Fisherman!
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Plastic Whale

4.9
·166 reviews·Amsterdam, Netherlands

Fish for plastic in Amsterdam's canals on boats made from recycled waste. A unique, eco-friendly adventure.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for seeing city & plastic

CrowdMedium
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Fisherman!

Plastic Whale

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for seeing city & plastic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Fish for plastic in Amsterdam's canals on boats made from recycled waste. A unique, eco-friendly adventure.

4.9
(166 reviews)

"A fun, satisfying, and impactful way to see Amsterdam and help clean its canals!"

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TIP

🎯 Book Group Tours

Ideal for team building or group holidays. Offers a unique way to see the city and give back.

♻️ Support the Mission

Boats are made from recycled plastic. Your participation directly helps fund more eco-friendly initiatives.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canal Plastic Fishing

Canal Plastic Fishing

Amsterdam Canals

Actively collect plastic from the canals on boats made from recycled materials. A fun, impactful way to see the city.

Recycled Boat Experience

Recycled Boat Experience

Onboard Plastic Whale boats

Ride in unique boats constructed entirely from recycled PET bottles. A testament to sustainable innovation.

Environmental Education

Environmental Education

Onboard and during the tour

Learn about the story of Plastic Whale and the importance of cleaning Amsterdam's waterways from passionate skippers.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Eco-Adventure

Plastic Whale offers a unique way to explore Amsterdam's canals while actively cleaning them. Bookings are essential, especially for groups, to secure your spot on these eco-friendly boats.

Embrace the Mission

This isn't just a boat tour; it's a hands-on environmental effort. Come ready to collect plastic and learn about Amsterdam's waterways. It's a rewarding experience that makes a real difference.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for seeing city & plastic
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, great for groups
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Book Group Tours

Ideal for team building or group holidays. Offers a unique way to see the city and give back. Reddit

♻️ Support the Mission

Boats are made from recycled plastic. Your participation directly helps fund more eco-friendly initiatives. Reddit

⏱️ 90-Minute Tours

This duration is perfect for collecting a surprising amount of rubbish and enjoying the city views. Reddit

🤝 Friendly Skippers

Captains are knowledgeable, funny, and provide great local insights about Amsterdam. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Group Tours

Ideal for team building or group holidays. Offers a unique way to see the city and give back. Reddit

♻️ Support the Mission

Boats are made from recycled plastic. Your participation directly helps fund more eco-friendly initiatives. Reddit

⏱️ 90-Minute Tours

This duration is perfect for collecting a surprising amount of rubbish and enjoying the city views. Reddit

🤝 Friendly Skippers

Captains are knowledgeable, funny, and provide great local insights about Amsterdam. Reddit

🌊 See City Differently

Experience Amsterdam from the water, a unique perspective while contributing to cleaner canals. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(166 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Plastic Whale for its unique blend of environmental activism and enjoyable canal tours. The experience is highly recommended for its positive impact, engaging skippers, and the satisfaction of contributing to cleaner waterways. While primarily a group activity, individuals can also find value in this impactful Amsterdam adventure.

"We went plastic fishing as a team to celebrate the launch of our newest collection, made of recycled plastic.

Dealing with Plastic Whale has been a joy from start to finish. Our skippers for the day did a fantastic presentation about the story of Plastic Whale, which was very inspiring to hear.

We spent just under 2 hours on the canal, on 2 separate boats and could not believe the amount of plastic we removed from the canals.

We could not recommend it more for a team event, not only is it a fun afternoon, but it felt so good to contribute even a little to cleaner canals in Amsterdam."

Danielle Guerin

"I booked this activity for a corporate group of 30 and it was perfect. We were able to give back to the community through volunteering AND have a beautiful boat ride to see the city in a completely different light. 90 minutes was the right amount of time and the river guides were polite, friendly, and very organized."

Carl Dudley

"I went as part of a group holiday in Amsterdam, 15 of us in two boats, and we had such a brilliant time.

It was fun and really satisfying to help clean up the canals, all while seeing this beautiful city from the water.

We collected a surprising amount of rubbish! A few people passing by saw what we were doing and called out 'well done' or 'thank you' which was a lovely bonus!

Patrick and Siebe were wonderful Captains, and Patrick explained the history of the Plastic Whale and how they started plastic fishing, which was a great introduction.

If you're looking for something a bit different in Amsterdam - a different way to see the city and even get involved in keeping it beautiful - I really recommend this! Thank you Plastic Whale for a fantastic afternoon!"

Ruth Stokes

What People Like

Unique eco-friendly activity
Engaging and informative skippers
Satisfying contribution to clean canals

What People Dislike

Limited availability for individuals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Departure points can vary, but are typically accessible via public transport in Amsterdam. Check your booking confirmation for the exact location. Many visitors find it easy to reach by tram or metro. Reddit

Parking in central Amsterdam can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or cycle to the departure point. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a popular and convenient way to get around Amsterdam. Many visitors opt to cycle to the departure point. Reddit

Trams and metro lines are efficient for reaching most central Amsterdam locations. Consult a local transport app for the best route to your specific departure point. Reddit

Yes, the departure points are usually well-marked. Your booking confirmation will provide specific details and potentially a map. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are best booked in advance online through the Plastic Whale website, especially for group tours. Reddit

Tours typically last around 90 minutes, providing ample time for plastic collection and sightseeing. Reddit

Tours are scheduled throughout the day, with availability often depending on the season and demand. Booking ahead is recommended. Reddit

Yes, individuals can join tours, often as part of a larger group or on specific public tour dates. Check their website for options. Reddit

Pricing can vary, particularly for private group bookings. Check the official Plastic Whale website for current rates and packages. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. You'll be on a boat and potentially handling collected items. Reddit

It's unlikely you'll get significantly wet, but it's wise to dress for potential light spray from the canals. Reddit

You'll be collecting various types of plastic waste found floating in the canals, which is then recycled. Reddit

Yes, it's a great educational and fun activity for families. Children can actively participate in collecting plastic. Reddit

The collected plastic is recycled and used to build more Plastic Whale boats, creating a circular economy. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, food and drinks are not provided on the tours. You may want to eat before or after your trip. Reddit

It's generally acceptable to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks, but check with your booking confirmation. Reddit

Yes, Amsterdam's canals are lined with numerous cafes and restaurants. You'll find plenty of options before or after your tour. Reddit

Amsterdam offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional Dutch food to international cuisine. Reddit

While Plastic Whale focuses on eco-fishing, other boat tours in Amsterdam may offer dining options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture shots of the unique recycled boats, the plastic collection process, and the beautiful Amsterdam canals from a unique perspective. Instagram

Yes, the boats offer open views of the canals, making it easy to take photos. Be mindful of your camera around water. Instagram

Daytime offers the best natural light for clear, vibrant photos of the city and your eco-fishing activity. Instagram

Drone usage in Amsterdam's city center is restricted. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

The iconic bridges and canal houses provide a stunning backdrop. Your skipper might point out particularly picturesque spots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plastic Whale tours are a fantastic family-friendly activity in Amsterdam. Children can actively participate in collecting plastic, making it an engaging and educational experience. It's a hands-on way to teach them about environmental responsibility and the importance of recycling. The novelty of fishing for plastic from a boat made of recycled materials is sure to capture their imagination. Reddit

Parents will appreciate that the tours are well-organized and the skippers are great at engaging younger participants. The 90-minute duration is ideal for keeping children's attention spans. It offers a unique perspective of Amsterdam's canals that is both fun and informative, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.

🤝 Corporate Groups & Team Building

For corporate groups seeking team-building activities, Plastic Whale offers a highly effective and rewarding experience. It provides a unique opportunity for colleagues to collaborate, compete in a friendly manner, and contribute to a meaningful cause. The shared goal of cleaning the canals fosters camaraderie and a sense of collective achievement. Reddit

The tours are perfectly suited for corporate events, offering a refreshing break from typical office settings. The educational aspect, combined with the fun of being on the water, makes it a memorable event that employees will talk about long after. It’s a chance to give back to the community while enjoying the beautiful city of Amsterdam.

🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers

If you're an eco-conscious traveler, the Plastic Whale is an absolute must-do. This initiative directly tackles plastic pollution in Amsterdam's waterways, and your participation makes a tangible difference. You'll be riding in boats made from recycled plastic, a testament to sustainable innovation. Reddit

Beyond the activity itself, you'll gain valuable insights into environmental conservation efforts in urban settings. It's a chance to support a local organization with a powerful mission and to experience Amsterdam in a way that aligns with your values. This is more than just sightseeing; it's about being part of a solution.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Plastic Whale Mission

The Plastic Whale is more than just a boat tour; it's a pioneering initiative dedicated to cleaning Amsterdam's canals and transforming the collected plastic waste into new products, most notably, more boats. Founded on the principle of a circular economy, the organization aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution while providing a tangible solution. Visitors actively participate in this mission by joining fishing trips, where they help remove plastic from the waterways. This hands-on experience is both educational and deeply satisfying, allowing participants to see the direct impact of their efforts. Reddit

The boats themselves are a marvel of sustainable engineering, constructed entirely from 100% recycled PET bottles. This innovative approach not only addresses the plastic problem but also showcases the potential of recycled materials. The skippers, often passionate advocates for environmentalism, share compelling stories about the origins of Plastic Whale and the ongoing challenges of keeping Amsterdam's canals pristine. Their insights provide a deeper understanding of the organization's commitment and the broader implications of plastic pollution. Reddit

For those looking for a unique and meaningful activity in Amsterdam, the Plastic Whale offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a cleaner environment while enjoying the city's picturesque canals from a fresh perspective. It's a chance to be part of a solution and to experience firsthand the power of collective action and innovative recycling. Reddit

An Unforgettable Group Experience

Plastic Whale tours are frequently lauded as exceptional team-building activities and memorable experiences for group holidays. The combination of a fun, engaging activity with a positive environmental impact makes it a standout choice for corporate events and friend get-togethers. Groups are typically split between two boats, fostering a sense of friendly competition as they work together to collect as much plastic as possible. This collaborative effort not only strengthens bonds but also amplifies the positive outcome of the tour. Reddit

The 90-minute duration is consistently praised as the 'right amount of time' – long enough to be thoroughly engaging and productive, but not so long as to become tiresome. During this time, participants not only contribute to cleaning the canals but also gain a unique perspective of Amsterdam from the water. The skippers play a crucial role in enhancing the experience, acting as both guides and educators, sharing fascinating facts about the city and the Plastic Whale's mission. Their friendly and organized approach ensures a smooth and enjoyable outing for everyone. Reddit

Many reviews highlight the satisfaction derived from contributing to a cleaner city. The positive reinforcement from passersby who acknowledge the group's efforts further enhances the rewarding nature of the experience. It’s an activity that leaves participants feeling good about their contribution, making it a highly recommended option for anyone seeking an activity that is both enjoyable and impactful. Reddit