Belgium · CANAL CRUISES & BOAT TRIPS
15 reviewed
Both cities were built to be seen from the water, and the boat is the cheapest good decision you will make in either. Bruges runs open launches around the Rozenhoedkaai; Ghent runs longer routes down the Graslei for less money. Below are the trips worth booking, with durations, prices and which combine the boat with a guided walk.
Glide through Ghent’s medieval center on a 50-minute guided boat trip past the three towers and Counts castle area, from $12 per person.
“Never missed a boat trip in every city I visited, it must do definitely when possible”
Bruges walking tour plus a 30-minute canal boat ride, with an optional Belgian beer tasting on English tours. 2.5 to 3 hours.
“The guide Maria was such a joy to be with, full of history knowledge and great enthusiasm leading us through the City stopping at places and projecting her good voice very clearly. She advised us of local cafes/restaurants when we asked her and we very much enjoyed Vlissinghe and Lizzi'es. Thank you Maria for our tour, you are the best!”
Bruges day trip from Brussels with a guided UNESCO walk, canal sights, and hours to shop for chocolate and lace. Optional boat ride.
“OMG the city is sooo beautiful and the history is interesting to learn about. Blanca was very knowledgeable and a good story teller. We had plenty of free time to do what we wanted after the tour. I HIGHLY recommend a trip in Brugge while in Belgium for sure!”
Bruges day trip from Brussels with a guided UNESCO walk, chocolate tasting, and optional canal boat ride, plus 4 hours to explore.
“Pablo was amazing at telling the history of Bruges. Definitely recommend!”
A 40-minute guided boat ride through Ghent’s medieval harbor, with big views of the Belfry, St Bavo’s, St Nicholas, and Gravensteen.
“Loved this boat tour! Our guide was hilarious and knowledgeable. The best combination! Fit so much into and details in during the boat ride. Highly Recommend!”
Guided Bruges walk with a 30-minute canal boat ride ending at De Halve Maan, in English. Local stories and top sights.
“Our guide Fabienne was a local and very knowledgeable. She was very funny and answered all our questions. The walk was interesting and we covered a lot of sights. The boats tour was in-between walks. Brilliant choice as we could rest before doing more walking. I would recommend this tour.”
A 40-minute Ghent city-center boat tour from Graslei, with multilingual stories, medieval stops, and close views of Gravensteen.
“Guide was informative, energetic, patient and helped me getting put of boat. I highly recommend this beautiful, relaxing tour.”
40-minute River Leie boat cruise in Ghent from Graslei 2A, with live English commentary and views of Graslei, Vleeshuis, Counts.
“The guide was absolutely fantastic, 5 languages seamlessly. Great stories, a few good jokes. A memory we will share for decades.”
See Ghent’s top sights on a guided walking route and canal boat trip, with Mystic Lamb art explained and smart local tips.
“A wonderful tour all around filled with interesting & scenic places which made for great pictures. Perhaps the best was our tour guide, Peter, who made history come alive & provided laughs all along the way. The boat ride was very good as well.”
Small-group Bruges day trip from Paris with a guide and canal cruise, plus time for chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer.
“Serge was an amazing tour guide! He gave us all the tips with how to navigate Brugee! Must see place and trip”
Private 1918 Antwerp Old Harbour boat tour through Het Eilandje with drinks, snacks, and an expert skipper. 90 minutes, up to 12.
“Kändes väldigt personlig och båten var så fin😁”
Bruges day trip from Zeebrugge with coach pickup, guided medieval walk, canal cruise, photo stops, and time in the Markt for shopping and waffles.
“Tour started out a bit disorganized. Tour guide Veronique was awesome. We saw a lot of the town and were given a lot of information.”
A 2.5-hour North Sea boat trip from Blankenberge to see offshore wind farms, led by a certified crew, with drinks, comfort, and big sea views.
“Wow! What an exciting adventure. Thank you to the professional and friendly team from water-taxi.be. You kept us updated on the changing weather conditions and treated us like royalty from arrival until departure. Great experience to witness the workings of green-energy. Truly a once in a lifetime experience for us.”
Self-guided Romantic Bruges canal quest with smartphone clues, 15 stops, and views from Boniface Bridge to Lake of Love.
“SO much fun!! We saw all the highlights of the city while solving puzzles. The clues were well written and we enjoyed exploring the different stops!”
Bruges shore excursion with a deluxe canal cruise from Zeebrugge, guided medieval highlights, chocolate time, and a ship-safe return.
“Cruise ship cancelled stop in this port because of weather and this company did not want to refund us because of the 24hr cancellation like we knew cruise was going to cancel, then tells us to ask cruise for refund, if you do not buy with the cruise, how can we ask for a refund? Unfair and by the way did not even considered we (4) bought all tours with them. Will definitely not recommend if you don't want to loose your money...”
