Making your Amsterdam smoke boat tour comfortable in any weather comes down to a few simple preparations: dress in layers, bring a waterproof outer layer, and pack a few personal extras to keep warm or cool depending on the season. The boat itself offers some shelter, but Amsterdam’s weather can shift quickly, so being ready matters. Below, you’ll find direct answers to the most common weather and comfort questions before you board.
What should you wear on an Amsterdam smoke boat tour?
For a smoke boat Amsterdam tour, wear comfortable, casual layers you can adjust on the water. Start with a base layer, add a mid-layer for warmth, and always bring a windproof or waterproof jacket regardless of the forecast. Closed-toe shoes are a practical choice, as canal decks can be damp. Avoid anything too formal or restrictive.
Amsterdam’s canal environment creates its own microclimate. Even on sunny days, the open water amplifies wind chill, making it feel several degrees colder than the city streets. In summer, light cotton layers with a thin jacket work well. In autumn and winter, thermal underlayers, a warm coat, a scarf, and a hat are genuinely useful rather than optional. The key principle is flexibility: you want to be able to peel off or add layers as the boat moves through sun and shade along the canal belt.
Is the smoke boat covered or sheltered from rain?
Yes, the weed boat Amsterdam experience takes place on a covered lounge boat, which means you have overhead shelter from light to moderate rain. The boat is designed as a comfortable indoor-outdoor space, so guests are not fully exposed to the elements. In heavier downpours, the covered seating area keeps you largely protected throughout the one-hour cruise.
The covered design is one of the reasons the smoke boat experience works well across seasons. Unlike an open-top canal boat, the lounge-style setup means rain rarely ruins the trip. That said, if you are seated near the open sides of the boat during a heavy shower, a compact rain jacket or poncho adds an extra layer of comfort. Bringing a small, packable waterproof layer takes up almost no space and makes a real difference on wetter days.
What is the best time of year to take a smoke boat in Amsterdam?
The best time of year for a smoke boat Amsterdam tour is late spring through early autumn, roughly May to September, when temperatures are warmest and daylight hours are longest. Evening cruises in summer offer golden-hour canal views and comfortable temperatures. That said, the experience runs year-round, and each season has its own distinct atmosphere worth considering.
Spring and summer (April to August)
This is peak season for canal cruises in Amsterdam. Temperatures range from mild to warm, the city’s famous tulip season peaks in April, and long evenings mean you can cruise well into the night with natural light. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during this window, as demand is high.
Autumn and winter (September to March)
Cooler temperatures and shorter days bring a different kind of atmosphere. Autumn mist over the canals, winter light festivals, and fewer crowds make off-season tours genuinely appealing for those who dress appropriately. The covered boat makes winter cruising far more manageable than most visitors expect, and the quieter canal traffic adds a more intimate feel to the experience.
How do you stay warm on a canal boat in cold weather?
To stay warm on a canal boat in cold weather, layer up properly before boarding, bring hand warmers if temperatures are near freezing, and choose a seat in the most sheltered part of the covered area. Hot drinks in an insulated flask are a simple but highly effective addition to any cold-weather boat trip.
The wind on the water is the biggest factor in how cold you feel, not just the air temperature. A windproof outer layer makes a more significant difference than adding extra mid-layers alone. Thermal socks and waterproof boots are worth considering in winter months, as feet tend to feel the cold first on a boat deck. If you are planning a group outing in colder months, letting everyone in the group know to layer up before arrival avoids the common situation where one or two people are uncomfortable while others are fine.
Can you still enjoy a smoke boat tour if it rains in Amsterdam?
Yes, you can fully enjoy a weed boat Amsterdam tour in the rain. The covered lounge boat provides shelter, the canal atmosphere is especially atmospheric in wet weather, and the experience itself is designed to be comfortable regardless of conditions. Many guests find rainy cruises particularly cosy, especially with the right clothing and a relaxed group.
Rain in Amsterdam is rarely a reason to cancel plans entirely. The city’s canal belt and historic waterways look striking in overcast or rainy conditions, and the reflection of city lights on wet canal surfaces during an evening cruise has its own visual appeal. The one practical adjustment to make is bringing a compact waterproof jacket so you can step to the open sides of the boat if you want to, without getting soaked. Tours are not cancelled due to rain, and the covered structure means the core experience remains intact.
What extras can you bring to make the boat tour more enjoyable?
To make your smoke boat Amsterdam tour more enjoyable, consider bringing snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, a small Bluetooth speaker if the group wants music, a light blanket or travel wrap for cooler evenings, and your own cannabis purchased from a coffeeshop beforehand. The boat operates on a BYOC (bring your own cannabis) policy, so sourcing your supplies in advance is essential.
A few small additions can meaningfully upgrade the experience:
- Snacks and drinks: Light snacks and soft drinks or water are easy to bring and make the hour-long cruise feel more social and relaxed.
- Cannabis from a local coffeeshop: The boat does not supply cannabis directly, so visiting one of Amsterdam’s many coffeeshops before boarding is part of the pre-cruise ritual. Your onboard guide can also share recommendations.
- A travel blanket or wrap: Lightweight and compact, these are ideal for cooler evenings when the temperature drops on the water.
- A fully charged phone: The canal belt, Amstel river, and Red Light District offer genuinely photogenic views, and a dead battery is a common regret.
- A small group playlist: If your group has a shared music preference, a pre-made playlist adds to the atmosphere without any effort on the boat.
For bachelor or bachelorette parties, themed decorations or specific requests can often be arranged in advance to make the experience feel more tailored to the occasion.
How Fun Amsterdam Makes Your Smoke Boat Experience Seamless
We take care of everything that makes a canal cruise genuinely comfortable and memorable, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the experience. Our Smoke Boat Amsterdam is a private, covered lounge boat that runs year-round, accommodating between 2 and 12 passengers at a fixed price ranging from €250 to €330 per boat. There are no hidden fees, no strangers joining your group, and no rigid tourist itinerary to follow.
Here is what we offer to make your tour as comfortable as possible:
- A covered, lounge-style boat that protects against rain and wind in any season
- An onboard guide who shares the history of Amsterdam’s canals, the Red Light District, and the city’s cannabis culture throughout the one-hour cruise
- Full flexibility on timing, group size, and add-on experiences for bachelor parties, friend groups, or couples
- Transparent pricing with no middlemen, no booking fees, and clear cancellation policies
- Complimentary activities from our wider portfolio of shared group activities that can be scheduled around your cruise for a full day programme
Whether you are visiting in summer or braving a winter evening on the canals, we make sure the experience is comfortable, legal, and genuinely memorable. Ready to book or have questions about what to bring? Get in touch with us directly, or visit Fun Amsterdam to explore everything we offer for your time in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam?
For peak season (April to September), booking at least one to two weeks in advance is strongly recommended, as private slots fill quickly — especially on weekends and during major city events. For off-season tours, a few days’ notice is usually sufficient, but earlier booking always guarantees your preferred time slot. Groups planning bachelor or bachelorette parties should book as early as possible to secure any add-ons or custom arrangements.
Where is the best coffeeshop to visit before boarding the smoke boat?
Several well-regarded coffeeshops are located within easy walking distance of central Amsterdam canal departure points, including Boerejongens, Paradox, and The Bulldog for those who want a well-known landmark experience. Your onboard guide can also provide current, local recommendations tailored to your preferences before or during the cruise. It’s worth visiting the coffeeshop at least 20–30 minutes before your departure time so you’re not rushing to board.
Is the smoke boat tour suitable for first-time cannabis users?
The tour is open to adults of all experience levels, but first-time users should approach Amsterdam cannabis with caution, as Dutch coffeeshop products tend to be significantly stronger than what many visitors are used to. Starting with a small amount and choosing a lower-THC strain from the coffeeshop is a practical first-timer strategy — the staff at any reputable coffeeshop can guide you. The relaxed, seated environment of the lounge boat is actually a comfortable setting for newcomers, as there’s no need to walk or navigate the city while the effects set in.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule my smoke boat booking?
Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by operator, so it’s important to review the terms at the time of booking. Fun Amsterdam offers clear cancellation policies with no hidden fees, and rescheduling is typically possible with sufficient notice. If you’re unsure about your plans, reaching out to the operator directly before booking to clarify flexibility is always the safest approach.
Can non-smokers or non-cannabis users still enjoy the smoke boat experience?
Absolutely — the smoke boat tour is genuinely enjoyable for non-users, as the core experience is a scenic, private canal cruise through Amsterdam’s most iconic waterways with an engaging onboard guide. Non-smokers can bring their own drinks and snacks, enjoy the views, and participate fully in the social atmosphere without any pressure to consume cannabis. It’s a popular choice for mixed groups where some members want to smoke and others simply want a unique, relaxed way to see the city.
Are there any items I should leave at home or avoid bringing on the boat?
Avoid bringing large bags, hard-sided luggage, or bulky items that take up limited deck space on the lounge boat. Glass bottles can be a safety hazard on a moving boat and are best left behind in favour of canned drinks or plastic bottles. It’s also worth leaving valuables you don’t need — like passports or large amounts of cash — securely stored at your accommodation, as canal-side environments can attract pickpockets when boarding and disembarking.
Can the smoke boat route be customised, or does it follow a fixed canal path?
The route covers Amsterdam’s most scenic and historically significant waterways, including the canal belt and the Red Light District, but there is generally some flexibility depending on canal traffic and group preferences. Discussing any specific areas or landmarks you’d like to pass with your guide or the operator at the time of booking is the best way to tailor the experience. Fun Amsterdam’s private format means your group isn’t locked into a rigid group tour itinerary, which allows for a more personalised cruise overall.
