Experience Alexandria, National Harbor + Washington DC from the water. From romantic cruises to peaceful sightseeing tours, these are VIP's Top 10 Local River Cruises of 2023.
1. FIREWORKS CRUISE FROM ALEXANDRIA
City Cruises | Departs from Water St., DC | 3 hours
This dinner Cruise is the ultimate way to kick off summer’s biggest celebration. The spectacular Washington D.C fireworks will captivate you as you enjoy the show from your front row seats on the water. Includes a chef-prepared buffet, live music and dancing and gorgeous views of Washington’s spectacular architecture while soaking in the beautiful summer weather from our climate-controlled interior and open-air roof decks. Marvel at famed city landmarks, such as Old Town Alexandria, and the National Harbor.
2. OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA PADDLE BOAT BOOZE CRUISE
Washington DC Paddleboat Cruises | Departs from Old Town Alexandria | 2 hours
Passengers are given the option of cruising Southbound underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, past the Jones Point Lighthouse, and around the channel markers to National Harbor and back OR cruising Northbound towards either the Wharf or Navy Yard for 60 minutes before circling back to Old Town for a total cruise time of 2 hours. This cruise is BYOB and guests are empowered to drink any canned beer, wine, seltzer, or cocktail. Passengers are also welcome to bring their own food to enjoy.
3. MARGARITAS + MONUMENTS CRUISE
Capitol River Cruises | Departs from Washington Harbour | 1 hour
Sail down the Potomac River while taking in the most spectacular views of the illuminated monuments of Washington, DC. Enjoy $5 margaritas while mingling and jamming out to today's top hits!
4. SUNSET SAILS
Tall Ship Providence | Departs from Old Town Alexandria | 2 hours
Set sail aboard Tall Ship Providence! Help the crew haul lines to set the sails, visit the Captain’s Cabin and explore the hold to see where sailors lived and learn what life was like aboard a tall ship during the 18th century or simply sit back and relax with a drink from the ship’s bar.
5. WASHINGTON DC TIKI BOAT BAR CRUISE
Potomac Tiki Club | Departs from Georgetown | 1 hour 45 min
Potomac Tiki Club is DC’s first and only tiki boat bar on the Potomac River! Fitting up to 18 people, this floating tiki bar in Georgetown is the best way for friends, families, and colleagues to sip, cruise, and celebrate out on the water!
6. FAMILY FUN TREASURE HUNT CRUISE
Boomerang Boat Tours | Departs from K Street NW, DC | 1 hour
You see, me mateys, we are friendly pirates protecting the Nation’s Capital from any boisterous buccaneers that might get too close. The city’s most valued treasure is on board, but recently the keys to the treasure chest were stolen! Help search the waterways looking for the scallywags who stole the keys to the precious loot during this one-hour family, friendly experience.
7. DC BOAT TOUR
Embark | Departs from various locations | 1.5 - 4 hours
Depending where you start, where you want to go, and how fast you want to go, cruises can be as short as you like (note: min. charge is 1.5 hours), or can last all day; “Living the Boat Life” is an 8-hour tour, and allows you to feel like you’ve got your own boat, and can include swimming, sightseeing, sunbathing, dining, watching the sunset, and more.
8. FREE-FORM CRUISE
Reflections DC | Departs from Wharf Marina, DC | 2 or 3 hours
A private outing on the water. Go anywhere, do anything! See the sights of the city with the sun in your face and the wind in your hair, on the beautiful open-air runabout Cortina. The crew will show you the most beautiful spots on the Potomac River. BYOB/BYOF.
9. SUNRISE KAYAK MONUMENT TOUR
Boating in DC | Departs from Wharf Marina, DC | 90 minutes
Enjoy a guided paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island and past iconic D.C. locations where you'll see the sun rise in the background. No previous kayaking experience required.
10. FLOAT DC
GOBOAT | Departs from Wharf Marina, DC | 2 hours
Fitting 8 people, you'll enjoy a unique social sailing experience with friends, family or colleagues. You are your own captain on your own private tour when renting our electrically powered 18-foot boats. Enjoy the Wharf's sights from the water in our nation's capital. You're in for a totally new experience seeing these sights with loved ones from the water.