In Washington DC, there are over 50 private tour companies offering around 40 regular tours. Are you ready to set the night aflame and watch as the sun sets on our Nation’s Capital?
Regardless of whether you’re a resident or a first-time visitor, it can be hard to narrow down the right tour with that many options.
When choosing between the best boat tours, you’ll want to look at each company’s tour options, cost, duration, and sites seen. To help narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best private tour companies and the tour options they offer.
Learn about the best boat tours, and sail away upon the calm waters of the Potomac River.
Capitol River Cruises
Capitol River Cruises provides some of the most popular Washington DC boat tours.
Their main tours run from March through November daily. Each tour lasts 45 minutes and includes an informative historical narrative. You’ll see many of the famous DC sites, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, US Capitol, and many more.
Ticket prices for the main tours are $18 for adults and $10 for children.
And if you’re a fan of Maryland Blue Crabs, check out their Crab Boat tour. Charter a boat and receive all the steamed crab, corn, hush puppies, and coleslaw you can eat. In addition, there’s wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy.
The Crab Boat tour is a three-hour charter. Prices range from $90 to $110 per person, depending on how many people you invite on board.
Highlights of Washington DC's Best Boat Tours
Wide Range of Tours: Washington DC offers over 50 private tour companies and approximately 40 regular boat tours, making it a top destination for exploring the city from the water.
Capitol River Cruises: Features daily 45-minute historical tours from March through November, priced at $18 for adults and $10 for children. Unique offerings include a Crab Boat tour with all-you-can-eat Maryland Blue Crabs and drinks, costing $90-$110 per person.
DC Sail: Known for its unique experiences aboard the 65-foot schooner, American Spirit. Options include a $50 sunset sail, themed cruises like Boating and Baseball or Cherry Blossom tours, and seasonal holiday events. Sailing lessons are also available.
Odyssey Cruise: Specializes in dining cruises with stunning views and live music. Options include a 2-3 hour dinner cruise ($114.90+), Potomac River Monuments Lunch Cruise ($64.90+), and Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise ($77.90+). Holiday and group events are also available.
Spirit River Cruise: Offers buffet-style dining cruises with entertainment like DJs, dancing, and games. The dinner cruise starts at $99, while the lunch cruise begins at $54.90. A unique Spirit of Mount Vernon tour includes estate admission and a three-hour round trip starting at $51.95.
Potomac Riverboat Company: Highlights sightseeing cruises with prices starting at $20-$31. Unique offerings include dog-friendly canine cruises (starting at $24.99), dining cruises, Mount Vernon trips, private charters, and water taxis.
Variety of Themes and Experiences: Tours cater to various interests, including historical narratives, dining, themed experiences, and holiday celebrations, offering something for everyone.
Seasonal Availability: Most tours operate seasonally, with offerings typically running from spring to fall, depending on the company.
Additional Waterfront Activities: Beyond boat tours, visitors can enjoy paddleboarding, the National Harbor Ferris Wheel, and other waterfront attractions.
Local Living: The blog encourages exploring the DC area for potential relocation, offering assistance with apartment searches in vibrant neighborhoods.
DC Sail
DC Sail offers some of the most unique boat cruise options. Each tour takes place on the company’s 65-foot schooner, the American Spirit.
You can take a three-hour sunset sail on Fridays, May through October. Sunset sails cost $50 per person.
Are you looking for more of a themed experience?
DC Sail offers Boating and Baseball cruises and Cherry Blossom cruises.
During the Boating and Baseball cruise, your captain deliveries you near Tha National stadium, where after a game of baseball, you get to enjoy the second half of your cruise. The Cherry Blossom cruise allows you to enjoy the blooming cherry blossom trees while celebrating the arrival of spring.
And depending on the time of year, you can enjoy a Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or 4th of July cruise. Costs for these vary based on event and day.
If you enjoy the sailing experience, consider signing up for sailing lessons.
Odyssey Cruise
If you’re looking for DC boat tours that include a meal, check out Odyssey Cruise.
Their main offering is their dinner cruise. These include a 2-3 hour cruise, a three-course plated dinner, stunning views, and curated live music. Weekday prices are $114.90, with weekends costing $134.90. Additional costs include alcohol or a reserved window table.
Odyssey also offers Potomac River Monuments Lunch Cruises. These two-hour cruises include a three-course plated lunch, views of Washington DC landmarks, and live music. These cruises start at $64.90, with add-ons available for a fee.
Prefer a liquid meal? Head out o an Odyssey Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise. This two-hour cruise includes a lunch buffet, unlimited mimosas, live music, and great views. These cruises start at $77.90.
There are also special holiday cruises depending on the time of year and options available for groups like birthdays or corporate events.
Spirit River Cruise
Spirit River Cruises are another great option if you’re looking for a cruise with a meal.
The Spirit of Washington Dinner Cruise is a 2-3 hour cruise with a buffet that includes salad and dessert. You’ll get views of landmarks like the Washington Monument and the National Harbor. Once you enjoy the sites, listen to the live DJ, dance on the dance floor, or play games like shuffleboard. Prices start at $99.
Potomac River Sightseeing Lunch Cruises are a two-hour cruise complete with a lunch buffet. You’ll get all the same views and entertainment as the dinner cruise starting at $54.90.
A unique offering is the Spirit of Mount Vernon Tour. You’ll receive a three-hour round trip to the Mount Vernon estate.
Your admission to the estate is included in the cruise price, and you’ll get three more hours to explore the grounds and immerse yourself in history. These cruises start at $51.95.
Potomac Riverboat Company
Potomac Riverboat Company offers some of the best sightseeing boat rides in Washington DC.
Embark on a monument tour from either The Wharf of Alexandria.
You’ll travel along the Potomac River to see attractions like the Washington Monument, Arlington Memorial Bridge, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. With the Alexandria cruise, you can go one way, enjoy the area on foot, and get a return trip back on a later cruise. Prices for these cruises start at $20 and $31, respectively.
A unique offering of Potomac Riverboat Company is the canine cruise. This dog-friendly sightseeing cruise goes around Alexandria’s Seaport. All dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash for the duration of the 45-minute cruise. Prices start at $24.99, and all dogs ride for free.
The company also offers dining cruises, Mount Vernon cruises, private charters, and water taxis.
Explore DC with the Best Boat Tours
The next time you’re in the DC area, try one of the best boat tours to get a different look at the Nation’s Capital.
After you’re done with your cruise, there are many other ways to enjoy the DC waterfront. Spend your time learning how to paddleboard or ride the National Harbor Ferris Wheel to get a bird’s eye view of the water.
And if you’re interested in non-water related activities, head over to our online Washington DC guide. Wondering what it would be like to spend all your free time in DC? Our apartments have multiple openings in different neighborhoods. Use our online apartment search to find your new home today.
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FAQs About Washington DC’s Best Boat Tours
What types of boat tours are available in Washington DC?
Washington DC offers a variety of boat tours, with over 50 private tour companies and approximately 40 regular tours. Options range from historical sightseeing cruises to dining and themed experiences.
What does Capitol River Cruises offer?
Capitol River Cruises provides 45-minute historical tours from March through November, priced at $18 for adults and $10 for children. They also offer a Crab Boat tour featuring all-you-can-eat Maryland Blue Crabs, drinks, and a three-hour charter for $90-$110 per person.
What unique experiences does DC Sail provide?
DC Sail offers cruises on the 65-foot schooner, American Spirit. Highlights include $50 sunset sails, themed cruises like Boating and Baseball or Cherry Blossom tours, and seasonal holiday events. Sailing lessons are also available for those interested in learning to sail.
What dining options are available with Odyssey Cruise?
Odyssey Cruise specializes in dining experiences, including 2-3 hour dinner cruises ($114.90+), Potomac River Monuments Lunch Cruises ($64.90+), and Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruises ($77.90+). These cruises also feature stunning views and live music.
What makes Spirit River Cruise unique?
Spirit River Cruise offers buffet-style dinner and lunch cruises with entertainment like DJs, dancing, and games. Prices start at $99 for the dinner cruise and $54.90 for the lunch cruise. They also provide a Spirit of Mount Vernon tour, including estate admission and a three-hour round trip, starting at $51.95.
What can you expect from Potomac Riverboat Company tours?
Potomac Riverboat Company offers sightseeing cruises starting at $20-$31, as well as unique options like dog-friendly canine cruises starting at $24.99. Additional offerings include dining cruises, Mount Vernon trips, private charters, and water taxis.
Are there boat tours for different interests in Washington DC?
Yes, Washington DC boat tours cater to a variety of interests, including historical narratives, dining experiences, themed cruises, and holiday celebrations. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When are boat tours in Washington DC typically available?
Most boat tours in Washington DC operate seasonally, running from spring to fall, depending on the company. It’s best to check the specific schedules of each provider.
What other activities can you do near the DC waterfront?
In addition to boat tours, you can enjoy paddleboarding, ride the National Harbor Ferris Wheel, or explore other attractions along the waterfront for a full day of fun and relaxation.
Can I find information about moving to Washington DC through this blog?
Yes, the blog also provides resources for finding apartments in Washington DC, offering help with relocation and details about different neighborhoods to suit your lifestyle.
