40-Minute Guided boat trip in medieval Ghent
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40-Minute Guided boat trip in medieval Ghent
By De Bootjes Van Gent - Rederij Dewaele
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 60 per group
Duration: 40m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, French, Dutch
More
Written guide: German, Russian, Japanese, Italian, Spanish
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
More
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Driver/guide
- On-board commentary in several languages
What's not included- Drinks (available for purchase at the jetty)
- Start:
- Korenlei 4a, 9000 Gent, BelgiumKorenlei 4A, 9000 Gent The green boathouse near the bridge.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 86618P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- From november 1st to march 31st: 11 departures a day at 10:45 – 11:15 - 11:45 – 12:15 - 12:45 – 13:15 - 13:45 – 14:15 - 14:45 – 15:15 - 15:45
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them on- and off-board.
- Your ticket is valid for one boat trip on the date you have selected. You can choose when to board the boat, during the opening hours.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 60 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 86618P1
From
$10.69
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Korenlei 4a, 9000 Gent, BelgiumKorenlei 4A, 9000 Gent The green boathouse near the bridge.
- Pass byHet Belfort van GentSt. Bavo's CathedralGravensteenPrinsenhof
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- flawny0 contributionsGreat way to see GhentA boat tour always provides a different perspective and angle to take photos. The company was really good to answer questions via email. I booked online as I wasn’t sure how many boats would be running or how full they might be. I ended up changing my booked time and it was no issue. The boat was comfortable and the commentary was informative. The boat captain provided the tour in 3 languages. Good tour and well priced for what you get. Approximately 50 minutes.Written November 18, 2019
- bosphorus1040 contributionsNice boat ride, 90% in GermanWe enjoyed the tour, but 90% of it was spoken in German, even though we were told it would also be in English.Written June 6, 2019
- IanW7530 contributionsGreat little boat ride40 minutes of relaxing, historical and interesting information. Great way to see the city. Our guide, Pablo was charming (according to the Mrs!) and well informed. Good value for money. Thank you.Written May 3, 2019
- Darlene35010 contributionsTerrible guideMaybe this trip is OK if you get a decent guide. Unfortunately we didn’t. His commentary was infantile, narcissistic, uninformative and frankly vulgar. The trip doesn’t really take you far (thank goodness in this case). You will see more by walking.Written April 18, 2019
- Samiya70 contributionsJust OkayWe took a boat tour at 5pm and selected the closed boat because it was drizzling and cold outside. The tour was short, didn’t travel far and wasn’t that informative. We also had a screaming child behind us on the whole trip (annoying but not the operator’s fault). I would not spend the money on this boat tour unless you purchase the city pass. It is included in the city pass.Written March 3, 2019
- Steven S0 contributionsGreat way to get a feel of waterwaysTrip took only about 35 minutes- so it is easy to work in between other tourist attractions. You go under a number of bridges - watch your head- don't stand up- one distracted father of a small child did, suddenly to care for the child- and nearly was decapitated- he got a long scolding from the captain!Written February 13, 2019
- GoNoles0 contributionsGreat Tour guidePatrick was a really fun and funny tour guide. He did the tour in three different languages so that everyone could enjoy it thoroughly. You get enough history to understand the past but not too much to overwhelm.Written September 23, 2018
- johnbarrett070 contributionsThis was a great way to see things from the water.So if you don't want to walk or want to see things differently, for 7 euros you can and it is very well worth it. You will be shown and told things you wont get on any walking tour and see things from a different angle. As a result I would highly recommend this 40 minute tour. Take a walking tour as well if you want.Written September 25, 2017
- ayaa19770 contributionsNice, Short, and AffordableThis boat trip takes 40min and it costs €7pp. It is very informative about the history. The weather was amazing and so we also managed to get some great picture as well.Written September 1, 2017
- leewalton20150 contributionsA Pleasant InterludeThe ride seemed to be about 40 minutes (I didn't time it). The pilot was knowledgeable, and, after determining which languages the passengers spoke, was conversant in all. I can't speak for the other languages, but his English was excellent. Hint: I sat near the front, and was able to get pictures looking forward without 10 other cameras propped up in front of me. I took the same tour the next day (different lens) and the spiel was consistent- I don't say that as a bad thing. Both of my tours were on sunny afternoons, a luxury that others may not have. I hope to get back to Ghent next year, and would very happily take the same tour again.Written December 22, 2016
- BecBec60 contributionsWorth the cash, but could be more comprehensiveAt 7 euro, you get good quality for money and an interesting tour. The area you cover is quite short though, and rather and a history or gent or a story, you get more just random facts about the buildings. Worth doing, but if you want to see more of the city I'd look elsewhere.Written August 27, 2016
- Louise H0 contributionsGood and Different ViewsThis is worth 7 euros for the trip. Easy enough to pick up by the canal side and no wait on the Saturday. The commentary by the boat driver is ok but you have to wait for about 3 other languages. There you see sights you wouldn't know were there.Written July 30, 2016
- Marcia L0 contributionsWonderful informative tripWe enjoyed this so much we went two days in a row. The drivers easily launch into five languages back and forth. They point out sights that you will want to venture out to see on foot. They give a humorous presentation geared to the particular audience. HIghly recommend and it is an inexpensive 45 minute ride along the river and canals.Written May 20, 2016
- spyro m0 contributionsA fun and relaxing way to see / learn about GentThe Boats of Gent was a very fun way to tour and see the city. While the canals are not as big or expansive as lets say Bruges, the history and architecture made for a fascinating ride. Taking a beautiful and relaxing tour on a boat in Gent can never be a bad idea.Written May 4, 2016
- KentSharon020 contributionsGreat TourHad a fabulous boat tour from this company. Had a tour in English with a delightful young gentleman who took us to all the historic places with a great story for each place and area.Written October 16, 2015
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
228 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
75
Average
24
Poor
15
Terrible
8
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Paulo_Carneiro_21
Rio de Janeiro, RJ501 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
The boat ride is quite interesting as the captain tells a lot about the history of that old part of the city, seen from another angle, now sailing through the canals. The 45min walk cost 10 euros per person. It's very worth it.
Automatically translated
Written January 8, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elijah K
Vienna, Austria25 contributions
We went into this trip not expecting too much, but it actually turned out to be a very interesting experience! The guide introduces you to all the most important sights and tells stories about their history.
Especially if you are short on time, this tour can give you the cheap and short overview of Ghent that you need to decide what you want to see there, can definitely recommend this!
Especially if you are short on time, this tour can give you the cheap and short overview of Ghent that you need to decide what you want to see there, can definitely recommend this!
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, we're glad you enjoyed the trip, and hope you had a lovely time in Ghent!
Written September 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KingOfTheNorth99
Windsor, UK673 contributions
The 40 min tour was €33 for a family of four. The content was very interesting (and funny) and I think the water tour gives you an additional perspective with new views from the walking tour. Absolutely worth it.
Written February 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review, we are so glad you and your family enjoyed the trip!
Written March 14, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian Postma
Bolsward, The Netherlands9 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Very nice trip. Friendly captain who immediately asks which languages are necessary for the explanation. He gave very nice insights about the city and its history and from the water you still have a different view of the city than walking. For the money definitely recommended!
Automatically translated
Written December 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris B
Houston, TX72 contributions
45 minutes of uncomfortable. Had a terrible experience, 10% my fault, 20% other customers, 70% the tours problem. A few key issues:
1. I did not wear a wide brim hat - scorched in the sun without any shade for 45 mins - my fault.
2. The boat is WAY TOO SMALL for the number of passengers the cram on. 38 in a boat built for 12 to sit comfortably. I saw it was small and boarded early to get a decent seat. BIG mistake. As more and more people arrived we were pushed to the back. I ended up wedged with my knees jammed under my chin and shins resting against a red hot engine cover.
3. A red hot, vibrating, blaring loud diesel engine, put me into a mind numbing pain cloud for 45 minutes.
4. Good luck hearing the tour guide. When the engine is blaring you hear nothing. Also, he drones on in a monotone soft voice that sounds a lot like Charlie browns mom. He also does the tour in 4 languages - which should be amazing - except, the French people listen when he is speaking French and then proceed to discuss everything loudly in French during the non-French portions of the tour.
1. I did not wear a wide brim hat - scorched in the sun without any shade for 45 mins - my fault.
2. The boat is WAY TOO SMALL for the number of passengers the cram on. 38 in a boat built for 12 to sit comfortably. I saw it was small and boarded early to get a decent seat. BIG mistake. As more and more people arrived we were pushed to the back. I ended up wedged with my knees jammed under my chin and shins resting against a red hot engine cover.
3. A red hot, vibrating, blaring loud diesel engine, put me into a mind numbing pain cloud for 45 minutes.
4. Good luck hearing the tour guide. When the engine is blaring you hear nothing. Also, he drones on in a monotone soft voice that sounds a lot like Charlie browns mom. He also does the tour in 4 languages - which should be amazing - except, the French people listen when he is speaking French and then proceed to discuss everything loudly in French during the non-French portions of the tour.
Written September 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maguy D
1 contribution
Lack of French translation!!! Poor!
I didn't learn anything!
After making a face and a reflection because we were 4 French on board, the Guide literally forgot us and gave only snippets of meaningless and incomprehensible explanations! Very imbued Guide of his person who clearly mocks the French! We were refunded half the tour after we expressed our dissatisfaction!
Too bad I paid to learn things about Belgium!
Does not give a good picture!
Be careful not even a translation written in French!!! Yet exists in other languages...
I didn't learn anything!
After making a face and a reflection because we were 4 French on board, the Guide literally forgot us and gave only snippets of meaningless and incomprehensible explanations! Very imbued Guide of his person who clearly mocks the French! We were refunded half the tour after we expressed our dissatisfaction!
Too bad I paid to learn things about Belgium!
Does not give a good picture!
Be careful not even a translation written in French!!! Yet exists in other languages...
Automatically translated
Written August 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ernesto F
10 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
Our guide was Estee, a local girl born and raised in Ghent that fell in love with her city and really knows how to transmit that love to us. Incredibly knowledgeable and very good boat driver. The views were stunning rich with history. I recommend this activity and above all, I recommend Estee the guide. Ask for her!
Written September 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this charming review, we'll be sure to let Estee know how much she is appreciated. We're glad you enjoyed the trip!
Written September 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
eye-on-travel-2
Park Ridge, IL89 contributions
The boat captain was also the tour guide. He spoke mainly in French, I think, Before the tour started he asked what languages he needed to speak. We said English. When he spoke English his accent was so thick he was hard to understand. He would ramble on in French and then 10 min later would say 2 sentences in English. By that time we already passed what he was talking about. It was nice to see beautiful Ghent from the canal. It was less expensive to buy your tickets at the green tent than on this site.
Written March 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We hope you still enjoyed the tour, even though it was hard to understand. We hold our guides to high standards, so we will definitely report this problem.
Written March 14, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian K
Chelmsford, UK214 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Really great way to see many of the top attractions in Ghent. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the experience very enjoyable. There is plenty to see from the boat and the price is very reasonable for a 40 minute tour. We believe Bootjes Van Gent is the best boat tour in Ghent.
Written September 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this lovely review!
We're so glad you enjoyed the boat trip, have a wonderful day!
Written September 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lily S
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Absolutely wonderful tour, such a great way to experience Gent! Even though the ticket price was more than expected, the tour guide made it worth it. Our guide was a lady with very long blonde hair who spoke the three languages of the passengers on our boat so seamlessly! We were extremely impressed. Our tour was informative, interesting, and very fun thanks to her, everyone on the boat seemed to be enjoying themselves too. Would recommend
Written April 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dominique o
Guipry, France
Bonjour, je voudrais savoir les horaires de départ du circuit dans la journée !!!
Written September 22, 2021
dominique o
Guipry, France
Bonjour, nous voudrions savoir les horaires du circuit en bateau Ă gand le 7 Octobre 2021.
nous serons logé à l'hotel cathedrale à gand ! Proposez-vous une navette depuis l'hotel cathédrale ?
Merci
Written September 22, 2021
Beste, Indien ik reserveer voor een boottocht, moet ik dan op een bepaald uur (tijdsslot ?)reserveren. We komen graag op zaterdag 11 juli 2020 Zijn er ook avond boottochten?
Written June 21, 2020
Bonjour,
En cas de pluie, comment cela se passe t il?
Est ce annulé ou non?
Merci.
Written February 21, 2020
bonjour Si il pleut vous prenez un parapluie ou un Kway vous ĂŞtes en Belgique, c'est le NORDDDDDD
Written February 21, 2020
Do we just buy tickets and show up for any tour? What time does each tour depart?
Written January 20, 2020
Hello ! For smaller groups,it is totally possible to buy your ticket at any time at the counter. The boats sometimes leave when they are full. A standard trip will take you for 40 min. If you are in a large group and want to stay together, I would suggest dropping by in the morning to make a reservation. You can also inquire here (add ".be/en" at the end) "gent-watertoerist".
Enjoy !
Written January 28, 2020
The tour takes 40 minutes to an hour the guides speak several languages and have an in depth knowledge of Ghent and the building on and around the canals
Written August 19, 2019
bascially when the boat is full, they depart.
Written August 23, 2019
Lovebug8
Brussels, Belgium
If we have two carry on suitcases can we still come on the boat?
Written July 23, 2019
Sorry to be so late in responding as we were on vacation! As to carrying on two suitcases, it depends on their sizes and how many people are on the boat already.These boats have only limited capacity and the luggage might be in the way of people's entrances and exits.
Written August 8, 2019
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