Detroit's 5 Most Exciting Cruises and Boat Tours

Sightseeing on Ferryboats, Yachts, Riverboats and Even Kayaks

By Laura Sternberg

Updated 07/26/17

Cruise at Sunset
••• http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveller/ / Getty Images

Touring in Detroit by boat is fun and interesting. Plus, a fresh-air cruise on the Detroit River will get you to places that are hard to access by bus or car. There are several tours to choose from that vary by propulsion, theme, waterway, and entertainment. To help you get started, here is a list of highly rated Metro Detroit boat tours and cruises. In each case, please call or consult the operator's website for current prices, hours and itineraries.

  • 01 of 05

    Diamond Jack's River Tours

    Type: Top narrated tour aboard former Mackinac Island ferryboat

    Captain Bill Hoey hosts Diamond Jack's narrated, two-hour tours on the Detroit River from either Wyandotte or Rivard Plaza in downtown Detroit. The company's two tour boats were once part of the Arnold Line, the Mackinac Island ferry service, and they provide spectacular views of both the Windsor, Ontario and the Detroit skylines. The family-run tours are available Thursdays through Sundays. There is a snack bar on the boat. 

    Address: 1340 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207

    Phone: (313) 843-9376

     

  • 02 of 05

    Detroit Princess Riverboat

    Type: Themed dinner cruise on five-decker boat

    If you crave a bigger boat, the Detroit Princess Riverboat is a five-decker vessel that resembles an old-time Mississippi paddle boat (sans paddle). In fact, the Princess (aka Players Riverboat Casino II) actually served as a gambling boat for several years in Illinois. These days, it has a full restaurant, holds 1,500 passengers and hosts themed cruises on the Detroit River, including Motown Dinner Cruises and Moonlight Cruises. It also hosts special holiday cruises.

    Address: 201 Civic Center Dr, Detroit, MI 48226

    Phone: (877) 338-2628

  • 03 of 05

    Riverside Kayak Connection

    Type: Two-hour kayak tour

    If you don't mind providing the propulsion, Riverside Kayak Connection hosts several tours on the Detroit River, including a Detroit River sunset tour and weekend kayak tours. Both types of tour depart from Wyandotte and last approximately two hours. Custom tours are also available. ​

    Address: 4016 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192

    Phone: (734) 285-2925

  • 04 of 05

    Clinton River Cruises Company

    Type: Dinner cruise down the Clinton River

    The Clinton Friendship, a double-decker vessel, hosts several cruises down the Clinton River from May 1 through October 31. During the week, the Clinton Friendship hosts lunch with a buffet and cash bar. The weekday dinner cruise also includes live entertainment. Weekend dinner cruises are a charming way to spend your down time.

    Address: 152 N River Rd, Mt Clemens, MI 48043

    Phone: (586) 468-0212

     

    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
  • 05 of 05

    Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters

    Type: Themed party boat

    The Summer Cruise Series aboard the sleek, 138-foot Ovation Yacht comprises several themed party cruises during warm weather. The cruises, which can accommodate up to 300 guests, depart from various locations along the Detroit River in downtown Detroit. Most of the cruises are three hours long and have an open bar, live entertainment, and a strolling, three-course dinner. Guests will be treated to themes like Havana Nights, The Killer Flamingos Rock Detroit, Motown's Hitsville USA, Cruising with the Rat Pack and Jazz on the River.

    Address: St. Clair Shores, Michigan

    Phone: (586) 778-9060