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

My review of the Ghent Completely boat tour offers a detailed look at a lively, engaging way to explore Ghent’s historic waterways. This 90-minute journey, guided solely in Dutch, takes you through the heart of the city’s water corridors—highlighting iconic sites, medieval port areas, and impressive castles. While the guide’s language might be a barrier if you don’t speak Dutch, the experience itself offers a deep, visual understanding of Ghent’s architectural and commercial evolution that’s tough to match on land.

Two things I particularly like about this tour are the comprehensive coverage of Ghent’s water routes and the chance to see the city’s historic landmarks from a unique perspective. Gliding past the Belfry, St Bavos Cathedral, and the old Mercantile Quays, you get a sense of how the city prospered from trade and religion alike. The tunnels under Laurent Square are a highlight, giving you a peek into Ghent’s medieval infrastructure. One possible drawback is that the guide only speaks Dutch, which might limit understanding if you’re not fluent, but the visual storytelling and the scenic views compensate for that.

The other thing worth noting is that this tour is not just about pretty sights—it’s a lively, educational experience that connects you to Ghent’s past in a tangible way. However, if you speak other languages, you might want to consider whether you’re comfortable with a tour guided solely in Dutch. Also, keep in mind that this activity goes rain or shine—umbrellas are provided, but your plans might be affected by weather.

Key points / Takeaways

• Language Barrier: The entire tour is guided in Dutch, which may challenge non-Dutch-speaking travelers but doesn’t detract from the visual and cultural richness of the experience.
• Comprehensive Water Coverage: The tour sails over three different waterways, offering a layered perspective of Ghent’s historical waterways and port activity.
• Landmark Highlights: Expect to see St Bavos Cathedral, the Belfry, St Nicholas Church, and the Castle of the Counts—all from the water, which gives a fresh angle on these iconic structures.
• Historical Depth: The tour covers over 1000 years of architecture and stories, including old guildhalls, medieval monasteries, and the ancient port with mercantile houses.
• Unique Features: Going through tunnels under Laurent Square and gliding past the old Fish Market and Meat Hall makes it more than just a boat ride—it’s a journey through Ghent’s evolution.
• Practical Considerations: The tour lasts 90 minutes, starts at the Green Boathouse, and is available every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 from April 1 to October 31. It’s a good value for those interested in a deep visual dive into Ghent’s waterways.

Ghent, with its medieval roots and lively port, is best experienced through its waterways. The Ghent Completely boat tour is a lively, visually impressive way to see the city’s highlights while gaining a sense of its history. When I looked into this experience, I found it offers a broad snapshot of Ghent’s architecture, commerce, and medieval infrastructure—all from the comfort of a boat, under the guidance of a Dutch-speaking guide.

While the language might be a barrier for some, the visuals and the route are compelling enough that even non-Dutch speakers will find value. The tour’s 90-minute duration balances thoroughness with not feeling rushed, making it suitable for those with limited time but a big curiosity about Ghent’s waterways.

Two features stand out the most: First, the chance to sail through three different waterways, offering a layered view of the city’s water-based past. Second, the opportunity to see important landmarks like the Belfry, St Bavos Cathedral, and the Castle of the Counts from a perspective that truly highlights their grandeur and strategic location. The tunnels beneath Laurent Square add an extra dimension, revealing some of the medieval infrastructure that shaped the city.

One thing to consider is that the tour is guided only in Dutch, which might limit a full understanding of the stories behind what you see. However, the experience compensates with scenic vistas and the chance to witness how the waterways weave through Ghent’s historic quarter. Reviewers appreciate the lively, informative style of guides like Marion, who mentioned “duidelijke info met een vleugje humor” (clear info with a touch of humor). That hints at a tour that is both educational and enjoyable.

Exploring the Route in Detail: What to Expect at Each Stop

The tour begins at the Green Boathouse on Korenlei, a scenic spot along the river that immediately immerses you in Ghent’s waterways. As the boat departs, you’ll glide past the Old Guildhalls of boatmen, masons, and fishmongers, which once served as the backbone of Ghent’s thriving medieval economy. These historic warehouses and guildhalls still frame the waterway, offering a glimpse into the city’s mercantile past.

Next, the guide points out St Bavos Cathedral, the Belfry, and St Nicholas Church—three of Ghent’s most recognizable landmarks. From the water, these structures seem even more impressive, especially with the tower views from below. The Belfry, in particular, stands as a symbol of civic pride and independence, once used for watch and bell purposes.

The Castle of the Counts, a formidable medieval fortress, dominates the skyline. You’ll also see the Princes Court and the Rabot, historically the residences and administrative centers for nobility. These structures tell stories of Ghent’s political and military history.

As the boat glides into the Ancient Port of Ghent, you’ll see quay walls and mercantile houses that once bustled with trade. The old Fish Market and Meat Hall face each other across the water, emphasizing Ghent’s long-standing role as a bustling trading hub. The tour also passes 13th-century monasteries—some of the oldest religious sites, formerly occupied by Augustinians and Dominicans—adding a spiritual layer to the cityscape.

The route takes you beneath tunnels under Laurent Square, a feature that surprises many travelers. It’s a chance to see the medieval infrastructure that once allowed for easier trade and movement beneath the city streets. From there, the boat moves past notable sites like the Castle of Gerald the Devil and the Episcopal Palace.

Other highlights include the old Law Courts, Opera House, and Handelsbeur concert hall, which reflect Ghent’s vibrant cultural life. The boat ride along the Nederschelde and past the Reep waterway, with the Scaldis water lock, offers a lively, bustling waterway scene—the kind that fuels Ghent’s historic shipping and trade.

Practical Details and What You Need to Know

Starting at the Green Boathouse, you’ll check in with your Dutch-speaking guide. Remember, the tour is only available from April 1 to October 31, every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00. It lasts about 90 minutes, a perfect length for a morning or early afternoon activity. The tour includes an onboard guide speaking Dutch, with umbrellas available in case of rain, ensuring your comfort in less-than-ideal weather.

Pricing is reasonable considering the depth of the experience—especially since you get a guided tour that covers so much waterway, architecture, and history. The boat trip’s value lies in the unique vantage point it offers, which you simply cannot get from walking around the city alone.

Note: This experience is ideal for travelers who are comfortable with Dutch or who enjoy visual storytelling. For non-Dutch speakers, it might be worth pairing this with a land-based tour or guidebook, but the scenic views remain impressive regardless of language.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This boat tour is most suited for those who want an immersive, authentic look at Ghent’s waterways and their historical importance. Water lovers, architecture fans, and history enthusiasts will find it particularly rewarding. It’s also a good option for travelers limited on time seeking a rundown of Ghent’s medieval port and water-based sites.

If you prefer guided tours in English, this might not be the best choice unless you’re comfortable with Dutch or enjoy a primarily visual experience. The tour’s lively guide, Marion, received positive reviews for her humorous and clear narration, which adds to the enjoyment.

Finally, those with an interest in medieval infrastructure, such as tunnels and historic port facilities, will appreciate the detailed route and scenic stops. It’s a pleasant, engaging way to see the city from a perspective that many visitors miss.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those keen on exploring Ghent’s waterways and architecture with a sense of history, this boat tour offers tremendous value. It’s an accessible, scenic, and comprehensive way to see the city from the water—highlighting the key landmarks, historical port areas, and medieval structures that define Ghent’s unique character. The tour’s duration is just right for a relaxed yet informative experience, and the visuals alone make it worthwhile—even if Dutch isn’t your first language.

This experience fits best for travelers interested in water-based perspectives, medieval architecture, and authentic local history. It’s also a good choice for those who want a break from walking but still want to see the city’s highlights from a different angle. The only major consideration is the language barrier, so if you’re not comfortable with Dutch, you might want to prepare with additional resources or consider a guide that speaks your language.

Overall, Ghent Completely offers a lively, informative, and scenic introduction to the city’s waterways—an essential part of Ghent’s story that’s best appreciated from the water.

FAQs

Is the tour guided in English?
No, this tour is guided exclusively in Dutch. If you don’t speak Dutch, you might find it helpful to have some basic understanding or to supplement with a guidebook or app for context.

What is the tour duration and starting times?
The tour lasts about 90 minutes and begins at 11:00 on Saturdays and Sundays from April 1 to October 31. Check availability ahead of time since times can vary.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You’ll need to check in at the Green Boathouse located at Korenlei 4a, a scenic spot along the river in Ghent.

What landmarks will I see during the tour?
Expect to see major sites like St Bavos Cathedral, the Belfry, St Nicholas Church, the Castle of the Counts, and historic port facilities, all from the water.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour goes rain or shine. Umbrellas are provided on board, so don’t worry about a drizzle.

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

This boat tour offers a distinctive way to get to know Ghent’s history, architecture, and port life from a scenic water vantage point. While the Dutch-only guidance is a consideration, the overall experience provides a memorable peek into the city’s past and present, making it a worthwhile addition to any visit to Ghent.