The Netherlands · BOAT TOURS IN GRONINGEN
Good boat tours in Groningen fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Join family-run Rondvaartbedrijf Kool beside Groningen station for a one-hour canal cruise. You will pass Martinitoren, the Groninger Museum, Tasman Tower, medieval houses, and handsome bridges while an audio and text guide explains the city’s maritime past. Drinks and snacks are sold aboard.
“Lovely tour in miserable cold weather. A great way to enjoy an afternoon.”
Spend 1 to 1.5 hours on Groningen’s first floating terrace, cruising from the main station with a bar, drinks, snacks, soft seats, and a roof that opens in sun or closes in rain. This is a relaxed boat outing, not a historical tour with a guide.
“Absolut unterirdisch. Das Boot kam 30 min zu spät, keine Message, Anbieter nicht erreichbar. Die Fahrt von 1.5h wurde auf weniger als 60 min verkürzt, damit die nächste Gruppe rechtzeitig abfahren konnte. Absolut nicht empfehlenswert.”
You’ll cruise Groningen with an English-speaking skipper such as Jan, Dheis, or Paulina, passing the Martinitoren, Noorderhaven, AA-church, and canal warehouses. The open boat offers close views and unlimited drinks, but it has no cover, requires a step aboard, and is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users.
“Captain Paulina was great fun and very knowledgeable. Loads of drinks on the boat included.”
Spend an easy hour on Groningen’s canals aboard the spacious electric Pronkjewail. You’ll see sights including the Martini Tower, Groninger Museum, and old waterways while enjoying one included drink. Dutch, English, and German audio commentary explains the city’s past.
Spend one evening hour on Groningen’s canals with an English-speaking guide, wine, and a cheese platter. You’ll pass Central Station, Hoge en Lage der Aa, and the houseboats of Noorderhaven. Guides such as Huib and Jelle bring local stories, while the small group keeps the ride calm and personal.
“Het was een erg leuke rondvaart. De gids vertelde vol passie over de stad Groningen en wij vonden het erg leuk en leerzaam! De kaas en wijn was ook top! Wij zouden het zeker aanraden en wij willen Jelle enorm bedanken voor deze leuke ervaring!”
Spend about an hour on Groningen’s floating terrace, cruising past Oosterhaven, Central Station, Peerd van Ome Loeks, and the Groninger Museum. Order beer, wine, soft drinks, or hot snacks from the onboard bar. The roof folds back in sun and closes quickly in rain.
“Great experience, cozy ship and atmosphere while doing a little bit of sight seeing! If you want something else then the standard terrace, this is the way to go!”
Join Borrelvloot at Schuitendiep 1022 for a cozy Groningen canal cruise with Dutch or English commentary, music, and unlimited drinks. You’ll pass historic city sights, hear local tales, and return near Poelestraat after 1 to 1.5 hours. Optional snacks, barbecue, and beer tasting can be added.
Spend 90 minutes on Groningen’s first floating terrace, with a bar serving beer, wine, soft drinks, and hot vegetarian snacks. The boat passes Oosterhaven, Central Station, Peerd van Ome Loeks, and the Groningen Museum. A roof, heating, toilet, WiFi, and mobile ticket keep the ride comfortable.
“It was an hour with a boat that sailed in the most boring canal outside the city center, until a point, then did a U turn and came back... no guide, no interesting sights, loud music, a stolen hour that costs a lot... the team however were nice”
Spend about an hour on Groningen’s canals with a Dutch or English-speaking skipper. Enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, water, soda, beer, and wine, plus Dutch cookies, while hearing local stories and tips. Bente has earned special praise for her friendly guidance and advice on what to see after the cruise.
“Rondje Groningen met Bente. Ze deed het fantastisch en gaf goede tips over bezienswaardigheden om na de boottocht te doen. We hebben genoten! Dank je wel Bente!”
Pick a boat, a windmill or a gallery.
