Best Boat Tours in the U.S.

Whether you’re flying at high speeds upon the choppy waters of San Francisco Bay or soaking up the Windy City’s iconic skyline on the tranquil Chicago River, boat tours give you the chance to view a city from a unique perspective.

Sightseeing in Seattle

Explore the watery landscape surrounding Seattle via Argosy Cruises and its fleet of boats. Take in the breathtaking sights of downtown—where the towering Space Needle sits against the backdrop of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains—on the one-hour, narration-filled Seattle Harbor Cruise Tour. If you want to see Seattle’s gentler side, the company also offers a two-hour excursion on Lakes Union and Washington, complete with up-close views of quaint houseboats and the cutting-edge Gasworks Park. You can experience engineering marvels firsthand on the 2.5-hour Locks Cruise Tour as your boat travels from the salt waters of Puget Sound to Lake Union’s fresh waters with the aid of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.

Fun in San Francisco

The San Francisco-based Blue and Gold Fleet provides ferry service between the city and surrounding towns, and also specializes in sightseeing cruises. The SF Bay Cruise Adventure doubles as a 60-minute history lesson as the boat journeys alongside many of the Bay’s landmark attractions—such as Pier 39—complete with detailed backstory and narration. You’ll hear fascinating tales of crime and intrigue on the 90-minute Escape from the Rock tour, while you encircle the famed Alcatraz Island prison. A breathtaking bonus includes a sail beneath the majestic, world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. Surrounding sights may whiz by fast on Rocketboat, but the adrenaline never stops pumping on this 30-minute speedboat voyage accompanied by a rock-and-roll soundtrack.

The Chicago River offers visitors a unique view of the Windy City.

Chi-Town Cruises

Celebrate Chicago’s heralded designs with a ride on the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. Float down the Chicago River, which cuts through the heart of the city, as docents—local architecture experts—point out details and historic facts of at least 50 buildings, including such beloved structures as the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower and Marina City. The journey takes place on a two-level boat with an open-air top deck for optimum viewing. While the 90-minute tour typically takes place in the mornings and afternoons, you can also take a twilight tour on select dates. Or choose the cruise geared toward shutterbugs—the boat pauses intermittently so passengers can take photographs.

Miami Adventures

hoose from a variety of boating adventures with Safari Tours Miami, including the 90-minute Biscayne Bay Boat Tour, a narrated, bilingual cruise. Set sail on a two-level yacht, complete with outdoor seating and an air-conditioned interior, through the bustling Port of Miami and along the bay to see million-dollar mansions and numerous islands. You can also book the Everglades Safari Tour, which provides transportation from Miami to Everglades National Park and includes an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades. Pause to admire native wildlife, including alligators and various birds, and enjoy the inclusive wildlife show and walking tour.