From whale watching excursions and sunset sails to scenic cruises past waterfalls and cliff-backed shores, there are so many water-based tours to choose from in the United States. A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees for Best Boat Tours, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote over four weeks. Scroll to learn more about the winners.
No. 10: Glimmerglass Queen Tour Boat Company – Cooperstown, New York
Cooperstown’s Lake Front Hotel offers the town’s only boat tours of beautiful Otsego Lake. These narrated one-hour tours, aboard the elegant Glimmerglass Queen, provide a glimpse into the history of James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales, many of which were set around and inspired by the lake. Guests can enjoy a cool drink at the bar during the tour, and both indoor and outdoor seating are available.
No. 9: Island Express Ferry Service – Beaufort and Harkers Island, North Carolina
Island Express Ferry Service is the only ferry authorized by the National Park Service to drop off passengers from Beaufort and Harkers Island to Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks in North Carolina. Guests experience the beauty of the North Carolina coast while riding in comfortable ferries. Treasure hunt for shells, watch the wild horses of Shackleford Banks, go fishing or swimming and leave the stress of the mainland behind!
No. 8: Hubbard’s Marina – Madeira Beach, Florida
Hubbard’s Marina has been in the fishing and cruising business since 1928 and has been family-owned and -operated for four generations. Tour options vary, from daily dolphin watching and eco tours to fishing trips lasting anywhere from five to 44 hours.
No. 7: Canderé Cruising – Seattle, Washington
Boat tours with Canderé Cruising let visitors watch seaplane take-offs and landings up close, with views from the water of Seattle landmarks like the Space Needle and Fremont Bridge. Options range from an hour-long cocktail cruise to a three-hour sunset sail or four-hour tour to see Seattle’s lakefront mansions. This family business offers the best options to experience Seattle’s waterways in a unique and affordable way.
No. 6: Blue Ocean Adventure Tours – Kekaha, Hawaii
Blue Ocean Adventure Tours unlock the spectacular scenery of Kauai’s Na Pali coast with tours ranging from whale watching excursions to beach landings. Guests get to see the 3,500-foot sea cliffs from the water, visit the Hawaiian fishing village of Nualolo Kai and spot Hawaiian green sea turtles while snorkeling.
No. 5: Red Boat Tours – Vilano Beach, Florida
Instead of fighting the crowds of downtown St. Augustine, step aboard the White Pelican for a boat tour of the Intracoastal Waterway. Red Boat Tours offer a variety of sightseeing cruises, including dolphin watching excursions, BYOB sunset sails and full moon cruises.
No. 4: Waco Tours River Cruise – Waco, Texas
A river cruise with Waco Tours comprises 2.5 hours along the serene Brazos River in the heart of Texas. Learn about the history and people of Waco as you see the city from the water and spot local wildlife on the riverbanks.
No. 3: Redline Rafting – Kihei, Hawaii
Redline Rafting’s motto is “half the crowds, twice the adventure.” That’s what you can expect, whether you’re cruising Maui’s Forbidden Coast, snorkeling in Molokini Crater or looking for North Pacific humpback whales who make Maui their winter home.
No. 2: Chicago Architecture Foundation Center – Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is led by highly trained expert docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you’ll hear fascinating details about Chicago, including stories about the people who designed the buildings along the Chicago River. Options include both daylight tours and evening cocktail cruises.
No. 1: Holo Holo Charters – Eleele, Hawaii
With Holo Holo Charters, visitors to Kauai can sail to the forbidden island of Niihau or cruise along the spectacular Na Pali Coast to see its waterfalls, lush valleys and hidden sea caves from a new perspective.
