Boat Tours in Rotterdam

Book your boat tours in Rotterdam and discover the second largest city in the Netherlands from the water. See some of the highlights of the historic harbor including the Erasmus Bridge, Euromast tower and more.

Cruise on the Maas river and discover more about the city from a local guide. Take a slow jaunt on a traditional Rotterdam riverboat or a private trip on a speedboat, there’s plenty to choose from.

What are the most popular boat tours in Rotterdam?

There are plenty of Rotterdam boat trips to choose from. The most budget-friendly ones are on the group riverboats trips which run throughout the day. Choose between shorter and longer tours or take a private tour to avoid the crowds.

Rotterdam Guided River Cruise

Hop aboard a Rotterdam riverboat for a guided cruise of the Maas River and the historic  Rotterdam harbor. See the highlights of the dockside including the Euromast, Willems Bridge, Hotel New York and the SS Rotterdam. Enjoy snacks and drinks from the onboard bar while you relax on deck or in the lounge. Tour durations are between one or two hours.

Rotterdam Guided River Cruise with Euromast Entry Ticket

Include a trip to the top of the Euromast tower with your Rotterdam boat tour. Enjoy the views on a boat journey and then see the city from above at the Euromast observation decks. The tower reaches a height of 185 meters and offers some of the best views around.

Rotterdam Guided Historic Ship River Cruise

Take a Rotterdam boat tour on a historic riverboat from the early 1900s. Cruise the Maas River in style and see the harbor’s most notable landmarks. Discover the story of the old port from a local guide and enjoy the classic ambiance of the historic ship.

Guided group speedboat tour

If slow cruises are not your thing, check out these invigorating speedboat tours along the Maas River. Explore the port on a high-speed Rotterdam boat trip that takes in all the sights of the historic waterfront while your skipper fills you in on the history of the area.

Private speedboat tour

Leave the crowds behind and hop aboard a private speedboat tour of the Maas River. See the important sights such as Erasmus Bridge and the Euromast tower and listen to commentary from your skipper. These tours are suitable for groups of up to eight passengers.

How much do boat tours in Rotterdam cost?

The price of Rotterdam boat tours depends on the length of the trip and if you choose to include additional extras such as tickets to other attractions or refreshments while on board.

The standard and Historic Riverboat cruise tickets cost around €15 to €25 per person. You can expect to pay around €50 if you would like a three-course meal included in the journey.

Group speedboat tours start at around €40 per person for a 30 minute journey and private speedboat tours cost around €450 per group.

Which places are seen/visited with a boat tour in Rotterdam?

These informative boat tours in Rotterdam take in the major sights of the city’s historic harbor which is thought to be the oldest and largest seaport in Europe.

See some of its most important landmarks including the Euromast — one of the Netherlands’ tallest structures, and the famous Erasmus Bridge which connects the northern and southern parts of the city.

Learn about the history of the port and harbor as you cruise along the Maas River. Discover the iconic Hotel New York, located in the former headquarters of the Holland-America Line company where thousands of people emigrated from to start a new life in America.

See the SS Rotterdam, The Holland-America Line’s famous flagship which sailed its maiden voyage in 1959. See the tall towers and structures that now characterize the skyline of  modern day Rotterdam.

Combine your boat trip with admission tickets to the famous Euromast tower in Parkhaven and see all of Rotterdam’s highlights in one day. If you choose a Riverboat Tour you can enjoy snacks and drinks onboard and even a three-course meal if booked in advance.

How long does a boat trip last?

Most of the boat trips in Rotterdam last between an hour or two for the riverboats and up to an hour on the speedboat tours.

The riverboat trips have the most options with a variety of tours that last an hour, 1.5 hours or two hours. There are also 3.5 hour tours which include a three course meal. The speedboat tours are offered in 30 and 45 minute trips and hour long excursions.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Boat trips in Rotterdam leave from the harbor in the heart of the city and take place on the New Maas River. One of the popular launch points for river cruises is directly under the Euromast tower in Parkhaven.

Many of the speedboat trips leave from Leuvehaven which is on the northern bank right near  the Erasmus Bridge.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Rotterdam?

The best time to take a boat tour in Rotterdam is from late spring to autumn. The months of May through to September will offer the warmest weather and some cruises may not run through the winter months.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Rotterdam?

• Bike tours offer a convenient and environmentally-friendly way to discover the city. Visit all of Rotterdam’s highlights, receive suggestions for other places to visit and learn a little about the history of the area from your local guide.
• Hiking tours are the slowest and still one of the best ways to explore a new city. Stroll the streets and visit the must-see sights and you’re sure to discover new places along the way.

Travel tips

• Remember to book your boat tours in Rotterdam in advance for the most hassle-free travel experience
• Arrive around 30 minutes before your tour is due to depart to allow time for boarding.
• Bring your camera to grab snaps of the local landmarks.
• Pack a light sweater or jacket, as it can be chilly on the water even through the summer months.