WASHINGTON · D.C.
The best way to spend a day in D.C.
The 15 best potomac river cruises 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“Jerome was a great guide and our driver was excellent! We saw everything we wanted to see and more! Highly recommend you book this tour!”
DC City Cruises Spirit of Washington buffet brunch or dinner with DJ, games, and 360° Potomac views of major landmarks for about $65.
“Very good service by Dwayne. He was full of energy and very helpful. The DJ was amazing and had everyone dancing. Drinks were good and food was delicious”
A 6-hour Washington, DC guided loop with convertible-bus views and a seasonal Potomac River cruise. See major memorials plus Georgetown.
“The guide called Sam who was excellent it would be good if you had a leaflet with all the facts about the places we visited as it is impossible to remember all the information given by Sam. this leaflet could be sold to anyone who wants one”
A 2-hour DC Potomac River cruise with plated brunch or a 3-course dinner, 360° views, and smart-casual comfort on the Odyssey.
“Splendid....dinner was fabulous...the staff was more than accommodating...my server Skylar was amazing,..”
Enjoy a 2-hour Washington DC Potomac lunch cruise with a buffet, coffee, and DJ music, plus views of the Washington Monument and Alexandria.
“This was a very fun experience! The DJ and staff were amazing! Loved the food, music, & tour! Thanks”
DC at night from the Odyssey: a 2.5-3 hour Potomac dinner cruise with a 3-course meal and DJ-led dancing.
“What a dump I would give zero stars if that was an option The boat needs a total refurbishment The carpets we’re disgusting, the furniture tired and needs burning The only thing premium is the price The service was rubbish The food Read more”
A guided DC highlights tour with a Potomac River cruise when in season, plus timed monument stops for an easy first-trip day.
“Excellent tour guide who provided interesting insight into each site visited. Therefore the tour was not educational, but it was also a fun experience.”
A 2-hour Washington DC brunch cruise on the Potomac with a buffet, bottomless mimosas, DJ music, and skyline views from the yacht deck.
“From the time we were broading, the buffet, to the music, waiter and Dj it was an AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!! Will definitely be doing this cruise more often. Very organized and every EMPLOYEE WAS SOOOOO PROFESSIONAL and HELPFUL, thank you so much for a great experience and will be seeing you all again very soon”
$99 for a 6-hour DC highlights tour with a Potomac river cruise in season, Capitol entry, and timed optional museum tickets.
“Great! Rochelle and Chris were amazing, knowledgeable, and fun.”
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.
“The food was good although a buffet. Seconds were offered. Don’t buy dessert. They were these tiny paper cups filled with chocolate you could buy at Publix for $1.29 a bag. The D.J. was the best. His play list was top notch and had music for all generations. The best part of the cruise was…”
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.
“It was really nice and calming. My tour guide gave simple directions and sent us on our way.”
A small-group Potomac River cruise plus guided Mount Vernon estate walk with lunch included, starting fast from DC’s Wharf.
“Highly recommend! We loved our tour. It was so enjoyable and informational. Tyson was a great tour guide. Thank you!”
Small-group convertible van tour of Washington DC’s National Mall with reserved Capitol and Archives entry plus seasonal Potomac cruise.
“We choose this particular tour after thoroughly reading the tour's description and itinerary. I understand that some substitutions might be unavoidable due to certain circumstances, but what we get was very different (with the negative connotation) from what was promised.”
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 one of the best tours that we booked ourselves. Amanda, our tour guide was AWESOME. She was so pleasant and well educated on the area and the history behind it all. She answered questions, educated and entertained us during the entire trip. Attentive to all our needs and more. Amanda was well worth…”
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.
