Amsterdam: The Bulldog Boat Smoke-Friendly Cruise & 2 Drinks

Amsterdam’s Bulldog Boat is a canal cruise with one clear difference: you can bring your own weed, smoke, eat snacks, and have a drink while passing through the city center. The route follows the old city wall, reaches the Amstel River, and covers key sights in Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Belt.

I like the easy Central Station departure, which makes this a simple first activity after arriving by train. I also like the friendly, funny crew, with guides such as Roman, Rebecca, and Fred praised for mixing city facts with a relaxed tone. The main drawback is the half-open boat. It can feel cold or wet, especially outside summer.

Key points at a glance

• Two drinks included: Central Station departures include two complimentary drinks, while more can be purchased.
• Bring your own weed and snacks: Nothing is sold on board, so buy or pack these before you arrive.
• A one-hour city orientation: The route takes in the old city wall, Amstel River, and major Canal Belt sights.
• Half-open seating: You get broad views and fresh air, but warm clothing and rain gear matter.
• Best evening setting: Later trips can show Amsterdam after dark, with canal lights and a sunset on some summer departures.
• Different finishing point at night: The last 8 pm or 9:30 pm tour finishes at Leidseplein rather than Central Station.

Why this boat is different from a standard canal cruise

Amsterdam has no shortage of canal boats. Many offer similar routes, recorded commentary, and a quiet ride through the center. The Bulldog Boat is aimed at a different mood. It gives you a place to relax, smoke your own weed, share snacks, and enjoy the canals without the formal feel of a sightseeing vessel.

That difference matters if you want the cruise itself to be part of your evening rather than just a way to photograph Amsterdam from the water. The atmosphere is social and informal. The crew may tell jokes, answer questions, and point out buildings as you go, but the experience is not built around a long academic lecture.

You should also set your expectations correctly. This is a short, easygoing cruise, not a full city tour. You will see plenty in an hour, but the commentary can vary with the guide and the general mood on board. Some departures focus more on facts, while others lean more heavily into conversation and relaxed entertainment.

The high rating of 4.7 from about 2,300 bookings reflects a strong pattern of satisfaction, especially with the crew, comfort, and atmosphere. Still, the boat suits people who want a casual canal ride with smoking permitted. If you want detailed architectural commentary or a quiet, strictly sightseeing-focused trip, another cruise may fit better.

Starting at Central Station with two drinks

The main departure point is directly in front of Amsterdam Central Station, on the water side with the tram stops nearby. Look for the stairs leading down toward the water, not the side facing the Victoria Hotel. A blue beach flag identifies the Bulldog Boat.

Use Google Maps rather than Apple Maps, and arrive about 15 minutes early. That extra time is useful because Central Station is a large, busy area, and the departure point is down at the water rather than inside the station itself.

At this departure, you receive two complimentary drinks before or during the cruise. The information provided does not specify a fixed drink menu, so check with the crew when you arrive. You can buy more drinks on board.

You need to bring your own weed. The boat does not sell marijuana, and the cruise price does not include it. The same applies to food, although this is one of the few useful details that makes the boat feel less restrictive: you can bring and eat your own snacks.

Several Bulldog coffee shops are located in the area, but buying anything before the boat leaves is your responsibility. Plan ahead rather than assuming you can shop once you are on the water.

Following the old city wall toward the Amstel

Once the boat leaves, the route follows Amsterdam’s old city wall before heading onto the Amstel River and through the central Canal Belt. The exact path can change during the day, which gives repeat visitors a reason to book again, but it also means you should not expect every departure to follow an identical sequence.

The Canal Belt is the heart of the sightseeing value here. From the water, Amsterdam’s narrow canal houses, bridges, houseboats, and waterfront streets come together in a way that is hard to grasp on foot. You get a broad view without stopping at every corner or negotiating cyclists and crowds.

The boat also gives you a different angle on the old city. Looking up from the canal, you notice how the houses lean, how closely the buildings meet the water, and how much of Amsterdam’s daily life is tied to its canals. The guide points out attractions along the way, with English and Dutch commentary available.

The information level depends on the skipper and guide. Roman, Rebecca, Fred, and other crew members have been praised for being funny, welcoming, and able to answer questions. One useful feature is the mix of captain and guide: the skipper handles the boat while the guide can focus on commentary and conversation.

Do not expect every minute to be filled with formal facts. Some passengers have found the historical explanation lighter than on a traditional canal tour. I see that as part of the tradeoff. You get a looser, more personal ride, but you may need to ask questions if you want more detail about a particular building or part of the city.

The half-open boat and what that means for comfort

The half-open design is a major part of the experience. It gives you open views and lets smoke drift away rather than collecting in a fully enclosed cabin. It also makes the canals feel closer, especially when the boat passes under bridges or along narrow stretches.

The same design exposes you to Amsterdam weather. Bring a warm layer even in months that seem mild, and pack rain gear if the forecast is uncertain. Several passengers have enjoyed the cruise in cold or wet conditions because the crew kept the mood cheerful, but good spirits do not replace a dry jacket.

The boat has been described as clean, comfortable, and well organized. The hour can pass quickly, especially when the group is talking and the guide is keeping everyone involved. If you dislike motion, this may not be a good pick, since the activity is specifically marked as unsuitable for people with motion sickness.

Wheelchair users should also choose another cruise, as the experience is not listed as wheelchair accessible. Children under 18 cannot join. These limits are important because the relaxed smoking setup is designed for adults.

Bring a camera, but protect it from rain and keep it secure while you are smoking or eating. Snacks are welcome, and the ability to bring your own food adds value if you want more than the included drinks.

Why the evening departures are worth considering

The later tours offer a different version of Amsterdam. A 5 pm departure can catch sunset at the right time, depending on the season. Night cruises show the canal lights and give the narrow waterways a calmer, more atmospheric look.

The final tours, listed as 8 pm or 9:30 pm depending on the schedule, finish at Leidseplein rather than returning to Central Station. That can work well if you plan to continue your evening around the restaurants, bars, and entertainment near the square.

Check the exact time before booking because the available departure schedule can vary. I would choose a daylight sailing if you want the clearest look at the buildings and bridges. Choose an evening trip if atmosphere, sunset, and illuminated canals matter more to you.

The night option is not automatically better. Darkness can make it harder to identify architectural details, and the half-open boat may feel colder. Yet for a first night in Amsterdam, it can be a pleasant way to get an overview without committing to a full evening activity.

What the guides add to the hour

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the cruise. The best reports describe guides who are funny, approachable, and ready to share facts without turning the trip into a classroom. Roman and Rebecca have been singled out for creating a comfortable group mood, while Fred has been praised for being attentive and welcoming.

Names and staff can change, so do not book on the promise of a particular guide. The useful point is the style of commentary. You can expect English or Dutch, with information about the city mixed with informal conversation.

Some guides offer more city detail than others. One passenger felt the facts could have been stronger, while many others enjoyed the balance of information and humor. If you are curious about Amsterdam’s canals, ask questions as you pass. The crew appears willing to respond rather than simply recite a fixed script.

That flexibility is valuable on a smoke-friendly boat. People arrive with different expectations, and the guide has to keep the group comfortable without making the hour feel forced. The strongest feedback centers on hospitality, humor, and the ability to make people feel at ease.

Is $35 good value for one hour?

At about $35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on Amsterdam’s canals. You are paying for a one-hour boat ride, a live guide, the smoke-friendly setup, and two drinks on Central Station departures.

The value improves if you would otherwise buy two drinks separately and want the freedom to bring your own weed and snacks. It also saves you the trouble of finding a suitable smoking environment while sightseeing. For a group looking for a social activity, the relaxed format may be worth more than a standard narrated cruise.

The price is less compelling if you do not smoke, do not drink, or mainly want detailed history. In that case, compare the cost with a conventional sightseeing boat that may offer a more structured explanation or a fully enclosed cabin.

I think the best value comes from treating this as an introduction to Amsterdam rather than a complete tour. It gives you a useful look at the center, helps you get oriented, and can suggest areas you want to explore on foot later. The hour is short, but that can be an advantage in a packed itinerary.

Who should book the Bulldog Boat

This cruise is a good fit if you want:

• A relaxed adult activity near Central Station
• Permission to bring and smoke your own weed
• A casual guide rather than a formal presentation
• Two included drinks on the Central Station route
• A short overview of the Canal Belt and Amstel
• An evening outing that can finish near Leidseplein

It is less suitable if you want a quiet boat, a detailed history lesson, full weather protection, or step-free access. It is also not an option for anyone under 18 or for people who get motion sick.

You should be comfortable sharing the boat with other adults who are there for the same informal atmosphere. The experience is social, and the tone depends partly on the group and partly on the guide.

Practical advice before you go

Arrive 15 minutes early and find the blue beach flag at the water in front of Central Station. Do not rely on arriving at the last second, especially if you need to buy snacks or prepare anything before boarding.

Bring your own weed, food, warm clothing, and rain gear. The boat does not sell marijuana, and drinks are only included with the Central Station departure. If you choose a Leidseplein departure, bring your own drinks instead.

Check the endpoint before choosing a late trip. The last 8 pm or 9:30 pm sailing finishes at Leidseplein, while the Central Station location is the main meeting point described for the cruise.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Availability and start times should be checked for your date.

My recommendation: book it for the right kind of Amsterdam

I would book the Bulldog Boat if you want a social, adult canal ride with two drinks, an informal crew, and the option to smoke your own weed. The Central Station location is convenient, the Canal Belt views are worthwhile, and the hour is easy to fit between other plans.

I would skip it if you want a detailed lesson in Amsterdam architecture, a sealed cabin, or a fully accessible boat. For the best balance of scenery and atmosphere, choose a sunset or evening departure, dress warmly, and bring snacks. If that sounds like your kind of hour on the canals, $35 is a fair price for the setting and the freedom.

FAQ

How long is the Bulldog Boat cruise?

The cruise lasts one hour.

Where does the boat leave from?

The main departure point is in front of Amsterdam Central Station, on the water side near the stairs leading down to the canal. Look for the blue beach flag.

Which side of Central Station should I use?

Use the side with the water and tram stops 13 and 17. The boat does not leave from the side facing the Victoria Hotel.

Are drinks included?

Two drinks are included if you choose the Central Station departure. Additional drinks can be purchased on board.

Can I bring my own weed?

Yes. You can bring your own weed, but marijuana is not sold on board.

Can I bring food?

Yes. You can bring and eat your own snacks on the boat.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Dutch.

Does the boat operate in bad weather?

The boat is half open, so you should bring warm clothing and rain gear. The activity information specifically recommends preparing for cold or wet conditions.

Where do the late tours finish?

The last tour at 8 pm or 9:30 pm finishes at Leidseplein.

Who cannot join the cruise?

The cruise is not suitable for children under 18, people with motion sickness, or wheelchair users.