OUR PICKS · HARBOUR SIGHTSEEING CRUISES IN THE USA
Good harbour sightseeing cruises in the USA fill up weeks ahead and the best cabins go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each fare includes and how they differ.
Board Bayride Tours at Bayside Marketplace for a 90-minute Biscayne Bay cruise past Miami’s islands, skyline, port, and millionaire homes. Guides such as Ricky, Marlon, Nancy, and Veronica add humor and facts in English and Spanish. Choose the cool main deck or breezy upper deck.
“My daughter and I loved being on the water and viewing the homes of the famous Miami residents”
Cruise San Diego Bay aboard a comfortable boat with indoor and outdoor seating, a snack bar, and narration from guides such as Rusty or MC JJ. Choose one hour in North or South Bay, or stay aboard for two hours covering both, with Navy ships, sea lions, the Coronado Bridge, and Star of India.
“Disappointing...& we've been on several of these. The 'narrator' was about as un-interesting as they come & a 1 hour TOTAL harbor tour would be more than sufficient for the ENTIRE harbor (vs the 2 hours you pay for).”
Cruise Elliott Bay and Seattle Harbor with live narration from Argosy Cruises. You’ll pass the Great Wheel, Space Needle, working container terminals, stadiums, Alki Beach, and Terminal 91. Casey, Nate, Angie, and other local guides have earned praise for lively storytelling. Indoor seating, an open sun deck, restrooms, and snacks are available.
“A must do. Great tour with excellent views of Downtown, The Big Wheel, The Space Needle, Lumen Field, the harbour and so much more. We got lucky with CLEAR BLUE SKIES. Love Seattle.”
Set out from Bayside Marketplace for an approximately 80-minute Biscayne Bay cruise with bilingual commentary, music, skyline views, and a look at mansions on Star Island, Fisher Island, and the Venetian Islands. Drinks and snacks are sold on board, and seating is first come, first served.
“Tour was ok. Nothing special but as advertised they show you the homes of the stars. Was busy so book early for it”
Spend one hour cruising Boston Harbor with a live narrator, passing the USS Constitution, Boston Light, Fort Independence, the Tea Party ships, and Old North Church. Guides such as Kevin, Holly, Mike, and Jeff have been praised for clear facts and humor, though lower-deck sound and seating can vary.
“Sit on the upper deck on the left side for best views. Tour guide gave a good overview of the harbor. He did have a bit of an attitude. The woman lining everybody up to board was excellent - gave us great tips to enjoy the cruise. She should have given the tour.”
Cruise San Diego Bay aboard a modern Flagship yacht with live English narration from guides such as Rusty, Max, JJ, and Jen. Choose a one-hour north or south route, or the two-hour option for both, with naval ships, sea lions, the Coronado Bridge, outdoor decks, and a snack bar.
“What a great, exciting experience to be a part of! The price was spot on. It happened to be a beautiful day. Unforgettable. Than you!”
Spend 90 minutes aboard a 1920s Bay-Steamer replica with a live English-speaking captain. You’ll pass Fort Sumter, The Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Civil and Revolutionary War sites, and more than 75 points of interest. Choose daytime or sunset, with indoor seating, an upper deck, and drinks and snacks for purchase.
“I loved all of it. The boat ride was smooth and the captain was great! I wouldn't improve anything.”
Spend 90 minutes aboard a Savannah Riverboat with an English-speaking captain or guide, such as Gage, explaining Savannah’s port, Civil War connections, visiting ships, and Old Fort Jackson. Choose indoor air-conditioned seating or outdoor decks, with food and drinks available for purchase.
“The trip visits the port and container ships as well...very interesting, and our "guide" was one of the Captains, who was not only knowledgeable about history and maritime stuff, but was a punster! Enjoyable trip.”
Spend two hours aboard the Tahoe Bleu Wave, a comfortable yacht with indoor and outdoor seating, cruising from South Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay. Captains such as Augustine, Paul, and Steve provide lively stories about the lake, while snacks, soft drinks, and one beer, wine, or champagne are included.
“Loved the captain and his Team! They were awesome!! Very entertaining, nice boat, good drinks and snacks”
Travel from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor by premium coach, explore the visitor center museums, and see the USS Arizona Memorial area. The memorial boat ride is currently suspended for maintenance. Guides such as Chelsea, Shelly, and Michael also cover downtown Honolulu, King Kamehameha, and Punchbowl Cemetery.
“Wet moving. Wonderful guide who really knew and shared the history. Would recommend. Smaller group which was so nice.”
Cruise Charleston Harbor for 90 minutes with a licensed English-speaking guide, passing Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, the Battery, Castle Pinckney, and Ravenel Bridge. Depart from Patriots Point or Aquarium Wharf. Expect strong storytelling, open-water views, possible dolphins, onboard restrooms, and cash-only snacks and beer.
“Beautiful way to see Charleston from the water. Relaxing ride,we did see a few dolphin .Great narrator on the historical sights. Definitely worth a few hours of your time.”
Spend about two hours on a shared sunset sail from Safeharbor Sunroad Marina. The yacht carries no more than six people, with bean bags, cushions, blankets, and a bathroom onboard. You may sail with captains such as Aaron, Patrick, Derek, Adam, or Maggie, and can bring your own food and drinks.
“Our sunset cruise in San Diego was absolutely perfect, and that was largely thanks to our captain, Aaron. He was extremely knowledgeable about the harbor and its history, sharing interesting facts throughout our trip without missing a beat. The boat was comfortable, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the sunset was breathtaking. Aaron's hospitality made it a truly memorable.”
Board at Pier 55 for a one-hour Argosy Cruises harbor tour with live English narration. You’ll pass the Space Needle, Alki Beach, Harbor Island, Pier 91, and Seattle’s working port, with outdoor-deck views, food and drinks for sale, and possible mountain and sea lion sightings.
“Incredible value for money. Excellent views. Friendly welcoming atmosphere from all staff involved”
Cruise San Diego Bay for 90 minutes on a Coast Guard-certified yacht, with narration about Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Navy ships, Coronado Bridge, Petco Park, and the USS Midway. Choose from several departure times, sit inside or outside, and buy snacks and drinks on board.
“Such a great experience, absolutely beautiful tour, great captain and crew, and wonderful narration. Very patriotic and respectful! Dress warmly the bay air is a lot colder than it is on land- that’s just a tip not a criticism! Its money well spent!”
Spend about two hours aboard Seattle's Tall Ship, sailing from Pier 66 through Elliott Bay. Expect skyline and Space Needle views, possible Mount Rainier sightings, friendly crew, optional sail-raising, onboard restrooms, drinks for purchase, and a maximum of 70 passengers.
“I went on a sailing tour on my last day in Seattle because I wanted to see the city skyline from the water. We were lucky with the weather — a mix of clouds and sunshine made it even more beautiful. It was such a peaceful and relaxing experience. The crew took wonderful care of everyone on board, offering warm blankets and drinks, which made the trip feel extra cozy. Overall, a lovely experience — highly recommend!”
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
