Looking for something new to do this summer? A boat cruise is an entertaining way to spend time with friends and family or grab brunch with a view.
Two prime locations for these adventures are the Potomac River near Washington, DC, and the James River near Richmond. These riverboat tours offer everything from close encounters with bald eagles to Fourth of July dinners to cruising the canals of Richmond. While most tours offer shelter from the elements, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Those sensitive to seasickness should perhaps opt for a shorter experience. Always book a cruise in advance, and don’t forget sunscreen if you plan to spend time on the deck. Make sure to plan where you’ll park the car ahead of time — most embarkments will have public parking with street parking close by.
If you’re planning on making the drive down to Richmond, be prepared to spend a whole day, and that means considering meals for your group. Most cruises and riverboat tours offer refreshments of some kind, but some are BYOB, so be sure to verify ahead of time if you want food or drink during your tour experience. Always make sure to arrive more than 15 minutes before the start of your tour.
For a memorable experience, try one of these riverboat cruises.
Potomac River
For a family-friendly cruise:
Boomerang Boat Tours
Set off from Washington Harbour in Georgetown for a scenic tour perfect for taking in the monuments and the National Mall with family. As you sail down the Potomac, you’ll see landmarks as far south as Reagan National Airport. The experience is an hour long and offers light prepackaged snacks as well as a cash bar. Parking is available at Washington Harbour at $12 an hour, and street parking can be found nearby. 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $20
For a romantic sunset cruise:
Capitol River Cruises
At dusk, take in the breathtaking views of Washington, DC, embarking from Georgetown on one of Capitol River Cruises’ Nightingale vessels. Starting at the Key Bridge, the tour sails south down the Potomac so that you can capture the perfect golden hour selfie. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and is ideal for a first or second date. 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $30
For a boozy cruise:
City Experiences
History may be fun, but a bottomless mimosa brunch is even more so. Enjoy a chic, spacious setting with a chef-prepared buffet-style lunch and panoramic views of Washington, DC. The dress code calls for cocktail attire such as slacks, button-up shirts, blouses, and skirts. City Experiences offers many themed cruises, including a Fourth of July fireworks cruise, a dinner cruise, and a VIP tour of Mount Vernon. There are several parking garages near The Wharf for your convenience. The cruise lasts two hours and runs on Saturdays and Sundays. Pier 4, 580 Water St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $95
James River
For a nature tour:
Discover the James Bald Eagle Tours
See the national bird in its natural glory. This riverboat tour sails south of Richmond to Jefferson’s Reach, an area with over 350 pairs of mated bald eagles. Learn about conservation efforts to protect the Bald Eagle’s habitat in both two-hour and three-hour tours throughout summer and fall. Embrace your inner ornithologist before the birds migrate in September. 9950 Hoke Brady Rd., Richmond; 9525 Deep Bottom Rd., Henrico, starting at $95
For a narrated history tour:
Riverfront Historic Canal Cruises
Depart from the Turning Basin for a family-friendly narrated history tour up the James and Kanawha Canal along the Richmond Canal Walk. The canals, initially envisioned by George Washington with construction beginning in 1789, were once predominantly used for commerce. If you don’t want a narrated tour, private charters are also available. 139 Virginia St., Richmond, starting at $15 (adult 13 and older), $8 (children 5 to 12 years old)
For a BYOB party cruise:
Sea Suite Tiki Club Cruise
Kick back and relax at Richmond’s only BYOB floating tiki bar. The cruise is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday and can accommodate up to 30 people. Feel free to mingle with strangers-turned-friends or charter in advance for a company party. Public voyages tend to last 1 hour 45 minutes. 4708 Old Main St., Richmond, starting at $45
Feature image courtesy Odyssey Boat Cruises
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