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. 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, and street parking can be found nearby. 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $25
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 romantic date night. 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $25
For a boozy brunch:
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 meal and panoramic views of Washington, DC. The dress code calls for cocktail attire. The brunch cruise lasts two hours and runs on Saturdays and Sundays. Pier 4, 580 Water St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $70
For a tiki bar on water:
Whitlow’s on Water
Kick back and relax at DC’s floating tiki bar. Sea Suite Cruises offers rides aboard Whitlow’s on Water, a floating version of classic DC bar Whitlow’s. As the largest boat in the fleet, this boat can hold up to 47 people and is available for private bookings or individual tickets. Sea Suite Cruises also offers a range of other party boat options. 101 Market Sq. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $55
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
Feature image courtesy Odyssey Boat Cruises
