The 15 Best Boat Trips in the USA

Chicago Architecture River Cruise - Chicago’s architectural turning points

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15,756 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

See Chicago’s skyline from the river, hear lively architecture stories, and visit multiple branches on this practical one-hour cruise.

“When booked they said there was a below deck to stay warm from the extreme cold in Chicago. Only flaps cover window below. It was freezing from the temperature and wind. They sold merch to warm peeps. For example flimsy blanket and gloves. Which looked like they were from the dollar store. The tour guide spoke so fast we lost interest after 12-15 minutes because we couldn’t understand him. We spent first 20 minutes asking each other what he said. Sounded like reading from a script. No fun facts no humor, no nuggets we could tell people about. Finally we gave up and turned on football game from our device.…”

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Boat Tours in Boston, Boston Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Boston, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

2.Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,378 reviews · from $59

Ride Boston by restored WWII duck boat, see top landmarks, then splash into the Charles River for skyline views in 80 lively minutes.

“Mike was our narrator and he was fantastic! Not only was he full of fun facts but he has us laughing the whole time! Would highly recommend!”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Niagara Falls Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Best Niagara Falls US Tour W/Boat Ride, Cave & More Wonders!

3.Best Niagara Falls US Tour W/Boat Ride, Cave & More Wonders!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8,372 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $139

Review of Niagara Falls’ American-side tour with Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, observation tower, hotel pickup, and practical tips.

“Wonderful day with our excellent guide Lenny! He was the best. Well planned trip with a nice variety of activities. Be sure to wear your rain ponchos.”

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2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in New York City, Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, Tour Reviews

NYC: Circle Line 2h Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

4.Circle Line 2h Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 8,222 reviews · 2 hours · from $45

See NYC after dark on Circle Line’s two-hour Harbor Lights Cruise, with close Statue of Liberty views, bridge passages, expert commentary, and a full bar.

“Get there early to get good seats! It is a fantastic trip with the best views around!”

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Boat Tours in Chicago, Chicago Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews

Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

5.Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8,046 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Chicago’s 90-minute river cruise pairs skyline views with lively architecture stories, open-air seating, climate control, and a cash bar.

“Unreal tour guide, super knowledgeable. Stunning views, great day out.”

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Boat Tours in New Orleans, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, New Orleans Tours, Tour Reviews

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

6.New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7,533 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $58

Cruise the Mississippi aboard the Steamboat Natchez with live Dixieland jazz, skyline views, calliope music, and an optional Creole buffet dinner.

“It was wonderful, beautiful night and the dinner was scrumptious. But having to leave a long review isn't the best.”

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Boat Tours in Miami, Cruises & Boat Tours, Miami Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Sightseeing Cruises in Miami, Tour Reviews

Miami: Biscayne Bay Millionaire’s Homes Sightseeing Cruise

7.Biscayne Bay Millionaire’s Homes Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,348 reviews · 1h 30m · from $20Best value

Cruise Biscayne Bay for 90 minutes past Miami’s skyline, celebrity homes, island neighborhoods, and Port of Miami for $20.

“My daughter and I loved being on the water and viewing the homes of the famous Miami residents”

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Boat Tours in New York City, Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, Tour Reviews

NYC: Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

8.Circle Line 2.5 Hour Best of NYC Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,268 reviews · from $39

Circle Manhattan by boat in 2.5 hours, with close Statue of Liberty views, expert narration, indoor comfort, and 100-plus NYC sights.

“Excellent trip guide told us lots of history about New York”

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Boat Tours in Chicago, Chicago Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

9.Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,536 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $57

See Chicago’s skyline from the river on a 90-minute First Lady cruise with Chicago Architecture Center docents, indoor seating, and a full bar.

“Evening was the perfect time to view the architecture along the river and Amy was a great tour guide.”

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Boat Tours in New Orleans, Cruises & Boat Tours, New Orleans Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

10.New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,399 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $70

Cruise Honey Island Swamp from New Orleans, spot alligators and birds, visit a water-access Cajun village, and learn from local guides.

“Incredibly beautiful area so close to New Orleans! Excellent bus ride with a great driver. The tour was so well organized. Our Captain Dave was so informative and fun! You could tell he loved his job and where he lives. Saw beautiful birds, wild pigs raccoons, fish jumping and beautiful scenery. And it was December! Always satisfying to see such a beautiful area protected. Well done.”

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Boat Tours in New Orleans, Cruises & Boat Tours, New Orleans Tours, Tour Reviews

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

11.New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,334 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $43

Review the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise in New Orleans, with Mississippi River views, live jazz, history, lunch options, and practical tips.

“Will come again and also don’t for get to try the chicken salad it was delicious!!!!! Very friendly people…”

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Boat Tours in New York City, Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, Statue of Liberty Tours, Tour Reviews

NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise

12.Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,873 reviews · 50 min · from $24

See Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and Lower Manhattan on a 50-minute cruise with live commentary and photo stops.

“My family and I LOVED the Liberty Cruise tour! Our guide was knowledgeable, entertaining and enthusiastic !!! Definitely worth the price! We got many memorable photos to kick off our family Christmas vacation!!!”

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Boat Tours in New York City, Cruises & Boat Tours, New York City Tours, Tour Reviews

NYC: Circle Line 1.5-Hr Landmarks Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

13.Circle Line 1.5-Hr Landmarks Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,778 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34

See the Statue of Liberty, bridges, and Manhattan skyline on Circle Line’s 90-minute cruise with live narration and skip-line boarding.

“Great way to see Manhattan from a different angle. The Tour Guide was very knowledgeable.”

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Boat Tours in Boston, Boston Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Boston, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Sightseeing Cruises in Boston, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

14.City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,710 reviews · 3h 30m · from $85

Boston whale watching with New England Aquarium naturalists, open-air decks, indoor seating, and strong chances to see humpbacks, fin whales, and dolphins.

“We were very lucky to have a fine day for this activity and although I do suffer from motion sickness I felt absolutely fine for the whole trip. We were given an interesting dialogue on the way out to the whale watching area and it was wonderful to manage to see three magnificent whales.”

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