Boat Tours and Cruises in Washington DC

Embark on a fun cruise to see the Washington skyline while enjoying an unforgettable party cruise along the Potomac.
Boat Tours and Cruises in Washington DC

    More about: Boat Tours and Cruises in Washington DC

    One of the coolest things to do in Washington during a holiday is to take a boat trip on the Potomac River. Not only will you get to see some of the most famous monuments from a different perspective, but you'll also get to enjoy a tasty feast followed by a good old-fashioned dance party on board. Ready for a day to remember?

    1. Take an evening dinner cruise

    Night cruise on the Potomac River| ©krishanu_seal
    Night cruise on the Potomac River| ©krishanu_seal

    Are you up for a different kind of night out in Washington? Make the most of your stay in the capital of the United States and put on your best clothes for an evening cruise with dinner included on the Potomac River.

    During this type of tour you'll have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city's most beautiful monuments as the sun sets and the landscape is illuminated by small twinkling coloured lights. It's a magical experience!

    Exploring the waters of the Potomac River on a leisurely boat ride to take in Washington' s illuminated skyline is a great way to start the evening.

    Take a seat and relax with the view as the evening gets more exciting. You'll need your strength to dance the night away on board the boat with live music after dinner - bring your camera because you'll experience Washington like never before!

    Book your cruise in Washington

    2. Take a scenic cruise with lunch included

    Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument on the Potomac| ©F Delventhal
    Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument on the Potomac| ©F Delventhal

    Daytime souls or those travelling as a family can also take a fun morning cruise on the Potomac River with lunch included if you have other plans to enjoy the evening in the US capital.

    Taking a boat tour of Washington is an original way to see the city's skyline, giving you a more complete and different view of the city as you observe it from the water.

    During the tour, you'll be able to see some of the city 's most beautiful monuments while sitting comfortably on the deck of the boat and take some of the coolest pictures of your trip while the captain tells you anecdotes about Washington's history.

    Afterwards you'll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and in the evening a fun party with a DJ will get underway, and you'll have a great time on the dance floor!

    Book your cruise in Washington


    How much does it cost to take a cruise in Washington?

    Georgetown University from the Potomac| ©F Delventhal
    Georgetown University from the Potomac| ©F Delventhal

    There is no doubt that Washington is an exciting city full of history and amazing monuments. Most tourists take a walking or bus tour of the city, sometimes forgetting that the Potomac River offers amazing views of the capital of the United States.

    That's why if it's your first time in Washington and you want to get the full picture of the city, my advice is to also take a cruise on the Potomac - there are plenty of tours available! And they're super fun too, because not only will you cruise along the river for a relaxing ride, but there are cruises that also include lunch or dinner and even have parties on board with DJ's. Doesn't that sound great?

    So if you're looking for something original and different to do on your holiday, you should definitely include a cruise in Washington in your plans. You can find options from almost 70 euros.

    In Hellotickets you can compare prices, schedules as well as availability of tickets and day or night cruises, you will surely find the tour that best suits you!

    Book your cruise in Washington

    How long are the cruises in Washington?

    The Capital's Ferris Wheel| ©Gary Lopater
    The Capital's Ferris Wheel| ©Gary Lopater

    The Potomac River is one of Washington's main tourist attractions and tours along the river usually vary in length depending on the theme of the cruise.

    Some tours are limited to a short trip along the water to enjoy the views of the riverbank, but Washington cruises that include lunch and an on-board party are usually 2-3 hours long.

    Since they are not too long, these types of activities are perfect to do in the morning or evening to rest your legs for a while after so much sightseeing. You can then spend the rest of the day sightseeing around Washington.

    Which is better, a daytime or nighttime cruise?

    Enjoy the beautiful sights of Washington lit up at night.| ©soomness
    Enjoy the beautiful sights of Washington lit up at night.| ©soomness

    It depends on your taste but in my opinion Washington at night is a sight to see.

    Taking a leisurely boat ride at sunset while gazing at the city's major monuments lit up and sailing down the Potomac River is a magical experience not to be missed.

    Add to that a good party with music on board, and I think it's the perfect finishing touch to a unique and very special evening you'll experience during your holiday.

    How to book a cruise in Washington?

    Cruise under the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge| ©Ron Cogswell
    Cruise under the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge| ©Ron Cogswell

    You can book your place for a cruise in Washington online and in advance of your travel date. All you have to do is choose the time you want to do the activity, the number of passengers and the day you want to go to check availability.

    Then you will have to fill in the requested fields to make the reservation and finally proceed with the payment. It's that easy!

    This is a very original activity, so by booking online and from home you won't have to worry about getting your tickets once you're in Washington, you'll be sure to take them with you before you land and instead of queuing at the ticket office you'll be able to spend that time doing other things!

    Book your cruise in Washington

    Why is it worth taking a cruise in Washington DC?

    Dome of the Capitol as seen from the cruise ship| ©F Delventhal
    Dome of the Capitol as seen from the cruise ship| ©F Delventhal

    Because it's a fun and original way to explore the city from a different perspective!

    On board the boat you'll not only see some of Washington's most beautiful scenery and a host of monuments, but you'll also have a relaxing time cruising along the river before enjoying a delicious dinner and a party with music and dancing. What more could you ask for?

    You'll have a great time and take home unforgettable memories of your stay in the capital!

    What's more, with day and night cruises available, you'll be able to choose the one that best suits your tastes and circumstances. For example, if you're travelling as a couple, you can spend a romantic evening on the evening cruise as you watch the sun go down and the Washington skyline gradually light up before enjoying dinner and dancing.

    Alternatively, if you're travelling with your family you can opt for the daytime cruise with buffet lunch and dancing to a DJ. The kids are sure to love the boat ride and a good time on the Potomac River, an original experience they won't forget!

    What will I see on a Washington DC cruise?

    Jefferson Memorial| ©David Tato
    Jefferson Memorial| ©David Tato

    Along the route, some of the most popular sites you will see are:

    • The Potomac River
    • George Washington Monument
    • Arlington National Cemetery
    • Abraham Lincoln Memorial
    • The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
    • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
    • The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge
    • Reagan National Airport
    • The United States Naval Research Laboratory
    • Historic Downtown Alexandria

    Reviews from other travellers

    4.5
    · 5585 Reviews
  • I
    I. Y.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The sunset sailing experience was unforgettable, although it would be ideal if they offered more choice of drinks on board.
  • N
    N. O.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I enjoyed a unique experience sailing at sunset, the view of the city from the water is simply unforgettable.
  • T
    T. A.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved sailing at sunset, it was a very relaxing experience. I saw amazing monuments from a unique perspective.
  • Y
    Y. H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved the sailing trip, everything looks beautiful at sunset. Very fun and highly recommended.
  • M
    M. W.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The sailing experience was unforgettable, but it would be ideal if they offered more timetable options.