To arrive at your best for a weed boat tour in Amsterdam, eat a light, balanced meal about an hour before boarding, drink plenty of water throughout the day, dress in comfortable layers, and skip the coffeeshop until you are on the boat. A little preparation goes a long way toward making your canal cruise genuinely enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Here is exactly what to do from morning to departure.
What should you eat before a weed boat tour in Amsterdam?
Eat a light, balanced meal roughly 60 to 90 minutes before your weed boat tour in Amsterdam. A meal with complex carbohydrates, some protein, and healthy fats helps stabilise your blood sugar and reduces the likelihood of nausea or an unexpectedly intense experience. Avoid heavy, greasy food and never board on a completely empty stomach.
Good options include a bowl of oats or granola, a sandwich with eggs or avocado, or a simple pasta dish. Amsterdam has no shortage of affordable cafes near the canal belt where you can sit down and eat properly before heading to the departure point.
What you want to avoid is the other extreme: a massive Dutch stamppot or a full English breakfast that leaves you feeling sluggish and bloated on a rocking boat. Equally, skipping food entirely because you are nervous or short on time is a mistake. Cannabis affects the body more intensely when you have not eaten, which can turn a relaxed cruise into an uncomfortable one.
- Eat 60 to 90 minutes before boarding, not immediately before
- Choose foods with protein and complex carbs for steady energy
- Avoid alcohol before the tour
- Bring a small snack on board in case you get hungry mid-cruise
How much water should you drink before a cannabis boat experience?
Drink at least 500 ml of water in the two hours leading up to your cannabis boat experience in Amsterdam, and bring a refillable bottle on board. Staying well hydrated is one of the simplest ways to keep the experience comfortable. Cannabis can cause dry mouth and mild dehydration, so starting the cruise already well hydrated makes a noticeable difference.
If you have been walking around Amsterdam all morning in warm weather, you may need more than that. The city is very walkable, and it is easy to underestimate how much fluid you lose on a busy sightseeing day. Drink water consistently rather than gulping a large amount right before you board.
Avoid energy drinks and excessive caffeine before the tour. Combining stimulants with cannabis can increase anxiety and make your heart rate feel uncomfortably elevated. Stick to water, juice, or herbal tea in the hours before the cruise.
What should you wear for a boat tour on Amsterdam’s canals?
Wear comfortable, casual clothing in layers for a boat tour on Amsterdam’s canals. The weather in the Netherlands changes quickly, and even on warm days the temperature on the water is noticeably cooler than on land. A light jacket or hoodie you can take on and off is the most practical choice regardless of the season.
Flat, closed shoes are strongly recommended. The boarding areas and boat decks can be slippery, and heels or flip flops create an unnecessary safety risk. Leave your smartest outfit back at the hotel.
In 2026, Amsterdam summers are warm but unpredictable. Spring and autumn tours can be genuinely cold on the water, so check the forecast the morning of your tour and dress accordingly. A small backpack is useful for carrying water, snacks, and any cannabis you have purchased from a coffeeshop beforehand.
- Layers: a t-shirt plus a light jacket or hoodie
- Flat, closed shoes with grip
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for summer tours
- A small bag for your essentials
Should you visit a coffeeshop before or after the weed boat tour?
Visit a coffeeshop before your weed boat tour, not after. The smoke boat Amsterdam experience operates on a BYOC (bring your own cannabis) policy, which means you need to purchase your cannabis from a licensed Amsterdam coffeeshop before you board. You cannot buy cannabis at the departure point or on the boat itself.
Plan to visit a coffeeshop 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you time to browse, make a purchase without rushing, and get to the departure point comfortably on time. Many well-known coffeeshops are located near the canal belt and Red Light District, both of which are close to where the tour operates.
If you are unfamiliar with Dutch coffeeshops, do not be intimidated. Staff are used to international visitors and are generally helpful about explaining what is available. Stick to a modest quantity for your first experience, especially if you are combining it with a boat setting. You can always visit a coffeeshop again after the tour if you want to extend the evening.
One important note on legality: cannabis consumption is legal in licensed coffeeshops and on a licensed private cannabis boat experience. It is not permitted openly on public streets, in parks, or in many public spaces. The boat provides a legal, comfortable, and relaxed environment specifically designed for this purpose.
What are the best things to do in Amsterdam the morning before your boat tour?
The best things to do in Amsterdam the morning before your boat tour are low-energy, enjoyable activities that leave you feeling relaxed and ready rather than exhausted. Think a leisurely walk through the Jordaan neighbourhood, a visit to a local market like the Albert Cuyp or the Noordermarkt, or a slow breakfast at one of Amsterdam’s excellent independent cafes.
Avoid cramming in a full day of intense sightseeing before the tour. Museum visits, long bike rides, and hours of walking will leave you physically tired, which is not the best state for a one-hour canal cruise. The morning is better spent enjoying the city at a relaxed pace.
- Walk through the Jordaan or the Nine Streets area
- Browse a local market for snacks and atmosphere
- Sit down for a proper breakfast at a neighbourhood cafe
- Pick up supplies from a supermarket (water, snacks, sunscreen)
- Visit your chosen coffeeshop in the 30 to 45 minutes before departure
If your tour is in the afternoon or evening, the morning is also a good time to check out Amsterdam’s free outdoor spaces. Vondelpark is a short walk from the city centre and is a genuinely lovely place to sit, people-watch, and ease into the day.
How early should you arrive at the boat departure point?
Arrive at the boat departure point at least 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. This gives you enough time to check in, get settled, and ask any last-minute questions without feeling rushed. Arriving late can cause delays for the whole group, and departure times are generally kept firm.
If you are visiting a coffeeshop on the way, factor that into your travel time. Amsterdam’s city centre is compact and very walkable, but it can get busy, particularly on weekends and during peak tourist season in summer 2026. Give yourself a comfortable buffer.
If you are travelling as a group, coordinate a meeting point in advance. It is common for one or two people to get delayed, so agree on a specific location near the departure point rather than trying to navigate by message in real time.
How Fun Amsterdam Makes Your Smoke Boat Experience Seamless
Getting all of the above right is much easier when you are booking with an operator who makes the process clear from the start. We at Fun Amsterdam run the Smoke Boat Amsterdam experience directly, with no middlemen, transparent pricing, and a team that answers your questions before you even arrive in the city.
Here is what we take care of so you can focus on enjoying the day:
- Clear pre-arrival guidance: We tell you exactly where to go, what to bring, and how to prepare so there are no surprises on the day
- Flexible scheduling: Tours run for groups of 2 to 12 people, making it easy to fit around your existing Amsterdam itinerary
- Onboard guide: Our guide shares stories about Amsterdam’s canals, history, and cannabis culture throughout the one-hour cruise
- No hidden fees: Pricing is straightforward, ranging from €250 to €330 per boat, with everything included
- Complementary activities: If you want to build a full day around the tour, we offer a range of group activities in Amsterdam that pair well with the cruise
Whether you are planning a bachelor party, a friend group trip, or just a memorable afternoon on the canals, we make sure the day runs smoothly. Get in touch with us to book your spot or ask any questions, or visit the Fun Amsterdam website to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own rolling papers and accessories onto the smoke boat, or are they provided?
You are welcome to bring your own rolling papers, filters, and any other accessories you prefer. While the boat provides a comfortable setting for consumption, personal rolling supplies are not included in the tour price, so it is worth picking these up at your chosen coffeeshop before boarding. Most Amsterdam coffeeshops sell rolling papers and accessories at the counter alongside their cannabis menu.
What happens if I start feeling too high or uncomfortable during the tour?
If you feel overwhelmed, let your onboard guide know immediately — they are experienced in these situations and will help you stay calm. The most effective steps are to sit down, sip water steadily, take slow deep breaths, and avoid consuming any more cannabis. Eating a small snack can also help bring you back to a more comfortable baseline, which is exactly why bringing something on board is always recommended.
Is the smoke boat tour suitable for first-time cannabis users?
Yes, but first-timers should approach the experience with extra caution and communicate their inexperience to the coffeeshop staff when making their purchase. Ask for a strain with a lower THC percentage and start with a very small amount — you can always consume more, but you cannot undo consuming too much. The relaxed, seated environment of the boat is actually a great setting for a first experience, as long as you pace yourself sensibly.
Are there any age restrictions or other eligibility requirements for booking the tour?
Yes — all participants must be 18 years of age or older, in line with Dutch law governing both cannabis purchases and boat tour participation. You will need a valid photo ID to purchase cannabis at any Amsterdam coffeeshop, so make sure every member of your group carries their passport or national ID card on the day. Guests who cannot produce valid ID will not be able to purchase cannabis and may be refused entry to the coffeeshop.
What should I do if it rains on the day of my smoke boat tour?
Light rain is not usually a reason to cancel, as the boat has covered and sheltered areas that keep guests comfortable in typical Dutch drizzle. However, it is always worth checking directly with Fun Amsterdam on the morning of your tour if the forecast looks severe, as safety on the canals is the top priority. Wearing a light waterproof layer and bringing a compact umbrella in your bag are simple precautions that will keep you comfortable whatever the weather does.
Can non-smoking members of a group still join the tour and enjoy the canal cruise?
Absolutely — non-smokers are very welcome on board and many groups include a mix of people who consume cannabis and those who simply want to enjoy the canal scenery and the company. The boat is an open and relaxed environment, and there is no pressure or expectation for everyone to participate in the same way. Non-smoking guests should still follow the same preparation tips around food, hydration, and comfortable clothing to get the most out of the experience.
How far in advance should I book the smoke boat tour, especially during peak season?
Booking at least a few days in advance is strongly recommended, and during Amsterdam’s peak summer season (June through August) as well as popular long weekends, booking one to two weeks ahead is a sensible minimum. The boat accommodates groups of 2 to 12 people, which means availability can fill up quickly, particularly for popular afternoon and early evening time slots. Booking early through Fun Amsterdam also gives you plenty of time to receive pre-arrival guidance and plan the rest of your day around the tour.
