Boat Cruise With The Best Views of The Zaanse Schans Windmills
- Free cancellation up to 1 day before
- Instant confirmation
- Guided tour in English and Dutch
About this experience
Cruising gently along the Zaan River, a boat tour around Zaanse Schans offers a unique and peaceful way to explore one of the Netherlands' most iconic historic villages. As you drift past the shoreline, the scenery unfolds like a painting—rows of beautifully preserved and UNESCO protected 18th and 19th-century windmills, traditional green wooden houses, and quaint bridges evoke the charm of a bygone era.
Admire the traditional 'Zaanse Houses as the skipper reveals the secret behind their unique hue. Explore the world's largest cacao processing hub, home to massive chocolate factories.
If the wind is right, enjoy the enticing aroma of chocolate and spot the famous 'Chocolate Boats' ferrying cacao between factories. Learn about the Zaan area's whaling past, with historic sites like an old whale hunting facility now transformed into a charming restaurant, and discover houses adorned with nods to this maritime history.
A boat tour at Zaanse Schans isn't just a scenic ride—it's a step back in time, a glimpse into the heart of Dutch culture, and an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Next available dates
What’s included
- 25-minute public boat ride.
- Live tour guide.
- Frequent departures.
Not included
- Transportation to Zaanse Schans.
- Food & beverage. You may buy drinks onboard.
- Gratuities for the tour guide.
Good to know
- Duration
- 25 minutes
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Cancellation policy
- Free cancellation up to 1 day before
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Guide
- Guided tour in English and Dutch
- Start times
- 11:00 · 11:30 · 12:00 · 12:30 · 13:00 · 13:30 · 14:00 · 14:30 · 15:00 · 15:30 · 16:00 · 16:30 · 17:00
Know before you go
- Public transportation nearby
- You can take bus number 391 from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please dress appropriately to your comfort for the weather.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts.
- 1 day or more before: full refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
Dutch Boat Tours
- Address
- Schansend, Zaandam, 1509 AW, NL
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Coordinates
- 52.47383, 4.81741
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 25 minutes.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts. 1 day or more before: full refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English and Dutch
Is hotel pickup included?
No — you make your own way to the meeting point.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at Dutch Boat Tours, Schansend, Zaandam, 1509 AW, NL.
Still have a question?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we can help with dates, group bookings and anything else before you book.
From AED 47 per personFree cancellation
