In a nutshell
- A boat tour in Copenhagen is a fantastic alternative to a guided city tour — from the water, you see Copenhagen from a completely different angle.
- Most Copenhagen boat tours are conducted in English or Danish. A few also offer an audio guide in other languages.
- Our top pick: a boat tour with Hey Captain — small groups, an English-speaking guide, and a really personal, fun atmosphere. We did it ourselves and loved it.
- There are also great alternatives to the classic canal tours. You can ride the public harbor bus, rent your own boat, or go on a kayak tour through the waterways.
Boat Tour with Hey Captain
- Tickets: 33 euros, 60 euros, or 87 euros
- Duration: 1, 2, or 3 hours
- Departure point: Ofelia or Kalvebod
During our Copenhagen city trip, we took a boat tour with Hey Captain. And honestly? A clear recommendation all the way!
You’re out on a boat so small that only 12 people plus the captain fit on board. Everyone sits around a small table sipping lemonade, mulled wine, or hot chocolate — depending on the season. That makes the whole experience feel really personal, and you immediately feel like you’re out with friends.
With Hey Captain, you have three options: the one-hour Landmarks Tour past Copenhagen’s iconic attractions like Amalienborg Palace and Holmen, the two-hour Hidden Gems Tour covering the city’s best-kept secrets, and the combined three-hour Captain’s Favorites Tour to all of your captain’s favorite spots.
By the way, the tours also run in fall and winter. They simply provide blankets, hot drinks, and fold up the roof. Wonderfully cozy!
Book a Hey Captain boat tour online
Classic Canal Cruise through Copenhagen
- Tickets: from 23 euros
- Duration: 1 hour
- Departure point: Ved Stranden
The classic canal cruise in Copenhagen absolutely belongs on this list. You sail past the city’s most famous highlights, including the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg.
Tours are conducted in English and Danish, and there’s also a German audio guide available to borrow. The guide shares fun facts about Copenhagen and the sights you pass along the way.
You can also combine the classic Stromma boat tour with a hop-on/hop-off bus tour through Copenhagen — a great way to cover more ground in one day.
One small heads-up: the boats on the classic tour are sometimes open-top. That’s great for photos, but if it rains, your guide hands out ponchos to keep you dry.
Book the classic Copenhagen boat tour online
Ride the Public Harbor Bus
- Tickets: included in the Copenhagen public transit ticket
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Departure point: at 6 stops (e.g. Nyhavn)
The harbor bus is the budget-friendly way to see Copenhagen from the water — no tour booking required.
It’s part of the public transit network and included in the Copenhagen public transit ticket. Single tickets start at 3 euros. If you have the Copenhagen Card, the harbor bus is already covered. The trade-off is that there’s no audio guide — you’re on your own for commentary.
The harbor buses run from Kobenhavn Syd all the way to Refshaleøen along the Indre By, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Copenhagen. Line 991 runs in one direction and Line 992 in the other.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Royal Library, Amalienborg Palace, and the Royal Opera House, and cruise through the Christianshavn neighborhood. You can hop on and off at 6 stops, including Nyhavn.
No need to stress about timing either — ferries run every 30 minutes.
Boat Rental in Copenhagen
- Booking: from 117 euros
- Duration: 1, 2, or 3 hours
- Departure point: Langebro
Renting your own boat and exploring Copenhagen at your own pace is seriously fun. You decide where you want to go, and you’ve got the boat entirely to your own group. That makes it especially great if you’re visiting Copenhagen with kids.
No boating license needed. You’ll get a quick briefing at the start, and then you’re off.
This option is particularly good value if you’re traveling with a larger group, since the price is the same regardless of how many people come. The boat fits up to 8 people.
There’s also a small table in the middle for any food and drinks you bring along — perfect for a little picnic on the water.
Book your Copenhagen boat rental online
Kayak Tour in Copenhagen
- Tickets: from 54 euros
- Duration: 2 hours
- Departure point: Kalvebod Brygge
Now things get active. You can explore Copenhagen completely engine-free by paddling through the waterways by kayak — and it’s a totally different way to see the city.
The kayak tour through Copenhagen takes you through the Christianshavn neighborhood, past Christiansborg Palace, the Royal Library, and other beautiful sights along the way.
In a double kayak, you can also navigate the smallest canals — ones that larger tour boats simply can’t reach. The pace is leisurely, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the views.
The kayak tour runs between May and September.
