?

We offer a special discount for Danish schools, kindergartens, and youth clubs on our canal tours. Additionally, international school with groups of 10 or more persons qualify for a 10% group discount.

Do you offer tours to Middelgrundsfortet or Flakfortet?

Our authorization restricts our operations to the boundaries of Copenhagen harbor. Consequently, we are unable to offer tours to Middelgrundsfortet and Flakfortet.

Classic Canal Tour: We sail daily from Nyhavn and Ved Stranden

First/last departure:

Nyhavn: check departure times Ved Stranden: check departure times Changes to first and last departure may occur

We look forward to sail with you!

Select & book:

Classic canal tour - nyhavn.

Our popular canal tour with departure from Nyhavn, offering a classic one-hour experience with iconic sights. Departure point: Nyhavn (see map above) Highlights: Explore Copenhagen's iconic landmarks, such as the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace. Good to know: Choose between live-guided and audio-guided tours. Open boats in warmer months and covered, heated boats in colder months.

Classic Canal Tour - Ved Stranden

Our popular canal tour with departure from Ved Stranden, offering a classic one-hour experience with iconic sights. Departure point: Ved Stranden (see map above) Highlights: Explore Copenhagen's iconic landmarks, such as the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace. Good to know: Choose between live-guided and audio-guided tours. Open boats in warmer months and covered, heated boats in colder months.

Grand Canal Tour - Ved Stranden

Join our extensive 1-hour 45-minute tour, perfect for you who are seeking a deeper historical exploration of Copenhagen. Departure point: Ved Stranden, pier 4 (see map above) Highlights: Historic journey from Stone Age to modern day, covering famous and lesser-known areas. Good to know: Live guided in Danish and English, covered boats, opportunity to bring snacks and drinks.

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Price information:

Description:, traffic information:, please note:, you might also be interested in, copenhagen hop on-hop off bus & classic canal tour.

Bus and Boat Sightseeing Combination Ticket

Hygge - Boat Tour in Copenhagen's Canals

Guided sightseeing in electric boat

Copenhagen Hop On-Hop Off Bus

Audio Guided City Sightseeing Bus Tour

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12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

A Panama Canal transit is a rite of passage for many cruise lovers. Experiencing this marvel of early 20th-century engineering appeals to those with a wide array of interests, from history and politics to colonial architecture and wildlife spotting. Built by the U.S. government between 1903 and 1914, this 50-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans revolutionized shipping by creating an expedited route for the transit of cargo and, ultimately, cruise ship passengers.

Panama Canal itineraries are offered by almost every cruise line. Thanks to a 2016 canal expansion project, a third set of locks can now accommodate larger vessels. It's possible to cruise the Panama Canal on ships of all sizes (from 148 guests to more than 3,000) on itineraries that range from a week in the sun to a six-month world cruise.

Some ships sail a full transit of the canal, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, or vice versa. These one-way journeys between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Diego, visits ports in Central America, South America, Mexico and California.

Others sail only a partial transit, entering the locks from the Atlantic and cruising into Lake Gatun before turning around and exiting again. These itineraries, sailing round-trip from Florida ports, combine the canal experience with island-hopping in the Caribbean.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The array of options means that a Panama Canal cruise experience is possible even if you're short on time or have a limited budget — and chances are high that your favorite cruise line offers one or more itineraries. Most sailings attract couples, typically retirees, but if the timing is right a Panama Canal cruise can also be a great multi-generational experience.

Here are a dozen of the best Panama Canal cruises to consider.

Holland America's 14- to 16-day Panama Canal cruises

Holland America offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises , but the most popular itineraries span 14 to 16 days. They offer a full transit between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, or vice versa, and are offered on multiple ships, including Zaandam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Volendam. These sailings call on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Who should go: Holland America ships sailing a full transit are popular with retired couples who appreciate the cruise line's consistency and good value. All four ships accommodate between 1,432 and 2,106 passengers and offer signature onboard experiences that include the Greenhouse Spa and the BBC Earth in Concert multimedia performance. The larger Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam feature additional specialty dining options, such as Tamarind and Nami Sushi, as well as B.B. King's Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 16-night Los Angeles to Miami cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, debuts in November 2023 and its first two Panama Canal itineraries in early 2024 are already waitlisted. For those planning ahead, the 16-night Miami to Los Angeles (Dec. 13-29, 2024) and 16-night Los Angeles to Miami (Jan. 8-23, 2025) transits offer luxurious all-inclusive pampering, plus port calls in Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Panama City, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Who should go: This itinerary can be a wonderful splurge for a couple seeking to celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday in a memorable way on a luxurious new ship. Prices start at a hefty $10,399 per person for a spacious balcony suite, but they also include airfare, transfers, gratuities, dining and beverages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions — meaning you'll hardly have any other vacation expenses.

Related: The 8 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Celebrity Cruises' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean cruise

For a Panama Canal experience that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises ' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean itinerary is a great option. There's plenty of time to plan ahead for the Dec. 2, 2024 cruise or the half-dozen almost identical sailings that follow through March 2025. All sailings are aboard the new 3,260-guest Celebrity Beyond and visit Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendjik, Bonaire; and George Town, Grand Cayman (Willemstad, Curacao replaces Grand Cayman on some 2025 sailings).

Who should go: Celebrity Beyond and its Edge-series sister ships appeal to Millennials, Gen Xers and young-at-heart Boomers who appreciate innovative design, entertainment and dining options. The ships are geared toward couples or groups of friends, but families with older teens might also enjoy the onboard vibe. There are no splash pools or waterslides for younger kids, although calls on three Caribbean islands offer aquatic fun.

Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise

To explore the Panama Canal region in a relaxed manner aboard an intimate motorized sailing yacht, check out Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal itinerary aboard the 148-guest Wind Star. Bookable on more than two dozen dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the itinerary takes guests from Colon, Panama to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (or vice versa). The ship will transit the canal and visit Panama City and Isla Parida in Panama, plus Golfo Dolce and Quepos (for Manuel Antonio National Park) in Costa Rica.

Who should go: Fans of small-ship cruising who enjoy a casual onboard ambiance, are interested in nature and wildlife and wish to sample the regional flavors of Central America should consider a Windstar cruise . All accommodations are in snug yet well-designed staterooms with windows, but no balconies. Wind Star is a cozy and social four-deck ship featuring a pool and pool bar, a lounge and two restaurants.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Silversea's 31-day New York to Lima cruise

Silversea Cruises ' indulgent 31-day New York to Lima sailing aboard its newest ship, 728-guest Silver Nova features a Panama Canal transit in the middle of the trip. The one-way itinerary departs New York City in November and visits Bermuda and multiple sunny Caribbean islands — Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Barth's, St. Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, Bequia, Grenada, Curacao and Aruba — and Cartagena, Colombia before transiting the canal to call on ports in Ecuador (Manta) and Peru (Salaverry and Lima).

Who should go: Silversea's clientele is mostly mature couples with a luxury mindset and an appreciation for elevated dining with a strong regional focus. They also appreciate the cruise line's all-inclusive ease. A month-long itinerary such as this is likely to attract retirees seeking an extended warm-weather escape.

Related: The 10 best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Carnival Cruise Line's 8-day Panama Canal cruise from Tampa

Experiencing the Panama Canal doesn't have to be time-consuming or budget-busting. Carnival Cruise Line 's 8-day Panama Canal from Tampa itinerary offers a round-trip, partial-transit sailing aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride with port calls in Limon, Costa Rica and George Town, Grand Cayman—beginning at under $900 per person.

With four pools (including an adults-only aft Serenity Pool), a WaterWorks aqua park, Camp Ocean kids club and seven restaurants, the ship offers enough diversions for sea-day fun, even at half the size of Carnival's newest megaships.

Who should go: Carnival's action-packed ships and affordable cruise fares appeal to families, friends and couples of all ages who enjoy a lively onboard ambiance and casual complimentary dining options (including a Guy Fieri burger venue).

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Seabourn's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage

For a one-way Panama Canal transit that visits six countries (Aruba, Curacao, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico) and offers six relaxing and luxurious days at sea, consider Seabourn 's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage . The 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will sail from Miami to Los Angeles in December.

Calls on Golfito and Puntarenas in Costa Rica offer access to eco-adventure. Visits to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala and Puerto Chiapas and Huatulco in Mexico feature excursions focused on pre-Spanish-colonial culture, coffee cultivation and more, while a call on Cabo San Lucas offers whale-watching, deep-sea fishing or tequila tasting opportunities.

Who should go: Work-from-anywhere entrepreneurs and retirees who enjoy the luxury and refinement of small-ship cruising will enjoy this three-week Panama Canal transit. Seabourn Sojourn pampers its guests with attentive service, elevated cuisine and all-ocean-facing suites featuring walk-in closets and spacious marble bathrooms. Seabourn's all-inclusive cruise fares also cover gratuities and complimentary wines and spirits.

Princess Cruises' 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruise

While Princess Cruises does offer several longer ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal itineraries — including two in 2023 that transit via the historic locks — its popular 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruises conveniently sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on more than a dozen dates in 2023 and 2024.

What's more, you can choose from among three ships: 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess or 3,080-guest Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess. In addition to the partial transit, these sailings call on Jamaica and Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, as well as Cartagena, Columbia; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.

Who should go: Couples who enjoy a ship with a more traditional vibe and families with kids who are content to participate in interactive learning activities and nature-based adventure (vs waterslides) will enjoy this cruise. Princess ships are known for their Movies Under the Stars screenings, multiple pools, specialty dining options such as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and The Salty Dog Gastropub, and Crooners piano bar.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Norwegian Cruise Line's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise

There's no "Panama Canal" in this itinerary's name, but Norwegian Cruise Line 's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise in January 2024 does a full canal transit (and spends a day in Panama City) as it sails from Miami to Santiago, Chile. The 1,936-guest Norwegian Sun sails to historic Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia; Manta, Ecuador; Trujillo, Lima and Pisco in Peru; and Arica and Coquimbo in Chile, before disembarkation in Santiago.

Who should go: Couples and friends interested in experiencing not just a Panama Canal transit but some of the top coastal experiences along the Pacific Coast of South America should choose this itinerary. Norwegian Sun is an older, smaller vessel that was refurbished in 2018 and features a top deck more conducive to sunning than thrill rides. The ship also has a surprising number of restaurants for its size: two main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant, a sports bar and an outdoor grill on a complimentary basis, plus eight specialty dining venues (including Mexican, Italian, French, Japanese and a steakhouse) for an added fee.

Oceania's 16-day Miami to Los Angeles cruise

Following its May debut, Oceania Cruises ' 1,200-guest Vista — the first new-build ship in Oceania's fleet in more than a decade — will offer back-to-back 16-day Miami to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Miami itineraries in October and November. Both sailings visit six countries with port calls that include George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. (The second sailing visits San Diego instead of Ensenada.)

Who should go: Oceania's newest ship offers a great compromise between a small and medium-size vessel and is ideal for those seeking a premium cruise experience with casual sophistication. Older couples especially will appreciate the ship's elegant stateroom decor in soft hues of wheat and seagrass, mix of grand and intimate spaces and wide array of dining options (including two new venues, Ember for inventive American cuisine and Aquamar Kitchen for wellness-focused breakfast, lunch and dinner). A more immersive mixology program features curated cocktail menus, indulgent pairing experiences and specialty beverage carts.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an Oceania Cruises ship

Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal cruise

Talk about packing for all kinds of weather! Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal sailing aboard 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth begins in Vancouver on Aug. 7 and explores Alaska for more than a week (visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and Sitka). Then the ship heads back south along the U.S. Pacific Coast (stopping in Victoria, Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles) before heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Only then will it transit the Panama Canal. The ship makes one Atlantic stop in Aruba before passengers disembark in Fort Lauderdale.

Who should go: British cruise line Cunard appeals mainly to older travelers who savor the line's formal traditions. This cruise is for you if you enjoy afternoon tea, dressing up for dinner, gala evenings and dancing to big-band orchestras. The particular itinerary appeals to retirees who wish to visit a variety of cruise regions in one singular itinerary.

Viking's 180-day World Voyage

For the ultimate cruise indulgence, Viking's 180-day World Voyage I includes a Panama Canal transit (on Christmas Day, no less) as 930-passenger Viking Sky cruises from Fort Lauderdale to New York City (Dec. 19, 2024–June 17, 2025). This round-the-world cruise will visit 37 countries as guests enjoy Viking Sky's modern Scandinavian interior decor, soothing LivNordic Spa, two pools (including one with a retractable roof) and six onboard restaurants. Pricing includes airfare, gratuities and complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

Who should go: With cruise fares that start at $79,995 per person, this six-month adventure at sea requires a luxury budget. Viking 's base clientele is mostly retired or close-to-retirement-age professionals who enjoy the cruise line's focus on educational enrichment (via onboard lectures) and serene ambiance (there's no casino and the nighttime vibe is on the quiet side).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Explore Birmingham’s Lengthy Canals On One Of These Lovely Boat Trips

Any Brummie can tell you our mighty claim to fame.

Everyone has heard it: Birmingham has more canals than the waterway haven of Venice . Of course this is only partly true. It doesn’t actually have more canals. Just more miles of canal. 35 miles of it in fact. It makes Birmingham the capital of the country’s canal system and one of the best spots to explore the beauty of English waterways . While you won’t find any Venetian gondolas here (Brummie ones either for that matter) we still have many options for cruising our gorgeous canals.

1. Pack up a picnic and cruise on an electric, self-drive boat

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Fancy being your own captain on the canal? The eco-friendly, electric boat company GoBoat is offering guests the opportunity to see the city from an entirely new perspective. Pack up a picnic, grab a bottle of prosecco and take to the open water, experiencing all that the area has to offer on board an electric, self-driving boat. GoBoat staff will give you a full tutorial on land, before you and your group of up to eight people can set sail and steer the boat along the Birmingham canals. Book your GoBoat experience here .

2. Rent a big ol’ boat

There are plenty of services that allow you to take to the waters on a long canal boat. Become your inner general that you’ve dreamed of every time you took a walk past a docked canal boat. It’s right there at your fingertips. Try out Sherbourne Wharf Ltd. to start trekking across all 35 miles of Brummie canals.

3. Get guided around the city on a canal tour

Just like the above, but without the faff of manning the boat, as well as an expert tour of Birmingham. Relax as you breeze through Brum with a cold drink on a spring morning. Check out Bosworth Cruises for such a service.

4. Take a canal boat holiday

If one day isn’t enough, then rent a canal to stay on all bloody week, captain. Stay out on the waters and get a taste of the life of a sailor while powering through the rough waters of Brummie canals. You can book your watery vacation with Black Prince narrowboat holidays.

5. Throw a boat party on the Birmingham canals

Stumped for a stag or hen do? Want an original idea? Look no further than a party at the canal, baby. You can go wild on the boats by night and explore the quiescent waters by day. Just triple-check the bride or groom to be doesn’t get seasickness, mind. Check out Central Boat Parties based at Gas Street Basin for your Brummie boat raving requirements.

6. Kayak to your heart’s content

There is an array of Birmingham canal trails to lose yourself in. Rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board and relax among nature. Roundhouse Birmingham guided kayak tours will lead you on a journey through the city on their sit on top kayaks which are stable and ideal for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Choose from either their ‘Bustling Birmingham’ or ‘Green Escape’ kayak tours and discover the heart of the canal systems and the greenery nearby.

7. Enjoy a boozy cruise on the water

Run by local gin connoisseur, The Gintleman , you can book a ticket for one of these gin-tastic tours along the city’s prettiest waterways. Over the course of two hours you’ll be treated to an impressive selection of perfectly matched gins and tonics, complete with paired canapés and a cream tea featuring gin-infused jam. Something we can definitely get on board with!

There we have it, every awesome way to traverse the Birmingham canals . And not a gondola in sight. Eat your heart out Venice. We know who has the best canal system in Europe now. There might not be anyone singing romantic Italian love-songs over our shoulder. But from boozy cruises and boat parties to paddle boards and self-captained electric boats, travelling Birmingham’s waterways always feels fresh and exciting.

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

Why your next vacation should be a small group canal cruise

H ow do canal cruises compare with river cruises? The overall experience is fundamentally different. While some barges operate along rivers, these smaller vessels are mostly found along the smaller, scenic canals. They combine upscale accommodations and service with easy adventure, taking passengers along narrow waterways to various destinations, such as wineries, castles, markets, museums and villages.

Onboard, the experienced crew members navigate the barge, arrange excursions, prepare meals, shop for provisions, coordinate food and wine pairings, manage housekeeping, tend bar, and oversee the total comfort and safety of guests.

Intro to canal cruising: a luxury experience

Essentially, these private, premium cruises have about 20 passengers on board (and a crew of 10 people or less). This floating "home away from home" provides guests with a high-end experience, including culinary specialties, comfortable quarters and stellar hospitality.

10 best small cruise ships of 2023, according to USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

In a post-pandemic world, many cruisers are seeking lighter crowds, attentive service and soothing environments. Canal cruises provide the ultimate in privacy, with access to enchanting towns, famous landmarks and iconic museums. The exclusive lodging experience and activities for these micro-groups are much more intimate than even the most acclaimed river cruises.

Canal cruises take passengers through some of the world’s most charming and historic landscapes, such as the world-class wine region of Burgundy, the striking highlands of Scotland and the incredible waterways of Venice. Days are spent cruising and sightseeing in picturesque locations. In the evening, the barge docks overnight for guests to enjoy dinner, cocktails and onboard amenities, such as a hot tub, games or conversation.

Canal cruising can accommodate most ages and abilities

This style of travel is ideal for guests of most ages and accessibility levels. It's also a popular choice among multi-generational families who want to experience a bucket-list trip, while ensuring everyone feels comfortable. These cruises can be arranged directly with a cruise company or a travel agent who specializes in barge cruises.

Additionally, barge cruises offer many customizable options and potentially flexible itineraries. Groups can book the whole barge for their party, or individuals and couples can secure a spot on a shared canal cruise. Some may offer a theme, such as culinary, golf, wine, music, history or art.

Solo Sails: 10 best cruise lines for single travelers, according to 2023 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards

Canal cruising is also popular with solo travelers seeking to connect with like-minded people while on holiday, as it offers the perfect blend of “me time” and “hanging with the crowd.”

On a typical canal cruise, staterooms are available in various sizes, all with private bathrooms. Cabins are often temperature-controlled, and barges are generally equipped with WI-FI and modern conveniences.

Guests enjoy incredible onboard culinary experiences

The culinary experiences on canal cruises are often a major highlight, as they are crafted by a professional, onboard chef using plenty of locally sourced ingredients and regional recipes.

Frequently, the meals are customized for the passengers on the cruise. Everyone usually dines together on board and sometimes on land during excursions, depending on the itinerary.

The meals include specialities of the surrounding region and seasonal ingredients. For example, guests might visit a nearby cheese shop or regional winemakers during the day — and then enjoy the bounty at dinner that evening.

How to book a canal cruise

Canal cruising is typically one-stop shopping and offered as an all-inclusive experience, with a per-person rate that covers accommodation, local transfers, gourmet meals, wine (and beverages), excursions and more. The rate also includes service from the crew: a captain, chef, tour guide and hosts.

Since these trips require a specific type of waterway, cruise operators normally arrange a chauffeured pickup near a main city center or airport and transport and store luggage for passengers.

Best adventure cruise lines, according to 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

A few noteworthy companies that offer canal cruising include European Waterways , a company that offers a number of options in various countries; Grand Victoria , a single barge located in Burgundy, France; and Elegant Waterways , a smaller cruise outfit with three lovely vessels.

On barge cruises, gratuity is not included, so passengers should plan to leave 5% to 10% of the cruise fare as a show of appreciation for the crew. While not every operator is the same, crew members typically speak English, as well as the local language.

Just like any trip, always ask about what’s included before reserving because every cruise will be slightly unique — which is part of the fun!

This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: Why your next vacation should be a small group canal cruise

Welcome to Panama Marine Adventures!

We offer Panama Canal Tours for those who wish to experience navigating through one of the wonders of the modern world.

We offer Panama Canal Tours all year long.

More than 280,000 passengers have experienced the Panama Canal with us.

2,700 tours through the Panama Canal since 2003

Our Programs & Tours

Unveil the wonders of the Panama Canal: land of transit and travel since the beginning ​ of times​.

Panama Canal Tours

Step aboard the Pacific Queen for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness the Canal up close and in full operation, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

ABOUT THIS TOUR​

Our history

Panama Marine Adventures was stablished in 2003 with the strategic vision of creating and developing high quality leisure products for the tourism industry that take advantage of the special relationship that Panama has with the oceans.

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15 Best Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City

Looking for the best panama canal day tours from panama city you’ve come to the right place.

An engineering marvel built as a shortcut across two oceans , the Panama Canal is a bucket list activity in Panama.

Visiting the Panama Canal and seeing the ships sail along was a highlight of my trip .

From exploring historic sites to riding the canal to tropical landscapes, each tour offers a unique way to experience this iconic waterway.

Let’s get right into the 15 best Panama Canal day tours for your trip to Panama City Panama!

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Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Panama Canal Tours

Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal & Jungle Tour

✅ 90 min Canal Ride

✅ Plus more stops

Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

✅ 12+ hours

✅ Ride all 3 Locks

✅ Meals & hotel pickup

Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound

✅ Travel towards Pacific Ocean

✅ Pass 2 sets of Locks

The Panama Canal is one of the most fun activities in Panama City . Several different Panama Canal day tours from Panama City Panama include:

• Train Tours
• Helicopter tours

Each of these top Panama Canal tours from Panama City offers a unique perspective and experience.

And while getting around in Panama can be easy when you know what you are doing, all these tours organize roundtrip transportation, entrance, and other details for you. So, all you need to do is show up and enjoy.

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Boat

1. ocean to ocean panama canal and jungle tour.

⭐ 5/5 ( 1000+ Reviews )

The Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour is an 8-hour adventure from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean on and alongside the Panama Canal.

The first stop is the Panama Canal, where you will ride along on a boat next to ships passing through the canal for 90 minutes.

From there, you will stop at Lake Gatun (the second-largest artificial lake on the continent), Agua Clara Locks Visit Center , and enjoy lunch at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort San Lorenzo .

While you don’t get to ride a boat through the locks, this is one of the most popular tours of Panama Canal and offers a great balance of history and nature.

You can see monkeys, sloths, birds, crocodiles, and lots of other wildlife.

It is an early start, so get a good night’s sleep the night before.

“ We only had 48 hours in Panama and this was a perfect way to spend one of our days. Pick up was communicated perfectly and we were picked up promptly at the time John told us. John was very knowledgeable and full of information. The tour included a little bit of everything, including things you didn’t know you needed to see. ” – Kathleen A. ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability

2. Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 180+ Reviews )

This Full Transit Panama Canal Tour is one of the best Panama Canal one day tours. It’s got a packed itinerary, so prepare for at least 12 hours .

You will pass through and learn about all three sets of locks and view Lake Gatun and Chagres River while learning about the history and construction of the Panama Canal.

While a full-day tour may be exhausting for some, it’s well worth it if you’re interested in the history behind the Canal . You get to ride the Panama Canal all the way, and how cool is that!

The tour provides breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Panama City. All you have to do is wake up early and enjoy a day of hearing about a fascinating piece of history from a knowledgeable guide.

“ This is a long day, but, for me, I thought a brilliant and unique trip. The staff were all extremely helpful and polite and the guide gives a great deal of interesting information. I am happy to recommend this trip to anyone who has a voyage through the Panama Canal on their bucket list. ” – Russel W. ( see more reviews )

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3. Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound Direction

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 200+ Reviews )

If you don’t want to commit to a full day on the Panama Canal, consider a partial transit tour . This Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound Direction toward the Pacific Ocean is a great starting point.

This 6-hour, small group tour takes you southbound along the Panama Canal , where you will see the Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks up close.

The tour provides transportation and lunch on board. While you won’t see the entire canal, you will catch the most essential parts .

“ It was a delightful experience going through the locks and participating with another boat journeying through the Canal locks. Our guide, Jose, was extraordinary! He was fun, engaging and shared lots of history. It was also impressive that the tour was conducted in Spanish and English, and he did not miss a beat. ” – Crystal B. ( see more reviews )

4. Panama Canal Partial Tour – Northbound Direction

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 85+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Partial Tour – Northbound Direction is a similar 6-hour tour , but this time heading north along the canal toward the Atlantic Ocean.

You will still stop at all the major points of interest along the Panama Canal, including Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. Your guide will explain the engineering marvels, the canal’s construction, and constant maintenance .

The tour also provides continental breakfast and lunch, roundtrip transfers from selected hotels, and soft beverages. If you’re looking for fun six-hour tours of the Panama Canal with everything provided , this is a great, affordable option.

“ I’m glad we did this tour and actually travelled through the locks as opposed to just watching from the visitor’s center. If you’re going to see the canal, this is the way to go. ” – Ouillma D. ( see more reviews )

5. 5hr Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk w/ Local Brunch

⭐ 5/5 ( 445+ Reviews )

This 5-hour Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk tour is one of the most popular tours through Panama Canal. It includes a partial tour of the Panama Canal, with a heavy emphasis on the wildlife and jungle in the region.

First, the tour drives you halfway up the Panama Canal to Gamboa. From here, you hop on a covered boat to begin the eco-cruise to Gatun Lake, Monkey Island, Soberania National Park with a Panamanian breakfast, and Centennial Bridge.

At Soberania National Park, go on a nature walk , where you will learn more about the animals and plants in the region.

Although this tour isn’t as focused on the Panama Canal as the engineering behind it, it’s a unique experience filled with memorable moments .

“ The transportation was on time and very comfortable. The tour guide was superb, with extensive knowledge, and spoke fluent English and Spanish. The boat driver was good at placement for the best experience, and the monkeys actually came on board. Being in the Canal with the ships was a great experience. ” – Paul C. ( see more reviews )

6. Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 105+ Reviews )

This Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal is a 3-hour tour along the Panama Canal and to Lake Gatun.

You will enter the Panama Canal at Chagres River and ride along the canal to Gatun Lake . You’ll spend about 45 minutes on the channel, passing by ships and learning a little about the history from your guide.

Because this is a short tour, it’s great for those that don’t have much time . You can pair this with a visit to the Panama Canal Visitor Center to learn more about the region.

It’s important to note that you won’t learn much about the Panama Canal here , aside from the brief boat ride through.

“ Fernando was a great guide. We saw a few different types of monkeys, various birds, gators, lizards. Some monkeys got close and personal, and to actually have them eat out of your palm was surreal. The Panama Canal is something to marvel at – a historic engineering of progressive transportation! ” – Ivanna K. ( see more reviews )

7. Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour

⭐ 4/5 ( 380+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour is a 7-hour tour that takes you halfway across the Panama Canal . It’s much shorter than the Panama Canal full transit day tour, but still informative.

The tour includes the Miraflores Visitor’s Center and the Pedro Miguel Locks, where you will cross a total of three levels of locks . You’ll also see the beginning of Gatun Lake.

“Going through the locks was a fascinating experience. The guide was knowledgeable and interesting. The crew were friendly and attentive. We really enjoyed the catering, but the biggest impact was the scale of the engineering and the achievement that is the canal. We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip.” – David G. ( see more reviews )

8. The Panama Canal: Kingfisher Experience Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 6+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal: Kingfisher Experience Tour is perfect for fishing enthusiasts or those who want something different .

Get a partial-day rundown of the Panama Canal and its history, followed by an 8-hour fishing experience right on the Panama Canal . 

On the way to your designated spots, you will pass massive ships going through the Canal and learn more about the canal.

You will be catching Oscar Bass, Snook, Tilapia, Peacock Bass, and Tarpon, all while observing wildlife. You can choose to catch-and-release or take your catch home for dinner.

This may not be for everyone, but for those who love fishing or want to say, “I’ve caught a fish in the Panama Canal,” this tour is for you.

“ John was an amazing guide. Best snacks and took us around so many places for fishing. He has a ton of wildlife knowledge!! Would recommend!!! ” – Tara S. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Train

9. Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Train Ride

⭐ 5/5 ( 10+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Railway stretches 76.6 km (47.6 mi) between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, from Colón to Balboa.

This Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Train Ride is a 10-hour tour that takes you to some of the most important sites along the canal and a few museums.

The tour includes a drive through Portobelo National Park , a visit to the Museo de La Real Aduana de Portobelo , a one-hour ride on the Panama Canal Railway, and the Aguas Clara Locks Visitor Center , and a few other brief stops.

If you want an all-out train experience , this is one of the best Panama Canal tours that includes a train ride.

“ Great tour. A large amount of Historical information shared by our tour guide. He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Did not rush. Explained things thoroughly. Tour was lengthy, so come prepared for a long day but was well worth the effort. ” – Lawrence O. ( see more reviews )

10. Panama Canal Train, Agua Clara Canal Lock Center & Colon Fort

⭐ 4/5 ( 7+ Reviews )

This Panama Cana Train, Agua Clara Canal Lock Center & Colon Fort is another exciting way to visit and learn from one of the best Panama City canal tours.

The 8-hour tour begins with a trip on the Panama Canal Railway, where you can admire the beautiful fauna and wildlife from the comforts of a high-end train with air-conditioning .

After the hour-long train ride, you’ll visit Agua Clara Locks, Fort San Lorenzo, and Port Colon 2000 for lunch.

The tour guides are incredible and take care to make sure things go smoothly, and you leave with much more information than you arrived with.

“ Aqua Clara Canal system is absolutely amazing. We observed 2 ships pass through the locks. Truly breathtaking. ” – Prakash P. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Car

11. Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 910+ Reviews )

This Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour blends the best nearby activities in Panama City .

The 5-hour tour begins with a stop at the Miraflores Visitor Center, which is a great place to learn about the history and construction of the Panama Channel.

You can head up to the observation deck to watch boats come through . I loved watching the ships pass by.

After the Panama Canal portion, you will make brief stops at Amador Causeway , Casco Viejo, Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient, Arco Chato, and Plaza Carlos V. You will also pass by several other points of interest. I really enjoyed seeing all these places in Panama City.

The tour only lasts about one hour in Casco Viejo , so you can also look into another Casco Viejo tour to learn more about this historic neighbourhood.

This is one of the best Panama Canal day tours from Panama City for those who want a more general experience .

“ This was a small group of 4, and our tour guide was Juan Carlos who was extremely knowledgeable of all the topics about the city, and the Panama Canal. We had a great time learning and having fun on the way. He also speaks perfect English and had the answers for all our questions. I would recommend for everybody visiting Panama City to take this tour. ” – Dusha P. ( see more reviews )

12. Layover (Stopover) City Tour and Panama Canal Visit

⭐ 5/5 ( 38+ Reviews )

The Layover (Stopover) City Tour and Panama Canal Visit is a great tour for anyone with a 6+ hour layover in Panama City looking for some day trips.

Dedicated tours to Panama Canal are a must-do for all travellers and adventurers, but if you only have a few hours in the city, make the most of it with a layover tour.

The tour is 4.5 hours, so you need at least a six-hour layover . But if you have the time, it’s a great Panama Canal day trip from the airport.

You’ll be picked up from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and taken to the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo (Old Town), Amador Causeway, Panama Canal Administration Building, and Panama City sign.

“ I had a six hour layover in Panama City and decided to book this tour, especially since the reviews were great. I arrived in Panama at about 6:00 a.m., and Miguel picked me up at the airport. To keep it short. This tour is well worth its price, and Miguel is an excellent tour guide. The tour significantly added to my journey and allowed me to explore some of what Panama offers. It makes me want to come back. ” – Awab H. ( see more reviews )

13. Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal

⭐ 5/5 ( 50+ Reviews )

This Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal is a Panama Canal half-day tour around the city that includes all the important highlights. It’s one of the best tours Panama has to offer.

The 4.5-hour Panama Canal tours from Panama City take you to the Panama Canal, Miraflores Locks, Amador Causeway, Casco Viejo, and Plaza de la Catedral.

One of the best things about this tour is the incredible guides , who go out of their way to accommodate all guests and Panama Canal tourism. Transportation is organized, and you will get a complete history run-down on Panama while exploring.

“ Roberto gave us a very interesting and informative tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks and Visitors Center. ” – Clifford D. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Helicopter Tours

14. Private 30 Minute Panama Canal and Panama City Helicopter Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 43+ Reviews )

If you want the most unique and thrilling experience of the Panama Canal, consider this Private 30-minute Panama Canal and Panama City Helicopter Tour .

Before the ride, you will get a brief history of the Panama Canal from the captain and everything you can expect to see. The captain is excellent at maneuvering the helicopter and knowledgeable about the Panama Canal.

You can upgrade to a 60-minute helicopter ride with a 30-minute tour of the Panama Canal and a 30-minute “jungle” cruise that takes you on a flight above the rainforest.

Keep your eyes open for Cerro Ancon which is the highest point in Panama City and is a great spot to go hiking.

“ I’ve done quite a few helicopter tours all over the USA, and this was by far the greatest tour of them all. Fernando starts with a history lesson of Panama and the Canal; you can tell he is genuinely passionate about his country. Great facts and background. The ride itself is smooth, and he is very knowledgeable of the various kinds of ships that go through the canal… ” – Marco M. ( see more reviews )

15. Canal of Panama by Helicopter

This Canal of Panama by Helicopter is another excellent choice for thrill-seekers who want a birds-eye view of the Panama Canal.

The tour includes 30 minutes of air time , where you will get some of the most beautiful views of the canal and Lake Gatun . The pilots and guides are all professional and go out of their way to ensure you leave happy and satisfied with the trip.

“ Great trip and overall experience seeing the canal and Lake Gatun! The pilot was experienced, and I had a relaxed and competent feel about him. His English was very good. ” – George R. ( see more reviews )

FAQs about Panama Canal Tours

Can you do a day trip through the panama canal.

Yes, you can do a day trip through the Panama Canal . Several tour operators offer the chance to transit through the canal’s locks, either in partial or full transit, providing a unique perspective on this engineering marvel. A day tour is a great way to experience the Panama Canal if you have limited time in Panama.

What is the Best Way to Tour the Panama Canal?

The best way to tour the Panama Canal depends on your interests and time availability . If you’re seeking a unique and exciting perspective, a helicopter tour gives an impressive bird’s-eye view of the canal or for those who prefer to experience the canal more directly, day tours that transit through the canal’s locks are highly recommended.

Can Tourists Take a Boat Ride Through the Panama Canal?

Yes, tourists can take a boat ride through the Panama Canal. Boat tours are among the best Panama Canal day tours from Panama City, offering a first-hand experience of the canal’s impressive lock system and a chance to sail along the same route that has been frequented by countless commercial and passenger vessels over the years.

Can You Tour the Panama Canal On Your Own?

Yes, you can tour the Panama Canal on your own. However, a self-tour involves visiting the canal’s visitor centers: Miraflores Visitor Center and Agua Clara Visitor Center. They offer observation decks from where you can watch ships transit through the canal’s locks. While this is more economical, you won’t get the same hands-on experience as you would with a boat ride. 

A tour also makes sure you end up in the right place. On my second trip to Panama, I met some people at my hotel who tried to take an Uber to the Locks and ended up going to the shipyard (which was far away) and not seeing the canal. 

How Long is a Boat Ride Through Panama Canal?

A boat ride through the Panama Canal lasts between 4 to 8 hours for a partial transit and up to 12 hours for a full transit. It depends on the type of tour you opt for. The partial transit takes you through some of the locks, whereas a full transit, often considered among the best Panama Canal one day tours, navigates the entire length of the canal.

What is the Best Month to Go Through the Panama Canal?

The best time to go through the Panama Canal is the dry season, from mid-December to mid-April . During these months, you’ll experience less rainfall, making your boat tour more pleasant. Keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so it’s advisable to book your tour ahead of time to secure a spot on one of the best Panama Canal tours.

Enjoy the Panama Canal, a Boat Safari, and a Jungle Walk on this tour !

Final Thoughts: Best Panama Canal One Day Tours

Touring the Panama Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience .

The Ocean To Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour is one of the best boat tours of the Panama Canal.

The Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour is great for those who are short on time and who want to see the canal but not ride a boat.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled helicopter ride , an in-depth historical overview, or a serene cruise through the lush rainforest, there’s a tour for you.

Seeing the Panama Canal is just one of many must-do activities when planning your Panama itinerary !

Travelling to Panama? Read more:

• 7 Day Panama Itinerary
• Adventurous Things to Do in Panama
• Fun Things to Do in Panama City Panama
• Best Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City
• Getting Around Panama
• Best Places to Visit in Panama
• Best Casco Viejo Walking Tours
• Hiking Ancon Hill in Panama City
• Hiking Cerro Cara Iguana
• Volcan Baru Jeep Tour
• Boquete Coffee Tour Review
• Scuba Diving in Bocas del Toro
• Casa Acuario Hotel Review
• La Selva Nomad Treehouse Review
• Best Bocas del Toro Hotels Over Water
• Fun Things to Do in Bocas del Toro
• How to Get to Bocas Del Toro
• How to Visit Nivida Bat Cave, Bocas del Toro
• Costa Rica vs Panama

Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 15+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.

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7 Ways to Experience the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a living monument stretching over historical lands and has connected the seas for over 100 years. We’ve curated a selection of ways to experience this engineering marvel. Choose from expedition cruises and land-based tours that are focused on the 48-mile Panama Canal.

IN THIS POST – Ways to Experience the Panama Canal: Cruise on a Luxury Ship Cruise with National Geographic: – Costa Rica & Panama – Colombia & Panama – Panama only Go by Land: – Rainforest & Culture – Volcanoes & Coastline – Family Focus

On a variety of itineraries, learn the history of overcoming hardships endured from 1881 when work on the canal first began, only to be aborted and started again when the United States in 1904 put its resources behind this engineering miracle that began changing the course of commerce—and world history—in 1914, the same year that World War I began. Today some 14,000 ships pass annually through the canal, and you could be on one of them. Following are our curated, fully guided cruises and land tours to experience the Panama Canal:

1) Cruise on a Luxury Ship

The Secrets of Central America cruise makes a complete transit in style. Aboard a luxury French ship, travel between Colón, Panama and Puntarenas, Costa Rica, enjoying white-glove service along the way. When not out exploring dream islands, spotting for wildlife in nature reserves and meeting local indigenous communities, relax on board in a variety of upscale lounges, or take in performances, tastings and lectures provided by expedition staff and the ship’s crew. Select departures feature onboard, world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys.

2) Cruise with Nat Geo to Costa Rica & Panama

Lindblad Expeditions ‘ 8-day Costa Rica & the Panama Canal cruise aboard 100-guest National Geographic Quest offers a 2-day canal transit with a visit to Barro Colorado and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Alongside experts from National Geographic, explore exuberant, colorful and diverse nature in national parks, wildlife reserves and a privately owned tropical garden. In addition, swim and snorkel Panama’s famed Isla Coiba, kayak along remote coastlines and horseback ride on the beach—a truly unforgettable experience.

3) Cruise with Nat Geo to Colombia & Panama

Another 8-day cruise aboard 100-guest National Geographic Quest, Panama & Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast either begins or ends with a transit of the Panama Canal, uniquely spending a special overnight at anchor in Gatún Lake, a vast artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal. By focusing only on Panama and Colombia, this itinerary offers more time to explore the Caribbean side of Panama, as well as a well-rounded 4 days in Colombia. Cultural and active opportunities abound, with kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, skiff tours and onboard wellness routines.

4) Cruise with Nat Geo Solely in Panama

The Nat Geo Quest also offers an 8-day Panama-focused itinerary: The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands & Darién Jungle . Conveniently operating round-trip from Panama City, this small ship expedition cruise highlights Panama’s indigenous and colonial history, local communities and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy daily opportunities to get off the ship kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, snorkeling, hiking and Zodiac cruising. National Geographic guides provide expert enriching insights into every experience, and special permits allow for uncommon visits such as an exclusive stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Barro Colorado Island.

5) Go by Land: Rainforest & Culture Focus 

The 8-day, land-based Panama Discovery Tour highlights Panama’s rainforests, wildlife and rich cultural heritage. This tour includes a visit to the Panama Canal via the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. Beyond the canal, excursions include meeting indigenous cultures on the Gatun and Chagres Rivers, riding the Panama Railway, observing wildlife, ziplining through the highlands, tasting local coffee, hiking in the cloud forests of the Chiriqui Highlands, searching for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and exploring more of the over- and underwater world of the Caribbean Sea in Bocas del Toro.

6) Go by Land: Volcanoes & Coastline

The 9-day Best of Panama trip explores the Panama Canal, volcanic highlands and the Caribbean Coast, en route meeting some of Panama’s indigenous people. From coast to coast and past to present, glean the history and workings of the canal and the original Panama railway while on a private guided tour and jungle boat adventure in the canal. Thriving indigenous villages and Spanish colonial forts are just some stops made during moderate daily hikes. Others include the tropical cloud forest, rich in flora and fauna. There are opportunities for zip lining, paddling a dugout canoe and touring a coffee plantation as well. 

7) Go by Land: Take the Family

The 9-day Panama Family Adventure embraces nature, culture and wildlife. It’s an enriching family trip that covers the most iconic things to do in Panama, including kayaking, zip lining in the Chiriqui highlands, historic and cultural explorations, and a visit to the Panama Canal lock system. Travelers of all ages experience Panama’s finest from coastal snorkeling to venturing to the western highlands of the Caribbean coast and white water rafting the Chagres River. This is a perfect dose of family travel with plenty of optional activities to keep everyone entertained.

VIEW ALL PANAMA TRIPS

See the full list of itinerary options, including cruise add-on’s.

For more  Panama vacations  and  Costa Rica vacations , contact the experts at AdventureSmith Explorations. Our team can help you choose from the many options available and tailor the trip to your travel needs. For the most up-to-date listing of Panama Canal experiences, view all our Panama trips .

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More Ways to Visit the Panama Canal

Browse our trips to experience the Panama Canal and contact us for further insights into which one is best for you. With itineraries updating and changing each year, our experts are your ticket to the latest options. Contact our experts today for a personalized consultation on the best way to visit the Panama Canal.

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8 Ways to See the Panama Canal (2024)

by Julie | Feb 5, 2024 | Panama , Travel

Are you in the middle of planning a trip to Panama?

Wondering how to visit the Panama Canal?

In this Panama travel guide, I’m going to share with you the best tours of the Panama Canal. This guide is ideal for those who are history nerds like me and want the BEST canal experience . However, for those who aren’t nerds, I’ve also included a list of easy and cheap ways to see the canal.

So let’s get started!

By the way, for more information on traveling to Panama, check out my complete list of Panama Travel Guides .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website’s  Disclosure  for more info.

In this post, you’ll find…

• Where EXACTLY is the Panama Canal

History of the Panama Canal

• How the Panama Canal works – ESSENTIAL info for trip planning – Don’t skip this part!
• Panama Canal Cruise – Half-way (6 hours)
• Panama Canal Cruise from Pacific to Atlantic Oceans
• Miraflores Locks
• Pedro Miguel Locks
• Gatun Locks in Colon
• Lake Gatun – Includes Monkey Island
• Panama Canal Museum
• Museum of the Afro-Antilleans of Panama

Where EXACTLY is the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal stretches from the city of Colon on the Atlantic Ocean to Panama City on the Pacific Ocean.

Container ships, cruise ships, and even sailboats ply the canal daily as they make their way from one ocean to another.

You can either visit the canal from the Pacific Side in Panama City, the Atlantic side in Colon, or from Lake Gatun in Gamboa . I recommend visiting the canal from Panama City, but in this guide, I’ll tell you all the different ways to visit it.

The original Panama Canal was completed in 1914. However, in the twenty-first century, some container ships had become too wide to fit through the original canal, so in 2016 Panama built another set of locks running parallel to the old locks. This new set of locks is called Cocoli Locks .

TOP 3 Panama Canal Tours

1. panama canal cruise.

RATING: 4.6/5 (70 Reviews) | TIME: 6 Hours | COST: US$145

• Take a boat ride from the Pacific Ocean through Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks to Lake Gatun (vice versa)
• Includes FREE snack and FREE lunch
• FREE hotel pickup and dropoff

BOOK TOUR HERE!

2. Panama Canal from Pacific to Atlantic + Jungle Tour

RATING: 5/5 (1,100 Reviews) | DURATION: All Day | PRICE: US$135

• Drive along the Panama Canal from Panama City to Lake Gatun in a bus
• Take a boat ride around the islands of Lake Gatun to spot the wildlife of Panama
• Visit the Agua Clara Locks to see the ships pass through the canal
• Visit San Lorenzo National Park where you’ll visit a rainforest to spot more wildlife and tour Fort San Lorenzo to learn about the pirates that terrorized Panama

3. Miraflores Locks + Panama City Tour

RATING: 4.8/5 (220 Reviews) | DURATION: 5 hours | PRICE: $67

• Includes FREE hotel pickup and dropoff
• Miraflores Visitor Center
• Casco Viejo
• Bridge of the Americas
• Amador Causeway

The Panama Canal has one of the most interesting histories in the world. On the one hand, it was an engineering and scientific miracle . But on the other hand, its construction was filled with hubris, corruption, lies, disease, war, revolution, racism, and death .

Before the Panama Canal was Built

Before the Panama Canal was built, ships had to travel around the tip of South America to get from Europe or the East Coast of the United States to Asia or the West Coast of the U.S. This would take many months of travel.

The Panama Canal clipped off months or over 10,000 km from the original route .

During the California Gold Rush , the quickest way for Americans to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast was to take a boat to the Caribbean side of Panama and get off in Colon, where they would then take a boat down the Chagres River to Panama City.

Eventually, a train was built parallel to the river that would take passengers across the isthmus to Panama City. Finally, fortune seekers would catch another boat to California.

The French and the Building of the Panama Canal

The first country to try building the Canal was France. The story of France’s attempt to build the canal is one that is hard to believe–a story of hubris, incompetence, corruption, and scandal.

Over 22,000 people died from disease during the 9 years of construction (1880-1889). Millions of dollars were siphoned off into people’s pockets. And a well-respected French family was left penniless and the eldest son was imprisoned for the arrogance and ignorance of his father.

Ferdinand de Lesseps

The one name that you should remember from this period is Ferdinand de Lesseps . He was the head of France’s attempt to build the canal. De Lesseps had more charm and confidence than integrity and humility . It’s hard to know what he was thinking. Did he knowingly lie and cheat people? Or did he believe his lies and was just living in a fantasy world? Reading his story, one is reminded of Elizabeth Holmes or Sam Bankman-Fried.

What did the French do wrong?

The French started building their canal without doing proper research on what would be the most suitable canal for Panama. Lesseps just insisted on building a sea canal and wouldn’t accept facts even after years and years of failure. A sea canal was not possible given the terrain, the soil, and the raging Chagres River. As a result, the French ran into one engineering problem after another. 

Why did so many workers die?

The French had another big problem: so many workers—both French and West Indies— died on the canal from malaria and yellow fever . Back in the 1800s it was believed that these two diseases were caused by dirt, filth, bad air, or immoral living. No one knows for sure how many died—as the French didn’t keep track of the deaths of the Jamaican workers. But estimates say that it was at least 22,000.

The collapse of the Panama Canal Company

However, Lesseps kept telling people that construction was going well and progress was being made. The guy was so charming that everyone believed him. Sound familiar? Finally, in 1889, Lessep’s lies caught up to him and the company ran out of funds .

Construction stopped and France was rocked by the scandal of the Panama Canal. There were several trials. In the end, de Lessep’s son went to prison for the lies or incompetence of his father.

The Americans and the Building of the Panama Canal

Then the Americans came along. Many Americans especially Theodore Roosevelt, saw the canal as essential for the future imperial ambitions of the United States.

However, the Americans debated between building a canal in Nicaragua or Panama. Unlike the French, they had done a substantial amount of research. In the end, Panama won with the help of another fascinating French guy (I’ll tell you about him below) and a corrupt American lobbyist.

Colombians refused to give in to the Americans

But the Colombians, who owned Panama, had different ideas. They didn’t trust the Americans as the U.S. was already giving off hints of imperialist ambitions in South America. Thus, the Colombians refused to allow the Americans to build the canal. However, the Panamanian elite wanted it.

So the Panamanians with American backing and the support of a French engineer named Philippe Bunau-Varilla revolted and declared independence from Colombia .

The notorious Philippe Bunau-Varilla

Philippe Bunau-Varilla is probably the most hated French person in Panamanian history. His role in the Panama Canal and the revolution was to have repercussions for the next 85 years of Panama-U.S. relations.

The Panamanian revolutionaries needed money for their revolution to succeed. Bunau-Varilla agreed to give them $100,000 in exchange for being made Panama’s ambassador to the United States .

After the Panamanians got their independence, Bunau-Varilla stabbed them in the back. As Panama’s ambassador to the U.S., he rewrote the original Panama Canal Treaty . The conditions in the new treaty were so favorable to the U.S. and so disadvantageous to Panama that they were to anger Panamanians for the rest of the twentieth century, leading to hatred and resentment toward America and many deaths.

The Panama Canal Treaty

In the new treaty, the United States was given complete sovereignty over the land in the canal zone , which included 10 miles of land on each side of the canal. The second change was that this control over the Panama Canal was to be in perpetuity and not for the 99 years that had originally been agreed upon in the previous treaty. The treaty also in essence gave the U.S. final say over any decision made by the Panamanian government, including who would govern the country.

American successes

The U.S. began construction on the Panama Canal in 1904 and they stumbled just like the French did during the first year.

However, in 1905 the right people were put in charge: the railroad engineer, John Steven,s and the infectious disease doctor, William Gorgas.

The U.S. spent time before construction eliminating yellow fever and malaria by reducing the number of mosquitos. Discovering the cause of these two diseases probably saved tens of thousands of lives, and without this achievement, the canal probably wouldn’t have been completed.

The Americans also scrapped plans for a sea canal and i nstead went with the lock canal .  If they hadn’t, they probably wouldn’t have finished the canal for another twenty years.

The U.S. finished the canal in 1914.

The end of U.S. control over the Panama Canal

In the end, Panama became a vassal of the United States until President Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos of Panama signed a treaty whereby the U.S. would give up the canal in 1999 .

Before this happened, though, the U.S. invaded Panama in 1989 to arrest its one-time ally, the psychopath, General Manuel Noriega. Several thousand Panamanians lost their lives and most Americans lost all historical memory of the invasion. 

Ever since 1999, Panama has run the canal and has done as good of a job as the Americans had done.

For the BEST book on Manuel Noriega and the U.S. invasion of Panama , I highly recommend God’s Favorite by Lawrence Wright.

Best Books on the History of the Panama Canal?

These are my 2 favorite books on the Panama Canal. You can also check out my complete list of books on Panama .

• The Path Between the Seas – By David McCullough (1977) – The most popular book on the history of the Panama Canal but it was written over 45 years ago, sooooo not the most up-to-date book on the market.
• Panama Fever – By Matthew Parker (2007) – An excellent but more up-to-date published book on the canal. You’ll find Parker has a different perspective on the characters and events from McCullough’s.

How the Panama Canal Works

Before visiting the Panama Canal, it’s helpful to how it works. If you don’t, you might end up visiting at the wrong time and see NOTHING! Trust me! I’ve met several other travelers who went to the canal and saw NOTHING because they went at the wrong time.

Visiting the Panama Canal in the Morning

In the morning , ships ONLY travel down the canal from the Pacific end to the Atlantic end .

The best place to see ships passing through the canal on the Pacific Side is at the Miraflores Locks. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center website to find out when the ships pass through the locks . Times change daily. And now with the Panama Canal suffering from a shortage of water, times are very different from in previous years. In January 2024 , the website says ships pass through until 6:30 am and then start going through the canal again at 12:35 pm .

It’s BEST not to visit the Miraflores Locks in the morning. Visit in the afternoon.

Visiting the Panama Canal in the Afternoon

In the afternoon starting at noon , the canal is ONLY open to ships traveling from the Atlantic end to the Pacific end .

According to the Miraflores Website, the first ship in January 2024 passes through the Miraflores Locks at 12:35 pm . However, when I visited in 2023 the first ships passed through at 2:40 pm .

Ships continue going through the locks at least until Miraflores Visitor Center closes. So, if you go between 2:00 and 5:00, you should see something .

Essential Info on the Locks

When the Americans were constructing the canal, they were having a hard time cutting the canal through the Continental Divide. They could not dig deep enough to make a canal level with the sea . In addition, they were having difficulty controlling the flooding from the Chagres River.

The only solution was to build a canal with locks and create a huge human-made lake.

What you see today is a canal that is at a higher elevation than both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans .  When ships enter the Panama Canal from either the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans, the locks raise the ships so that they are equal to the level of the canal and lower them to sea level when the ships exit the canal and enter the two oceans. Maybe I’m a nerd, but I think it’s really cool seeing the ships being raised and lowered.

How many locks are there?

There are 3 locks on the Pacific side (2 locks at Miraflores and 1 lock at Pedro Miguel) and 3 locks on the Atlantic side (all 3 are at Gatun Locks) that raise and lower ships. You can visit the locks on both sides.

The original canal has 2 lanes of traffic, so you can see 2 ships passing through the locks at the same time.

However, in the 2000s, at the height of globalization, shipping containers became too wide to pass through the original locks.

In 2016, Panama built a new set of locks running parallel to Miraflores and Pedro Miguel. This new set of locks is called Cocoli Locks. When you’re at Miraflores Observation Deck, you can see ships passing through the new locks in the distance.

How do the locks work?

As a ship travels the canal from the Pacific side, it enters the first lock at Miraflores. The lock raises the ship 9 meters (29.5 feet) above sea level. Doors to the second lock open and the ship enters a new lock. When it enters the second lock at Miraflores, the lock raises the ship another 9 meters (29.5 feet). Finally, when the ship enters the Pedro Miguel lock, the lock raises the ship a final 9 meters (29.5 feet).

In total, the ship is raised 27 meters (88.5 feet) above the level of the Pacific Ocean.

The ship then travels through the Culebra Cut , which is where engineers carved the canal through the Continental Divide.

The canal then makes its way to Gatun Lake . This is where the powerful Chagres River was damned. The Chagres was another challenge for the builders of the canal. During the rainy season, it often floods.

After Gatun Lake, the ship enters the first lock on the Atlantic Side, the ship is lowered 9 meters (29.5 feet). At the second lock, the ship is lowered another 9 meters (29.5 feet). Finally, the last lock lowers the ship 9 meters (29.5 feet) until the ship is at the same level as the Atlantic Ocean .

8 Best Tours of the Panama Canal

There are several ways to visit the Panama Canal during your trip to Panama. I will talk about all of the ways and which ones I did.

1. Taking a Cruise Down the Panama Canal

PRICE: US$145 | TIMES: Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon | BOOK YOUR CRUISE: Northbound Cruise ; Southbound Cruise | LOCATION OF PORT: Google Maps

The BEST way to see the Panama Canal is by taking a boat tour down the Panama Canal . This way is for those who REALLY want to be immersed in one of science’s greatest inventions.

It was one of the best things I did in Panama. But I’m a nerd and I love history and science. So this is not for those who are too cool.

These Panama cruises only do half of the Panama Canal . But you still get to go through 2 locks at Miraflores and 1 lock at Pedro Miguel , pass under the Bridge of the Americas , sail through the Culebra Cut , and see Lake Gatun .

There are 2 half-day boat tours :

• Northbound Tour (Saturdays) – Pacific Ocean toward Lake Gatun
• Southbound Tour (Sundays) – Lake Gatun toward the Pacific Ocean

Both tours only do half the canal.

Northbound Panama Canal Tour:

The Northbound Panama Canal cruise departs every Saturday morning . The boat travels from the Pacific Ocean toward the Atlantic Ocean.

The tour leaves from Isla Flamenco in Panama City and ends around the town of Gamboa on Lake Gatun.

The Northbound Cruise costs US$145 for children and US$95 for children. Check-in time is between 6:30 and 7:30 am. The tour company will pick passengers up at certain hotels around Panama City. Expect to finish the tour around 2:00 pm.  

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a small snack, free drinks, free lunch, and English and Spanish guides. I was told that my tour did not include drop-off at the end, but I was dropped off at my hotel.

One big negative about the cruise was that the boat was pretty crowded. Maximum number of people is 250! Get to the boat early so that you can stand at the front of the boat as it goes through the locks. This means you probably won’t be able to do the free hotel pickup and instead get to the port on your own.

Why do the Northbound Panama Canal Tour?

You get to feel what it’s like for the ship to be raised through the three locks , which just seems like a cooler thing to experience than a ship being lowered (according to an engineer I met on the cruise.)

Southbound Panama Canal Tour

The Southbound Panama Canal Cruise goes from Gatun Lake to the Pacific Ocean . This cruise runs only on Sunday afternoons.

You take a bus from Panama City to Lake Gatun , where you catch the boat through the canal. First, you go along the Culebra Cut before passing through the Pedro Miguel lock and then through the two locks of Miraflores . The boat eventually sails under the Bridge of the Americas to the Pacific Ocean. The tour ends at Flamenco Island .

Why do the southern tour?

The cool thing about doing the southbound cruise is that you get to travel toward the Pacific Ocean at the end of the tour and you get to see the skyline of Panama City .

Your boat, however, will be lowered through the locks, whereas the southbound boat is raised as it goes through the locks.

The other reason to do the southbound Panama Canal cruise is that you don’t have to start the tour so early as you do with the northbound tour (6:30 – 7:30 am). The check-in time for the southbound one is between 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m .

How to book your Panama Canal Boat Tour

I did the Northbound Tour in March 2023 and booked directly with the boat company called Panama Marine Adventures .  I recommend this company because their boats looked better than the other two going through the canal at the same time my boat went through.

However, I do NOT recommend booking directly with the company . I’ll tell you later my reasons.

Instead, book through Get Your Guide or Viator . It’s the same tour I took with Panama Marine Adventures .

• Northbound Tour (Pacific Ocean to Lake Gatun – Saturday morning – US$145): Get Your Guide or Viator
• Southbound Tour (Lake Gatun to Pacific Ocean – Sunday afternoon – US$145): Get Your Guide or Viator

Why book through Get Your Guide?

The price is the same as booking directly with Panama Marine Adventures .

And Get Your Guide is AMAZINGLY helpful if you have trouble with your tour. Finding a representative to talk to from Get Your Guide is easy and quick and they will contact the tour company if you have problems.

I tried to book a hotel pick-up time with Panama Marine Adventures and they did not answer my message for several days . They finally contacted me AFTER the deadline for booking a pickup. Thankfully, they did allow me to book a pickup.

However, whenever I’ve used Get Your Guide and had problems with a tour, like I did in Ecuador, I’ve gotten an immediate response from them even late at night.

You can easily get refunds if you need to cancel with Get Your Guide and if the tour doesn’t show up, you can get your money back through Get Your Guide .

You might be interested in these posts:

• The BEST Boquete, Panama Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Panama Food Guide
• Top 20 Places to Visit in Central America

2. Take a Panama Canal Cruise from the Pacific to the Atlantic

PRICE: US$195 | TIME: once a month (see below for exact dates) | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide | LOCATION: Google Maps

For the ultimate history and/or science nerd there is a cruise that takes you through the whole Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean .

I sooooo wanted to do this cruise.

But unfortunately, it’s only done once a month and I was not in Panama City when the cruise was running. Here are the dates for 2024:

• January 20, 2024
• February 17, 2024
• March 16, 2024
• April 20, 2024
• May 18, 2024
• June 15, 2024
• July 20, 2024
• August 17, 2024
• September 21, 2024
• October 19, 2024
• November 16, 2024
• December 21, 2024

The cruise begins at Flamenco Island before crossing under the Bridge of the Americas. It then passes through the Miraflores Locks and the Pedro Miguel Lock . Then it snakes its way through the Culebra Cut , where the canal was carved through the Continental Divide. After that, the boat cruises through Lake Gatun before it is lowered 26 meters through the three chambers of the Gatun Locks . Finally, your boat ends on the Atlantic side in the city of Colon. A bus brings you back to Panama City.

The tour lasts 12 hours and in 2024 costs US$195 for adults and US$105 for children .

What’s included in the tour?

• Continental breakfast
• Buffet lunch
• Afternoon snacks
• Unlimited water and soft drinks
• Bilingual narrator onboard guide
• Pickup from your hotel

How to book your tour?

You can book your tour through Get Your Guide .

3. Miraflores Locks

ENTRANCE FEE: US$17.22 (adults); US$7.22 (ages 6-12); FREE (under 6) | TICKET OFFICE OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-Su)  | WEBSITE: Miraflores Visitor Center  | LOCATION: Google Maps

The easiest and most popular way to see the Panama Canal is by visiting the Miraflores Locks. The locks have a visitor center that includes the following three attractions:

• IMAX Theater to watch a 40-minute 3-D film on the Panama Canal
• Exhibition Hall – temporarily closed
• Observation Deck to watch the boats pass through the locks

IMAX Theater

You can watch a 40-minute 3D film (you get 3D glasses) on the construction of the Panama Canal. It’s narrated by Morgan Freeman.

Personally, I think the movie was boring and did a horrible job of telling the history of the canal. It felt more like a tourism video as it spent way too much time bragging about how beautiful Panama was.

Here were the times for the 3D documentary on the canal when I visited:

Exhibition Halls

There are 4 exhibition halls that introduce visitors to the Panama Canal’s history, function, biodiversity, and international importance. When I visited in April 2023, it was closed .

Observation Deck

The highlight of visiting Miraflores is watching the ships go through the locks from the Observation Deck.  

The problem with the observation deck, though, is that it’s too small and there are too many people . When I got to the deck in the afternoon, the bleachers were full so I had to stand on the left edge of the deck and only got a view of the ships leaving the locks .  

If you stand to the right of the bleachers in the afternoon, you’ll get to see the ships entering the locks .

Even though I had taken a cruise through the locks several weeks earlier, I still LOVED watching the ships go through them AGAIN.

Check the Miraflores website to find out when the boats pass through the Miraflores Locks. The times in January 2024 are different from the times in 2023. In January 2024 , the website says ships go through the locks until 6:30 in the morning and start going through the locks again at 12:35 pm.

Coffee Shop, Wine bar, and Snack Bar

There’s a coffee shop, wine bar, and snack bar at the Visitor Center. They sell snacks as well as coffee and other drinks.

Are there long lines at Miraflores?

Yes, there are indeed long lines. However, my line moved relatively fast. I think I was in line for only around 10 minutes.

How to get to the Miraflores Locks

Getting to the Miraflores Locks by public transportation is SUPER EASY and FAST .

I highly recommend doing it by bus because taxis and Ubers tend NOT to like taking people all the way to the locks . AND they really hate picking people up from the locks .

At Allbrook Bus Station ( Google Maps ), take bus C810 from Bahia (Bus Stop) D right outside the station entrance. Allbrook is also called Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte

Google Maps will show you the EXACT location where your bus is picking up passengers. Every time I used Google Maps at Allbrook it was 100% accurate in identifying the location of the bus stop.

Bus fare costs 25 cents . However, you will need a Metro Card, which costs US$2 . You can buy a Metro Card from machines at subway stations around the city or from inside the Allbrook Bus Station.

Google Maps also works really well in Panama City for bus routes and schedules.

Bus C810 will drop you off right in front of the entrance to the Miraflores Visitor Center .

My bus left Allbrook Station at 1:00 pm and arrived at Miraflores at 1:20 pm . This gave me enough time to buy tickets for the movie starting at 1:30 pm and get to the Observation Deck at 2:20 pm for the first boat passing by at 2:40 pm . I finished watching the ships pass through the locks at 3:30 pm and made it to the bus stop at 3:45 pm . I caught my bus back to Panama City a few minutes before 4:00 pm .

You can also drive if you have a private vehicle. There is a parking lot in front of the Miraflores Visitor Center.

How to get from Miraflores back to Panama City

Pick up Bus #C810 from the same spot that you were dropped off at. Google Maps will give you the bus schedule.

I met this American guy who was trying to get an Uber back to Panama City. No Uber would pick him up. This was at 3:45 pm . Taxis were offering to take him back for US$12.

Is Allbrook Station Safe?

Allbrook Station is safe, clean, and convenient .

It’s where you catch buses to other parts of Panama like Bocas del Toro and David. Allbrook is also where a lot of metro buses begin their routes to other parts of Panama City. There’s a subway line that ends at Allbrook as well.

Here are the 3 most HIGHLY-RATED Tours of the Miraflores Locks:

For the most convenient way to visit Miraflores, take a guided tour. All tours include hotel pickup and drop-off as well as a guide to explain the history and background of the Panama Canal. I recommend booking tours through Get Your Guide . In case something goes wrong with your tour, you can easily and quickly contact Get Your Guide .

1. Conozca Primero Tours Panama

RATING: 4.9/5 (35 REVIEWS) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$67 – $79

• Jampacked, informative, and reasonably priced
• Miraflores Visitor Center (entrance fee included in the tour price!)
• Accepts solo travelers (few tours do) but for US$79
• Do the afternoon tour to see the ships pass through the canal

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE!

2. Panama Trails

RATING: 4.6/5 (72 Reviews) | TIME: 4 hours | PRICE: US$130

• Jampacked and informative
• Miraflores Visitor Center (included in the tour price!)
• Includes hotel pickup and dropoff

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE

3. Safe Transportation Panama

RATING: 4.7/5 (200+ Reviews) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$129

• Jampacked and fun tour with knowledgeable guides
• A boat ride on Gatun Lake
• A stop at Monkey Islands to see monkeys and other wildlife.

4. Pedro Miguel Locks

COST: FREE  | OPEN: 24/7  | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you want to see ships passing through the Panama Canal for FREE , head to the Pedro Miguel Locks. Here you can stand on the side of the road and look through the holes in a fence to see ships get raised or lowered in the one lock at Pedro Miguel.

In the morning, you’ll want to get here BEFORE 9:00 am and in the afternoon AFTER 1:00 pm .

I did not visit the Pedro Miguel Lock, but I did pass by them on a bus going from Gamboa back to Panama City and I went through the lock on my Panama Canal cruise.

How to get to the Pedro Miguel Lock:

If you don’t have a car, you can take either bus #C800 or C970 from Allbrook Station and get off at this bus stop near Pedro Miguel Lock.

5. Agua Clara Visitor Center to See the Gatun Locks

ENTRANCE FEE: US$10 (adults); US$5 (ages 6-12): FREE (under 6)  | OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-Su); Tickets are sold until 3:30 pm | WEBSITE: Agua Clara Visitor Center | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you’re in Colon , the best way to see the Panama Canal is by visiting the Agua Clara Visitors Center. You can get a panoramic view of ships passing through the Gatun Locks . In the morning, the ships will be coming from Lake Gatun and entering the Atlantic Ocean, and in the afternoon, they will be coming from the Atlantic Ocean and entering Lake Gatun.  

There is also a projection room where you can learn about the history of the canal .

According to the Panama Canal website, ships pass through the Gatun Locks between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm .

How to Visit Agua Clara from Panama City:

1. panama canal pacific to atlantic + jungle tour, 2. agua clara locks + jungle tour.

RATING: 4.5/5 (99 Reviews) | TIME: 6 hours | PRICE: US$100

• Informative and jampacked tour
• Includes hotel pickup and dropoff and transport from Panama City to Colon and back
• Agua Clara visitor center to see the Gatun Locks,
• Visit a rainforest to see wildlife
• The historic San Lorenzo Fort , where the Spaniards defended Panama from pirates like Captain Henry Morgan.

6. Lake Gatun

A fun way to see the Panama Canal is by taking a boat ride on Lake Gatun .

This lake was created during the building of the canal and it is considered part of the canal as ships need to pass through the lake. Lake Gatun is used to provide water for the raising and lowering of the locks.

While you’re on the lake, you can see the ships passing along the canal . However, you do not get to see the ships go through the locks.

To visit Gatun Lake, most people join a tour. All tours take you to Monkey Island on Lake Gatun, which is home to 3 types of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, turtles, and a variety of bird species.

Top-Rated Tours of Lake Gatun and Monkey Island:

1. panama canal: pacific to atlantic + jungle tour, 2. miraflores locks + lake gatun + monkey island.

RATING: 4.7/5 (220 Reviews) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$129

• Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
• A boat ride across Lake Gatun
• Monkey Island to see monkeys and other wildlife

3. Lake Gatun + Monkey Island + Sloth Sanctuary

RATING: 4.8/5 (72 Reviews) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$155

• A boat ride across Lake Gatun to experience the ships crossing the Panama Canal
• Monkey Islands to see the monkeys and other wildlife
• Sloth sanctuary and a butterfly garden in Gamboa

4. Lake Gatun + Monkey Island + Indigenous Village

RATING: 4.7/5 (150 Reviews) | TIME: 7 hours | PRICE: US$130

• An enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide
• Monkey Island where you can see 3 kinds of monkeys
• An indigenous village where you can learn about the Embera people

BOO K YOUR TOUR HERE

7. Panama Canal Museum

ENTRANCE FEE: US$15 (adults); US$7.50 (students & retired); US$5.00 (ages 6-12) |  OPEN: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Tu-Su)   | WEBSITE: Panama Canal Museum | LOCATION: Google Maps

The  BEST way to get the most complete Panama Canal experience is to first visit the Panama Canal Museum BEFORE visiting Miraflores Locks or doing a Panama Canal cruise.

This very informative museum will tell you the history of the Canal and the history of Panama from the building of the Panama Railroad to the handover of the canal to Panama in 1999.

The museum also covers the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989.

Give yourself enough time to visit the museum. I ran out of time and had to rush to tour the last few rooms of the museum. There’s so much information that it might take you 2 to 3 hours . For history nerds, give yourself 3 hours.

8. Museo Afroantillano de Panamá

ENTRANCE FEE: FREE | OPEN: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (Tu – Sa)  | LOCATION: Google Maps

Another Panama Canal attraction you might want to consider exploring is the Museum of Panama’s Afro Antilleans (a.k.a West Indies or Afro-Caribbean people).

The museum traces the history of the Africans who came from the Caribbean islands to work on the Panama Canal during both the French and American construction.

Over 31,000 people from Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad, and other countries in the West Indies worked on the American Canal . It’s unclear how many from the West Indies came during the French construction of the canal. I’ve read everything from 10,000 to 50,000.

The West Indians did the backbreaking work of building the railroad and canal and also suffered the most from malaria, yellow fever, and pneumonia . Under the French, the majority of the 22,000 who died from disease were from the Caribbean Islands. However, the French didn’t keep good records so we don’t know exactly how many died.

The history of the West Indians is important and should be highlighted more. Unfortunately, the museum is rather small—basically one room. There are just a few artifacts, photos, and models . That is probably due partly to the fact that at the time the canal was being built, few paid attention to these people. This neglect was mainly due to racism and partly due to the people from the West Indies being too poor, overworked, and/or illiterate to find the means and time to record their thoughts, experiences, and daily lives.

How to get to the Museo Afroantillano de Panamá:

Take the subway to 5 de Mayo station . Inside the station, there are signs pointing the way to the correct exit to take you to the museum. Once you exit the subway station, the museum should be right across a narrow street .

It’s also possible to walk from Casco Viejo to the museum.

Top Places to Stay for Every Budget

Here are my recommendations on where you to stay in Panama City while you visit the Panama Canal. I stayed at Panama House Bed and Breakfast and would stay there again in a heartbeat.

However, I also highly recommend trying to find a place in Casco Viejo so you can experience the city’s beautiful historic neighborhood.

Best Budget Place to Stay in Panama City

Panama house bed and breakfast.

LOWEST PRICE: US$20-$40 (private room);US$20 (dorm) | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 8.9/10 (252+ Reviews)

• Located near a subway station and lots of good restaurants
• Good WiFi – Great place for digital nomads
• Reasonably priced private rooms and dorm rooms
• Very inclusive: Other guests are diverse in terms of age, nationality, and race

CHECK PRICE & BOOK YOUR STAY

Best Mid-Range Place to Stay in Panama City

Magnolia inn.

LOWEST PRICE: US$80-$100 (private room) US$24 (dorm) | BREAKFAST: Not Included | RATING: 8.5/10 (1,477 Reviews)

• A beautiful French-style mansion in Casco Viejo
• Has both mid-range at around US$80-$100 and dorm rooms for US$24

Best Luxury Place to Stay in Panama City

Amarla boutique hotel casco viejo.

LOWEST PRICE: US$242 | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 9.3/10 (97+ Reviews) |

• Located in the heart of Casco Viejo
• An impeccably beautiful boutique hotel
• Amazing rooftop terrace with views of the city

Final Thoughts on the 8 Ways to See the Panama Canal

Don’t skip the Panama Canal when you’re visiting Panama . It is one of the greatest engineering feats ever conducted and it’s got a fascinating and tragic history that you should learn about.

But what, in my opinion, are the BEST ways to see the Panama Canal?

• A Panama Canal boat cruise
• A visit to the Miraflores Locks

Now where else should you go in Panama?

• San Blas Islands – BEST beach and island destination in Central America
• Boquete has tons of things to do if you like hiking, birdwatching, and drinking coffee.

Best Resources for Your Trip to Panama

Book your flight:.

I use Skyscanner and Google Flights to book my flight.

Book Your Accommodations:

I book all my accommodations through Booking.com and Agoda . Another site for backpackers and budget travelers is Hostel World – they’re a great site for finding hostels.

Book Your Tours:

I book my tours through Get Your Guide and Viator . They’re reliable and trustworthy, and if you run into problems, you can easily and quickly contact them.

Book Car Rentals:

I book car rentals through Discover Cars . They have good prices and good customer service.

Get Internet & SIM Cards:

I now buy an eSIM through Airalo . It avoids those nasty roaming charges and always having to buy a physical SIM card when arriving in a new country.

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More Travel Posts on Panama…

• San Blas Islands Travel Guide

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Welcome to The Bamboo Traveler, a travel blog dedicated to helping those travelers who want to dig deeply into the history, heritage, and culture of a place. Whether it’s through the pages of your passport or the pages of a book, I’ll help you travel the world and uncover the history, culture, food, architecture, and natural beauty of some of the world’s most fascinating places.

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