Description
Stromma’s open boat tours from Damrak are a lovely way to see Amsterdam. You glide along the city’s famous canals in a sleek electric boat, with the breeze in your hair and those canal-house views all around you. It feels a bit like being in a postcard, only you’re actually here.
I’ve taken my fair share of canal tours, but Stromma’s open boats do feel special. They’re not just another tour; you get right up close to the city and its canal houses (just don’t reach out and touch them, please).
The boats are cosy, whether you’re sharing the ride with a travel buddy or striking up a conversation with fellow passengers. And the captains really know their stuff. They share Amsterdam stories and details in a relaxed, entertaining way, so you’ll pick up a few local insights along the route.
These smaller boats can also reach canals that the bigger boats can’t. You’ll see a different side of Amsterdam, including some quieter corners that many visitors miss.
Key Features
Here’s what makes Stromma’s open boat tours from Damrak stand out:
1. Electric boats: These boats run entirely on electricity, so you can cruise in comfort while keeping your trip a little kinder to the environment.
2. Small groups: The boats usually hold up to 12 people, making for a more intimate trip than those crowded, larger tours.
3. Knowledgeable captains: The captains know Amsterdam well and are always ready with a fun fact or a cheeky anecdote.
4. Flexibility: Curious about a famous film location or a particular canal house? Just ask. The captains are happy to shape the tour around your interests.
5. All-weather comfort: A bit of rain needn’t spoil the ride. Stromma provides covers for less sunny days.
6. Kid-friendly: Bringing little ones along? They provide colouring pages to help keep the kids entertained.
7. Access to narrow canals: These nimble boats can navigate narrower waterways, offering a different perspective on the city.
8. Sustainable tourism: Choosing an electric boat tour helps reduce the impact of your visit on Amsterdam’s canals.
Best Time to Visit
So, when’s the best time to take a ride? Amsterdam has something to offer in every season.
Summer is popular for good reason: the weather’s warm, the days are long, and an evening cruise lets you watch the sunset over the canals. It’s a pretty romantic way to see the city.
Spring is lovely too. Tulips and other flowers bring colour to the city, and the canals are a pleasant place to take it all in.
In autumn, changing leaves make a beautiful backdrop, and the atmosphere feels cosier. It’s also less crowded than summer, so the canals can feel a bit more peaceful.
Winter has its own appeal. City lights shimmer on the water, and if you visit during the Amsterdam Light Festival, usually held from November to January, you’ll see art installations along the canals.
I tend to favour the shoulder seasons, especially late spring or early autumn. The weather’s often decent and the peak summer crowds have thinned out. Still, there’s no bad season for an open boat tour; Stromma provides covers to help keep you comfortable when the weather turns.
How to Get There
Finding Stromma’s departure point on Damrak is straightforward. It’s close to Amsterdam Centraal, right in the centre of town.
If you’re arriving by train, head out of Centraal Station and walk south along Damrak. Look for the boats and the Stromma sign; it’s about a five-minute walk.
Coming from elsewhere in the city? Amsterdam’s public transport makes it easy to get around. Take tram 2, 11, 12, or 13 to Dam Square, then walk the short distance to Damrak.
If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike and cycle over. You’ll find rental shops around the city, and biking is a handy way to get a feel for Amsterdam. Just lock your bike securely; locals take cycling, and bike parking, seriously.
You can also walk to Damrak from much of central Amsterdam. It’s a nice chance to take in the streets along the way, and you may come across a few spots you hadn’t planned on seeing.
One simple tip: type “Stromma Damrak” into Google Maps or your navigation app, and it’ll point you to the departure area.
Tips for Visiting
First, book ahead. These tours can fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so reserve your place online if you can.
Amsterdam weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring a light jacket, even in summer. Sunscreen and sunglasses are handy too; the sun reflecting off the water can be bright.
Stromma provides rain covers, but you might still want to pack a small umbrella. It never hurts to be prepared.
Try to arrive about 15 minutes early. That gives you time to find the departure point, use the restroom and get settled without rushing. You might even get your pick of seats.
It’s tempting to photograph everything, but try not to spend the whole tour behind your camera or phone. Take a few pictures, of course, then put it away and enjoy the views.
Feeling peckish? You can’t bring a full picnic, but a small snack and a bottle of water are fine. Take your rubbish with you, please; the canals are worth keeping clean.
Here’s a tip you don’t hear every day: try sitting facing backwards. It might feel odd at first, but you can get a good view of the sights as you approach them.
If you’re visiting with kids, bring something to keep them busy. Colouring books, small toys or a game of I-spy can all do the trick.
And don’t be shy about chatting with the captain or other passengers. You never know what stories you’ll hear or who you’ll meet. Some of my favourite Amsterdam memories started with a conversation on a boat.
