Amsterdam: The Bulldog Boat Smoke and Booze Cruise

Amsterdam looks best from the water. This one-hour Bulldog Boat cruise pairs the city’s canal views with a relaxed, 420-friendly setting, making it a fun choice if you want sightseeing without a stiff tour atmosphere. I especially like the chance to bring your own snacks and weed, plus the two complimentary drinks included when you depart from Central Station. The main drawback is the half-open boat, which can feel cold or wet, especially on evening trips.

The route passes Amsterdam’s old city wall, the Amstel River, and the Canal Belt, with a live English or Dutch guide pointing out sights along the way. I also like that the crew keeps the mood friendly and informal. Just remember that the Central Station and Leidseplein departures are different products, with different drink rules, and your ticket cannot be switched between them.

Key points to know before booking

• Central Station includes two drinks: Beer, wine, or soft drinks are included at The Bulldog departure point, with more available to buy.
• Leidseplein is fully bring-your-own: Bring your own drinks, weed, and snacks, as nothing is sold or provided there.
• The boat is 420-friendly: You may smoke on board, but the operator does not sell marijuana or smoking products.
• Expect a changing canal route: The boat follows the old city wall, Amstel River, and Canal Belt, but the exact route may vary.
• Dress for the water: The boat is half open, and evening rides can feel cold. Warm clothing and rain gear are sensible.
• The crew is part of the appeal: Guides such as Mia, Johan, and Giro have been praised for humor, facts, and a welcoming manner.

What this Amsterdam cruise is really like

This is not a formal sightseeing cruise with a polished script and rows of seats under a sealed roof. It is a short, social boat ride built around a simple idea: see Amsterdam from the canals while enjoying a drink and a smoke.

That difference matters. If you want a quiet, highly structured history tour, this may feel loose. If you want a casual hour on the water with a friendly crew, it fits the bill well.

The boat is half open, so you get a better feel for the air, bridges, and passing buildings than you would from behind glass. You also need to accept the tradeoff. Wind, rain, and evening temperatures are part of the deal. A jacket is not optional in cool weather, and a blanket would not be a silly thing to pack for a night cruise.

The cruise lasts one hour and returns to its starting point. That makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing, especially if you are staying near Central Station or Leidseplein.

Choosing between Central Station and Leidseplein

The two departure choices are not interchangeable, so read this part carefully before booking.

The Central Station departure begins at The Bulldog near the main dock in front of Amsterdam Central Station. This option includes two drinks. You can choose from beer, wine, or soft drinks, and additional drinks may be available for purchase. You need to bring your own snacks and weed because neither is sold on board.

This is the better value for many people. At about $28 per person, two included drinks help justify the fare, especially if you already plan to visit the canals. You also avoid having to carry your own alcohol onto the boat.

The Leidseplein departure begins at Leidsekade 100. This version does not include drinks, and the boat does not sell them. You bring your own booze, weed, and snacks. For some people, that is more convenient and flexible. For others, the Central Station option is simpler.

Check the departure point before you leave your hotel. A ticket booked for Central Station cannot be swapped for the Leidseplein boat. That is an easy mistake to make if you focus only on the cruise name.

Leaving the dock and settling into the ride

Boarding is generally straightforward, but allow time to find the correct meeting point. Central Station is a busy area, and Leidseplein has plenty of activity of its own. Have the booking details ready and confirm which departure you selected.

Once aboard, expect a friendly, informal start. The crew handles the boat and explains what you are passing as the cruise moves into the canal network. The tone is relaxed rather than ceremonial. You are there to enjoy the city, not sit through a long lecture.

The guide speaks English or Dutch. The strongest part of the experience is often the crew’s personality. Mia has been praised for funny stories and unusual facts, while Johan and Giro were singled out for being warm and informative. Names and crew members can change, but the pattern is clear: the staff can make this feel like a pleasant local outing instead of a routine ride.

The boat may not be full. One outing had around 15 people, which gave it a more personal feel. Group size can vary, so do not treat that number as a promise. Still, this is not presented as a huge party boat.

Following the old city wall into Amsterdam’s canals

The route begins by tracing part of Amsterdam’s old city wall before heading toward the Amstel River and the Canal Belt. You will see the city from a low, shifting viewpoint, with bridges and canal houses appearing at water level.

The route is not fixed. Weather, traffic, canal conditions, and the captain’s choice can affect where the boat goes. That is worth knowing if you are hoping to pass one exact building or bridge. The benefit is that the cruise can feel less mechanical, and repeat visitors may see a different section of the city.

The Canal Belt has UNESCO World Heritage status, and the boat gives you a compact introduction to this historic part of Amsterdam. You will not stop at individual sights. Instead, the guide points out attractions as you pass, giving you brief bits of history and local detail.

This format works best if you keep your expectations realistic. You will not get a full museum-style explanation of Amsterdam’s past in one hour. You will get a pleasant overview, some useful orientation, and changing views of the city.

The captain’s boat-handling also adds to the experience. Amsterdam’s waterways include tight passages and awkward turns, and the crew has been praised for steering confidently through them. On some trips, the movement of the boat becomes part of the fun, though anyone prone to motion sickness should think twice.

Smoking, drinks, and the onboard atmosphere

The main reason to choose this cruise is the ability to smoke on board. It is described as 420-friendly, and you may bring your own weed. The operator does not sell marijuana or smoking products, so arrange that before boarding.

The same rule applies to food and, on the Leidseplein option, drinks. There is no food service on the boat, but you can bring your own snacks. That is a useful perk because many canal cruises do not allow outside food.

At Central Station, the two included drinks help create an easygoing hour. You can sip beer, wine, or a soft drink while watching the canal houses slide by. At Leidseplein, you have more control over what you bring, but you also need to plan ahead.

Smoking is only one part of the experience. Several of the strongest outings were praised for the crew, the stories, and the views. If you are not interested in smoking, you can still enjoy the canals, but you may find a standard sightseeing cruise better suited to your priorities.

You should also be considerate of the people sharing the boat. The experience is designed for smoking, but a small open boat can carry odors and smoke easily. If that would bother you, this is not the right cruise.

Why the evening departure can be special

Night trips offer a different mood. Canal lights, reflections, and the quieter feel of the water can make the city look especially appealing. An evening ride is a good pick if you want atmosphere rather than daytime detail.

The catch is temperature. The open sides make the cold more noticeable after sunset, and one late outing was described as freezing despite being enjoyable. Bring warm layers, not just a light jacket. Rain gear is also sensible because heavy rain can lead to cancellation.

Daytime rides are the safer choice if you care most about seeing architectural details and staying comfortable. Evening trips suit you better if you enjoy lights, a slower mood, and a more social setting.

The tour may be canceled during heavy rain, with an automatic full refund. Ordinary cool or damp weather does not necessarily stop the boat, so dress as if the forecast might be slightly worse than expected.

Is $28 a fair price?

At roughly $28 per person, this is a reasonable price for a one-hour Amsterdam canal cruise, especially from Central Station where two drinks are included.

The value depends on how you use it. If you would otherwise pay separately for a standard canal cruise and drinks, the Central Station option makes good financial sense. You also get the unusual freedom to bring your own snacks and weed, which is the main point of difference.

The Leidseplein version is harder to judge on price because you receive no drinks. You are paying for the boat ride, guide, route, and the 420-friendly setting. That may still be worthwhile if smoking on the canal is your main reason for booking.

Do not choose this solely because it is the cheapest cruise in town. Choose it because the relaxed atmosphere and onboard rules match what you want. If the smoke-friendly setting has no value for you, another canal cruise may offer better use of your money.

Who will enjoy the Bulldog Boat most?

This cruise suits adults looking for an informal way to see Amsterdam. It works well for couples, friends, and small groups who want a drink, a smoke, and a change of pace between city sights.

You will probably enjoy it most if you:

• Like casual guides rather than formal presentations
• Want to bring your own snacks
• Prefer a social boat ride
• Enjoy seeing Amsterdam after dark
• Are comfortable with cool or damp weather
• Want a short activity that returns to its starting point

It is not suitable for anyone under 18. Children are not allowed, and unaccompanied minors cannot join. The boat is also not suitable for wheelchair users, and people with motion sickness may find the movement uncomfortable.

The experience can also be less satisfying if you want every canal and landmark explained clearly. Some commentary may be difficult to hear, especially when the guide is addressing part of the boat. One criticism was that the guide seemed to divide attention between different groups, leaving some information hard to follow.

That issue does not ruin the ride, but it is worth noting. Think of the commentary as a friendly layer on top of the canal views, not the sole reason to go.

Small details that can make the ride better

Bring a warm layer even in mild weather. Water reflects wind, and the half-open design gives you little shelter once the boat is moving.

Pack snacks in an easy-to-handle bag. You are allowed to eat your own food, but there is no onboard kitchen or food counter. Keep things tidy and avoid carrying anything awkward.

Check your exact start point twice. The Central Station and Leidseplein cruises have separate tickets and separate drink arrangements. This is the most important practical detail.

If you want the best chance of a memorable atmosphere, consider an evening slot, but only if you are prepared for the cold. Daytime is better for comfort and clear views, while night is better for lights and mood.

Keep your expectations flexible about the route. The boat may take different canals, and that is part of the nature of the trip. You are getting a moving view of Amsterdam, not a guaranteed checklist of landmarks.

Should you book this Amsterdam smoke cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed, adult-only canal ride where you can bring weed and snacks, enjoy a drink, and listen to a friendly guide. The Central Station option offers the strongest value because of the two included drinks.

I would choose the Leidseplein departure only if you prefer bringing your own drinks and supplies. Otherwise, Central Station is the easier choice.

Skip it if you need a fully enclosed boat, detailed commentary, wheelchair access, or a quiet smoke-free setting. For everyone else, this is a fun and unusual way to spend an hour, with the city’s canals doing most of the heavy lifting and the crew adding the human touch.

FAQ

How long is the Bulldog Boat Smoke and Booze Cruise?

The cruise lasts one hour and returns to the meeting point.

Where does the cruise depart?

You can book a departure from Central Station near The Bulldog or from Leidplein at Leidsekade 100. The meeting point depends on the option selected.

Are drinks included?

Two drinks are included with the Central Station departure. The Leidseplein departure does not include drinks, and you must bring your own.

Can I bring my own weed?

Yes. You may bring your own weed on the 420-friendly boat. The provider does not sell marijuana or smoking products.

Can I bring food?

Yes. You can bring your own snacks. There is no food sold on board.

Is smoking allowed on the boat?

Yes. Smoking is allowed on this 420-friendly canal cruise.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

No. This is an 18-plus activity, and children are not allowed.

What languages are spoken?

The live guide speaks English or Dutch.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing and rain gear. The boat is half open, so it can feel cold or wet, especially in the evening.

What happens if it rains heavily?

The cruise may be canceled during heavy rain. If that happens, you will automatically receive a full refund.

Can I change from the Central Station boat to the Leidseplein boat?

No. Tickets are valid only for the departure location selected when booking and cannot be swapped between the two locations.

Is the boat suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I join if I get motion sickness?

The activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness. The boat may move noticeably through tight canal passages.