WASHINGTON, D.C.
The best way to spend a day in D.C.
The 15 best cruises & boat tours in Washington, with what each one covers, what it costs and how long to set aside. A shortlist for planning real days on and off the National Mall.
National Mall in one day with 10+ guided stops, narrated Potomac cruise, and optional museum or Capitol entry upgrades from $87.
Most Popular“The guide goes with you to most monuments at a very slow pace to give you time to get there, take pictures and back to the bus. Route is planned well.”
DC City Cruises Spirit of Washington buffet brunch or dinner with DJ, games, and 360° Potomac views of major landmarks for about $65.
“Zee and Chillay were over-the-top! Extremely pleasant staff and atmosphere. The chef had a special surprise for us birthday celebrants! All round great experience. 1st class and 5 stars all the way!!!”
A 6-hour Washington, DC guided loop with convertible-bus views and a seasonal Potomac River cruise. See major memorials plus Georgetown.
“We thought the tour was great, our guide Rob Robertson was very knowledgeable & a great guy. Lunch stop recommendations were really good, would recommend this tour.”
A 2-hour DC Potomac River cruise with plated brunch or a 3-course dinner, 360° views, and smart-casual comfort on the Odyssey.
“This was a great cruise! The DJ was awesome and staff was phenomenal! The Food definitely could have been better and more to choose from. Overall I would do this again but bring some snacks and keep the DJ!!!”
Enjoy a 2-hour Washington DC Potomac lunch cruise with a buffet, coffee, and DJ music, plus views of the Washington Monument and Alexandria.
“It was amazing! The DJ Rich was the best DJ I have ever experienced. The staff and food were outstanding. The views from the boat were breathtaking. It was a perfect day.”
DC at night from the Odyssey: a 2.5-3 hour Potomac dinner cruise with a 3-course meal and DJ-led dancing.
“The food was cold and not very good. The DJ played exclusively line dances until the end, the music was far too loud, and the experience is billed as a premium service. Not worth the price by any means.”
A guided DC highlights tour with a Potomac River cruise when in season, plus timed monument stops for an easy first-trip day.
“Tyrone and Chris were fantastic with everything!! Top class personalities for their roles”
A 2-hour Washington DC brunch cruise on the Potomac with a buffet, bottomless mimosas, DJ music, and skyline views from the yacht deck.
“The best time! Good food, lots to eat and drink, good DJ, friendly staff. I definitely recommend this brunch. Was the highlight of my trip.”
$99 for a 6-hour DC highlights tour with a Potomac river cruise in season, Capitol entry, and timed optional museum tickets.
“It was a very enjoyable tour a lot of sights to see in the time The boat ride up the Potomac was an unexpected highlight of the tour. Definitely recommended!”
City Cruises Washington DC buffet dinner cruise: sunset Potomac views, DJ dance party, and an all-you-can-eat dinner on a 3-hour ride.
“Our server Dewayne was awesome and met every one of our needs. The music was great, the atmosphere was wonderful and it left a very memorable impression on my wife and I. We will definitely be back for another experience.”
Drive your own eco-friendly boat at Washington DC’s Wharf with a map, life vest, and captain-style control for up to 8. Choose 1–3 hrs.
“Calvin was an amazing tour guide! He answered all my questions and had amazing customer service. He gave me all the instructions we needed and made the experience the best! Would book with him again 10/10.”
A small-group Potomac River cruise plus guided Mount Vernon estate walk with lunch included, starting fast from DC’s Wharf.
“Faith was very knowledgeable and a fun guide. She read the vibes of the group well. Knowing the importance of the river for Mt Vernon, made the cruise and tour all that more impactful.”
Small-group convertible van tour of Washington DC’s National Mall with reserved Capitol and Archives entry plus seasonal Potomac cruise.
“Pros: Very informative, tour guide is really knowledgeable, small group in convertible / glass top van made for great visibility & pictures. Van was also very comfortable. Cons: definitely pricey for what you get. For that price it would have been nice to be picked up from my hotel, instead of meetings the bus location.…”
River cruise to Mount Vernon with expert guides, VIP seating, and included lunch—plus time on the estate and grounds for a full day.
“This was a great tour my 13 year old son loved it. We had 8 family members and 3 children 11-13 y/o.”
2-hour Washington DC Potomac River yacht cruise from Georgetown with open bar, DJ music, and skyline views. $74, rain or shine.
“It was okay. It would be good if the guide provide us info about the place while we are traveling”
Every corner of the capital, and every way to see it.
