A smoke boat tour in Amsterdam is a private cannabis-friendly canal cruise where guests can legally consume cannabis while sailing through the city’s historic waterways. The experience lasts around one hour and takes in iconic sights including the canal belt, the Amstel River, and the Red Light District. Below, we answer the most common questions about how the experience works, what to expect, and how to book.
Can you legally smoke weed on a boat in Amsterdam?
Yes, you can legally consume cannabis on a licensed private boat in Amsterdam. Dutch law permits cannabis consumption in designated private settings, and a licensed cannabis-friendly canal boat qualifies as one of those settings. This is different from smoking openly on public streets or in certain restricted zones, where consumption is not permitted.
Amsterdam has one of the most well-established legal frameworks around cannabis in the world, but the rules are location-specific. Coffeeshops are the most familiar legal setting, and licensed private boats operate under a similar principle of being a controlled, private environment. Guests on a smoke boat tour are not breaking any laws, provided they have purchased their cannabis from a licensed coffeeshop beforehand and consume it only while on board.
If you are travelling from outside the Netherlands, it is worth knowing that you cannot bring cannabis across international borders. Everything must be purchased locally, from a registered Amsterdam coffeeshop, on the day of your tour.
What does a typical smoke boat tour actually include?
A typical smoke boat tour in Amsterdam includes a one-hour private canal cruise through the city’s most iconic waterways, with an onboard guide who shares stories about Amsterdam’s history, culture, and cannabis policies. The boat is a comfortable lounge vessel, and the atmosphere is relaxed, informal, and entirely private to your group.
The route covers some of Amsterdam’s most recognisable landmarks and neighbourhoods. Expect to cruise through the UNESCO-listed canal belt, along the Amstel River, and past the Red Light District, where you can spot the city’s oldest coffeeshop from the water. The guide keeps things interesting throughout, blending local history with cultural context so the experience is genuinely informative as well as enjoyable.
The boat itself is set up as a lounge space, designed for comfort and conversation. There is no rigid schedule or formal structure, which is a big part of what makes it different from a standard canal tour. You set the tone, and the guide works around your group.
How many people can join a smoke boat in Amsterdam?
The smoke boat accommodates between 2 and 12 passengers per booking. This makes it well-suited for small friend groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties, couples looking for something original, and intimate corporate outings. The boat is booked privately, meaning your group will have the entire vessel to yourselves.
Because the booking is always private, the experience scales naturally across different group sizes. A duo gets the same relaxed, personal atmosphere as a group of ten. There are no shared departures with strangers, no fixed group schedules to work around, and no compromise on the experience based on how many people you bring.
If your group is larger than 12, it is worth reaching out directly to discuss options, as additional arrangements may be possible depending on availability.
Do you need to bring your own cannabis on the smoke boat?
Yes, the smoke boat operates on a BYOC (bring your own cannabis) policy. Guests are responsible for purchasing their cannabis from a licensed Amsterdam coffeeshop before boarding. Cannabis is not sold or provided on the boat itself.
This is straightforward to arrange, since Amsterdam has a well-known network of coffeeshops throughout the city centre, many of them within easy walking distance of the departure point. Staff at any coffeeshop can help you choose something suitable if you are unfamiliar with the options available.
Remember to buy everything you need before you arrive at the boat. Once the cruise is underway, there are no stops for additional purchases. Bring rolling papers, a lighter, or any other accessories you prefer, as these are not supplied on board either.
How much does a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam cost?
A smoke boat tour in Amsterdam is priced per boat rather than per person, with rates ranging from approximately €250 to €330 depending on the date and time of your booking. Because the entire boat is yours regardless of group size, the per-person cost becomes more affordable the larger your group.
For a group of four, you are looking at roughly €60 to €80 per person. For a group of ten or twelve, that drops considerably, making it genuinely competitive with other Amsterdam group experiences. There are no hidden fees or per-person surcharges on top of the base boat price.
Pricing this way also means you are not paying for strangers to share your experience, which is a meaningful difference from shared tour operators who fill boats with multiple unrelated groups to reduce individual costs.
How do you book a smoke boat tour in Amsterdam?
You can book a smoke boat tour directly online by selecting your preferred date, time, and group size. The booking process is straightforward and transparent, with clear pricing shown upfront and no hidden extras added at checkout. Always book through a reputable, established operator with verified reviews and a clear cancellation policy.
Avoid booking through unknown third-party resellers or street touts, who may charge inflated prices, misrepresent the experience, or offer no recourse if something goes wrong. Booking directly with the operator gives you the most accurate information, the best price, and a direct line of contact if your plans change.
How Fun Amsterdam makes booking the smoke boat easy
We run the Smoke Boat Amsterdam ourselves, which means no middlemen, no inflated reseller prices, and full flexibility to tailor the experience to your group. Whether you are planning a bachelor party, a friend group trip, or something a little different for a corporate outing, we handle everything from the booking to the on-the-water experience.
- Private boat, fully yours: Your group of 2 to 12 gets the entire boat, with no shared departures or strangers on board
- Transparent pricing: €250 to €330 per boat, with no hidden fees or per-person surcharges
- Onboard guide included: A knowledgeable guide joins every cruise to share Amsterdam’s history and cannabis culture
- Easy to combine: We offer a wide range of group activities in Amsterdam that pair well with the smoke boat, making it simple to plan a full day without juggling multiple providers
- Direct booking, no stress: Book the smoke boat Amsterdam directly through us for the best price and full peace of mind
Ready to get on the water? Visit Fun Amsterdam to explore the full experience, or get in touch with our team if you have questions about group size, scheduling, or combining the smoke boat with other activities during your Amsterdam trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I buy at the coffeeshop before the smoke boat tour, and how much should I get?
If you are new to Amsterdam coffeeshops, start by telling the staff your experience level and preferences — they are used to helping tourists and will point you in the right direction. As a general guide, a few grams is plenty for a one-hour cruise for most groups, and pre-rolled joints are a convenient option if you prefer not to roll on board. Do not forget to pick up rolling papers and a lighter if you need them, since these are not provided on the boat.
How far in advance should I book the smoke boat to guarantee my preferred date and time?
Booking at least a few days in advance is recommended, especially during Amsterdam’s busier periods such as summer weekends, King’s Day, and major public holidays when availability fills up quickly. For larger groups or specific time slots, booking a week or more ahead gives you the most flexibility. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but securing your spot early avoids disappointment and gives you time to coordinate the rest of your day.
Is the smoke boat suitable for people who don't consume cannabis?
Absolutely — non-consumers are welcome and often join groups where only some members plan to partake. The cruise itself is a genuinely enjoyable Amsterdam experience regardless of whether you consume cannabis, with scenic waterway views, interesting commentary from the guide, and a relaxed social atmosphere. There is no pressure on anyone to participate, and the private group format means the experience is shaped entirely by your own group’s preferences.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my smoke boat tour?
Amsterdam weather can be unpredictable, so it is worth checking the operator’s cancellation and rescheduling policy before you book. Most reputable operators, including Fun Amsterdam, will work with you to reschedule if conditions make the cruise unsafe or significantly unpleasant. Light rain does not typically cancel a tour, as the boat has covered lounge areas, but it is always best to confirm the specific policy directly with the operator when booking.
Can we eat or drink on board during the smoke boat tour?
Policies vary by operator, so it is worth confirming when you book, but many smoke boat operators allow guests to bring their own drinks and snacks on board for the cruise. This can be a great way to turn the experience into a fuller celebration, particularly for bachelor or bachelorette groups. Check with Fun Amsterdam directly to confirm what is permitted so you can plan accordingly before arriving at the departure point.
Are there any age restrictions or ID requirements for the smoke boat tour?
Yes — all guests must be 18 years or older to participate, which is consistent with the Dutch legal age for cannabis purchase and consumption. Guests may be asked to show valid photo ID when boarding, so bring your passport or national ID card. This applies to all passengers, including those who do not plan to consume cannabis, as the boat operates as a cannabis-friendly environment throughout the cruise.
Can we customise the smoke boat experience for a special occasion like a bachelor party or birthday?
Yes, the private format of the smoke boat makes it easy to tailor the experience to your occasion — the guide and crew are accustomed to hosting celebrations and will help set the right tone. Because Fun Amsterdam also offers a wide range of other group activities, you can combine the smoke boat with additional experiences to build a full day or evening itinerary. Reach out to the Fun Amsterdam team directly to discuss any specific requests or to get help planning a multi-activity group day.
