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

A 1-hour canal cruise where you can smoke legally on the boat is the kind of Amsterdam detour that feels genuinely different from the usual hop-on, hop-off or dinner cruise. The Bulldog Boat is the original operator people talk about when they say smoke cruise, and it departs right from Amsterdam Central Station.

I like that you get a chill, social vibe without giving up the “see Amsterdam” part. You also get two included drinks when you start at Central Station, so you can settle in fast. One catch to plan for: it’s a half open boat, so cold and wind can be real, especially in evenings.

My other favorite bit is how the crew keeps things relaxed but still gives you useful city context as you glide past the canal belt. On recent rides, the humor and the back-and-forth energy were a big deal, with hosts like Roman and Rebecca showing up in reviews. Just keep in mind it’s not suitable for kids under 18, and it can be a rougher call if you get motion sickness.

Key things that make this cruise worth your hour

• 420-friendly cruising: you can smoke on board, plus relax with a drink
• Central Station departure: the meeting point is right by tram stops 13 and 17, with a clear waterfront stairs setup
• Two drinks included (from Central Station): value is built into the base price
• Half open boat: you get fresh air and views, but you need warm layers
• Route along classic canals: you follow the old city wall and head toward the Amstel River highlights
• Bring your own snacks and weed: it is BYO for both, and the boat is also eat-on-board friendly

Why a smoke-friendly canal cruise is a fun Amsterdam twist

Amsterdam already has a strong “do what you feel like” culture, and the Bulldog Boat turns that into a scenic, social activity. Instead of treating cannabis like a side quest, this cruise makes it part of the experience, with the boat set up so you can smoke while you enjoy the canal belt views.

The payoff is simple. You are outdoors on the water, you are moving, and you are not stuck with museum rules or restaurant schedules. You are seeing canal life from the inside lane, with the city sliding by in postcard angles and street-level detail.

Now, I want to be fair: this is not a high-speed party boat. The vibe is more “relaxed cruise with laughs” than “club night.” Reviews consistently mention a mellow atmosphere, with guides and skippers keeping things casual but still offering commentary that helps you connect the buildings and bridges to the bigger picture.

Getting on board: Central Station is your anchor point

If you are worried about Amsterdam logistics, this cruise is at least easy on paper. You meet right in front of Amsterdam Central Station. Look for the tram stops numbered 13 and 17, then find the stairs going down to the water on the correct side.

The important detail is that the boat departs from the Central Station side by The Bulldog, not from the Victoria Hotel side. If you like visual clues, your crew uses a blue beach flag to help people spot the boat quickly.

Practical tip: use Google Maps, not Apple Maps, to navigate to The Bulldog Boat Central Station. Arrive 15 minutes early so you are not rushing through the station area, down the stairs, and onto a boat with a strict departure time.

The half open boat: comfort tips that actually matter

This is where you win or lose your experience. The boat is half open, which is great for views and air circulation, but it means you feel the weather.

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Rain gear
• A camera
• Food/snacks
• Anything you need to stay comfortable if the wind picks up

Even if it looks mild when you start walking to the water, evenings can cool fast. Reviews mention people feeling comfortable even when it was cold, and the crew seems used to helping folks get set at the right spots on board. Still, you do yourself a favor by layering up like you mean it.

Also, if you have motion sickness, plan carefully. This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it’s also not listed as a great fit for people prone to nausea on moving boats.

What you can bring, what you don’t buy on board

Here is the heart of the tour: it is BYO for cannabis and snacks.

You should bring:

• Your own weed (you can smoke on board)
• Your own snacks (the boat is set up so you can eat your own food)

You should not expect to buy cannabis there. The boat does not sell weed. And drinks work the same way depending on where you board:

• If you depart from Central Station, the tour includes 2 complimentary drinks
• If you depart from Leidseplein (later tours), drinks are not included, so you’d need to bring your own or purchase separately as directed

Good to know: the cruise does not frame weed as the only point. You still get a guided canal cruise, so you can smoke, sip, eat, and then follow the commentary as you pass sights.

The canal route: what you see during the 1-hour cruise

You are on the Amsterdam Canal Belt UNESCO canal network for the big highlight visuals, and the route is designed to hit classic “this is Amsterdam” moments without dragging on.

Your cruise follows the old city wall onto the Amstel River, which gives you a nice mix: tight canal views close to historic streets, then a broader river-feeling stretch as you move along.

You should expect:

• Photogenic canal bridges and housefronts
• Landmark views that make it easier to understand why Amsterdam is protected and famous for this canal layout
• A smooth ride where the city is the main show

One reason the tour works for first-timers is that an hour is long enough to see a meaningful chunk of canal belt but short enough that you do not burn your whole day. After the cruise, you usually have the energy to walk around and explore the areas you liked most.

Also worth noting: routes can vary by time of day. One review mentioned that on a second visit, the route changed enough to feel like a fresh experience. That means if you plan your trip with flexibility, you might choose a daytime cruise one day and a night option later.

The guide and skipper vibe: chill, but not silent

This is one of those tours where you feel the difference between a “ride” and a “hosted experience.” The commentary is live, and it is meant to keep you connected to what you are seeing.

Language options include English and Dutch, so you can choose an English-speaking guide if that matters to you.

What stood out in reviews:

• Guides that are described as easygoing but also super informative
• A sense of humor that keeps the hour light
• Hosts who answer questions and adjust to the group

People also mention the captain or skipper as experienced. That matters more than it sounds. On a canal boat, the smoothness of navigation affects how much you actually enjoy the views. A skilled skipper helps you relax so you can focus on the scenery and the cruise rhythm.

If you get Roman or Rebecca, consider that a bonus. Names pop up in reviews, and you might be lucky enough to get one of the guide duos people raved about.

Drinks and value: how the $35 cost works in real life

At $35 per person for about 1 hour, this cruise is not overpriced for Amsterdam entertainment, especially because value is built in.

When you depart from Central Station, the included 2 drinks help you compare the price to other canal options that charge extra once you are on board. If you were already planning to buy drinks during your Amsterdam day, this can feel like you are paying mostly for the boat and guide, not for every little add-on.

A smart budgeting move:

• Decide where you want to depart (Central Station vs. the later Leidseplein option)
• If you care about included drinks, plan for the Central Station departure
• Bring your snacks so you avoid paying Amsterdam pricing for convenience

And remember: if you are traveling with friends, this is a good “split the cost, keep it easy” activity. One hour on the water is also a nice break from constant walking, especially if you are doing museums plus nightlife after.

Timing: sunset and night lights can change the whole feel

If you have a choice, consider going later in the day. Reviews mention the best vibes for night cruising, with lights on the canals and a relaxed evening atmosphere.

The last tours you might see finish at Leidseplein (depending on whether you choose the 8pm or 9:30pm departure). That matters for planning the rest of your evening.

If you want to:

• Continue your day with minimal extra travel, choose a time that ends where you already want to be.
• Experience Amsterdam in a more magical lighting mood, pick the later departure.

Either way, pack for the conditions. A warm drink and a good layer beat chasing the weather.

Who this tour is best for

This cruise fits best if you want:

• A scenic canal activity with a social, relaxed tone
• The option to smoke on board while you watch Amsterdam slide by
• A guided hour that is not painfully formal or lecture-heavy

It’s also a good fit if you are traveling with people who want the same vibe, because the experience is more communal than quiet. Reviews mention small-group energy and a friendly atmosphere, which tends to work well for couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers who do not mind meeting others.

It is not a great fit if:

• You are traveling with kids (it’s not suitable under 18)
• You have motion sickness
• You need wheelchair access (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)

Practical tips so you feel confident on arrival

Here’s how to make the day smoother.

Before you go:

• Layer up. Half open boat means wind is part of the outfit.
• Bring rain gear, even if the forecast seems okay.
• Pack snacks so you are not trying to solve hunger on the spot.
• Bring your weed if you plan to smoke. There is no weed sold on board.

On the ground:

• Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Use Google Maps to find The Bulldog Boat Central Station.
• Watch for the blue beach flag and the correct set of stairs near the tram stops.

During the cruise:

• Take the opportunity to ask questions. The hosts seem comfortable answering and keeping the pace friendly.
• Bring your camera, but also put it down sometimes. The hour moves fast when you’re relaxed.

Should you book the Bulldog Boat Smoke-Friendly Cruise?

If you are the kind of traveler who likes doing one memorable, slightly different Amsterdam thing, this is an easy yes. The combination of UNESCO canal views, a live guide, and a boat environment where you can smoke and enjoy two included drinks from Central Station makes it feel like good value for your time.

I would book it if you:

• Want a casual, guided canal hour
• Plan to buy drinks anyway
• Are okay with cold wind and you brought the right layers
• Are traveling with adults only

Skip it if you:

• Get motion sickness easily
• Need wheelchair access
• Want a quiet, strictly educational museum-style tour instead of a hosted, chat-friendly cruise

If you do book, pick your departure time based on your mood. Day or sunset can be scenic, but evening cruises are where people often feel the magic most strongly.