Big Group Tour · One boat, your whole group, Leiden’s historic canals — up to 36 passengers, all year round
A private boat departs from the city centre and takes your whole group through Leiden’s historic inner-city canals — one boat, no strangers, room to actually be together rather than split across a shared sightseeing cruise. It’s built for groups who want the whole party on the water at once: birthdays, works outings, reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties. A drinks and snacks package can be added when you book.
A private boat: No sharing with strangers, just your own group up to 36 people and the captain.
No stress: A relaxed, easy 90 minutes through Leiden’s historic waterway with a tour tailored around your group.
A local captain-guide: Able to share stories and knowledge only a local can.
Drinks and snacks: Available as an easy add-on.
Evening departures available: For a magical, lit-up atmosphere on the water.
Flexible & personal: celebrating something special? Let us know and we’ll help make it memorable.
Make the most of Leiden’s quieter streets with this seasonal private cruise, available October through February. Snuggle under a heated blanket with a hot chocolate or glühwein as your captain guides you past the city’s best-loved sights. Prefer quiet? Your captain is happy to stay in the background and let you enjoy the ride in peace.
The Big Group Tour isn’t the only way to see Leiden from the water. View all our canal cruise options, including the Cosy Tour, Autumn and Winter Tour, Dutch Windmill Tour and Deep Dive Discover Tour, or explore our land-based Culinary, Cultural and Active tours if you’d rather stay on your feet.
The boarding location for the Big GroupTour is on Aalmarkt, or de Apothekersdijk in Leiden, both about a 7-minute walk from Leiden Central Station.
The Big Group Tour lasts 90 minutes. If you’d like something shorter or longer, send us a message, and we’ll see how we can accommodate you.
Leiden’s historic inner city: its canals, bridges and merchant houses, with the captain pointing out highlights along the way.
Our Big Group Tour is available in English and Dutch.
Plans can change and unforeseen things can happen; we understand! You can cancel or reschedule the Big Group Tour free of charge up to 72 hours before departure. If you book multiple big boats with us, we offer free cancellation up to 1 month before the departure date.
In daylight and evening — you choose a start time when booking. Evening tours offer a particularly atmospheric view of the lit-up canals.
Big Group Tours run in most weather, with umbrellas and blankets on board. We’ll contact you to reschedule if conditions become unsafe. We have options for closed boats but they depend on group size and availability. If you want to specifically book a closed boat, please contact us. In general we recommend to dress for the weather.
Guests need to step from the shore onto the boat. Unfortunately, we currently don't have wheelchair access available on all off our boats. If limited mobility might be an issue, please contact us so we can discuss the situation and look for solutions together.
Exploring Leiden on foot is a delight, but the city reveals a different character from the water. On a boat tour, you’ll drift along historic canals, pass beneath centuries-old bridges and admire the city’s distinctive architecture from an angle few visitors get to see. Along the way, you’ll hear about Leiden’s rich past and the stories behind its landmarks.Looking to pair sightseeing with a chance to unwind? A canal cruise offers the perfect balance of both. Discover our boat tour options here.
If you’d rather explore on land instead, our sister site Discover Leiden runs Culinary and Cultural tours year-round.
We advise you to be at the departure spot 10 minutes before departure so we can maximize your time on the water during the tour.
The Big Group Tour ranges from 14 to 36 passengers (€349 for the first 14, €12 per extra person). Want to take more people along? Send us a message, so we can discuss options.
The Big Group Tour runs all year from morning till well in the evening. You can book it through the booking button under the tour.
We are happy to create a custom, personal experience together with you. So please don't hesitate to convey your ideas and contact us.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Leiden, whether you’re browsing its museums, strolling through its historic streets or admiring its charming canals. But for an experience you won’t forget, head out onto the water. On a private canal cruise, you can settle in and watch the city’s historic scenery glide past, discovering a side of Leiden that stays hidden from those on land. You can check out boat tour options here
A Big Group Tour can be ordered through our website by clicking on the booking button under the tour. The button will open up a calendar where you can select your preferred date and time, select how many guests will be joining the tour, and select any other tour-specific options. You can find the Big Group Tour and the booking button underneath here.
Drinks and snacks on board can be ordered as an add-on, on the Big Group tour, so generally there’s no need, but you are welcome to bring your own. In case of special dietary requirements, please contact us by phone or through our contact form.
On our Big Group Tour, your captain doubles as your guide. With an in-depth knowledge of Leiden, they’ll share the city’s sights, history and plenty of fun facts as you cruise along. Have a question? Just ask, because your captain is happy to help.
We are a French senior couple. Yesterday we had a beautiful experience cruising with Discover Canal Cruises on Leiden city canals for 90 minutes. Just the two of us and our guide on a small electric boat. Martijn had even prepared a special information sheet in French so we wouldn’t miss any of his explanations. And special treat: we enjoyed some hot coffee with traditional waffles and licorice candies on the way.
I strongly recommend this company if you want a real personal experience.
We booked the Discovery Canal cruise on the 7th of October. Martijn helped us to book the tour, and he nicely explained all the details. Also shared the Google map link of the boarding point beforehand that helped us to reach the spot without any hassle.
Jonathan was our captain for the trip, and he was right on time with the boat. The boat was nice and cosy, and it also had electric blankets that can be used during the trip if any one feels cold. He also arranged numerous food and drinks that we relished through out the trip. Hot Gluhwein( really enticing ), Stroopwafel named a few of many items that was available on board for us.
He sailed through the beautiful canals of Leiden with explaining all the details about different eminent places. We mesmerized by the scenic sights of the Lieden. We were so engrossed in enjoying the tour that couldn't realise when the 90 mins got over. It was a memorable and serene tour. Definitely we recommend this tour to all and will come back again.
Thanks to Jonathan for giving us such an unforgettable experience.
We had a private cruise for 6 people with Johnathan. Brilliant experience! Communication was easy and the boat trip was wonderful with lots of information about Leiden and even some snacks and drinks on board. If you’re in Leiden it’s definitely the best way to see the city. Highly recommend!
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