canal boat rides

In Amsterdam, we just walked up to the boats, picked one we liked and booked a ride. We will be in Delft soon, and in my research, I believe I heard to just "pick one, they are all the same, all good". I'd be interested to know if thats what others have found.

Have not done that yet. There are several companies like KIN boat and Stromma that have open and smaller boats.

I took a canal tour through Amsterdam when I visited in 2018 and I thought it was pretty cool, especially the education about the different architecture. I bought a ticket on-site vs. in advance, which isn't my norm, but it all worked out well and I enjoyed myself. Boat was fairly small--maybe 15 passengers?

In Haarlem, I highly recommend Haarlem Canal Tours https://haarlemcanaltours.com/en/. Skipper and owner, Jeroen, is very knowledgeable about Haarlem and is an engaging narrator. Open boat with maximum of 12 people on board.

I will add that in March, I had a very hard time finding any canal tours after dark in Amsterdam. Maybe that's just March. It was called the Titanic,aand I thought it was very well done.
https://flagshipamsterdam.com/boat/titanic/

We didn't do it on this trip but have on earlier trips. I noticed that there were two kinds of boats this spring -- the usual longish low canal boats with 30 or 40 people and still with canopies of glass. And there were small open motor boats that took about 6-8 people. I think if we were to do it again we would choose a small one.

We used Those Dam Boat guys which used a small boat. We enjoyed the tour very much

A second good review for the those damn boat guys canal cruise. Loved the small.boat and I think we took snacks with us like wine and cheese but not sure if it was that cruise or not.

Just used Thise Dam boat guys... wonderful... you must book..its only 8 persons and fills up fast.

+1 for Those Dam Boat guys. Plus you can buy beer there to take on the cruise! Good way to make friends. ;)

My husband I went with The Dam boat Guys several years ago and loved it.
We are going in another week with 1 daughter's family and 2 other grandchildren on a private tour with them.
The smoking ( although am not opposed)
I didn't want the grandchildren exposed and the. Daughter is allergic to smoke.
Their fun, "bring your own refreshments" is a plus.
I would always recommend them.
Suzanne

In front of the Rijksmuseum, the Stromma canal boat tour is great and they have audio commentary in English. One time we could slide the windows open and another time half the boat was open air convertible.
A little closer to Leidseplein is Blue Boat company and they are the only wheelchair accessible boat company, and offer earbuds and you plug in to select which language for audio commentary. Blue Boat also has later/ sunset tours at 9pm, as well for dusk photos. Both companies took similar routes but Blue Boat always went by Westerkerk. Booking online saves a few dollars and guarantees a spot.