Right after booking your smoke boat tour in Amsterdam, the most important things to do are to pick up your cannabis from a coffeeshop, plan your route to the departure point, and check the on-board rules so you know exactly what to expect. The smoke boat operates on a bring-your-own-cannabis (BYOC) basis, so a little preparation before you board makes the difference between a smooth, memorable cruise and a stressful scramble. Here is everything you need to sort out before you step onto the boat.
What should you bring on a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam?
For a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam, you should bring your own cannabis purchased from a licensed coffeeshop, rolling papers or a pipe, a valid ID proving you are 18 or older, and a light jacket if you are cruising in the evening. Drinks and snacks are also welcome on board, so feel free to pick those up before departure.
Because the weed boat Amsterdam operates on a BYOC policy, nothing is sold on board. That means forgetting to stop at a coffeeshop beforehand is the most common mistake first-timers make. Beyond cannabis, think about comfort: Amsterdam’s canals can feel breezy even in summer, especially once the boat is moving. A light layer, a bottle of water, and any snacks you enjoy will round out the experience nicely.
- Valid ID or passport (required to enter any coffeeshop and to board)
- Cannabis from a licensed coffeeshop (not purchased on the street)
- Rolling papers, a grinder, or a pipe of your preference
- Drinks and snacks (no alcohol restrictions on board, but drink responsibly)
- A light jacket or hoodie for evening departures
- A fully charged phone for photos along the canal belt and Red Light District
Can you buy cannabis near the Amsterdam smoke boat departure point?
Yes, there are several licensed coffeeshops within walking distance of the smoke boat departure point in Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s city center is densely served by coffeeshops, so you will rarely need to walk more than five to ten minutes to find one. Always buy from a licensed establishment and never from street dealers, whose products are unregulated and whose presence is illegal.
When you visit a coffeeshop, staff are generally happy to help first-timers choose a product that suits their tolerance and preference. If you are new to cannabis or have not consumed it in a while, ask for something mild and do not feel pressured to buy more than you need. Dutch law limits purchases to a maximum of five grams per person per coffeeshop visit. Buying in advance and keeping your purchase sealed until you board is the tidiest approach.
What are the rules for smoking cannabis on a boat in Amsterdam?
On a licensed cannabis-friendly canal cruise in Amsterdam, passengers are legally permitted to consume cannabis on board during the tour. Dutch law allows cannabis consumption in designated private settings, and a licensed smoke boat qualifies as one. However, consumption is not permitted on public streets, in parks, near schools, or in other public spaces across the city.
Beyond the legal framework, there are a few practical rules that apply specifically to the boat experience:
- BYOC only — cannabis is not sold on board; all products must be purchased beforehand from a licensed coffeeshop
- Minimum age is 18 — ID checks are standard and non-negotiable
- Respect fellow passengers — the boat holds between 2 and 12 people, so be considerate with smoke direction and sharing etiquette
- No disruptive behaviour — the captain and on-board guide have the right to end the tour early if guests act unsafely
- No leaning overboard — basic water safety rules apply at all times
The on-board guide will walk you through all of this at the start of the tour, so you do not need to memorise every rule before you arrive. Just show up prepared and relaxed.
How do you get to the smoke boat departure point in Amsterdam?
The smoke boat departure point is located in Amsterdam’s city center, making it accessible by tram, metro, bicycle, or on foot from most central hotels and hostels. Amsterdam’s compact canal district means the majority of popular tourist accommodation is within a 15 to 20 minute walk of most central departure locations. Confirm the exact meeting point in your booking confirmation email before you travel.
If you are arriving from further out, the GVB tram network covers the city center extensively. Trams 2, 11, 12, and several others stop close to the canal belt, and a single journey ticket or a 24-hour travel card gives you unlimited access. Cycling is also a perfectly practical option, as Amsterdam’s infrastructure is built for it. Avoid driving into the city center if you can: parking is expensive, scarce, and unnecessary given the public transport options available.
A few practical tips for getting there on time:
- Check your confirmation email for the precise departure address and any landmark references
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early so you have time to board calmly
- Factor in a coffeeshop stop before arrival, adding 15 to 20 minutes to your journey time
- If you are coming from Amsterdam Centraal station, most central departure points are reachable in under 20 minutes on foot
What else can you do in Amsterdam on the same day as a smoke boat tour?
On the same day as a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam, you can easily combine the cruise with a visit to the Jordaan neighbourhood, a walk through the Red Light District, a stop at a local coffeeshop, a canal-side dinner, or one of Amsterdam’s many museums. The tour itself lasts one hour, leaving plenty of time before and after to explore the city.
A natural approach is to spend the morning exploring on foot or by bike, stop at a coffeeshop in the early afternoon to pick up your cannabis, and then join the smoke boat cruise in the late afternoon or evening when the city’s waterways look their best in the golden light. After the tour, the canal belt and surrounding streets are ideal for a relaxed dinner or a drink at one of the many waterside bars.
If you are travelling as a group and want to make a full day of it, Amsterdam offers a wide range of activities that sit well alongside a weed boat Amsterdam experience: pub crawls, escape rooms, cooking classes, and private city tours all pair naturally with an evening on the water. Planning a loose sequence rather than a rigid minute-by-minute schedule tends to work best, especially when cannabis is part of the day.
How Fun Amsterdam Makes Your Smoke Boat Day Effortless
We are Fun Amsterdam, Amsterdam’s leading Destination Management Company, and we own and operate the Smoke Boat Amsterdam directly. That means no middlemen, no hidden fees, and complete flexibility when it comes to timing, group size, and add-ons. Our private cannabis-friendly canal cruise accommodates between 2 and 12 passengers, runs for one hour through the canal belt, the Amstel River, and the Red Light District, and includes an on-board guide who brings Amsterdam’s history and cannabis culture to life.
Here is what booking directly with us gives you:
- Transparent pricing from €250 to €330 per boat, with no surprise charges
- A private boat exclusively for your group, not a shared tour with strangers
- An experienced on-board guide covering Amsterdam’s history, culture, and cannabis policies
- Flexible scheduling to fit around your broader Amsterdam itinerary
- Complementary group activities that can be booked alongside the cruise for a full day programme
If you want to go beyond the smoke boat and build a complete Amsterdam experience, browse our shared activities for inspiration, or visit Fun Amsterdam to see the full range of what we offer. Ready to get started? Contact us and we will take care of the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cannabis should I buy at the coffeeshop before the smoke boat tour?
For a one-hour cruise, most people find that one to two grams is more than enough, especially if you are sharing with others in your group. Dutch law caps purchases at five grams per person per coffeeshop visit, but there is no need to buy anywhere near that amount for a single tour. If you are new to cannabis or have a lower tolerance, ask the coffeeshop staff for a recommendation — they are experienced at helping first-timers choose the right quantity and strain.
What happens if someone in my group does not want to smoke — can they still join the tour?
Absolutely. Non-smokers are completely welcome on board and often enjoy the cruise just as much as everyone else, thanks to the scenic route through the canal belt, the Amstel River, and the Red Light District. The on-board guide's commentary on Amsterdam's history and culture is entertaining regardless of whether you are participating in the cannabis side of things. Just be aware that the boat is an enclosed-ish space and some ambient smoke may be present, so this is worth considering if anyone in your group has respiratory sensitivities.
Is it safe to smoke cannabis on a moving boat, and what if someone feels unwell?
For the vast majority of passengers, the experience is entirely comfortable, but it is worth pacing yourself — especially if you are combining cannabis with the gentle rocking motion of the canal. If you are prone to motion sickness or are new to cannabis, start slow and stay hydrated. The on-board guide is experienced in looking after passengers and will assist anyone who feels unwell; the captain can also dock early if needed, so you are never far from solid ground.
Can I book the smoke boat tour for a private group like a stag do or birthday celebration?
Yes — the Smoke Boat Amsterdam is a fully private experience for groups of 2 to 12 people, which makes it a popular choice for stag dos, birthday celebrations, and group travel. Because the boat is exclusively yours, you set the atmosphere and pace without sharing the space with strangers. Fun Amsterdam also offers complementary group activities that can be booked alongside the cruise to build a full day or evening programme around your occasion.
What should I do if I am running late and might miss the departure?
Contact Fun Amsterdam as soon as you realise you are running behind — the earlier you flag it, the more options are available. Because the boat operates on a private basis, there is more flexibility than you would get on a shared group tour, but the captain and guide do operate on a schedule. To avoid this situation entirely, build in extra buffer time for your coffeeshop stop and aim to arrive at the departure point at least 10 minutes before your scheduled slot.
Are there any items I should leave behind or avoid bringing on the smoke boat?
Leave behind any cannabis not purchased from a licensed Dutch coffeeshop — street-bought or imported products are illegal and will not be permitted on board. It is also worth leaving bulky luggage at your accommodation, as space on the boat is comfortable but not unlimited. Glass bottles are generally fine, but being mindful of spillage on the water is good etiquette. Beyond that, the packing list is refreshingly simple: ID, your coffeeshop purchase, rolling supplies, a layer for the breeze, and your phone for photos.
Can I rebook or reschedule if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
Amsterdam's canal cruises run in most weather conditions — a light drizzle rarely stops the boat, and the experience can actually feel quite atmospheric in overcast conditions. However, if severe weather makes sailing unsafe, Fun Amsterdam will work with you to find an alternative slot. It is always worth checking in with the team on the day if the forecast looks extreme, and booking directly with Fun Amsterdam (rather than through a third-party platform) gives you the most direct line of communication and flexibility when plans need to change.
