Seasoned travellers heading out on a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam pack light but smart: a valid ID, snacks and drinks, a light layer for the water, and any cannabis purchased in advance from a local coffeeshop. Because the experience runs on a bring-your-own-cannabis (BYOC) policy, a little preparation before you board makes the difference between a smooth, relaxed cruise and a rushed start. The questions below cover everything you need to know before stepping onto the boat.
What should you bring on a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam?
The essentials for a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam are a valid ID, cannabis purchased beforehand from a licensed coffeeshop, rolling papers or your preferred smoking kit, snacks, and a drink. The boat provides a comfortable lounge setting, but coming prepared with your own supplies ensures the hour on the water stays relaxed from the first minute to the last.
Here is a practical packing list to keep in mind:
- Valid ID or passport — required for age verification before boarding
- Cannabis from a coffeeshop — the tour operates BYOC, so purchase before you arrive at the dock
- Rolling papers, a pipe, or a vaporizer — bring whatever you are most comfortable using
- Lighter — an obvious one, but easy to forget when you are rushing between venues
- Snacks and a non-alcoholic drink — something to munch on makes the experience far more enjoyable
- A small bag or backpack — keeps everything organised and within reach
- A camera or fully charged phone — the canal views, especially near the Red Light District, are genuinely worth photographing
Keep your bag compact. Space on the boat is shared, and a cluttered deck makes the experience less comfortable for everyone on board.
Do you need to bring your own cannabis on a weed boat Amsterdam tour?
Yes, you do need to bring your own cannabis on a weed boat Amsterdam tour. The smoke boat operates on a strict BYOC (bring your own cannabis) policy, meaning cannabis is not supplied on board. Guests are expected to visit one of Amsterdam’s many licensed coffeeshops before boarding and bring what they need for the duration of the one-hour cruise.
This is not a logistical inconvenience — it is actually part of what makes the experience authentic. Visiting a coffeeshop, choosing your product, and chatting with staff is itself a core part of Amsterdam’s cannabis culture. Most coffeeshops near the main departure points are within easy walking distance, so building in 20 to 30 minutes before your departure time is all it takes.
If you are new to Amsterdam’s coffeeshops, staff are generally helpful and happy to guide you through the menu. Be honest about your experience level and ask for something suited to your tolerance, especially if you plan to be on a moving boat for an hour.
What should you wear on an Amsterdam canal boat in the evening?
For an evening smoke boat tour on Amsterdam’s canals, wear comfortable, casual clothing with an extra layer on top. Even in summer, the water temperature and the breeze on the canal can make it noticeably cooler than on land, particularly after sunset. A light jacket or hoodie is the single most useful thing you can add to your outfit.
Practical clothing tips for the boat:
- Layer up — a t-shirt plus a zip-up or light jacket covers most conditions from spring through early autumn
- Wear comfortable shoes — you will be stepping on and off a boat, so flat-soled footwear is safer than heels
- Avoid anything you would be upset to get dirty — boats are relaxed environments and things happen
- Bring a small bag rather than a large tote — easier to manage in a compact lounge space
In winter or late autumn, treat it like any outdoor evening activity and dress warmly. A hat and gloves are not excessive when the temperature drops and you are sitting still on open water.
Are there things you should NOT bring on a smoke boat tour?
Yes, there are a few things best left behind. Do not bring alcohol onto the boat, as this is not permitted during the cruise. Avoid bringing large suitcases or oversized bags, which take up shared space. And do not bring anything illegal beyond what Dutch law permits regarding cannabis purchased from a licensed coffeeshop.
A few other things worth leaving at the hotel:
- Alcohol — the boat is a cannabis-friendly space, not a drinking cruise; alcohol on board is not allowed
- Bulky luggage — the lounge boat is comfortable but not designed for oversized gear
- Cannabis purchased outside of a licensed coffeeshop — only products from legal, licensed venues are appropriate to bring
- A bad attitude about the rules — the guide is there to make the experience great, and respecting the format keeps it enjoyable for everyone
The smoke boat experience works best when everyone on board is relaxed and respectful of the shared space. Keeping things simple and within the guidelines is what makes the hour genuinely memorable.
How early should you arrive before your smoke boat departure?
Arrive at the departure point at least 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled smoke boat departure time. This gives you enough time to check in, confirm your booking, and get settled without rushing. If you still need to visit a coffeeshop before boarding, build in an additional 20 to 30 minutes on top of that.
Running late for a private boat tour affects the entire group, and departure times are generally fixed. Amsterdam’s city centre can be busier than expected, particularly in peak season, so factor in time for foot traffic, bridges, and the occasional wrong turn in the canal district’s winding streets.
A good rule of thumb: plan your coffeeshop visit, then head to the departure point with a comfortable buffer. Arriving calm and prepared means that the moment you step on board, you can focus entirely on enjoying the experience rather than catching your breath.
What makes a smoke boat tour different from a regular Amsterdam canal cruise?
A smoke boat tour differs from a regular Amsterdam canal cruise in one fundamental way: it is a private, cannabis-friendly experience where guests can legally consume cannabis on board while cruising the city’s waterways. Standard canal tours are public, alcohol-focused or fully sober, and typically follow a fixed group format with no flexibility. The smoke boat is the opposite in almost every respect.
Here is how the two experiences compare:
- Privacy — the smoke boat is a fully private hire for your group (2 to 12 people), not a shared public tour
- Cannabis consumption — legally permitted on board, unlike on public streets or standard canal boats
- Atmosphere — a relaxed lounge setting designed for informal groups, friend trips, and bachelor or bachelorette parties
- Onboard guide — your guide shares stories about Amsterdam’s history, cannabis culture, and the canal belt as you cruise
- Route — the tour covers Amsterdam’s canal belt, the Amstel river, and the Red Light District, including the location of the city’s oldest coffeeshop
- Flexibility — as a private experience, the group dynamic shapes the tone of the trip
For travellers who have already done a standard canal tour and want something that reflects Amsterdam’s actual culture more honestly, the smoke boat is a genuinely different kind of experience rather than just a variation on the same format.
How Fun Amsterdam Makes Your Smoke Boat Experience Seamless
We at Fun Amsterdam run the Smoke Boat Amsterdam ourselves, which means no middlemen, no hidden fees, and complete flexibility for your group. Here is what we offer:
- Private hire for 2 to 12 people — perfect for friend groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties, couples, and small corporate outings
- One-hour guided canal cruise — covering the canal belt, Amstel river, and the Red Light District with an onboard guide
- Transparent pricing from €250 to €330 per boat — fixed rates with no surprise costs
- Easy combination with other activities — we offer a full range of group activities in Amsterdam that pair naturally with the cruise for a full day or evening programme
- Direct booking and responsive support — straightforward to organise, with a team that knows Amsterdam inside out
If you are ready to book or want to ask a question before committing, get in touch with us directly or visit the Fun Amsterdam website to explore everything we offer. We will make sure your time on the water is exactly what you had in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy cannabis at the departure point, or do I need to visit a coffeeshop in advance?
There is no cannabis available for purchase at the departure point, so visiting a licensed coffeeshop before you arrive is essential. Most coffeeshops near Fun Amsterdam’s departure location are within easy walking distance, making it straightforward to pick up what you need. Just build in an extra 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to browse the menu, get advice from staff, and make your purchase without rushing.
What if I have never been to an Amsterdam coffeeshop before — is the smoke boat tour still suitable for beginners?
Absolutely — the smoke boat is welcoming to first-timers, and the onboard guide is experienced at making everyone feel comfortable regardless of their background. The key tip for beginners is to be upfront with coffeeshop staff about your experience level so they can recommend something mild and appropriate. Starting with a smaller amount than you think you need is always the wiser move, especially since you will be in a moving environment for an hour.
Is the boat enclosed or open-air, and what happens if it rains?
The smoke boat is a covered lounge vessel, meaning you are sheltered from light rain and wind while still enjoying views of Amsterdam’s canals. In the case of heavier weather, Fun Amsterdam will communicate any changes directly with your group ahead of departure. Bringing a light jacket is still recommended regardless of the forecast, as it can feel cooler on the water than it does on land.
Can non-smoking guests join the tour, or is everyone expected to consume cannabis?
Non-consuming guests are entirely welcome on the smoke boat — there is no requirement for everyone in the group to use cannabis. The tour is a private hire for your group, so the dynamic is entirely shaped by the people on board. Non-smokers often enjoy the cruise just as much for the canal views, the company, and the relaxed atmosphere.
How many people can join a single smoke boat booking, and is it possible to combine groups?
Each smoke boat booking accommodates between 2 and 12 people, and the entire boat is privately hired for your group only — it is never shared with strangers. If your group is larger than 12, it is worth contacting Fun Amsterdam directly to discuss options, as they may be able to arrange multiple boats or alternative solutions. This private format is one of the key things that sets the experience apart from standard public canal tours.
What is the best time of day to book a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam?
Evening departures are particularly popular because the canal belt and Red Light District are beautifully lit after dark, making for a more atmospheric and visually striking cruise. That said, daytime tours offer clearer views of Amsterdam’s architecture and are often a better fit for groups who want to combine the cruise with other activities earlier in the day. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during peak season (April through August), as time slots fill up quickly.
Are there any age restrictions for the smoke boat tour?
Yes — all guests must be 18 years or older to board, in line with Dutch law regarding cannabis consumption and coffeeshop access. A valid ID or passport is required at check-in, so make sure every member of your group has theirs on hand before arriving at the departure point. Guests who cannot provide valid age verification will not be permitted to board, regardless of the booking.
