Amsterdam: Canal Cruise on a Wooden Refugee Boat｜Netherlands

Rederij Lampedusa isn't just a shipping company; it's a meeting place, floating stage, and collective integration program. Our storytellers, people with refugee backgrounds - trained to become captains and guides - will sail you through Amsterdam on a colorful wooden boat that once ferried refugees across the Mediterranean.

We sail for 90 minutes through the canals or along the Amstel River, but this isn't your typical canal tour. Throughout the journey, you'll discover the enormous contributions to Amsterdam's success throughout the centuries, and witness how newcomers continue to enrich the city with their own unique stories.

Our guides will share their personal stories with you; some may make you laugh, and others may bring you to tears. Throughout the tour, there is space for meaningful conversation and interaction.

You will also learn about the journey of a fishing boat from Egypt, which was used by smugglers to transport dozens of people across the Mediterranean, and how two of these original refugee boats eventually found their way into the canals of Amsterdam.

The Lampedusa crew shows you another side of Amsterdam through their highly-rated and award-winning tours, often described by many as "one of their most meaningful experiences in the city."
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Our harbour is at Mediamatic: Dijksgracht 6 - Amsterdam (a 10 minute walk from the Central Station). Mediamatic is an art centre dedicated to new developments in the arts. They have a café and vegan restaurant. Feel free to enjoy drinks and food before or after your tour at this lovely venue.

You're also welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks aboard our boats.
We have open boats. Rain, or shine - we keep sailing. So, please come well prepared (rainjackets etc). However, in the case of severe weather, including thunderstorms, we will reschedule your tour for safety.