Rotterdam: 1-Hour Sightseeing Splash Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
Rotterdam’s amphibious Splash Tours launched in 2014, inspired by WWII DUKW vehicles repurposed for tourism. The bright-yellow buses—built in the USA and adapted in the Netherlands—combine city streets with the Maas River, showcasing Rotterdam’s rebirth after 1940 devastation.
Each 60-minute ride celebrates the city’s bold reinvention: from bombed-out ruins to Europe’s architectural powerhouse, all viewed from land and water in one seamless, splash-filled journey.
Highlights
- Ride a genuine amphibious bus that drives and sails
- Feel the thrill of the dramatic splash into the Maas River
- See Rotterdam’s icons—Erasmus Bridge, Euromast, SS Rotterdam—from dual perspectives
- Enjoy live English/Dutch commentary plus multilingual audio
- Perfect family fun with safe, splashy excitement for all ages
- Cover more ground (and water) than any standard tour
Full Description
Climb aboard the vibrant yellow amphibious bus in central Rotterdam and buckle up for a 60-minute adventure. The journey begins on wheels, rolling past architectural marvels like the cube houses, Market Hall, and the striking Erasmus Bridge.
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Your guide shares tales of Rotterdam’s phoenix-like rise as the bus approaches the riverbank. Then—hold on!—the vehicle plunges into the Maas with a spectacular splash, transforming into a boat. Cruise the waterway with panoramic skyline views, passing the historic SS Rotterdam and modern waterfront gems.
Back on land, you’ll disembark buzzing with adrenaline and fresh insights into Europe’s most daring city.
Why Choose This Experience?
No other tour lets you experience Rotterdam’s land-and-water personality in one exhilarating hour. The splash moment is pure joy—safe, family-friendly, and Instagram gold.
Live guides plus audio in multiple languages ensure everyone follows the story. Free cancellation and pay-later ease make it a no-brainer add-on to any Rotterdam visit.
What’s Included
- 1-hour land-and-water amphibious tour
- Live guide in English and Dutch
- Multilingual audio commentary (headphones provided)
- Dramatic splash entry into the Maas River
- Panoramic views from bus and boat
- Safety briefing and life jackets (under seats)
- Digital photo guide of best splash moments
- Rain ponchos (if needed)
- Free city map with tour route
- Priority front-seat rotation for kids
Itinerary
- Board at central Rotterdam (exact dock varies—check voucher)
- Drive past cube houses, Market Hall, and historic sites (20 minutes)
- Approach riverbank with countdown to splash
- Dive into Maas River—bus becomes boat (splash moment!)
- Cruise waterfront with skyline and SS Rotterdam views (25 minutes)
- Return to land and disembark (15 minutes)
Pricing
From $34 per person
Meeting Point
Central Rotterdam dock (varies by departure—voucher includes exact GPS pin and photos). Look for the bright yellow Splash Bus and staff in orange vests.
How to get there
- 5-minute walk from Blaak Metro/Train Station
- Tram lines 21, 24 to Blaak (2-minute walk)
- 10-minute walk from Rotterdam Centraal
- Paid parking at Markthal or Erasmus Bridge garages
- Water taxi from Hotel New York (fun pre-tour ride)
Good to Know
What to bring
- Printed or mobile voucher
- Light jacket (river breeze)
- Camera/phone (waterproof case recommended for splash)
- Sense of adventure
Know before you go
- Not wheelchair accessible (steps to board; no storage)
- No pets, strollers, or large bags
- Kids love front-seat rotation—ask guide
- Splash is safe and controlled; no one gets soaked
- Arrive 15 minutes early for best seats and briefing
Reviews
- Fast and entertaining. Rotterdam’s sights are similar from land, but the splash makes it unique.
- Exhilarating, exciting, pure fun for the child within! Superb guide narration.
- Very good fun. Felt safe throughout. Kids got front seats—perfect family thrill.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
How big is the splash—will I get wet?
The splash is dramatic but controlled: the bus glides down a ramp and enters the water with a thrilling whoosh and spray along the sides—think movie stunt, not wave pool. Passengers stay completely dry inside the sealed cabin. Windows may get a light mist (great for photos), but no one needs a change of clothes. Ponchos are available if worried. It’s pure excitement without the soak—safe for phones, kids, and grandparents alike.
Is the tour suitable for young children?
Absolutely—kids adore the splash moment and often get a few minutes in the reserved front seats (rotated fairly by the guide). The 1-hour duration is perfect for short attention spans, and the mix of driving and boating keeps it engaging. Life jackets are under every seat; the vehicle is coast-guard certified. No minimum age, but lap-sitting for under 3s. Strollers can’t be stored, so use a carrier. Families call it the highlight of Rotterdam—pure joy in a yellow bus-boat.
What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine—the amphibious bus is fully enclosed with large windows, so you stay dry and cozy. The splash still happens (rain adds drama!), and river views remain stunning. Upper deck is covered; wipers clear the windshield. Only extreme storms cancel (rare), with full refund or reschedule. Dress in layers; the cabin is heated. Rotterdam’s weather is unpredictable, but the Splash Bus is ready for anything.
Can I take photos or video during the splash?
Yes—capture the entire experience! The guide counts down to the splash, giving perfect timing for photos/videos. Windows open slightly for clear shots; front passengers get epic angles. Phones in waterproof cases are smart, but the cabin protects gear. The multilingual audio pauses for the big moment so you hear the roar. Tag #SplashToursRotterdam—your clip might star on their socials.
Is the bus really safe on water?
100%—these amphibious vehicles are purpose-built, coast-guard approved, and maintained to the highest standards. They’ve operated safely in cities worldwide for decades. Life jackets are under every seat; the guide gives a full safety briefing. The “bus-to-boat” transition is smooth and controlled via a dedicated ramp. You’ll feel the thrill, not the fear—perfectly safe for all ages.
