Top Europe On the Water

Give your feet a break and take in the sights of Capri from the sea. After choosing a departure time that works with your schedule, climb on board the boat and let the adventure begin. Over 1–2 hours, see the Villa Malaparte, pass the famed Faraglioni Rocks, and, weather permitting, head inside the Blue Grotto (own expense). Listen as the skipper gives background information on each point of interest, giving you a deeper understanding of the island.

The Bay of Kotor—also called Boka—offers up islets, caves, and more. This boat tour lets you experience its highlights more easily and scenically than traveling by hire car or public transport. Prebook to secure your seat, and visit the Our Lady on the Rocks island church, a Soviet-era submarine base, and the Blue Grotto, to swim in its neon-blue waters. A choice of departures provides important flexibility.

Beat the crowds during this small-group excursion along the Amalfi coast. Discover beaches only accessible by water, traveling aboard a comfortable, restroom-equipped “gozzo,” or traditional Amalfitan boat. Snorkelling equipment is included, as well as complimentary limoncello, prosecco, and soft drinks. Floatation devices can be provided to beginner swimmers.

If you’ve spent enough time lying on Lagos’ beautiful beaches, get out and explore the coastline on a kayak tour of Ponta da Piedade from Lagos Marina. Get closer to the caves, cliffs, and grottoes of the Algarve coastline than you could in a larger boat. Plus, enjoy time to swim, relax, or use the onboard slide to dive into the sea and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as dolphins.

View Budapest’s floodlit landmarks by boat on a Danube River evening cruise. Settle on the glass-enclosed vessel, and admire the cityscapes as you cruise by the UNESCO-listed riverbanks, glass in hand. Admire the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle district twinkling with lights, and sail under the illuminated Chain Bridge and other bridges. Your choice of Champagne, wine, beer, soda, or mineral water, Wi-Fi, and commentary included.

Bask in the sun and sea of Madeira, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this catamaran excursion from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck or one of the four trampoline nets for spotting whales and dolphins. Your crew highlights landmarks and wildlife plus you have a choice of a morning or afternoon departure time.

Search for whales and dolphins along the southern coast of the Azores on this wildlife watching trip from Ponta Delgada. Traveling in a nimble, open boat with an experienced captain, you’ll have the best chance of spotting the bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, sei whales, bearded whales, and blue whales that flock to the islands. This whale and dolphin tour is a fun, family-friendly way to see the coast, and both morning and afternoon departures are available.

View Dubrovnik from the sea and learn how to kayak on this half-day tour. Accompanied by a guide, paddle around the offshore island of Lokrum and hear stories about Dubrovnik’s history. Visit Betina Cave and pause for leisurely swimming and snorkeling with provided equipment. Opt to go cliff diving and take a break for snacks.

Skip your usual land-lubber evening drink with this River Seine sunset cruise with an aperitif. Meet near Pont Neuf just before sunset and hop aboard a river boat with a terrace—take a seat and cruise past Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower with a glass of organic wine, local beer, or champagne, accompanied by background music for a relaxed atmosphere.

Seeing Paris from the river offers a different perspective on the city’s landmarks without navigating busy streets. This Seine cruise departs from Pont Neuf, the city’s oldest bridge, and follows a central route along the river. Glide past highlights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame Cathedral, with live commentary providing context along the way.

The City of Light is magical by night. Experience it from the serenity of a planet-kind electric boat when you book this evening cruise, with music to set the mood. See icons like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral from the water, and admire the Louvre’s pyramid lit up for the night. Your voyage includes a downloadable audio guide: Upgrade to add a drinks package, featuring either wine or Champagne.

Whether you’d prefer a relaxing or an active half-day on the water around Mallorca, this small-group catamaran tour delivers. You’ll be welcomed with tasty tapas to snack on while you admire the beautiful Balearic Island views. Take a swim in the water from the boat, or with a snorkel or SUP board if you like. Alternatively, simply relax with your friends or family on board.

Discover the parts of Capri that many visitors miss on this small-group, full-day boat tour. Embarking from the port of Sorrento, travel across the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea in style. Head to the island’s hidden coves and beaches, try your hand at snorkeling (all equipment is included), and hop off to explore the town of Capri at your leisure. Free bottle of Prosecco, beer, soft drinks and seasonal fruit on board.

Get acquainted with Denmark’s capital from the water on a 1-hour Copenhagen boat tour. Glide along the city’s picturesque canals and soak up stellar views of top Copenhagen attractions. Pass landmarks such as the Amalienborg Palace, the Little Mermaid Statue, and the Copenhagen Opera House, and drift past colorful townhouses, cobbled lanes, and houseboats in the Christianshavn neighborhood. An easy way to see a lot in a short time.

Paddle around historic Dubrovnik in the company of a kayaking guide, and discover views of the city many other visitors miss, on this active and immersive tour. View the Old Town as you cross the Adriatic Sea to the island of Lokrum, then stop at Betina Cave for some snorkeling. No prior experience is necessary, and the use of all kayaking and snorkeling equipment is included.

Iconic Paris landmarks including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower line the Seine River, but trying to see them all takes time—and leads to sore feet. Admire the city’s world-famous monuments while resting your legs during this one-hour Bateaux Parisiens river cruise. Ride during the day, or choose an evening departure time to float through the enchanting city at night.

Float down the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin with this scenic cruise. Learn about Irish history from a local guide, covering topics from the Vikings to recent political history. See city landmarks including the Ha’penny Bridge and the Custom House from a new perspective and check out the recent redevelopment of Dublin’s Docklands neighborhood.

Head to Croatia's Blue Lagoon on a small-group tour from Split that also includes a stop in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Trogir. When you reach the Blue Lagoon, you have free time to swim and snorkel in its calm waters, and you also have time to explore the historic town of Trogir and Solta Island.

Discover the highlights and hidden gems of Vis and the Pakleni Islands on this full-day speedboat tour from Hvar. Benefit from the personalized insights of your small-group skipper as you soak up coastal views, then tick off Adriatic must-sees Blue Cave and Green Cave before taking time to swim, snorkel and sunbathe on amazing beaches of Budikovac, Stiniva and Palmizana.

The Benagil caves are not to be missed when visiting the Algarve. This unique seaside cave is a popular spot for photos because of the hole in its roof as well as its expansiveness. Depart Lagos on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and sail past Alvor, Portimao, and Carvoeiro on your way to the caves, while you admire the Portuguese coastline.

Head out to see some of the prettiest islands, caves, and beaches in the Adriatic with this small-group speedboat tour from Split. Suitable for participants who do not know how to swim, you'll visit the famous Bisevo Cave, AKA Blue Cave, stop for swims at beautiful beaches, and have time left over to check out the stylish island of Hvar, all in just one day.

See the Cliffs of Maro Cerro Gorda from a kayak, and enjoy close-up views of the natural park’s rugged shoreline, which is mostly only accessible from the sea. You’ll paddle with an instructor-guide on a route picked for its scenery, where secluded caves and stretches of beach make up the landscape. Snorkel stops are included along the way.

The gorgeous coastline of Costa Brava is best experienced from the water. This swimmer's only tour is the perfect way to discover the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea while kayaking to coves and small caves, and snorkeling for a better glimpse of marine life. This day trip takes you by coach from central Barcelona to a picturesque beach, where kayak guides share their expertise. A deli-style lunch and all gear are provided, so there’s nothing to do but relax.