Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner

We cycled to the safari from Zunderdorp where we were staying and were welcomed by Majel and her cats! We were very fortunate that no one else had booked the tour with us so it became a private tour. We were given refreshments and an interesting talk about the geographical history of the area, and we were away in the canoe! It did take time for us to get used to it as we’ve only kayaked before and this is very different, but because Majel knew and chatted to everyone as we went through the village, it gave us time to get used to how to paddle. We had frequent stops to discuss the wildlife and make up of the area as well as a big (well earned) break for delicious local food. Some of the canoeing into the wind was VERY hard and we couldn’t tell if we were even moving, but once we’d made it through it was very rewarding. It felt very safe and you probably need medium fitness if the wind is fighting you. When we were cycling back (into the wind again) we stopped to say hello to a dog and chatted with its owner. The young man asked if we were holidaying in the area and we told him where we’d been and he said “oh Majel?! She is a legend!”

We almost didn't book this because of scheduling, but I am so glad we did. This was a fantastic time. You meet Majel at a Central station, take a small bus ride, and you're into the wetlands/countryside outside of the city. You walk through a beautiful small town and Majel invites you in like you're friends - into her home for a quick overview of what you're doing to do, some history, and a drink. While there, you get to meet some of her ducks, her cat, and some of the other animals in the village. Then you get on the canoes and you're on your way. I grew up near Seattle, so I love canoeing and kayaking and this was one of the most beautiful (and easy) spots to canoe through. You get to enjoy the nature, the animals, and the beautiful sunset as you are led, learning about the history of the wetlands and the importance of them to the Netherlands. It really was a great experience. Only downside is that I had one of the most severe allergic reactions to some of the pollen/vegetation in the area and I was dying for half of it (don't forget your allergy meds, folks!). My wife had a great time though, ha. Majel was a delight and, in addition to a fantastic spread of goodies, she brought bug spray and ponchos in case the weather got inclement.

Die Kanutour war ein Highlicht unseres Amsterdam Urlaubes. Fernab des Großstadttrubels konnten wir den Abend in der schönen Natur auf dem Wasser genießen. Das Kanu fahren hat viel Spaß gemacht und das Picknick was sehr lecker. Pünktlich zum Sonnenuntergang haben wir wieder den Ausgangspunkt der Rundtour erreicht. Wir haben tolle Fotos gemacht in der golden hour.