Ghent Completely – 90-minute boat tour (DUTCH ONLY)

Exploring Ghent from the Water: A Detailed Look at the 90-Minute Boat Tour

When it comes to sightseeing in Ghent, a city bursting with medieval architecture and lively history, seeing it from the water offers a unique perspective. The Ghent Completely boat tour provides just that—an engaging 1.5-hour journey through the city’s canals, waterways, and under its historic tunnels. While this tour is exclusively guided in Dutch, it’s packed with sights that speak for themselves, making it a fantastic way to get a broad overview of Ghent’s storied past and vibrant present.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is how it combines historical storytelling with scenic views. The boat glides past iconic landmarks like St Bavos Cathedral, the Belfry, and St Nicholas Church, giving travelers a chance to take photos and soak in the grandeur from a different angle. A minor point to consider is that the tour is only offered in Dutch, which could be a barrier for non-Dutch speakers—but even without understanding every word, the visuals and atmosphere are compelling.

This tour suits visitors who enjoy culture and water-based sightseeing. If you’re after a relaxing, informative, and visually rich experience in Ghent, it’s a solid pick—just be prepared for a Dutch-only guide if language is a concern.

Key Points

• Authentic Dutch-guided experience focusing on Ghent’s landmarks
• Highlights several waterways and tunnels, offering unique perspectives
• Includes historical sites like the Castle of the Counts and the Monasteries
• A 1.5-hour tour perfect for a relaxed sightseeing break
• Weather goes rain or shine, with umbrellas provided
• Best suited for travelers comfortable with Dutch or those seeking a visual experience

What Makes the Ghent Completely Boat Tour Stand Out?

This boat tour offers a comprehensive look at Ghent’s history and architecture in a compact, easy-to-digest format. We loved how it manages to pack in numerous sights—over 20 key landmarks—within 90 minutes. From the start at the Green Boathouse on Korenlei 4a, the journey begins with an introduction to the city’s waterways that have historically served as the lifeblood of Ghent’s commerce and culture.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The route begins in the scenic Korenlei area, one of Ghent’s most picturesque streets lined with historic guild houses. The boat then proceeds to glide over three different waterways, offering views that you simply can’t get from land. You’ll pass through tunnels under the Laurent Square, a feature that adds a sense of adventure and history, revealing how the city’s infrastructure was designed to navigate its waterways efficiently.

One of the highlights is the Ancient Port of Ghent, home to quay walls and mercantile houses that date back centuries, reflecting Ghent’s once-thriving trade. The boat then cruises past impressive castles—the Castle of the Counts and the Princes Court—which stand as testaments to the city’s medieval power struggles and governance.

You’ll also see the old Fish Market facing the Meat Hall, both historic trading hubs that remain central in Ghent’s urban fabric. The tour’s route includes the old Law Courts, the Opera, and the Handelsbeur concert hall, giving a sense of how this city blends cultural, judicial, and commercial history seamlessly.

Special Features and Hidden Gems

Beyond the obvious landmarks, the tour ventures into less commonly seen areas, such as the rural-like canals along the Nederschelde and the Reep. Here, the views of quay houses and scenic marina teahouses make for memorable photo opportunities.

A unique feature is passing through the tunnels under the Laurentplein, which not only offer a different perspective but also connect you to the city’s layered history. The boat also passes by the Castle of Gerald the Devil and the Episcopal Palace, adding to the sense that this journey covers both the grand and the intimate sides of Ghent’s past.

The Experience: Practical Details and What Travelers Can Expect

The boat itself is comfortable, with enough space for a relaxed ride and a clear view of the surroundings. Since the tour is guided in Dutch only, travelers who don’t speak Dutch might find the experience less informative verbally but still visually engaging. As one reviewer mentioned, the guide provided “clear info with a touch of humor,” which made the experience more approachable and lively.

The timing is flexible in the warmer months—available every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 from April 1 to October 31—making it easy to fit into most itineraries. The duration of 90 minutes is just right; it’s long enough to see plenty but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring. The meeting point at the Green Boathouse is central and easy to find.

Weather considerations are straightforward—this tour goes rain or shine. If it rains, umbrellas are available, so you won’t be caught out without protection. The boat journey does not include audio in languages other than Dutch, so if language is a concern, you might want to supplement with a self-guided tour or guidebook.

Pricing is reasonable for a half-day activity, especially considering the depth of sights covered. This is particularly good value if you’re looking for an authentic and relaxing way to learn about Ghent’s history while enjoying the scenery.

Authenticity and Insights from Past Participants

Reviews support that the tour offers a good balance of entertainment and education. Marion appreciated the “clear info with a touch of humor,” indicating that the guide managed to make history accessible and fun—despite the language barrier for non-Dutch speakers. Barbara described the tour as “great, very enjoyable, and the city as wonderful,” emphasizing how the tour captures Ghent’s charm from the water.

Travelers also liked the variety of sights—from historic guildhalls to medieval castles and bustling markets—which makes this experience ideal for those wanting a broad overview without too much walking.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This 90-minute boat tour is a charming way to see Ghent’s key landmarks from a different perspective. The route offers a mix of scenic waterways, historic sites, and architectural marvels, making it suitable for history buffs and casual travelers alike. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy water-based sightseeing and are comfortable with Dutch-guided tours.

For those seeking a relaxed, informative experience that offers a rundown of Ghent’s rich past and lively present, this tour delivers good value. The fact that it runs rain or shine adds to its practicality, and the small size of the group ensures a personal touch.

However, non-Dutch speakers should consider how much of the narration they’ll follow. For a full understanding, you might want to complement this tour with a self-guided exploration or a bilingual guide if available.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, scenic, and well-rounded introduction to Ghent, this boat trip is a solid choice—especially if you love discovering a city by water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour guided in English?
No, this tour is guided exclusively in Dutch, so non-Dutch speakers might miss some details but can still enjoy the views.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 90 minutes, making it a perfect short activity to break up a day of sightseeing.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll see St Bavos Cathedral, the Belfry, St Nicholas Church, the Castle of the Counts, the Princes Court, the old Fish Market, and many more.

Are there any tunnels on the route?
Yes, the boat passes through tunnels under the Laurent Square, adding a unique element to the journey.

What’s the meeting point?
Check in at the Green Boathouse located at Korenlei 4a, a central and easily accessible spot.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. Umbrellas are available onboard if needed.

Is this suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed nature and short duration make it suitable for families, provided they are comfortable with the language aspect.

To sum it up, this boat tour offers an engaging, scenic, and educational way to experience Ghent’s waterways and landmarks. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who enjoy water-based sightseeing and authentic local guides, even if language is a barrier. With its solid lineup of sights and easy schedule, it’s a worthy addition to any Ghent itinerary—delivering a memorable perspective of this historic city.