when another boat goes past, there is a spray. It doesn't soak you but you do get wet. Another problem is of course the rain, When it rains hard the driver will pull a canopy over the sides of the boat and this keeps most of the water off you. However, the biggest problem for a foreigner is where to put your legs! These boats are just not designed for people with long legs and most westerners have to sit with their legs sideways. If you can put up with these inconveniences, the canal boats are great way to see bits of the city you'd never see any other way!