Washington DC Boat Tours

If you’re searching for the right excuse to join us on the water, here are a few cruise ideas…

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The DC area’s major events 

There are countless events along the waterfront in the Washington area. Beat the traffic and add to your experience traveling by private boat. Some events, such as fireworks shows, are exactly twice as impressive (reflecting off the water). 

Annual or Ongoing Events:

• Independence Day Fireworks* (July 4th every year)

  • Contact us re: July 4th (online reservations may not show accurate pricing or availability). This is Washington’s premier day on the water, and often sells out early in the season.

• Alexandria’s Birthday Fireworks*

  • These are a close runner-up to the 4th, with 3 advantages: The fireworks are launched from a barge on the water (= closer to the boats), the crowds are smaller, & they’re always on a Saturday night!

• Washington Nationals Baseball Games, and other events at Nationals Park.

• DC United Soccer Games

• Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Typically the first Saturday in December)

Events at popular Waterfront destinations

• Events at The Wharf (our home port)

• Events at The Yards

• Events at The Washington Harbour

• Events at National Harbor

• Events at Mount Vernon

• Events in Alexandria

* Rates may be higher for special events, such as fireworks displays.

frequently asked questions

Q: How do your tours differ from other Washington, DC boat charters?
A: We are the only private boat tour operator in the Washington DC area with legal approval to operate out of effectively every dock and marina (~10) in the Washington DC area (including nearby Maryland and Virginia locations), from Georgetown to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 20 miles to the south. We provide private, customized boat cruises for small groups (up to 6 guests per boat), with a full narration on Washington DC’s history and sights (if you’re interested). Cruises along the Potomac River and its tributaries can be aboard an open sport boat or multi-level cruiser with climate control (view boat types).

Q: Do you offer a private yacht tour of Washington, D.C.?
A: Yes. We go to any DC destinations our guests would like to visit—the distinct advantage of our tours (vs. the larger commercial boat operators) is that we can change direction at any time and aim at a sight you would like to see. Our larger boats (example here), are designed to provide a “yacht tour” of the nation’s capital with expansive space and the amenities of a home, including salon (living room), galley (kitchen), dining area, stand-up head (bathroom), and forward, aft, and upper-level (bridge) seating areas.

Q: Do you offer a private dinner cruise of Washington, D.C.?
A: Yes. Our guests may bring aboard any food and beverages you prefer (other than red wine on the larger vessel). And, when requested, we can provide a fully-catered dinner (or lunch… or breakfast or brunch). Guests are able to enjoy a wonderfully unique dining experience while boating on the Potomac River and connecting waterways. We always provide all soft drinks, water and ice.

Q: Can I host a private boat party in DC on your vessel?
A: Yes. We often have private parties to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, marriage proposals, weddings, graduations, promotions, and other special events. A private boat cruise is one of the most fun ways to celebrate any special occasion! Our boats can accommodate up to 6 guests aboard (U.S. Coast Guard’s limit, not the boat size). Want a bigger party? Charter more boats!

Q: How are your services different from a public or large-boat Washington, DC river tour?
A: We customize all of our tours for our guests. And you are the only guests! We determine what you want to see and the duration of your boat tour is based on that alone. We separate ourselves from other boat operators since we not only customize each tour ahead of time but also can change the tour en route. We provide a detailed narrative of all the sights on the itinerary, if you like. Each trip is completely personalized and often a two-way conversation between the captain/tour guide and our guests as we convey fascinating historical, detailed facts about the monuments and other iconic sights. The composition of our boat fleet provides a lot of flexibility in the types of fun and experiences we can offer.

Q: What types of boat tours in Washington, D.C. do you offer?
A: All cruises are private, firstly. We have a 6 passenger maximum, per boat. All cruises include a USCG-licensed captain, who can provide a live tour narrative, unless you’d like to just enjoy the views in silence, or talking with your crew. Beyond that, the experience is entirely up to you, and we have a variety of options to choose from. Most guests choose a tour in Washington, DC to visit local attractions including historic monuments (Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, etc.), important buildings (Kennedy Center, Pentagon, The White House, and more) and the cherry blossoms (early spring); some head further south to George Washington’s Mt. Vernon or beyond; some relax on anchor for the sunset, propose to their best friend, and then disembark in time for a nice dinner in the city; some use it as a water taxi to travel to baseball or soccer games, performances and events at Nats Park, The Anthem or Arena Stage; some book sightseeing cruises to see historical Washington, DC landmarks from a unique perspective. Like we said, it’s up to you. Check out our sights page and gallery for more information and ideas.

Q: What locations can I start my boat cruise from?
A: All cruises operate in the greater Washington DC area along the Potomac River, Washington Channel, and Anacostia River. We are the only private boat tour company with permissions for all of the area’s major waterfront locations in Maryland (National Harbor), Virginia (Old Town Alexandria, Arlington, and Mt. Vernon) and DC (Georgetown, the DC Wharf, The Yards, James Creek, etc.).

Q: What are your private cruise rates?
A: Please see our rates page for more information, as well as minimums. Standard boats can be booked online. Note that larger vessels are available by special request, but can only be booked by phone or email (higher rates and minimum durations apply).

Q: What’s the best duration for a cruise, and what’s the best time of day?
A: Most cruises have a 1.5-hour minimum. Larger yachts and further destinations, require longer minimum durations, typically 3 hours. You could, of course, choose to do an 8-hour tour, visiting a couple locations to explore and have a meal, then take a nap on anchor before sunset, and finally relax and grill a delicious dinner aboard, or float on the river to cool off. Time of day is really up to you, but the best color light for photos in the late afternoons and evening. Some guests choose to do night tours, and that’s typically a wonderful time to see the city too!

Q: Can we bring food and drink aboard our boat?
A: You bet! We provide water and soft drinks, but you’re welcome to bring food and drinks aboard as you see fit. See the locations pages for recommendations on restaurants with takeout menus (though they’re always changing), and feel free to contact us with questions. As on land, you have to be 21 to consume alcohol. If chartering one of our larger yachts, only non-staining food and drink may be brought aboard, unless an additional security deposit is provided.

— More questions? View our full FAQ page. —

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