A boat cruise is the only way to see all eight windmills of the Zaanse Schans in one view, from the water, with the green merchant houses of Zaandijk on the opposite bank. Two operators run 25-minute cruises: Dutch Boat Tours from the main jetty at the village entrance (year-round, live English-speaking skipper, from about €10, bookable online below) and the Windmill Hopper from ‘t Glop next to De Huisman (April–September, not on Thursdays, €12.50 / €8.50, every 30 minutes).
- Duration25 minutes
- Pricefrom about €10 (Dutch Boat Tours) / €12.50 (Windmill Hopper)
- Departuresevery 30 minutes, year-round from the main jetty
- Boardingvillage entrance, next to the Zaans Museum
- Included in Cardno
What you see from the water
The boat leaves the jetty, turns onto the Zaan and passes the whole row of mills at a distance of a few dozen metres: De Huisman, De Gekroonde Poelenburg, De Kat, Het Jonge Schaap, De Zoeker, De Bonte Hen and De Os, with their sails turning above you when there is wind. On the far bank are the 17th- and 18th-century merchant houses of Zaandijk and the Honig Breethuis; downstream the cocoa factories that still give the village its chocolate smell. The skipper explains what each mill makes and why 1,100 of them once stood along this river. It is the best photo of the day: all mills in a row, no crowds in the frame.
The two cruises compared
| Dutch Boat Tours (book online) | Windmill Hopper | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Main jetty at the entrance, Schansend 1, next to the toilets and CacaoLab | ‘t Glop, next to De Huisman mill |
| Duration | 25 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Season | Year-round, weather permitting | April–September, closed on Thursdays |
| Frequency | Several departures a day | Every 30 minutes |
| Guide | Live skipper-guide, English and Dutch | Skipper narrates, English and Dutch |
| Boat | Open boat, max 25 people | Small boat, max 12 people |
| Price 2026 | From about €10 adult (option with open bar) | €12.50 adult / €8.50 child |
| Booking | Tiqets / GetYourGuide, free cancellation until 24 h before | windmillhopper.nl or at the jetty |
In July and August both boats fill up around midday; booking the Dutch Boat Tours cruise online for a fixed time saves waiting at the jetty. Outside the season Dutch Boat Tours is the only option.
Tip: sit on the right-hand side of the boat going out: the mills are on that bank first, and the afternoon light comes from behind you.
Tips
- Sit on the left (port) side going out for the mills closest.
- The cruise is a good first stop: it gives the layout of the village before you walk it.
- Combine with the Zaanse Schans Card for the museums and two mills; the boat is not included in the card.
- Rain: the boats have no roof; cruises are cancelled in heavy rain and refunded.
Book this experience
Zaanse Schans windmill cruise with live guide, 25 min (Tiqets) Free cancellation until 24 hours before.
Zaanse Schans cruise with live guide (GetYourGuide)
Zaanse Schans Card: museums & 2 windmills (Tiqets)
Stay nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Zaanse Schans boat tour?
25 minutes for both operators.
Where does the boat leave from?
Dutch Boat Tours from the main jetty at the entrance (Schansend 1); the Windmill Hopper from ‘t Glop next to De Huisman mill on the Kalverringdijk.
How much does the windmill cruise cost?
From about €10 per adult (Dutch Boat Tours) and €12.50 per adult / €8.50 per child (Windmill Hopper).
Is the boat trip included in the Zaanse Schans Card?
No, the cruise is a separate ticket.
Does the cruise run in winter?
Dutch Boat Tours runs year-round when the weather allows; the Windmill Hopper only from April to September.
Plan the rest of your day
- Things to do in Zaanse Schans
- Zaanse Schans Card: prices and what's included
- How to get to Zaanse Schans
- Windmills of the Zaanse Schans
- Day trips from Amsterdam
- Hotels near Zaanse Schans
- Volendam
- Edam