# Windmillhopper Boat en Zaandam Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/companies/windmillhopper 25-minute guided tours in an open boat on the river Zaan, in front of the Zaanse Schans windmills, for a maximum of twelve people. ## Who they are WindMillHopper is a small family business: it is run by a father and daughter who grew up beside the Zaanse Schans and share a love of sailing, and who in 2012 set up as entrepreneurs in the windmill complex itself. The skipper and guide is Raymond, who has already taken travellers from half the world along the river. They sail the Zaan at the foot of the windmills, telling the history of the windmills and of the old industrial Zaan region. ## What the tour is like They go in a spacious open launch, for a maximum of twelve people, on 25-minute tours along the river that pass in front of the Zaanse Schans windmills, the old warehouses and the merchants' houses on the bank. Going in an open boat at water level, the windmills are seen from a very different angle to a walk along the dyke. The departure point is the jetty on the 't Glop square, next to the De Huisman spice windmill, in the Zaanse Schans. Departures are every half hour: the first at 11:00 and the last at 16:30. ## Season It runs from April to September, every day except Thursday. From October to March it does not sail. Anyone who wants to go out at another time outside the regular timetable can request it by writing to the company. ## Bookings and payment Book on their website; in high season it is advisable, because places per departure are few. You can also pay on the spot, in cash or by debit card. In bad weather the tour may be interrupted and on some days it does not go out; in that case they notify anyone with a reservation. Their website does not detail other cancellation conditions. ## Children, accessibility and safety The tour suits all ages and there are life jackets for adults and children. The boat is equipped for wheelchairs, so wheelchair users can board. The website says nothing about dogs or pushchairs; if you are bringing either, ask when you book. ## Languages The website does not say in which languages the commentary is given. If you want the tour in English, mention it when you book. ## Things to bear in mind The jetty is inside the Zaanse Schans, so the tour combines with a visit to the windmills and the workshops of the complex without any travel. As the launch is open, it is best to bring something warm or a raincoat even if the day looks fine, because there is no roof to protect you from the wind or a shower. If you book for a specific time, arrive at the 't Glop quay with a few minutes to spare: if you miss the departure, the next is half an hour later. ## What they run - [Windmillhopper boat on the Zaan, in front of the windmills](https://www.geocalia.com/en/the-netherlands/zaanse-schans/things-to-do/windmillhopper-boat), in Zaanse Schans. 25-minute guided tour on the Zaan. Desde 12.5 € per adult. 25 min. April – September, closed on Thursdays. Leaves on the hour and half hour from the 't Glop square, next to the De Huisman windmill; children €8.50 Independent companies: you book with them, on their terms. Prices are as they publish them and may change. ## Practical details - Address: Kalverringdijk 23, 1509 BT Zaandam - Phone: +31 6 1697 6430 - Email: info@windmillhopper.nl - April to September, every day except Thursday; closed from October to March - Meeting point: 't Glop square, next to the De Huisman windmill, Kalverringdijk 23, Zaandam - Details checked on 12 November 2026. ## Contact - Web: https://www.windmillhopper.nl/ - Coordenadas: 52.4752, 4.8178 ## Preguntas frecuentes ### How much does it cost? €12.50 for adults and €8.50 for children. ### Do I need to book? In high season it is advisable; places per departure are few. ### Can wheelchairs board? Yes, the boat is equipped for wheelchairs.