Best of · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Tours Worldwide

38 tours  ·  from $12 a head

The 15 best boat tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and how much of it is on foot. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Budapest: Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink - Bálna and Central Market Hall from the river
Budapest History Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, History Tours, Hungary History Tours, Tour Reviews

Budapest: Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink

1.Budapest: Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6,512 reviews · 1 hour · from $12Our pick

Spend one hour aboard the Kisfaludy or Hableány, two historic paddle steamer recreations. Sip Tokaj Frizzante or orange juice, use your phone and earphones for a 30-language audio guide, and see Parliament, Buda Castle, bridges, baths, and both riverbanks.

“Wonderful and romantic experience. Beautiful boat and lovely Christmas decorations that added more magic to the whole experience. Extremely recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip - Boarding near the Castle of the Counts
Belgium History Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, History Tours, Medieval History Tours, Tour Reviews

Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

2.Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,637 reviews · 1 day · from $12

See Ghent’s medieval center from the water on a 50-minute boat trip with live Dutch, English, or French commentary. Guides such as Kobe, Brent, Anna, Kristi, and Tom have been praised for humor and clear storytelling. Illustrated notes are available in five more languages.

“Lots of history in 49 minutes, great view, knowledgeable guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Douro Valley: Historical Sites, Wine Experience, Lunch & Cruise - Lunch in the Douro: a proper pause in a long day
Cruises & Boat Tours, History Tours, Lunch Experiences, Porto History Tours, Portugal History Tours, Tour Reviews, Wine Tours

Douro Valley: Historical Sites, Wine Experience, Lunch & Cruise

3.Douro Valley: Historical Sites, Wine Experience, Lunch & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,133 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $107Top rated

Leave Porto early for Amarante, São Leonardo da Galafura, Régua, and Pinhão. You’ll travel by small-group minibus, eat a traditional Portuguese lunch, cruise the Douro on a Rabelo boat, and tour a vineyard estate with three wine tastings. Guides vary, with past departures led by Christian, Simmy, Rita, and Cuber.

“The Douro Valley is a must see destination. I wish we were given more information about the production of wine from planting to harvesting to wine making. The boat trip and the lunch were excellent.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Gdansk: City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat - Starting at the former Gdańsk Shipyard
Cruises & Boat Tours, History Tours, Poland History Tours, Tour Reviews

Gdansk: City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat

4.Gdansk: City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,913 reviews · 1h 10m · from $22

Join guides such as Borna, Szymon, or Danusia for a 70-minute cruise on a small wooden replica boat. From the former shipyard to Old Town canals, you’ll see port cranes, historic gates, Granary Island, and places larger boats cannot reach. Blankets and umbrellas are provided.

“Great informative and engaging guide. The tour was excellent value for money on a lovely boat. Blankets and umbrellas were at the ready for weather changes, but we were lucky and went on a very sunny day! The trip leaves from an interesting location and there is a shop there for drinks/snacks. Great tour, highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise - Fort Sumter and the Opening of the Civil War
Charleston History Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, History Tours, Tour Reviews, USA History Tours

Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

5.Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,788 reviews · from $44

Board the 80-foot Carolina Belle at Charleston Maritime Center for a 90-minute narrated cruise along the Cooper River. You’ll see Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Fort Moultrie, the Battery, Waterfront Park, and the Ravenel Bridge, with morning, afternoon, and sunset departures.

“Fantastic! This is the third time taking this cruise. Beautiful to see the city from the water and hear the history.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise - What you see from the Creole Queen
Cruises & Boat Tours, History Tours, New Orleans History Tours, Tour Reviews, USA History Tours

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

6.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,948 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, passing New Orleans landmarks while a historian explains the city’s past. You’ll stop at Chalmette Battlefield for a guided visit with a National Park ranger. Lunch and drinks are available for purchase, but bring no outside food or beverages.

“Relaxing River boat ride on the Mississippi. The narrator was very informative and entertaining. Highly recommend it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boston: City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise - Starting at One Long Wharf
Cruises & Boat Tours, History Tours, Tour Reviews, USA History Tours

Boston: City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise

7.Boston: City Cruises Historical Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,771 reviews · 1 hour · from $46

Cruise Boston Harbor for one hour with an English-speaking guide such as Kevin, Holly, Liz, or Dave. From Long Wharf, see the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Old North Church, Castle Island, and the harbor islands from open decks or large-windowed indoor seating.

“An excellent final trip on our visit to Boston. Just enough time (1hr) to learn more about the city from a maritime perspective.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Berlin: 3-Hour World Heritage Cruise to Potsdam - From Wannsee Into the Havel Waterways
3-Hour Experiences, Berlin History Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Germany History Tours, History Tours, Tour Reviews, UNESCO World Heritage Tours

Berlin: 3-Hour World Heritage Cruise to Potsdam

8.Berlin: 3-Hour World Heritage Cruise to Potsdam

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,569 reviews · 3 hours · from $25

From Wannsee, cruise the Havel River and its linked lakes toward Potsdam, passing Peacock Island, Cecilienhof Palace, Glienicke Bridge, Babelsberg Palace, and Friendship Island. German and English onboard information explains the Prussian sites. Food, drinks, and indoor or outdoor seating are available.

“The commentary, in English and German, is very understated and informative. It’s not at all crass or attempting to be funny which is the case for some tourist ventures. The boat is very well maintained. I would highly recommend this cruise.”

Check availability →Read our full review

City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise - Starting at Long Wharf
Boston History Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, History Tours, Tour Reviews, USA History Tours

City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

9.City Cruises Boston Historic Sightseeing Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,388 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46

Cruise Boston Harbor for 60 minutes with live narration about the Revolutionary War, Boston’s working waterfront, and figures such as Paul Revere. You’ll pass USS Constitution, Boston Light, Fort Independence, and the Boston Tea Party ships. Guides including Kevin, Holly, Mike, and Jeff have earned special praise.

“Very informative and great way to spend a rainy day in Boston. Would definitely recommend to anyone!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise - Boarding at the Charleston Maritime Center
Charleston History Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, History Tours, Tour Reviews, USA History Tours

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

10.Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,352 reviews · 1h 30m · from $49

Cruise Charleston Harbor for 90 minutes aboard a 1920s Bay-Steamer replica. Your English-speaking captain, such as Captain Ron, Lance, or Matt, points out Fort Sumter, The Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and more than 75 sights. Choose daytime or sunset, with indoor seats and an onboard snack and drink bar.

“Great overview of the city for those who are new to Charleston.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay - Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook’s Monument
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, History Tours, Tour Reviews, USA History Tours

Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

11.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Set sail from Kailua-Kona at 4 p.m. for a 3-hour round trip to Kealakekua Bay. A local historian explains Kona’s landmarks and legends while you enjoy Hawaiian music, sunset views, a catered dinner, dessert, and one complimentary cocktail.

“Excellent dinner cruise. Food delicious, staff outstanding and stunning views. Highly recommend. Wonderful music and great info from a local”

Check availability →Read our full review

Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan - Macquarie Harbour’s fish farms and working waters
Australia History Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, History Tours, Morning, Tour Reviews, UNESCO World Heritage Tours

Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan

12.Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,193 reviews · from $111

Set out from Strahan at 9am aboard a comfortable catamaran for Hells Gates, Sarah Island and the Gordon River. Guides bring convict history, rainforest and conservation to life, with a buffet lunch, onboard commentary and a rainforest boardwalk included.

“The Red Boat had very comfortable seating, good views from all areas, nice lunch, very informative guides.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Strahan: World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch - From Strahan Wharf to Hells Gates
Australia History Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, History Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, UNESCO World Heritage Tours

Strahan: World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch

13.Strahan: World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,143 reviews · 6 hours · from $109

Spend six hours aboard a family-run catamaran from Strahan, crossing Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gates, Sarah Island, and the Gordon River. You’ll get a one-hour guided island tour, a rainforest boardwalk, local Tasmanian lunch, live commentary, and a Huon pine sawmill visit.

“nice easy going day... I noticed a lot of passengers from overseas.... I think they need to be warned about the Australian Drop Bear..... 🤔 😅”

Check availability →Read our full review

New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch - Starting at the Riverwalk and Canal Street Dock
Cruises & Boat Tours, History Tours, Lunch Experiences, New Orleans History Tours, Tour Reviews, USA History Tours

New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

14.New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,112 reviews · 2h 30m · from $47

Ride the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen from the Riverwalk to Chalmette Battlefield. Hear New Orleans history from guides such as Charles and Dr. Lauren, enjoy river views, join a National Park Ranger for an hour, and add a Creole buffet lunch if you wish.

“Totally fabulous experience. Commentary given by the tour guide, Charles, was the best I have ever had. Food was delicious and a real authentic experience of New Orleans cuisine. Drinks were reasonable, with no queuing. Battlefield tour guide was knowledgeable. This experience is highly recommended. Perfect few hours.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lisbon: Daytime or Sunset Boat Cruise with History and Wine - Belém’s monuments from the water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, History Tours, Lisbon History Tours, Portugal History Tours, Tour Reviews, Wine Tours

Lisbon: Daytime or Sunset Boat Cruise with History and Wine

15.Lisbon: Daytime or Sunset Boat Cruise with History and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,053 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Meet Ana, Pedro, and the crew at Doca de Belém for a two-hour small-group sail along the Tagus. You’ll pass Belém Tower, Praça do Comércio, Alfama, and Cristo Rei while hearing Lisbon history in several languages. Green wine, water, or juice is served aboard.

“Pedro was a great guide. He spoke several languages, so he was able to include everyone. Very low-key, friendly, and knowledgeable. The wine was lovely, the boat was comfortable, and the views were really great. We had 12 passengers, which was a very nice size group.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 5.0Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique84 reviews
★ 5.0Private Boat Tour Amsterdam – 90 Min incl. welcome drink on historic saloon boatFrom $26582 reviews
★ 4.9Tasman Peninsula Tour, Cruise & Port Arthur Historic SiteFrom $233339 reviews
★ 4.6Hobart: Historic Lunch CruiseFrom $46271 reviews
★ 4.5Berlin: Historic Boat Sightseeing City Center TourFrom $33415 reviews
★ 4.3Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City CenterFrom $12430 reviews
★ 4.6Porto: Douro Valley History & Wine Tour with Cruise & LunchFrom $104433 reviews
★ 5.0Kas: Kekova Island Sunken City & Historical Sites Boat TourFrom $84441 reviews
★ 4.5Amsterdam: Historic City Sightseeing Canal CruiseFrom $18444 reviews
★ 4.6Leiden: Cruise through the Historic City Center with GuideFrom $15445 reviews
★ 5.0Private Excursion to Ayutthaya, UNESCO World Heritage site with Boat TourFrom $159460 reviews
★ 5.0All in One Day Istanbul – Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus CruiseFrom $164489 reviews
★ 4.4Riga: Canal & Daugava Cruise on a Historic Wooden BoatFrom $20496 reviews
★ 4.5From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Heritage Tour with Sunset Boat RideFrom $32490 reviews
★ 4.5Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From HobartFrom $25570 reviews

Keep browsing

Ancient History ToursMedieval History ToursWWII & D-Day ToursHistory Walking ToursDark History & Haunted ToursOld Town & Historic Centre Walks
Scroll to Top

Explore by period

Pick an era, or a kind of day.

The ancient world

Ancient HistoryColosseum & ForumArchaeological SitesWorld HeritageAncient Italy

The Middle Ages

Medieval HistoryOld Town WalksDark HistoryJewish HeritageColonial History

The twentieth century

WWII & D-DayCold WarVietnam WarBattlefieldsD-Day in France

How you see it

Walking ToursPrivate GuidesSmall GroupsBy Bike & Tuk-TukFood & History