The Open Boat City Canal Cruise in Gouda offers visitors a delightful opportunity to experience the charm and history of this picturesque Dutch city. Departing from the Korte Vest near the Gouda Cheese Experience, the one-hour journey takes passengers through the city’s historic canals, providing insights into nine significant sites along the way. Narrated by knowledgeable skippers in multiple languages, the cruise allows travelers to gain a unique perspective on Gouda’s stunning architecture and rich heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this engaging tour promises to captivate and leave you eager to discover more about the city’s alluring charms.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Gouda.
Key Points
-
A 1-hour canal cruise through the historic city of Gouda, Netherlands, providing a unique perspective of the city’s architecture and heritage.
-
Knowledgeable skippers offer commentary in English, Dutch, and German, highlighting 9 notable sites along the north-south route.
-
Experience the world’s longest lock during the cruise, which passes through the Dutch IJssel river.
-
Suitable for adults, youth, and children, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.
-
Highly rated by customers for its value, knowledgeable skippers, and as a must-do activity for visitors to Gouda.
Tour Overview
The Gouda Open Boat City Canal Cruise is a 1-hour activity that takes visitors on a unique journey through the historic canals of Gouda, offering a captivating perspective of the city’s rich architectural heritage.
Priced from SEK 201 per person, this popular tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to book in advance. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.
The cruise departs from the Korte Vest, next to the Gouda Cheese Experience building, providing a convenient meeting point.
With its traditional ship and knowledgeable skippers offering commentary in English, Dutch, and German, this canal cruise promises an engaging and informative experience for adults, youth, and children alike.
Want to dig deeper into Gouda? We've also reviewed these city tours
Highlights of the Experience
Beyond the convenient meeting point and tour duration, the Gouda Open Boat City Canal Cruise offers a unique perspective of the historic city through its highlights.
Passengers can explore 9 notable sites along the north-south route, learning engaging facts about Gouda’s architecture and heritage from the knowledgeable English, Dutch, and German-speaking skippers.
The tour grants access to areas not included in other sightseeing options, providing a distinctive vantage point. Travelers will also have the chance to experience the world’s longest lock as the traditional ship cruises into the Dutch IJssel river.
Itinerary Details
The north-south route of the Gouda Open Boat City Canal Cruise takes passengers through the world’s longest lock and into the Dutch IJssel river, with the return location being Korte Vest. A map of the historic sites along the journey is included, providing a visual guide to the cruise. The itinerary covers a diverse range of landmarks, offering a rundown of Gouda’s rich history and architecture.
Route | Duration |
---|---|
North-south | 1 hour |
Passing through world’s longest lock | – |
To Dutch IJssel river | – |
Return to Korte Vest | – |
Meeting Point and Return Location
The Gouda Open Boat City Canal Cruise departs from and returns to Korte Vest, which is located next to the Gouda Cheese Experience building. The convenient location allows easy access for participants.
Once aboard the traditional ship, the cruise will embark on a north-south route through the historic city’s canals, passing the world’s longest lock before reaching the Dutch IJssel river.
The return to the meeting point at Korte Vest provides a seamless beginning and end to the 1-hour tour, giving participants a comprehensive and immersive experience of Gouda’s waterways and landmarks.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyParticipant Suitability
The Gouda Open Boat City Canal Cruise caters to a wide range of participants, from adults aged 18 to 99, to youth aged 13 to 17, and even children 12 and younger.
The cruise isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or non-swimmers, however, as the traditional boat used lacks accessibility features and operates on the open water.
Participants can select their preferred date and language during the booking process, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable experience.
With its engaging guides and unique perspectives of Gouda’s historic architecture, the canal cruise appeals to a diverse audience seeking an immersive and educational tour of this charming Dutch city.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Gouda
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and a high overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars highlight the Gouda Open Boat City Canal Cruise’s engaging guides and unique perspectives of the city’s historic architecture.
Eighty-six percent of reviewers gave the cruise a 5-star rating, praising the knowledgeable and entertaining skippers who provided fun facts in multiple languages.
Reviewers also praised the value for money, with a 4.6/5 rating, and the transportation experience, which scored 4.8/5.
One reviewer called it a ‘must-do activity‘ for anyone visiting Gouda, noting the cruise’s ability to show off hidden areas of the city that other tours don’t cover.
With these glowing reviews, the Gouda Open Boat City Canal Cruise stands out as a top-notch way to explore the historic Dutch city.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Booking the Gouda Open Boat City Canal Cruise is a straightforward process, with tickets available online or on-site. Customers can select their preferred date, time, and language during the booking. Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund if plans change.
The booking process involves three simple steps:
-
Choose the desired date, time, and language from the available options.
-
Provide the number of participants, including adults, youth, and children.
-
Complete the payment, either online or on-site, to secure the reservation.
With this flexible booking and cancellation policy, customers can confidently plan their Gouda sightseeing experience and make any necessary adjustments without hassle.
Unique Perspective of Historic Gouda
The Gouda Open Boat City Canal Cruise provides a unique perspective of the historic city, allowing visitors to explore Gouda’s charming canals and discover its architectural gems from the tranquility of a traditional vessel. During the 1-hour tour, the knowledgeable skippers regale guests with fun facts about 9 significant sites along the route in English, Dutch, and German. This cruise takes passengers on a north-south journey, passing through the world’s longest lock to reach the Dutch IJssel river.
Historic Site | Description |
---|---|
Gouda Cheese Experience | Iconic landmark housing the city’s cheese heritage |
Sint-Janskerk | Remarkable Gothic church with stunning stained-glass windows |
Gouda Market Square | Picturesque town square surrounded by charming buildings |
Goudse Glazen | Collection of renowned 16th-century stained-glass windows |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on open boat canal cruises, as long as they dispose of any waste properly and do not interfere with the enjoyment of other passengers.
Is There a Restroom Available on the Boat?
Yes, there is typically a restroom available on boats used for canal cruises. Passengers can access the onboard restroom facilities during the tour. The availability of restrooms is a common feature on boats used for these types of sightseeing excursions.
How Many People Can Fit on the Boat at a Time?
The boat can accommodate a maximum of 15 passengers at a time. This allows for a comfortable and intimate experience as guests explore the historic canals of the city. The boat’s capacity ensures an enjoyable and personalized canal cruise.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The canal cruise offers discounts for seniors and students, though the specific details are not provided. Customers should inquire about any available discounted pricing when booking their tickets to take advantage of potential savings.
Can We Take Pictures and Videos During the Cruise?
Yes, participants can take photos and videos during the cruise. The cruise operator encourages capturing the unique views and historic sites along the route to share the experience. However, guests should be mindful of not interfering with others’ enjoyment of the tour.
Recap
The Open Boat City Canal Cruise offers visitors a unique and captivating way to experience the historic charm of Gouda.
This one-hour journey along the city’s picturesque canals provides a tranquil and informative exploration of Gouda’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Knowledgeable skippers guide passengers through significant sites like the Sint-Janskerk and Gouda Market Square.
It’s an ideal tour for those seeking a peaceful and immersive perspective on this picturesque Dutch city.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Gouda
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Gouda we have recnetly reviewed
- 3 Best Guided Tours In Gouda
- 2 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Gouda
- Escape Xperience in Gouda: The Legend of Jacoba
- Exciting Murder Mystery – Interactive City Walk in Gouda
- 5 Best Tours In Gouda
- Historical Gouda: Private Tour With Local Guide
- Charming Gouda Walking Tour: History, Architecture & Cheese
- 2 Best Historical Tours In Gouda
- Discover Gouda With a Self-Guided Outside Escape City Game Tour!
- 3 Best Walking Tours In Gouda
- E-Scavenger Hunt Gouda: Explore the City at Your Own Pace
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All Inclusive