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Gateway Clipper Fleet

Sightseeing tours & riverboat dining cruises in pittsburgh, pennsylvania, sightseeing tours & riverboat dining cruises in pittsburgh, pa, take a cruise on pittsburgh’s #1 riverboat.

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Captain’s dinner cruise & tour, st. patrick’s day cruise with bon journey, featured cruises.

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3WS Big Hair, Big Boat Party

Sail the Three Rivers as we relive the BIG 80s with BIG HAIR, wild clothes and the best 80s hits, featuring Pittsburgh’s “coolest” 80s band – “TOTALLY 80s” with all the best hits from the 80s!

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For the best in Pittsburgh riverboat tours, choose to cruise with Gateway Clipper! For over 50 years, we’ve sailed the Three Rivers hosting Pittsburgh sightseeing and dining cruises.  The original Gateway Clipper became Pittsburgh’s first official sightseeing boat in 1958. The Gateway Clipper Fleet has since expanded to include five boats, and has become one of Pittsburgh’s most popular attractions!

For the best in Pittsburgh riverboat tours, choose to cruise with Gateway Clipper Fleet. For over 50 years, we have been sailing the Three Rivers hosting Pittsburgh sightseeing and dining cruises.

The original Gateway Clipper became Pittsburgh’s first official sightseeing boat in 1958, and the Gateway Clipper Fleet has since become one of Pittsburgh’s most popular attractions! Join us to experience the best tours that Pittsburgh has to offer.

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Taking a Pittsburgh Sightseeing Cruise on the Gateway Clipper

Pittsburgh has many defining qualities. From its many championship sports teams to its iconic skyline and industrial past, there are many different qualities that make Pittsburgh Pittsburgh. However, there probably isn’t anything that’s had more of an effect on Pittsburgh history and culture than its three rivers.

The city of Pittsburgh was first settled by Europeans in the mid-18th century. Access to the Forks of the Ohio, as the area is officially known, was one of the major catalyst that began the French and Indian War . It’s also the reason for the high concentration of industries throughout the city of Pittsburgh.

Today, Pittsburgh’s rivers do not have as much cultural impact on the city as they once did. However, the three rivers (the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio) still dominate the city’s landscape. In fact, the rivers are so ingrained into the layout of the city that Pittsburgh is home to more bridges than any other city in the world.

Given the three rivers’ historical and cultural significance, as well as the way they wrap around the downtown area, there is no better way to explore the city than by boat. While several companies rent small personal watercrafts, a river boat tour of the city is more my speed.

The Gateway Clipper leaves from Station Square on the city’s South Shore, just steps from the Monongahela Incline, which takes passengers to the top of Mount Washington . The fleet has been sailing the rivers of Pittsburgh since 1958, and now features six boats with capacity of up to 1,000 visitors.

While the Gateway Clipper Fleet offers a variety of cruise options, such as diners, fall foliage tours, and even pirate-themed trips, most visitors opt to take the one-hour sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh. During a recent visit to Pittsburgh, I had the opportunity to climb on board and see what these tours are all about.

The Gateway Clipper offers sightseeing cruises of Pittsburgh from April through October, with multiple sailings on each sailing day. There are also evening sightseeing cruises that travel the rivers both before and after sunset.

The onboard experience is fairly similar no matter which boat you board for your sightseeing cruise. Since seating is not reserved, riders can choose from a variety of spots, both indoor and outdoor.

While indoor spots might make it a bit more difficult to take photos, some outdoor spots have poor quality speakers, so the narration can be hard to hear. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you choose which option is most important to you. After all, the views are amazing, but the narrated guide provides a lot of great information about the city of Pittsburgh .

It’s also worth noting that the Evening Sightseeing cruises can be challenging for photos. Since the ship is constantly moving, it can be hard to shoot photos after it gets dark. While this is a great time to see the city, it might not be the best option for those looking to take photos of Pittsburgh from the Gateway Clipper

Sightseeing cruises only last about an hour, and they typically travel along all three rivers, offering fantastic views of downtown Pittsburgh from a unique angle. On my trip, we headed up the Monongahela for a short distance, before heading to The Point and turning up the Allegheny. We then turned around and ended a few hundred yards off The Point in the Ohio River.

All too soon, the sightseeing cruise on the Gateway Clipper comes to an end. Without a doubt, there is no more relaxing or beautiful way to see Pittsburgh . Whether you’ve lived in the city your whole life or are visiting for the first time, taking a Pittsburgh sightseeing cruise on the Clipper will give you a unique view of the city and a new appreciation for the history, culture, and beauty of this amazing city.

Want to take another sightseeing cruise in Pennsylvania? Check out the Just Ducky Tours in Pittsburgh , the  Proud Mary Showboat on Raystown Lake and the Hiawatha on the Susquehanna River in Williamsport .

Gateway Clipper Sightseeing Cruise

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Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

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Insider's Guide: Gateway Clipper Fleet

Pittsburgh’s Gateway Clipper Fleet is open for business and ready to welcome you aboard!

For the health and safety of passengers and crew members, the Gateway Clipper Fleet is following all stated policies and procedures determined by the State of Pennsylvania and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Pittsburgh is by enjoying the beautiful three rivers from aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet ! Get ready to sit back, relax, and take in the gorgeous views of the city that’s unlike any other, while also learning tons of cool facts about Pittsburgh. Experiencing the city from the water is magical no matter what time of day, or season of the year. After all, the Gateway Clipper is open year-round!

Plan Your Visit

The Gateway Clipper Fleet is back to sailing the Three Rivers. The Clipper offers a variety of ways to get out on the water and take in the city views! Read on for a variety of great options to enjoy a cruise on the scenic three rivers.

Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise

The BEST way to see the city and truly learn about her past, present and future is aboard a Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise . Tour all three rivers while the captain and narrator present interesting facts and tales about Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania!

Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise Schedule through Labor Day

• Wednesdays thru Sunday Thru Labor Day . Please visit the website for September thru December schedule.
• Sailing Times: 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Enjoy a New “Twist” to the Evening Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruises! The 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. sailings now feature Happy Hour Cocktails * Must be 21 years of age to purchase alcohol with proper ID.

Featuring our Classic Sightseeing Tour Narration This classic tour provides an overview of the city sights including significant buildings, landmarks and bridges. Enjoy learning about these amazing sites as the captain and on-board narrator share fun and historic stories about life in Pittsburgh.

Kids Cruises

Show your kids a great time aboard the Gateway Clipper! The variety of kids-themed cruises will keep your children on their toes with fun activities and games, story time and great music and dancing!

Kid-themed cruises offered include meet and greets with Princesses, Superheroes, silly Trolls & those fun pups on Paw Patrol!

The snack bar and full-service bar are available for purchase on kids’ cruises, serving up hot dogs, nachos, and other tasty treats, plus refreshing beverages for parents to enjoy.

Dining Cruises

The Gateway Clipper Fleet offers dining cruises sailing this summer !

Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise On most Thursdays, experience the delicious Lock & Dam Dinner Cruise . Featuring the best BBQ on the three rivers, you will get to experience the process we call “locking thru” as our boat passes through a functioning lock & dam.

Wine Tasting Cruise

On select Thursdays, enjoy a Wine Tasting Cruise featuring a selection of eight wines from featured destinations across the globe, an hors d’oeuvres buffet, and fabulous city views from the Gateway Clipper riverboat.

Sunset Dinner Cruise On Fridays and Sundays, guests can experience a unique Sunset Dinner Cruise ! The perfect night out to start or end your weekend, this two-hour cruise features a fabulous buffet, DJ music, and great city sights. It’s a perfect night out with family and friends.

Captain's Dinner Cruise On Saturday, the Gateway Clipper's signature cruise, the Captain’s Dinner Cruise , sets sail. Enjoy the scrumptious Captain’s Dinner Buffet, relax with a craft cocktail and experience the perfect night out in Pittsburgh! Expert narration is provided by the captain followed by live entertainment from the house DJ playing a variety of hits! It’s a night out you don’t want to miss!

For reservations and tickets to all Gateway Clipper Cruises, visit www.gatewayclipper.com

Insider’s Tips

Here are some tips that are helpful to know so that you can be fully prepared to have the best possible experience while taking a ride on the Gateway Clipper.

Getting to the Docks There are several great parking options in Station Square and within walking distance from the Gateway Clipper. If you are looking for public transportation options, there are busses that go to Station Square, and both the "T" and the Monongahela Incline have stops there as well. Also, Uber and Lyft drivers are very familiar with this attraction and will know exactly where to drop you off.

Gateway to Pittsburgh Murals On your short walk to board the Gateway Clipper, you'll pass by an amazing collection of murals. These are called "Gateway to Pittsburgh" murals and stretch along both sides of the ramp leading down to the Monongahela River where the Gateway Clipper Fleet docks. The murals depict the history of this area from the late 1600's to the start of the 21st Century. Take some time to examine them as they function as a visual history of Pittsburgh through the ages.

Top Deck Tips Looking to capture amazing photos of the city? Check out the top deck! Prime seats on the top deck fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early to secure your perfect seat. And with no covering on the top deck, don’t forget your sunscreen.

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Gateway Clipper Fleet 350 W. Station Square Dr. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

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Gateway Clipper Cruises – A Tour Perfect for Visitors

Published by Jeremy . Last Updated on February 8, 2023.

Disclaimer : Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions . Pricing, operating hours, or menus may have changed since our initial visit and may not be reflected in subsequent updates. Please confirm these directly with any business or attraction prior to visiting.

The Gateway Clipper is an iconic Pittsburgh attraction. No matter the time of day, odds are good you can look to the rivers near downtown Pittsburgh and see these iconic blue, gold, and red riverboats ferrying passengers or giving a water-level city tour.

As Pittsburgh residents, we've seen these boats for many years but oddly enough had never taken one. Naturally, since founding this site we wanted to change that and finally made the trip down to Station Square to take a sightseeing cruise at the end of peak season.

But in being honest, I have to say that there are two very different experiences you can have on the Gateway Clipper fleet- one as a resident and one as a visitor. Depending on what category you fall into, this may change your approach to this tour significantly.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet – For Visitors

For visitors to Pittsburgh, a trip on the Gateway Clipper is one of the top attractions you can do in the city. This 60-minute tour traverses the three rivers and is narrated to highlight the city's unique history, beautiful architecture, and other facts you may not hear anywhere else (excluding this blog, of course).

During each tour the guides ask who is a visitor and who is a local, and we were some of the only residents who were out for the day- something the guide suggested was fairly common.

The tour plays out much like you'd expect a 60-minute boat cruise to do. You do a quick loop around the rivers, learn a few facts about the city (some of which were sadly, incorrect), receive a few bad restaurant recommendations, and go on about your day.  A typical tourist boat cruise , and in Pittsburgh one that has a fairly incredible backdrop to enjoy.

If we were from out of town and took the trip, we would have enjoyed it immensely; however, in being locals to Pittsburgh and making it our mission to go explore as much as possible, we were a bit let down as the tour fell short of what we think is its full potential.

Gateway Clipper Cruises – For Residents

The reason for our lackluster response to the hour-long sightseeing cruise on the Gateway Clipper stems from the fact that it offer residents little to no new experiences or knowledge other than enjoying the view of the city from the water.

At some point, listening to the narrator talk is not so much a treat, but a distraction from why you're taking the tour in the first place (which for us was to simply experience the views).

This disconnect is where the problem of the Gateway Clipper comes into play. If you sign up for their standard sightseeing cruise, you're going to have a fairly typical sightseeing experience. As a visitor, 60 minutes out on the water is a pretty great tourist activity. But as a local who knows the waterways around Pittsburgh inside and out, we simply wanted more.

That being said, those who live in the city may want to take a trip out on the longer dinner cruises instead (many at sunset, for an added bonus) to appreciate the city we all know and love the way it should be enjoyed- for a very long time .

Looks like another Gateway Clipper cruise is in our future to try it out!

The Gateway Clipper fleet is docked at 350 W Station Square Drive right next to the Sheraton Station Square hotel .  Cruises are offered multiple times per day; however, starting in late October the frequency of departures decreases for the winter.

For more scenic viewpoints of Pittsburgh , check out our Pittsburgh skyline views guide which has an assortment you may never have seen before, or sign up for a Pittsburgh helicopter tour ! Or if you'd rather see the city from the water, check out all the great ways to experience the Pittsburgh rivers here!

For frequently asked questions about the Gateway Clipper, check out the following.

What is a Gateway Clipper tour?

The Gateway Clipper is a historic riverboat cruise on Pittsburgh's three rivers. A general sightseeing tour lasts approximately one hour.

Are reservations required for the Gateway Clipper?

Reservations are highly recommended as popular sailing times do sell out.

Where does the Gateway Clipper dock?

The Gateway Clipper fleet docks in Station Square in Pittsburgh's South Side. Their address is 350 W Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

What is parking like at the Gateway Clipper dock?

A surface lot is available as well as a parking garage that is used by the Sheraton Hotel and charges an hourly rate. Note that most of the parking lots nearby may have surge pricing during events at Highmark Stadium.

Does the Gateway Clipper fleet offer other tours?

Yes. The Gateway Clipper has dinner cruises, themed cruises, and more.

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This Twilight Boat Ride In Pittsburgh Will Take You On An Unforgettable Dinner Adventure

Beth Price-Williams

A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.

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Pittsburgh’s sunsets are simply splendid. Just about anywhere you go in the city, you’re greeted with stunning views of the evening sky painted in vibrant colors. But, how often do we get to sit back and really just enjoy the setting sun? Well, now you can drink in those stunning views, eat a delicious meal, and watch the city pass by. Climb aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet for an unforgettable sunset dinner cruise in Pittsburgh.

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Gateway Clipper Fleet 350 West Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-355-7980 Click here for more information.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet’s sunset dinner cruise in Pittsburgh is just one way to admire the city’s breathtaking sunsets. Click here to read about eight other spectacular places in Pittsburgh to watch the sun set.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Excellent Sunday Brunch and cruise - Gateway Clipper Fleet

• United States    
• Pennsylvania (PA)    
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• Gateway Clipper Fleet

A very nice leisurely tour of the three rivers in Pittsburgh. The boat was large and accommodating... read more

We spent a great day cycling along the river banks and then taking the Gateway Clipper boat tour... read more

Excellent Sunday Brunch and cruise

Worth every bit of the inexpensive cost. The boarding was easy and effortless, as was the booking for this excellent Sunday get away. Seating was not crowded. Music was relaxing yet energetic. Food was also very very DELICIOUS. The cruising around the three rivers was informative and comfortable. This was my girlfriends first time on a boat and the experience for her was also great. Worth it !!!!!!

So glad you joined us out on the water! We hope this is not the last visit from you and your girlfriend! We hope to see you again soon!

The pirate cruise we attend on Sunday was fantastic. Joanna the guide was very informative and told me things about the city I lived in for 44 years that I never knew all the whole the cruise having activities to entertain the young ones. I highly recommend it!!

The cruise was great. It was a beautiful day. My grandchildren loved the kids activities. My daughter, son-in-law, and I enjoyed the sights and informative facts about the city.

Surprisingly informative and very relaxing. I've lived here all my 51 years, and I learn a lot of new facts about Pittsburgh. Definitely worthwhile, especially when Groupon gives you 40% off the ticket!!

First time for a dinner cruise. Well done. Wish there was more narration on the way back to dock however.

This boat tour was a great way to see Pittsburg from the three rivers. Station square (its departure site) was close to downtown and very nice. We grabbed a quick lunch at the Gateway Clipper Cafe before departing. We had excellent wraps, chicken fingers for the kids, and homemade chips. The boat ride itself was informative and scenic. It was all a great value- much cheaper than the ducky tour also offered in the area. I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you for the great review! So happy you had a chance to stop in at the Clipper Cafe for a quick bite - we do have great food! Looking forward to seeing you out on the Three Rivers again!

Gateway Clipper Fleet

Hours updated over 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ The cruise was the easiest and best way to see the sights the city has to offer. ” in 64 reviews

“ We booked an event for March ( weather is hit or miss in Pittsburgh), but the climate control inside was great. ” in 20 reviews

“ Sailing the Three Rivers at sunset with friends is really so lovely and just a lot of fun. ” in 11 reviews

Location & Hours

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350 W Station Sq Dr

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Terry Wirginis W.

Business Owner

The Gateway Clipper Fleet specializes in public, as well as private boat rides. We offer a wide array of dining and sightseeing cruises daily throughout the summer months. We operate all year round- providing customers with corporate meeting places, brides with reception venues, and families with a fun and exciting dining atmosphere. We offer Holiday Cruises as well- Santa even frequents the boat during December. Halloween, Easter, Fourth of July, you name it, we'll have an event for it! Our family owned business is the largest non-sports attraction in Pittsburgh and over the last 51 years, upwards of 25 million passengers have sailed the three rivers and beyond on one of the Fleet's riverboats. We would love to host you and yours for your next family reunion, wedding, or date night- contact us for reservations and cruise times. …

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Overall rating

190 reviews

Fabulous first time experience on a Captain's Dinner Cruise!! I enjoyed every minute. You just cannot beat the view!! Even with the chilly 25° weather, I still made sure to get out on the deck to take some pictures! The staff were so friendly and accommodating. They had an extra, empty table that they offered to my date and I rather than a banquet set table, which was nice & unexpected! The food tasted great, but I did have to add some seasoning which I didn't mind at all! The bartender was lovely as well. I would love to experience this again in the future!

See all photos from Karina P. for Gateway Clipper Fleet

Gross. Outdated and filthy. We did the Easter dinner cruise because we were visiting from out of town. I wanted to show my husband and little girl Pgh from the water. It was a rust bucket on the water. It has not been updated since I last was on it in the 1990s. It smelled like body odor and cigarette smoke and was dreadful. My little 10 year old daughter wanted to jump off and swim back because it was so gross. The food was the same crap they served in the 1990s and a horrible selection to choose from. The salad was the only thing that was edible but the salad bowl was depleted, along with the croutons. I would never ever do this floating nightmare again. 2 hours of our lives we can never get back. The music choice from the dj was cringeworthy. Who plays the Macarena and electric slide in 2024? His outdated music selection added to our misery on this rusty smelly nasty boat. Yuck. Zero out of ten - don't recommend! Almost $300 wasted which would have been better spent on room service at our hotel.

Booked a cruise months in advance only to have it cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to our trip with no explanation. The best part is that they didn't offer a refund, only to reschedule. We are still in the process of getting a refund. Think twice before giving this company any of your money.

Visited Pittsburgh at the end of October and knew i had to take a cruise. I took the PRT over from downtown and enjoyed the walk along the water. I opted for a mid-day cruise and bought my ticket in-person. They give physical tickets, which I liked because it's definitely being added to my scrapbook. The weather was nice, thankfully no rain. The views, 10/10. I really loved all the information that was shared over the speaker, explaining the different areas. Definitely a highlight of my amazing trip.

My favorite view from the tour.

We did the 3-Rivers Tour. Really comfortable. Nice easy-going, very informational tour of the waterways in the downtown Pittsburgh area. We sat on the top deck. Good way to get your bearings for what sites to plan for next thing-to-do. Definitely recommend!

Great experience and wonderful evening! The food was tasty and buffet style. The views were beautiful and romantic. The music was enjoyable and fun.

See all photos from Brandon R. for Gateway Clipper Fleet

We did the Fourth of July fireworks cruise on the princess. The positives were a great view of the fireworks, little tour and Pittsburgh info/history, no worries about saving a family spot on the lawn or having to use port a potties in the park, access to food and drink. overall glad we did this and would recommend. Some of the things to be aware of that make this less than a five star experience: people line up early so they can get the prime seats. We didn't realize that you have to keep checking the board for which gate your boat is leaving from so you know where to line up. Then after boarding, passengers come around trying to steal chairs to bring them literally anywhere on the ship decks that they want to sit. It gets chaotic. Took a little longer than expected to dock the boat after the fireworks display because everyone with a smaller boat streams down the river immediately past this large ship so to be safe we wait. You can decline the boarding photo.

Nothing screams Pittsburgh charm like a Gateway Clipper ride to a Steelers game! A perfect option for attending events on the North Shore. Event parking at Station Square is $10, then a round trip ticket to the North Shore is $15 per person. The drop off/pick up for Steelers games is conveniently located right outside of gate A. So much more relaxing of a commute than sitting in traffic on the North Shore!

This is a must when visiting Pittsburgh. I went an hour because I was afraid of being late of far parking but super easy parking. Right where the entrance was. Since it's been hot I picked the 6:30 time and couldn't have been happier. Weather was perfect at that time. Since we got there super early was presently surprised how cute the dock was. You can feed the fishes and there's a snack/beverage stand. The guys at the ticker booth and snack stand was really nice. Even gave my nephews some bread to feed the fishes. So many places to sit and restrooms was clean with even a little stool for kids. Once it was time to board the process was easy. Very nice tour of the 3 rivers. A must do in Pittsburgh. You won't be disappointed . =)

See all photos from Kim N. for Gateway Clipper Fleet

Great way to get an overview of Pittsburgh. This tour highlights tourist attraction you can go and visit.

See all photos from Freda R. for Gateway Clipper Fleet

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5. Moscow City Museum

6. Bagration Bridge

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9. High Port 354

10. Challenge Park

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14. Oblako 53

15. BMW Rink 354

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17. KinoNoch

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21. Respace Spa & Relax Center

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Vote for your favorite boat tour!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

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 across the United States. An expert panel has nominated these 20 companies for offering the best boat tours in the country. Which boat tour company would you most enjoy a trip with? Vote once per day for your favorite until polls close on Monday, May 27 at noon ET. The 10 winning tour companies will be announced on Wednesday, June 5. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

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 across the United States. An expert panel has nominated these...   Read More

Best Boat Tour Nominees

Photo courtesy of Meagan Bourne

Blue Ocean Adventure Tours

Kekaha, Hawaii

Blue Ocean Adventure Tours show off the spectacular scenery of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast with tours that include catamaran and Zodiac experiences. Guests can gaze in awe at 3,500-foot sea cliffs, visit the Hawaiian fishing village of Nualolo Kai, and spot Hawaiian green sea turtles while snorkeling.

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Aerial Image De

Cape Water Tours and Taxi

Lewes, Delaware

For those wishing to immerse themselves in the idyllic beauty of the Delaware coast, Cape Water Tours and Taxi offers a wide array of top-tier excursions. Seal spotting, dolphin watching, and sunset cruising are all available for booking, while those hoping for a more intimate journey can plan a private charter that fits up to 100 passengers.

Photo courtesy of Matt Stumpf/Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Dana Point, California

Blue whales, orcas, and great white sharks are just a few of the creatures that might make an appearance during a cruise with Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. A local favorite due to their highly educated staff and strong commitment to sustainability, the company provides a truly unforgettable viewing experience for guests, thanks to their state-of-the-art underwater viewing pods.

Photo courtesy of Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady is led by highly trained docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you'll hear highlights of the city's history, including stories about the visionaries who shaped Chicago's skyline. Options include both daytime tours and evening cocktail cruises.

Photo courtesy of Ultima_Gaina / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Gateway Clipper

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is home to a particularly high concentration of local water features, and for those hoping to get up-close and personal with each one, a Three Rivers Sightseeing Tour and Cruise is the perfect excursion. Taking place on the storied Gateway Clipper, this voyage offers stunning skyline views alongside fascinating Pennsylvania history all throughout the journey.

Photo courtesy of Holo Holo Charters

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.

Photo courtesy of YinYang / E+ Getty Images

Honest Eco Tours

Key West, Florida

Established in 2014, Honest Eco Tours is perfect for discovering the fascinating flora and fauna that call the Florida Keys home. Dolphin sightings abound during the company's curated snorkeling tours, while the summertime Sunset Sail & Reef Snorkel offers a particularly stunning perspective on the surrounding region.

Photo courtesy of Kenai Fjords Tours by Pursuit

Kenai Fjords Tours

Seward, Alaska

Operating out of the scenic city of Seward, Kenai Fjords Tours offer a can't-miss experience that highlights the pristine natural beauty of southern Alaska. While snowcapped mountains and verdant forests will both make an appearance during a national park tour, the excursion also doubles as a safari, with humpback whales, brown bears, and bald eagles all calling the surrounding region home.

Photo courtesy of Little Toot Dolphin Adventure

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure

Clearwater, Florida

Officially founded in 1998, Little Toot Dolphin Adventure shines a spotlight on some of Clearwater's most beloved marine mammals. Daylight and sunset tours are both available for guests to book, with each option offering plenty of wake for the dolphins to play in alongside a cash bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks for passengers.

Photo courtesy of Sharon Sauer

London Bridge Jet Boat Tours

Laughlin, Nevada

Nevada may be dominated by desert, but that doesn't mean its devoid of top-tier water recreation as well, with London Bridge Jet Boat Tours serving as a prime example. During a cruise, guests will straddle the Nevada-Arizona border along the Colorado River, with gorgeous views of London Bridge included on the trip.

Photo courtesy of troutnut / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Major Marine Tours

The spectacular natural beauty of Alaska is on full display with Major Marine Tours, a cruise company that operates out of the scenic city of Seward. The organization offers multiple excursions that highlight the splendor of the Kenai Fjords, while wildlife lovers can spring for an Orca Quest Cruise in hopes of spotting some of the world's most marvelous cetaceans in the flesh.

Photo courtesy of Shelley Lynch Photography

Marine Discovery Center

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Over 4,000 different plant and animal species call the Indian River Lagoon home, and New Smyrna Beach's Marine Discovery Center offers a wealth of excursions designed to highlight this rich biodiversity. Two-hour dolphin tours are offered on a daily basis during both daylight hours and sunset, while specialty birding excursions take place throughout the winter as well.

Photo courtesy of Moab Jett

Utah's outdoor adventure scene takes on an aquatic edge with Moab Jett, a tour company that showcases the beauty of the Colorado River. Equipped with a fleet of three 10-passenger boats, guests can embark on a thrilling adventure tour that combines natural beauty with top speeds, while the scenic tour is perfect for a relaxing getaway along the water.

Photo courtesy of andieymi / iStock / Getty Images Plus

OC Bay Hopper

Ocean City, Maryland

For any Ocean City visitors hoping to spend a day on the water, the OC Bay Hopper has a wide variety of marine excursions all available for booking. While the Assateague Island Boat Tour is particularly popular for nature lovers, other options offer ghost stories, ice cream, and even the opportunity to barhop at some of the city's most popular pubs.

Photo courtesy of Paul Hamilton / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Rudee Tours

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Just beyond the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the city's sparkling shores are teeming with native dolphins — and Rudee Tours has perfected the art of finding these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Spanning roughly 90 minutes, each excursion offers guaranteed dolphin sightings paired with added fun facts about the biology and behavior of these fascinating marine mammals.

Photo courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Sail Wild Hearts

Orange Beach, Alabama

Equipped with a spectacular 53-foot sailing catamaran, Sail Wild Hearts provides Alabama visitors with the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Wildlife lovers can spring for a daytime dolphin adventure or sunset cruise, while those hoping for a particularly memorable excursion should time their visit with July 4th for the annual Fireworks Sail.

Photo courtesy of Sam Galick

Salt Marsh Safari on The Skimmer

Cape May, New Jersey

New Jersey's Cape May is renowned for its spectacular bird-watching opportunities, and Salt Marsh Safari has mastered the art of showcasing its native species. While guests can spot a wealth of local birds during a classic Salt Marsh Safari tour, aquatic animal aficionados can join in on a Marine Life Safari for a deep dive on the Garden State's crabs, fish, and bivalves.

Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City Company

Showboat Branson Belle

Branson, Missouri

While downtown Branson is home to its fair share of attractions, visitors can embark on a truly memorable evening excursion just west of the city on the Showboat Branson Belle. Sailing along Table Rock Lake, this charming vessel is best known for its scenic dinner cruises, with live entertainment and a three-course meal included in each ticket.

Photo courtesy of Amphitrite Digital

Tall Ship Windy

The Chicago skyline is particularly marvelous when viewed from Lake Michigan, and the city's Tall Ship Windy is perfectly equipped to showcase its splendor. While classic skyline sails are available during both sunset and daylight hours, the ship also offers dedicated happy hour cruises for those wishing to pair their journey with a perfectly crafted cocktail.

Photo courtesy of Waco Tours

Waco Tours River Cruise

Waco, Texas

Cruise along the serene Brazos River in the heart of Texas for two hours and 15 minutes with Waco Tours. Learn about the history and people of Waco as you see the city from the water and spot local wildlife on the riverbanks.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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