Amsterdam Golden Age VR Cruise

One cruise, two centuries. Sail through the canals and step right into 17th-century Amsterdam with your VR headset!

About the Amsterdam VR Canal Cruise

Step aboard and travel back in time! The Amsterdam VR Canal Cruise takes you through the canals of today and those of the Golden Age. Put on the VR glasses and see how 17th-century Amsterdam comes to life, with wooden ships, bustling merchants and the clamour of a vibrant port city. In 75 minutes, you’ll experience the story of Amsterdam; you won’t just hear it, you’ll be right in the middle of it.

All about this tour

Below you can read what to expect from the Amsterdam VR Boat Tour, from the virtual reality scenes to the practical details on board.

What will you see during the VR scenes?

During the VR scenes, the Amsterdam of the Golden Age appears all around you. As soon as you put on the headset, the modern canal-side buildings disappear. Instead, you’ll see historic ships sailing past, bustling trade routes come to life, and the city as it was in the 17th century.

In total, there are seven different VR scenes, each lasting around two minutes. In between, you take the headset off again, look at the city as it is today and listen to the story that guides you through the city. This alternation between past and present makes the tour different from a regular canal cruise.

How long does the Amsterdam VR Canal Cruise last?

The Amsterdam VR Boat Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Of that, you’ll wear the VR headset for a total of about 15 minutes. The rest of the time, you’ll cruise peacefully through the canals, enjoy the views and listen to the stories on board.

What time does the Amsterdam VR Boat Tour depart?

The Amsterdam VR Canal Cruise departs daily at three fixed times: 11:15, 13:15 and 15:15. We recommend arriving at the jetty a little earlier so you can board at your leisure and the host can explain how the VR glasses work.

Where does the Amsterdam VR Canal Cruise depart from?

The Amsterdam VR Canal Cruise departs from the Blue Boat jetty at Stadhouderskade 501, opposite the Hard Rock Cafe. The jetty is within walking distance of Leidseplein and is easily accessible by public transport.

In which language is the Amsterdam VR Canal Cruise?

The Amsterdam VR Boat Tour is available in Dutch and English. The VR scenes can be followed in both languages.

Is the Amsterdam VR Boat Tour suitable for children?

Yes, the Amsterdam VR Boat Tour is suitable for everyone aged 5 and over. Thanks to the guidance on board and the accessible storytelling, the experience remains enjoyable for both the youngest guests and adults.

Families looking to discover Amsterdam in an interactive way will find this the perfect choice. For children, the VR part is often the highlight, whilst parents particularly enjoy the historical context surrounding it.

Where can I book tickets for the Amsterdam VR Boat Tour?

You can book tickets for the Amsterdam VR Boat Tour online via the Blue Boat Company website. You’ll receive them digitally straight to your inbox, so there’s no need to print them.

Questions about the tour or using the VR headsets? Send an email to info@blueboat.nl or call us on +31 (0)20 679 1370.

What other canal cruises does Blue Boat offer?

As well as the Amsterdam VR Canal Cruise, there are other ways to discover the city from the water.

The City Canal Cruise takes you past the most famous sights on a classic canal cruise. During the Evening Cruise, you’ll sail through an illuminated Amsterdam, with the city at its most beautiful after sunset. In the summer, there’s also the open-air Blue Sky Boat, allowing you to cruise through the canals in the open air.

Travelling with young children? Then the Kids Cruise is highly recommended. On board, children go on an adventure through the canals with Sjonnie the Mouse.

Our other canal cruises

Want to experience even more of Amsterdam from the water? Take a look at our other canal cruises below and find the cruise that best suits your visit.