Boat Trips From Dc: Exploring Nearby Waterways

where to go from dc by boat

Washington, DC, offers a plethora of unique experiences on the water. From the Potomac River to the Anacostia River, there are plenty of options to explore the city and its surroundings by boat. Whether you're looking for a scenic tour, a romantic dinner cruise, or a fun party boat, DC has something for everyone. You can even rent your own kayak or paddleboard for a more intimate experience on the water. So, if you're wondering where to go from DC by boat, here's a sneak peek at the possibilities.

Characteristics Values
Boat Types Pirate Ships, Party Boats, Yachts, Private Charters, Canoes, Kayaks, Paddle Boards
Boat Tour Companies Boomerang Boat Tours, Nautiste, Potomac Tiki Club, Embark DC Boat Tours, City Cruises, Mahogany Yacht Charters
Boat Tour Destinations Potomac River, Washington Channel, Anacostia River, National Harbor, Old Town Alexandria, Arlington, Mt. Vernon, Georgetown, The Wharf, The Yards, James Creek, Georgetown Waterfront, Lincoln Memorial, Hilltop
Boat Tour Durations 45 minutes, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours
Boat Tour Features Brunch, Dinner, Drinks, Music, Fireworks, Swimming, Sightseeing, Sunbathing, Narration, Yoga, Live DJ

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Potomac River cruises

There are several options for cruises on the Potomac River, which offer a unique perspective on Washington DC's iconic landmarks.

Boomerang Boat Tours offers a range of cruises, including day, night, and sunset cruises, as well as a brunch cruise with a buffet, cocktails, and a live DJ. Their boats depart from the Georgetown Waterfront and feature a fully-stocked bar. You can choose from a party yacht, a pirate ship, or a party boat, all of which are double-deckers with indoor and outdoor spaces.

For a more intimate experience, Nautiste, a woman-owned yacht charter company, offers luxury cruises on two motor yachts or a sailing yacht. You can add dining experiences such as champagne and oyster tastings for an additional price.

If you're looking for a more casual experience, Potomac Tiki Club offers a tiki bar on their boats, where you can purchase drinks or bring your own. They have a smaller boat that departs from Navy Yard and a larger one that leaves from Georgetown.

For a serene experience, you can book a canoe trip or rent a single kayak to explore the Anacostia River. Capitol River Cruises and City Cruises also offer sunset tours, date-night dining, and monument sightseeing. City Cruises, in particular, provides a three-course meal and a live DJ, with occasional firework shows.

Finally, for a unique perspective on DC's landmarks, you can opt for a lunch buffet cruise or a personalised boat cruise, which often includes a multi-course dinner and breathtaking views of the city's skyline at sunset.

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Mount Vernon by boat

Mount Vernon is a historic site on the Potomac River, located just outside Washington, DC. It was the home of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Visiting Mount Vernon by boat offers a unique perspective on this iconic estate.

There are several options for boating from DC to Mount Vernon. One option is to take a cruise with City Cruises, which offers a 45-minute narrated tour of the Potomac River and Mount Vernon. The cruise ship departs from and returns to the Mount Vernon wharf, providing a convenient and scenic way to experience the estate.

Another option is to charter a private boat or yacht to explore the Potomac River and Mount Vernon at your own pace. Companies like Nautiste offer luxury yacht charters that can accommodate intimate or larger groups, with dining experiences available for an additional price. This option provides more flexibility and privacy, allowing you to customise your itinerary and enjoy the river views at your leisure.

Boomerang Boat Tours also offers a unique way to experience the Potomac River and Mount Vernon. With a party yacht, a pirate ship, and a party boat in their fleet, they provide a fun and entertaining boating experience. Their vessels are equipped with modern amenities, including a sound system, bars, and indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable cruise.

In addition to these options, there are also kayak and canoe rentals available at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. This option offers a more active and intimate experience on the water, allowing you to explore the Potomac River and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Whether you choose a cruise, a private charter, or a self-guided kayak trip, visiting Mount Vernon by boat provides a memorable and unique perspective on this historic site.

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Brunch and dinner cruises

There are several options for boat cruises in DC, including brunch and dinner cruises. For a brunch cruise, you can choose from a variety of cruises offered by Boomerang Boat Tours, which depart from The Wharf and offer breathtaking views of the city's historic skyline. Their brunch cruise includes a delicious buffet, cocktails, and a live DJ. If you're looking for a more intimate experience, Nautiste, a woman-owned yacht charter company, offers luxury cruises on two motor yachts or a sailing yacht. You can add dining experiences such as champagne and oyster tastings for an additional price.

For dinner cruises, you can consider the Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise or the Odyssey, which offers a unique dining experience with plated brunch or a 3-course dinner and curated background music. The Spirit of Washington Cruises also offers dinner cruises with entertainment and views. City Cruises is another excellent option, with a three-course meal and a live DJ on board while you sail past iconic monuments and enjoy the sunset. These cruises are perfect for date nights and special occasions, with some even offering firework shows.

If you're looking for a more personalised experience, private boat and yacht tours are also available, providing a romantic and intimate way to explore DC's waterfront and popular sights. These tours are perfect for couples, with some companies even offering marriage proposal packages to make your special moment unforgettable. Whether you're looking for a lively brunch cruise or an intimate dinner for two, DC has a variety of boat cruise options to suit your needs.

In addition to the cruises mentioned above, there are also some unique boat experiences in DC. For a fun and social outing, the Potomac Tiki Club offers a "booze cruise" with a tiki bar and drinks available for purchase. For a more active experience, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Bladensburg Waterfront Park and explore the quiet Anacostia River.

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Private charters

Boomerang Boat Tours is one of the most popular choices for private charters, with a fleet of three vessels: a 100-passenger party yacht, an 80-passenger pirate ship, and a 60-passenger party boat. All their boats are double-deckers, offering indoor and outdoor spaces, and are equipped with modern amenities, including a full-service bar and entertainment systems. Boomerang Boat Tours also offers flexibility in terms of catering and music, allowing guests to bring their own food and playlists or make special arrangements. The company has hosted a range of events, from corporate functions for clients like NASA, Deloitte, and Google, to birthdays and reunions.

For a more intimate experience, Embark DC offers private, captained cruises on the Potomac River for up to six guests. Their tours are highly customizable, allowing guests to choose between open boats or climate-controlled yachts, and they provide a rich tour narrative if desired. Embark DC also permits guests to bring their pets on board the open boats and offers fuel, ice, water, soft drinks, and other amenities as part of their rates.

In addition to these options, there are other private charter companies in Washington, DC, that cater to different needs and preferences. Nautiste, a woman-owned yacht charter company, offers luxury motor and sailing yachts with the option to add dining experiences like champagne and oyster tastings. The Potomac Tiki Club is another popular choice, featuring a tiki bar on board and the option of a smaller, more intimate boat for up to six people.

Whether you're looking for a private sightseeing tour, a romantic date night, or a celebration with friends, these private charter options provide a range of ways to explore Washington, DC, from the comfort of a boat, creating memorable experiences on the water.

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Paddleboarding and kayaking

If you're looking for a more relaxed paddleboarding experience, the C & O Canal is an excellent choice. This spot, which started in 2009, offers a range of activities, including SUP races, lessons, and rentals. You can also try paddleboard yoga here or at Capital SUP DC, located near Yards Park along the Anacostia Riverfront. Capital SUP provides a fleet of paddleboards and kayaks, ensuring a fun and stable experience for all skill levels.

For those who want to combine nature and city views, Kopachuck State Park offers the best of both worlds. Spanning over 100 acres of land and water, you can paddleboard or kayak while taking in the Olympic Mountains and the park's rich marine life and sandy beaches.

If you're looking for a unique way to tour D.C.'s iconic landmarks, consider a kayaking tour. You can paddle past iconic sights like the Lincoln Memorial and the Georgetown Waterfront, enjoying the city's history and architecture from a fresh perspective. Boomerang Boat Tours offers a range of vessels, including party boats, pirate ships, and yachts, for a memorable experience on the water.

Frequently asked questions

There are many options for boat rides in DC, including the Potomac River, Washington Channel, and Anacostia River. You can also explore the Georgetown Waterfront, the Wharf, Old Town Alexandria, and George Washington's Mount Vernon.

DC offers a range of unique boat experiences such as party boats, pirate ships, private charters, and luxury yacht tours. You can also find brunch and dinner cruises, as well as sightseeing and monument tours.

Some popular boat tour companies in DC include Boomerang Boat Tours, Embark DC Boat Tours, City Cruises, and Potomac Tiki Club. These companies offer various packages and experiences to cater to different preferences.

DC boat tours can offer a range of experiences, from sightseeing and historical narration to dining, dancing, and enjoying drinks. Some tours may include swimming, sunbathing, and watching sunsets or fireworks. You can also expect to see landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Center, and Washington Monument.

You can book a boat tour in DC by visiting the websites of the respective tour companies. Many companies offer online booking for standard boats, while larger vessels or private cruises may require booking by phone or email.

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