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

A smoke-friendly canal cruise is a rare Amsterdam twist. This Bulldog Boat ride turns the usual canal tour into a laid-back hour where you can light up, sip, and watch the Canal Belt glide by.

Two things I like a lot: you get the original Bulldog Boat setup (the one that kicked this concept off in Amsterdam), and the cruise is built around a relaxed vibe with a skipper and live English-speaking guide keeping things moving. I also appreciate the simple value math: at the Central Station departure, your ticket includes 2 drinks.

One drawback to think about first: it’s not suitable for motion sickness, and it’s a half-open boat, so cold or rain can hit harder than on fully enclosed tours.

Key highlights at a glance

• Original Bulldog Boat cruise, the one that started this smoke-friendly canal idea in Amsterdam
• Central Station departure with 2 complimentary drinks and BYO weed
• Half-open boat, great for photos and air, but bring warm layers
• UNESCO Canal Belt sights with commentary from a live English-speaking skipper/guide
• Route follows the Old City Wall to the Amstel River
• Common timing ends at Leidseplein on later departures (8pm or 9:30pm)

What the Bulldog Boat Smoke Cruise Really Changes in Amsterdam

Most canal cruises are about sitting quietly, pointing at sights, and trying not to lean over the rail too enthusiastically. This one nudges the whole experience in a different direction—social, slow, and very Amsterdam-in-its-own-way.

You’re on a traditional canal route through the Amsterdam Canal Belt UNESCO area, but the “event” component is baked in. You’re allowed to smoke your own weed onboard, and you’ll get a drink to start the evening off right. The boat is also half open, which means you get that direct canal-air feel instead of being sealed inside like you’re on a floating bus.

From the vibe people describe, the crew tends to keep it chill but organized: you’re not left to wonder what’s going on, and the commentary style is often described as funny and easy to follow. In multiple guide names that get mentioned, you’ll see a pattern of friendly hosting—people call out staff like Roman, Rebecca, and Fred by name in different departures.

The experience is best thought of as a short, scenic “reset” in the middle of your Amsterdam plans. One hour goes fast, especially if you choose an evening departure.

Central Station Pickup: How to Find the Boat Without Stress

Getting to the dock is the make-or-break part of any cruise. Here, the meeting point is in front of Amsterdam Central Station, and the details matter because Central Station has multiple sides and busy tram stops.

Here’s what you should do:

• Aim for 15 minutes early so you’re not rushing down the stairs.
• Look for the tram stops 13 and 17 in front of Central Station.
• Go to the stairs down to the water on the side that is not the Victoria Hotel side.
• Find the boat recognized by a blue beach flag.

For navigation, use Google Maps, not Apple Maps. It sounds minor, but Amsterdam streets and dock entrances can be finicky, and you want the route that actually lines up with the correct water access.

Practical tip: If you’re coming from the station platforms, give yourself extra time for foot traffic. You’ll want your brain working on the canal highlights, not on where that dock went.

Drinks and BYO Weed: What’s Included, What’s Not

The ticket is designed around a clear split: the cruise runs, the guide talks, and—on the right departure—you get drinks. Everything cannabis-related is BYO.

Included when departing from Central Station

• Canal cruise + guide
• 2 drinks included (if you choose the Central Station departure)

You can also purchase additional drinks onboard if you want to keep the pace going.

Not included

• Marijuana/weed: you bring your own
• Weed sales: the boat does not sell weed
• Snacks are on you too: the operator encourages bringing your own snacks, and you can bring and eat them onboard.

One more practical point: if you pick a departure from Leidseplein, the information you have says the included drinks situation changes—assume you may need to bring your own drinks for that option. So when you’re booking, double-check which dock you’re departing from.

Bottom line: if you plan to smoke, this is a much more straightforward arrangement than trying to coordinate coffee shops, timing, and a cruise all separately.

The Route: UNESCO Canal Belt, Old City Wall, and the Amstel River

This is a guided hour through the Amsterdam Canal Belt, which is the big UNESCO area packed with canal houses, bridges, and classic water-town visuals. You’ll be cruising past the canal highlights rather than doing a random loop.

You’re also told the route follows:

• the Old City Wall
• then onward to the Amstel River

What that means for you on the boat: you’ll get a mix of tight canal views and the sense that Amsterdam opens up as you swing toward the Amstel. You’ll also have plenty of photo moments because the boat is half open, and you won’t feel as boxed in.

Even if you’re not a history buff, this kind of route is useful because it helps you see the city’s “shape.” After your cruise, you can look at canals later in your day and understand why certain bridges and waterways feel important.

And yes, timing matters. If you go at night, you’re positioned to enjoy canals with lighting and reflected glow. People repeatedly bring up that night departures feel better for vibes and views.

Skipper + Guide Energy: Chill Hosts with Live Commentary

There’s a reason this cruise gets high marks so consistently. It’s not only the smoke-friendly aspect; it’s the way the experience is hosted.

You’ll have:

• an English speaking skipper guiding the boat
• a live English/Dutch guide offering commentary

Multiple comments highlight that the guides are both funny and informative, with a “easy to talk to” style. You’ll also see mentions of the crew being attentive—helping people get comfortable, keeping the mood light, and making sure you actually enjoy the hour rather than simply enduring it.

Some examples of names that show up in feedback include Roman, Rebecca, Fred, and other crew members. I wouldn’t treat those as guaranteed for your date, but they give you a sense of the personalities involved.

If you prefer a cruise where people explain what you’re seeing in plain terms, this is the right format. If you want a silent photo tour, you might find the commentary a bit chatty—but most people come here specifically for the atmosphere.

Half-Open Boat Reality: Dress Like You’ll Get Wind

This boat is half open, which is a big deal in Amsterdam. In summer, that’s a pleasant breeze. In winter or on a drizzly day, it’s a full-body reminder that you’re on water.

The essentials they tell you to bring are exactly what you should listen to:

• warm clothing
• rain gear if the forecast looks uncertain
• a camera (you’ll want it)
• food/snacks for the ride

One thing I’d add for comfort: layer. You want the option to peel off if you warm up from moving around at the dock before departure. Once you settle, you’ll appreciate being able to adjust.

Also, since the boat is half open, plan to hold your phone/camera securely when you’re snapping photos. Wind on canals can be sneaky.

Price and Value: Is $35 for One Hour a Good Deal?

At $35 per person for a 1-hour cruise, this is priced in the “short but meaningful” category. The key reason it feels like good value is that it’s not just a generic canal ride.

You’re paying for:

• the cruise time itself
• live hosting and guidance
• and, from the Central Station departure, 2 complimentary drinks

The smoke-friendly permission also changes the equation. If you’re someone who wants to smoke during the canal portion, you’re not trying to fit that plan into Amsterdam’s usual rules and logistics. You’re doing it in one smooth timeline: meet at Central Station, get your drinks, bring your own weed, enjoy the route.

Is it for everyone? No. If you don’t drink and don’t plan to smoke, it may feel like you’re paying extra for features you won’t use. But if those are part of your Amsterdam style, the value is straightforward.

One more value point: the experience is described as relaxing with an hour that can feel short in the best way. That matters. You don’t want to spend your day stuck on a boat that feels long. This one is built for an efficient hit of canals.

Timing Tips: Best Departures and the Leidseplein Finish

You’ll see departures at different times, including later ones where the tour finishes around Leidseplein. Specifically, the information here notes the last tour (8pm or 9:30pm) finishes at Leidseplein.

So plan your next step:

• If you like evening lights, consider a later departure.
• If you want an easier connection back to Central Station area, earlier may keep you closer (but your exact route end depends on the departure time).

In general, night rides are popular because the canals look different after dark. Even if you’re not chasing a nightlife plan, a lit canal hour feels more “Amsterdam movie scene” than daytime.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Should Skip It)

This cruise is a strong match if you:

• want the Amsterdam Canal Belt experience in a fun, social format
• plan to bring your own weed
• like being guided through the city rather than just wandering the canals yourself
• appreciate a short tour with a clear start and finish

It’s not the best fit if you:

• are under 18
• have motion sickness
• use a wheelchair (not suitable)
• prefer enclosed, climate-controlled boats in rough weather

Also think about your comfort level with a half-open deck. Even confident winter travelers need to dress for wind off the water.

If you’re traveling with friends and you want one shared activity that feels different from museums and walking tours, this is a good candidate.

Should You Book the Amsterdam Bulldog Boat Smoke Cruise?

If your idea of a great Amsterdam day includes canals, a guide, and a little permission to make the experience more personal, I’d say this is worth booking. The combination of Central Station convenience, 2 included drinks, and the ability to bring and smoke your own weed creates a very specific kind of “one-hour Amsterdam” that other cruises often can’t replicate.

Book it if you:

• want a guided canal hour with a relaxed, social tone
• are planning to use the BYO smoking part of the experience
• don’t mind dressing for wind and possible rain

Skip it if you:

• hate the idea of a half-open boat
• get motion sickness
• need accessibility options beyond what’s listed as suitable

Finally, check the departure dock you’re choosing. Central Station is the version with the included 2 drinks, and that detail changes the value.

This one-hour cruise is short enough to fit any itinerary, but it’s memorable enough to become the activity you tell people about later.

FAQ

How long is the Bulldog Boat smoke-friendly cruise?

The cruise lasts 1 hour.

Where do I meet the tour?

You depart right in front of Amsterdam Central Station, with tram stops 13 and 17 nearby and stairs leading down to the water. Look for a boat marked with a blue beach flag, and use Google Maps to find the correct dock.

Are drinks included?

For departures from Central Station, the tour includes 2 complimentary drinks. If you depart from Leidseplein, drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring your own.

Can I bring and smoke my own weed?

Yes. You can bring your own weed and smoke it during the cruise. The boat does not sell weed onboard.

Can I bring snacks?

Yes. You can bring your own snacks, and the information provided notes you can eat them on board.

Is this cruise suitable for children or wheelchair users?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 18 and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring warm clothing, rain gear if needed, and a camera. It also helps to bring food/snacks for the ride. Arrive about 15 minutes early.