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

If you like your Amsterdam slower, this is for you. The Bulldog Boat is the original smoke-and-booze canal cruise, and it turns the Canal Belt into a laid-back 1-hour hang with 2 included drinks.

I especially like the Central Station departure, right where you can jump in fast, plus the chill crew style, with guides like Roman and Rebecca showing up in feedback as both funny and genuinely informative. One drawback: it is a half open boat, so weather can be a real factor.

This cruise is also very clear about the rules, which makes it easier to enjoy. Bring your own weed and snacks, expect plenty of canal views, and let the English-speaking skipper steer you past the Canal Belt highlights. If you get motion sick, or you are not into smoke-friendly cruising, you should probably pick a different boat.

Key points before you go

• Original Bulldog Boat cruise, with the full smoke-and-drink vibe
• Departing from Amsterdam Central Station (in front of The Bulldog Boat) includes 2 drinks
• Half open boat, so pack for wind and chill
• 420-friendly cruising with a live English-speaking skipper and guide
• Route follows the Old City Wall to the Amstel River for major Canal Belt sights

Why the Bulldog Smoke Boat Feels Like a Proper Amsterdam Canal Moment

Amsterdam canals are good no matter what boat you pick. But this one has a specific energy: it is built for people who want to relax while moving through the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Canal Belt. You are not doing a classroom tour. You are doing a moving hangout with a skipper, commentary, and classic canal views rolling past.

I like that the experience is simple to understand. You light up, grab a drink, and then cruise. The guides also tend to keep things light. In feedback, people repeatedly point out the humor and the way the crew keeps the mood calm, even when conditions are cold or wet.

A second thing I like is the value angle. For $35, you get a canal cruise plus a live guide and two drinks when you depart from Central Station. In a city where “easy sightseeing” can get pricey fast, that combo helps you feel like you are paying for an actual experience, not just a seat on a boat.

Amsterdam Central Station Meeting: Fast Finder, Blue Flag, Stairs to the Water

The single biggest practical win is where you start. You meet right in front of Amsterdam Central Station, at The Bulldog Boat. That matters because it is easy to fit into almost any day, especially if you are arriving by train or bouncing between neighborhoods.

Here is how to locate it without wandering in circles:

• Look for the stairs down to the water in the Central Station area
• Trams stop nearby (13 and 17), which can help you orient
• The boat departs on the side not by the Victoria Hotel
• When you spot the crew, you should see a blue beach flag as your cue

Also do yourself a favor and use Google Maps, not Apple Maps for the location. It is a small instruction, but it can save you stress right before a departure.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. These tours run on tight timing because boats do not wait around forever, and you do not want to miss the moment you are supposed to start relaxing.

What You Can Bring Onboard: Weed, Snacks, Warm Clothes, No Sales On the Boat

This is a smoke-friendly cruise, and it is set up for BYO. That means:

• You can bring your own weed
• You can bring your own snacks
• The boat does not sell weed onboard
• It is also not a kid-friendly activity: not suitable for children under 18

You should also bring practical items that make the ride more comfortable. The operator advises warm clothing, rain gear if the forecast looks questionable, and a camera. That is not just “nice to have.” A half open boat means the air can cut through quickly, especially in evenings.

One more practical point: if you are hoping to buy anything extra on board, plan around the drinks policy. The cruise includes 2 drinks only when you depart from Central Station. If you take a later departure that ends at Leidseplein, the included drink details can differ, so check your departure point before you show up expecting a certain count.

On the Water: The 1-Hour Route Through the Old City Wall and Amstel River

The cruise is 1 hour long, and it is paced for good sightseeing rather than long stops. You start in the canal network, then you follow the route that takes you along the Old City Wall and onto the Amstel River.

What that means for you in real terms:

• You will see the Canal Belt highlights in a single, easy ride
• You get a different angle on Amsterdam than you get from streets and bike lanes
• You get a moving view while the guide points out what you are passing

Because the commentary is live and the crew runs it as a proper tour, you are not just sitting there. In feedback, people repeatedly mention that the guides and captains explain things in a relaxed way, and that they answer questions without turning it into a lecture.

You might also notice that routes can vary by time of day. Some feedback talks about doing it more than once and getting a different route. So if you are returning later in your trip, it is plausible you will see different parts of the city.

The Half-Open Boat Reality: Cozy Tips for Windy, Cold, or Rainy Weather

A half open boat is part of the charm, but it has a downside. You feel the weather. That is why I think the packing list matters here.

Bring:

• Warm layers you can move in
• A hat or something that blocks wind
• Rain gear if there is any chance of drizzle
• Snacks if you want more than just the included drinks

In feedback, people describe it as fun even in freezing weather. That lines up with the idea that the crew keeps the mood going, so you are not stuck in misery while you wait for dry clothes.

Also consider the seating. If you are sensitive to cold, you may want to choose your spot smartly when boarding, since half open boats can mean some areas get more wind than others.

Drinks and Atmosphere: Two Included, Plus a BYO Snack Style

When you depart from Central Station (The Bulldog), your ticket includes 2 complimentary drinks. You can purchase more drinks if you want to keep the vibe going.

This matters because it changes the feel of the trip. Without a hard “buy more to enjoy” pressure, you can relax from minute one. And since you are allowed BYO snacks, it is easy to make the hour feel like a real treat rather than a quick sightseeing stop.

What about the atmosphere? Feedback is consistently positive about the crew’s style:

• Guides are described as chilled, funny, and friendly
• People call out a comfortable, welcoming vibe
• Several names show up, including Roman and Rebecca, and also Fred in a few write-ups

My practical take: treat this like a “do it early in the day” sanity reset or an “end the day” wind-down. Either way, you are paying for the canal views, the humor, and the relaxed pace.

Night vs Late Afternoon: When the Canal Lights Make the Ride

Timing can seriously change how you experience Amsterdam canals. If you have flexibility, consider going when the light looks best.

From feedback:

• A 5pm-style departure gets praised for sunset on the water
• Evening tours are often recommended for the canal lights

If you want photos, night runs usually deliver more dramatic scenes. If you want a softer mood with less cold stress, late afternoon can be easier on your hands and feet.

One more route detail to plan around: the later departures (listed as 8pm or 9:30pm) finish at Leidseplein. So if you are thinking about dinner plans afterward, decide whether you want to end near Leidseplein or you would prefer Central Station area to keep transit simple.

Price and Value: Is $35 Worth It in Amsterdam?

$35 for a 1-hour live guided canal cruise with 2 drinks included from Central Station is a pretty solid value in Amsterdam terms. You are not just paying for movement on water. You are paying for:

• A guided experience with a live skipper/guide
• A specific theme, 420-friendly cruising
• A direct meeting point that is convenient, right at Amsterdam Central Station

Now, you should also be honest about what you get. This is not marketed like a museum-grade history tour. People who want heavy academic detail may find it more relaxed than they expect. But if you want city context plus laughs while you float past major sights, the format fits.

My value verdict: if you like the idea of mixing Amsterdam canals with an easy social vibe and you are okay with the smoke-friendly rules, this is one of the more straightforward “pay and enjoy” options at a reasonable price.

Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It

This cruise is a great match if you:

• Want a unique Amsterdam canal experience, with a smoke-friendly vibe
• Like chill guides and a relaxed pace rather than a strict sightseeing checklist
• Prefer the convenience of departing from Central Station
• Want an included drink or two to start the hour off right

You should skip it (or at least rethink it) if:

• You have motion sickness
• You need wheelchair accessibility
• You are traveling with children (under 18 is not suitable)

And if smoke on a shared boat is a deal-breaker for you, then this specific tour is probably the wrong fit. Even with good rules and clear BYO instructions, it is still a smoke-friendly experience.

Small Logistics That Make a Big Difference

A few details can make your hour smoother:

• Use Google Maps for the exact location
• Aim to arrive 15 minutes early
• Bring warm clothing and rain gear
• Bring your own snacks if you want more than just the drinks
• If you want photos, bring a camera and plan for wind (stow it safely)
• Pick your departure time based on whether you want sunset or night lights
• If you are doing a later tour, remember it can end at Leidseplein (8pm or 9:30pm)

Also note that the cruise is set up for convenience, with ticket line skipping mentioned as part of the experience. That helps when your day is already packed.

Should You Book the Bulldog Boat Smoke-Friendly Cruise?

Book it if your idea of Amsterdam is canals plus a relaxed vibe, and you are comfortable with the smoke-friendly format and BYO rules. The combination of a central departure, 1-hour timing, live guide, and 2 included drinks from Central Station makes it feel like a focused, good-value experience.

Don’t book it if cold wind and rain on a half open boat sounds miserable, or if motion sickness or accessibility needs are a concern. And if you want a deep, heavy history lecture, this is likely more about atmosphere than academic detail.

If you decide to go, I would choose the time based on your photos and your comfort. For that “wow” factor, night tours are often the move. For a softer feel and easier weather, late afternoon can be the sweet spot.

FAQ

Where does the Bulldog Boat cruise depart?

It departs right in front of Amsterdam Central Station from the side with stairs leading down to the water. You can recognize the boat by the blue beach flag, and it is described as not being on the Victoria Hotel side.

Are drinks included, and how many?

If you depart from Central Station (The Bulldog), the cruise includes 2 complimentary drinks. More drinks can be purchased. If you depart from Leidseplein, the drinks included are not stated as the same, so plan for that.

Can I bring my own weed and snacks?

Yes. You are able to bring your own weed and bring your own snacks. Weed is not sold on the boat, and there are Bulldog Coffee Shops in the area.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts 1 hour.

What should I bring for the ride?

Bring warm clothing, a camera, food/snacks, and rain gear in case weather turns.

Who is the cruise not suitable for?

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