Boat tours in Ghent efficiently showcase this medieval city’s finest views along its historic waterways. Short 40-50 minute guided trips are just right for most visitors, gliding past essential landmarks like St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen Castle. I’m especially fond of the morning tours when the city is just waking up, and the lighting is perfect for photos. For travelers based in Brussels, the full-day combination tours offer great value, pairing a Ghent canal cruise with stops in Bruges and a Belgian chocolate workshop. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the standard historical tours, while architecture buffs should opt for the medieval-themed excursions. Let’s explore the best boat tours Ghent has to offer.
Key Points
- Ghent offers guided boat tours ranging from 40 to 50 minutes, providing views of iconic landmarks like St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Castle of Counts.
- Full-day tours from Brussels combine a scenic canal cruise in Ghent with a visit to a Belgian chocolatier and sightseeing in Bruges.
- A unique skyline sailing experience along the Belgian coast offers personalized 45-minute boat trips for up to 12 passengers at an affordable rate.
- Affordable historical and medieval center tours in Ghent, ranging from 40 to 50 minutes, showcase the city’s iconic landmarks and have flexible cancellation policies.
- Ghent also offers a variety of additional boat tour experiences, including sunset cruises and combined canal boat and guided walking tours.
Guided Boat Trip in Ghent
The guided boat tour offers visitors an enchanting way to discover Ghent’s historic city center. Lasting 40 minutes, the tour cruises along the River Leie, providing views of landmarks like the Graslei, Castle of Counts, and colorful riverside houses.
With a maximum capacity of 99 travelers, the tours operate daily at regular intervals, with live commentary available in multiple languages. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it does accommodate collapsible wheelchairs with assistance.
Travelers can purchase alcoholic drinks on board and enjoy the scenic beauty of Ghent. With overwhelmingly positive reviews, the guided boat trip is a highly recommended introduction to this captivating Belgian city.
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Brussels: Tour Bruges & Ghent With Cruise + Chocolate Visit
This full-day tour from Brussels offers travelers an opportunity to discover the enchanting cities of Bruges and Ghent, complete with a scenic canal cruise and a visit to a renowned Belgian chocolatier.
During the 10-hour excursion, you will enjoy guided tours in both cities, with free time to explore at their own pace. Highlights include a walking tour through Bruges’ historic streets, the option to climb the Belfry tower, and a visit to Pol Depla Chocolatier.
In Ghent, guests will take a canal cruise and visit landmarks like Gravensteen Castle and Saint Bavo Cathedral.
Transportation is provided by a comfortable luxury coach with live guidance in Spanish and English.
Read our full review: Brussels: Tour Bruges & Ghent With Cruise + Chocolate Visit Review
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Unique Skyline Sailing
Although Ghent is renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, one of the city’s most unique experiences is the Unique Skyline Sailing tour.
This 45-minute boat trip departs from Blankenberge and takes passengers along the Belgian coast, offering breathtaking views of the dunes and skyline. Led by a professional skipper, the tour accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers for a personalized experience.
Soft drinks are provided on board, and safety equipment is included. Priced at $35.45 per person, the tour is recommended by 90% of travelers and has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is a must-try for visitors seeking a unique perspective of Ghent’s scenic coastline.
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Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip
Departing from the heart of Ghent’s historic center, the 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip offers visitors a unique perspective on the city’s renowned architecture and storied past.
Gliding along the Ancient Port, the tour showcases landmarks like St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and Gravensteen Castle. A knowledgeable guide provides commentary in multiple languages, while blankets keep passengers warm during cooler seasons.
Priced at just $10.56 per person, this 40-minute excursion is a must for those seeking an immersive glimpse into Ghent’s medieval heritage.
With convenient scheduling and free cancellation, it’s no wonder this tour is likely to sell out.
Read our full review: Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip Review
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Guided Boat Trip in Medieval Ghent
A 40-minute guided boat trip along Ghent’s Leie River offers visitors an immersive glimpse into the city’s storied medieval heritage.
Narrated in five languages, the tour highlights iconic landmarks like St. Bavo’s Cathedral and 13th-century monasteries, with guides sharing historical anecdotes.
Accommodating up to 60 travelers, the experience departs up to six times daily from January to March.
While not wheelchair accessible, collapsible chairs can be accommodated with assistance.
Priced from $10.74 per person, the tour earns solid reviews for its knowledgeable guides, engaging commentary, and scenic perspective of Ghent’s architecture.
Despite occasional language barriers and short duration, it remains a recommended way to explore the city from the water.
Read our full review: Guided Boat Trip in Medieval Ghent Review
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Ghent: Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour
Visitors can embark on a captivating 40-minute guided boat tour to explore Ghent’s storied medieval heritage along the Leie River. Priced at €10 per person, the tour provides a live guide in multiple languages, allowing travelers to learn about the city’s history as they admire landmarks like St Bavos Cathedral and the Belfry of Ghent.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the boat trip offers excellent value for money, scoring 4.4 out of 5 from over 500 reviews. Although not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour is a must-do experience for those seeking to enjoy Ghent’s medieval charm from the comfort of a boat.
Read our full review: Ghent: Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour Review
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Sunset Cruise
What better way to experience the enchanting beauty of Ghent than on a serene Sunset Cruise along the Leie River?
Operated by Water-Taxi, this 100% recommended activity offers travelers a chance to witness the city’s picturesque skyline as the sun dips below the horizon.
The 3-hour cruise departs from Brasserie Steiger 18 in Blankenberge at 8:30 PM and returns to the same meeting point.
With a maximum of 12 participants, this intimate experience provides professional skippers and all necessary safety equipment.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a unique sightseeing opportunity, the Sunset Cruise is an excellent way to learn about Ghent’s enchanting atmosphere.
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Ghent: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip
This guided walking tour and canal boat trip in Ghent offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the historic city center and its picturesque canals.
Priced from $32.73 per person, the 2.5-hour tour includes a guided walk to key landmarks like the St. Nicholas Church and Gravensteen Castle, as well as a 30-minute boat cruise along the Leie river and Lieve canal.
With audio guides and multi-lingual staff, the experience provides a rundown of Ghent’s rich history and architecture.
Flexible cancellation policies and the option to reserve without upfront payment make this tour an attractive choice for visitors looking to discover the UNESCO-listed city.
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Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center
Departing from the picturesque Graslei 4, the 40-minute Ghent historical boat tour offers an immersive journey through the city’s medieval heart.
Priced at just $10.56 per person, the tour highlights iconic landmarks like the Castle of the Counts, Great Butcher’s Hall, and Dulle Griet.
Knowledgeable multilingual guides share insights into Ghent’s rich history, while guests enjoy scenic views of the city’s stunning architecture.
With flexible departure times and a 24-hour cancellation policy, the tour is an accessible and budget-friendly way to explore Ghent’s waterways.
However, it’s not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Read our full review: Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center Review
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Recap
Ghent offers a variety of guided boat tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s medieval architecture and scenic canals. From short 50-minute trips to more comprehensive tours, these boat excursions provide an enchanting way to experience Ghent’s rich history and beautiful waterways. Whether you’re interested in a daytime sailing or a sunset cruise, there’s a boat tour to suit your preferences and schedule.