About Rederij de Wester

Rederij de Wester is a small, independent family-run canal cruise company in the heart of Amsterdam. We are not a large operator behind a “small brand,” but a truly local business built on personal service, quality, and genuine hospitality.

What started as a modest idea has grown into one of the top-rated canal cruise experiences in Amsterdam, with thousands of guests choosing us every year for a more personal and authentic way to explore the city.

Today, we are proud to be consistently recognized on platforms like Airbnb, Viator, and Tripadvisor, where we have received multiple awards and earned more than 10,000 reviews combined, reflecting the trust and appreciation of travelers from all over the world.

In fact, we have welcomed guests from over 75 different nationalities on board, creating a unique and social atmosphere where people connect, relax, and share the experience together.

Our focus has always remained the same: small-scale canal cruises with a personal touch. With a maximum of 15 guests per boat, every cruise feels intimate and relaxed, far away from the busy, crowded tour boats.

What truly sets us apart are our passionate local Amsterdam skippers. They don’t follow scripts or use standard audio guides, but instead share real stories, personal insights, and hidden details about the city, making each cruise unique.

Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time or returning to discover more, our goal is simple: to create a calm, authentic, and memorable experience on the water.

With comfortable boats, all-inclusive drinks, and typical Dutch snacks like bitterballen, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy Amsterdam the way it’s meant to be experienced, from the canals, in good company, and at your own pace.

Many of our guests say it feels less like a tour and more like being on a boat with friends. That’s exactly what we aim for, every single day.