Canal tours in Haarlem offer excellent value for exploring this charming Dutch city from water level. The basic 50-minute Open Boat Tour (from $19.87) efficiently covers the main highlights while providing interesting commentary. I’m especially fond of the BBQ on Board and Local Cheese and Wine Cruises (around $68) – they combine sightseeing with authentic Dutch flavors, making them worth the extra cost. All boats provide wheelchair access and knowledgeable guides who share fascinating historical insights. For those wanting privacy, custom boat rentals let you set your own pace. Let’s explore the best boat tours Haarlem has to offer.
Key Points
- The 50-minute Open Boat Canal Tour is a highly rated scenic cruise with a 4.8/5 rating and optional audio guide.
- The BBQ on Board Cruise offers a 2-hour dining experience with grilled meats and vegetarian options for $68.64 per person.
- The Local Beer Tasting Cruise provides a 90-minute tasting of four Jopen Brewery beers led by a knowledgeable Beer Ambassador.
- The Dutch Windmill & Spaarne River Sightseeing Cruise is a 1.5-hour tour showcasing iconic windmills along the Spaarne River.
- The Local Cheese and Wine Cruise is a 1.5-hour experience featuring traditional Dutch fare and expertly selected wines for $41.71 per person.
Haarlem: 50 Minutes Boat Cruise
For a relaxing and scenic tour of Haarlem’s historic city center, the 50-minute boat cruise is a must-do activity. Priced at $19.87 per person, this cruise accommodates up to 40 travelers and departs from the Spaarne 11A meeting point.
Along the way, passengers can admire key landmarks like the Teylers Museum, Haarlem Central Station, Jopen Church, and Frans Hals Museum, while enjoying audio guide commentary.
Though the boats are wheelchair-accessible, the cruise isn’t suitable for infants, pets, or those seeking more interactive engagement.
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Haarlem: Open Boat Canal Tour in the Historical City Center
Aboard the open-air boats, travelers can explore Haarlem’s historical city center from the serene waterways.
This 50-minute sightseeing cruise offers an optional audio guide, providing insightful commentary as you glide past the city’s iconic landmarks.
With a 4.3 rating from 554 reviews, the Haarlem: Sightseeing Canal Cruise through the City Center is a popular choice, costing Kč 501 per person.
For a longer experience, the Dutch Windmill & Spaarne River Sightseeing Cruise lasts 1.5 hours and includes views of the historic windmill, priced at Kč 501 per person.
These Haarlem boat tours provide a relaxing and informative way to discover the city’s rich history and picturesque canals.
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BBQ on Board Haarlem Cruise
Haarlem’s charming canals provide the perfect backdrop for a delightful BBQ cruise experience.
The 2-hour BBQ on Board Haarlem Cruise offers a unique way to enjoy the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Grote Kerk and Molen de Adriaan windmill. For $68.64 per person, guests can indulge in a delicious BBQ meal with grilled meats and vegetarian options, accompanied by refreshing drinks.
The knowledgeable guide shares insights into Haarlem’s rich history, creating an intimate and memorable atmosphere.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this cruise is a convenient and flexible choice for an unforgettable dining experience on the water.
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Haarlem: Sightseeing Canal Cruise Through the City Center
Travelers can embark on a delightful 50-minute sightseeing canal cruise through Haarlem’s charming city center. Priced from $21.07 per person, this flexible tour allows for convenient booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The cruise departs from the Smidtje Canal Cruises, offering guided commentary on landmarks like the Windmill De Adriaan, Teylers Museum, and Jopenkerk. Passengers will enjoy the scenic views and unique architecture aboard the semi-open or covered and heated boats, suitable for all seasons.
With a 4.3/5 rating from over 550 reviews, the tour is widely praised for its informative guides and value for money. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience.
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Open Canal Cruise in Haarlem With Live Guide!
For those seeking a more intimate and immersive experience, the Open Canal Cruise in Haarlem offers a guided tour along the city’s charming waterways.
Aboard 100% electric boats, guests can enjoy a 50-minute journey while learning about Haarlem’s 900-year history from a knowledgeable live guide. The tour departs from the iconic Windmill De Adriaan and provides comfortable seating with pillows.
Visitors can purchase drinks and snacks during the cruise, which encourages interaction and a personal, unique experience.
With an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 34 reviews, this cruise is highly recommended for couples, groups, solo travelers, and families seeking a sustainable and enriching way to explore Haarlem.
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Local Beer Tasting Cruise Through Haarlem
Situated along Haarlem’s historic Spaarne River, the Local Beer Tasting Cruise offers beer enthusiasts and curious explorers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich brewing heritage.
The 90-minute cruise takes passengers through Haarlem’s ancient canals, accompanied by a knowledgeable Beer Ambassador who guides them through a tasting of four special beers from Jopen Brewery. Guests will learn about the brewery’s history and production processes while savoring the brews alongside amuse bites.
The comfortable, heated cruise boat provides semi-open or covered options for year-round comfort as passengers take in scenic views of historic buildings.
At Kč 992 per person, with free cancellation and a reserve-now-pay-later option, this beer-centric excursion is a must for any visit to Haarlem.
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Haarlem: City Cruise
The Haarlem: City Cruise offers visitors a serene and picturesque way to explore the historic city center.
This 50-minute canal cruise allows guests to admire the charming architecture, bridges, and windmills that line the Spaarne River.
The cruise features an optional audio guide, providing commentary on the city’s rich history and landmarks.
At just $21.07 per person, the Haarlem: City Cruise is an affordable and convenient way to see the top sights.
With a 4.3 rating from 554 reviews, it’s clear this cruise is a beloved activity for both locals and travelers alike, offering a relaxing and informative experience.
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Haarlem: a Scenic 75-Minute Cruise With Refreshments Onboard
Haarlem’s scenic 75-minute cruise along the Spaarne River offers a delightful way to soak in the city’s charming sights.
The cruise provides stunning views of historic landmarks, including the iconic Windmill de Adriaan. Passengers can enjoy refreshments while gliding through the picturesque waterways.
With an optional audio guide, the tour offers valuable insights into Haarlem’s rich history and architectural gems. Priced at $21.07 per person, the cruise is an affordable and convenient way to explore the city from a unique perspective.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking a new experience, this cruise is a must-try activity to fully appreciate Haarlem’s enchanting beauty.
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Haarlem: Dutch Windmill & Spaarne River Sightseeing Cruise
Enjoy Haarlem’s rich history and natural splendor with the Dutch Windmill & Spaarne River Sightseeing Cruise.
This 1.5-hour experience takes you on a guided tour to admire iconic landmarks like Windmill De Adriaan and the Unicorn Windmill. Glide along the Spaarne River on a semi-open or covered boat, with the option to purchase snacks and drinks.
The tour is suitable for all ages and comes with audio guides in multiple languages. Customers praise the friendly staff and beautiful architecture, though some note room for improvement in the guiding and value.
With free cancellation and flexible booking, this cruise is an excellent way to discover Haarlem’s charm.
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Local Cheese and Wine Cruise Through Haarlem
Cheese and wine enthusiasts embark on a captivating 90-minute canal cruise through Haarlem’s picturesque waterways with Smidtje Canal Cruises.
The cruise offers a unique opportunity to indulge in a selection of premium Dutch cheeses and expertly paired wines while taking in the scenic views of historic landmarks and bridges.
With a host and personal guiding skipper on board, guests can learn about the origins of the cheese as they enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
The cruise, priced from $41.71 per person, is likely to sell out, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues or children under 18, the cruise provides a memorable culinary and sightseeing experience.
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Bitterballen and Drinks Cruise Through Haarlem
Cruise goers can discover the Dutch delicacy of bitterballen, a savory fried meatball, paired with refreshing drinks on a captivating canal cruise through Haarlem’s historic waterways.
This 1.5-hour Local Cheese and Wine Cruise offers a unique opportunity to indulge in traditional Dutch fare while admiring the charming city from the water.
With an optional audio guide, guests can learn about the city’s rich history and architecture as they float past windmills and historic bridges.
Priced at $41.71 per person, this cruise provides a delightful way to experience Haarlem’s culture and culinary offerings in a relaxing, scenic setting.
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Haarlem: Sightseeing Boat Tour With Snacks and Drinks
Haarlem’s rich history and picturesque canals come alive on the Sightseeing Boat Tour With Snacks and Drinks. This 50-minute cruise provides an immersive look at the city’s landmarks, including the iconic Windmill De Adriaan.
Guests can opt for an audio guide to learn about Haarlem’s history as they float along the Spaarne River. The tour also includes a selection of Dutch snacks and drinks, allowing travelers to savor local flavors.
At $21.07 per person, this is a budget-friendly way to experience Haarlem from the water. With 4.3 out of 5 stars from 554 reviews, the Sightseeing Boat Tour is a must-do activity for visitors to this charming Dutch city.
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Haarlem: Private Boat Rental City Center
Explore the 900-year-old canals of Haarlem on a private boat rental in the city center. For $94.82 per group (up to 12 participants), you’ll enjoy a 2-hour cruise on fully electric boats with comfy pillows.
The host will explain boat operation and suggest routes, allowing you to navigate the waterways and spot newborn ducks and Dutch landscapes. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes booking easy.
While not suitable for wheelchair users, this experience is ideal for couples, groups, and families. With an overall 5/5 rating based on 24 reviews, the private boat rental offers excellent transportation and value for money.
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Recap
Haarlem offers a variety of enjoyable boat tours and cruises. Visitors can choose from options like a 50-minute sightseeing cruise, an open boat tour of the historical city center, or a private boat rental. These tours provide opportunities to explore the city’s canals and landmarks while enjoying unique experiences like BBQs, local cheese and wine, or bitterballen and drinks. With a range of tour types and durations, there’s something to suit most travelers’ interests and budgets.