Aboard · USA BOAT TOURS
The country runs two kinds of boat day: a city read from its river, and wildlife off a long coast. These 15 cover Chicago architecture, New York harbour, Gulf dolphins, New England whales and the reef boats of Hawaii and the Keys.
Cruise the Chicago River for about 60 to 90 minutes with an architecture guide, passing the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Marina City, and more. Choose a Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue departure, enjoy onboard drinks and restrooms, and bring your dog along.
“The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the views are amazing. They covered a lot of history and explain the architecture very well.”
Ride a renovated WWII amphibious duck boat through Boston, then splash into the Charles River for skyline views. Your narrator covers landmarks from Boston Common to Bunker Hill, with morning and afternoon departures from the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, or Prudential Center.
“It’s very informational and it’s worth the money paid. There are different tour times to choose from”
This four-hour Niagara Falls tour combines the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Prospect Point Tower, and major American-side viewpoints. Guides such as Shelly, Lenny, Dale, and Vic lead small-group sightseeing with hotel pickup in Niagara Falls, New York. Expect a wet, fast-moving day.
“Lots of stops, convenient for parking and not waiting in lines but not enough time to explore. Very age diverse group of people made it harder and the your guide made pro Trump comments”
Spend two hours on Circle Line’s Harbor Lights Cruise, passing within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty and beneath three major bridges. English-speaking guides such as Alexis, George, David, and Andy add humor and history, while indoor cabins, an outdoor deck, Wi-Fi, and a full bar keep the ride comfortable.
“Highly recommend! An amazing way to see New York City at night. Beautiful skyline views, great atmosphere, and well-organized. A must-do experience when visiting NYC.”
You’ll cruise from the DuSable Bridge along Chicago’s main river and north and south branches, seeing Marina City, Willis Tower, Aqua, Aon Center, and more. English-speaking guides such as John, Sarah, Alex, and Scotty D mix sharp architectural facts with humor. Choose open-air or climate-controlled seating, with a cash bar onboard.
“We had a blast. I first did this cruise back in May with my 81 year old dad. Loved it so much that on my return visit to Chicago I brought 11 of my family memebers. So great!”
Board at Toulouse Street in the French Quarter for a three-hour evening aboard the Steamboat Natchez, or its sister vessel, the City of New Orleans. Enjoy calliope music, narration, Mississippi views, and live jazz by the Dukes of Dixieland. Add a buffet of gumbo, fried chicken, crawfish étouffée, and bread pudding.
“Very romantic boat ride and meal. Food was a full buffet and tasted great! Waistress was attentive and welcoming. The views of the city and bridge were spectacular and magical. Easy access via streetcar as well”
Board Bayride Tours at Bayside Marketplace for a 90-minute cruise past Star Island, Fisher Island, South Beach, PortMiami, and Miami’s downtown skyline. Enjoy English and Spanish commentary, open-air or climate-controlled seating, and the chance to spot Icon of the Seas. Guides such as Ricky, Marlon, and Nancy are known for lively storytelling.
“Great tour, was quite busy for sunset so queue up a bit earlier to get the best seats (though you can of course move around). There’s a mojito bar on board which was 15$ for all different flavours.”
Spend 2.5 hours circling Manhattan from Pier 83, with close Statue of Liberty views, Brooklyn Bridge photos, five boroughs, and 100-plus sights. English guides such as Alexis and Andrew add jokes and local detail, while indoor cabins, outdoor decks, Wi-Fi, and audio guides keep the ride comfortable.
“Excellent! Plentiful seats out on deck and inside, very interesting and fun narrative and long enough time to enjoy the sights.”
Cruise the Chicago River aboard Chicago’s First Lady for 90 minutes of architecture, engineering, and city history. A Chicago Architecture Center docent explains landmarks from Marina City to Willis Tower. Choose an open-air seat or climate-controlled lower salon, with a full bar onboard.
“The ticketing office is on the Riverwalk level of Wacker Drive. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time for the boarding process.”
Ride from the French Quarter to Honey Island Swamp, then cruise narrow waterways on a quiet 22-passenger boat. Guides such as Steve, Marc, Jody, and Scottie point out alligators, raccoons, birds, wild boar, and swamp plants while explaining Cajun life and wetland preservation.
“Well run, no complaints. My son loved it and the price is worth it. Not as many animals in January but also not hot, so it’s a trade off.”
Board the Steamboat Natchez at 400 Toulouse Street in the French Quarter for a two-hour Mississippi River cruise. Enjoy live jazz by the Steamboat Stompers, commentary from the captain and crew, views of the port and Chalmette Battlefield, and an optional Southern-style buffet lunch.
“The boat was nice, unfortunately was pretty cold so everyone packed inside. The band was mediocre at best. There was a narrator that provided some interesting insights about the surrounding area and history.”
Board at Pier 16 for a 50-minute round-trip cruise with live English commentary, indoor and outdoor seating, and several slow passes by the Statue of Liberty. Guides such as Debbie, Nathan, George, and Michael keep the ride lively while you photograph Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and downtown Manhattan.
“Very informative guide and great views of the Statue of Liberty”
Board Circle Line at Pier 83 for a 90-minute cruise past Lower Manhattan, Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, Midtown, and three major bridges. An English-speaking guide explains the city as you go, while an app offers commentary in eight additional languages. Arrive 45 minutes early for boarding.
“Fantastic excursion. David, the tour guide, was knowledgeable, informative and friendly. Well worth the money.”
Cruise from Boston Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary aboard a comfortable high-speed boat. New England Aquarium naturalists explain the wildlife while you watch for humpback, fin, and minke whales, white-sided dolphins, and more. Plan on 3.5 to 4 hours, with snacks for sale onboard.
“I have been all over the gold whale watching and Boston is always the best spot bar none!! We saw a huge pod of dolphins for a long time, then a humpback whale named etch a sketch that completely breeches about 30 feet in front of us!! Then a chin slap. I have never seen this. Sadly i had just put away my phone, but it was amazing to experience. Guides were knowledgeable and the boat was super comfy and warm. Bathrooms nice and clean!! Food and beverage selection amazing as well!! I was coming off a cruise, The hotel across the street, The Marriot Long Warf will hold your…”
Board the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS at 6pm for a 7pm to 9pm Mississippi River cruise. Hear live jazz by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland, listen to captain’s narration, explore four decks, and add a Creole dinner buffet if you want a full evening out.
“We had a lovely dinner. The service great and the experience was terrific.”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
