Top Portland Water Tours

Hop aboard the Portland Spirit for a trip along the Willamette River with this sightseeing tour of Portland. Your captain will ferry you under some of the city's famous bridges and waterfront sights, and you'll have plenty of chances to take photos of the city right from the water. You'll also have the option to buy snacks and drinks from the onboard bistro.

Enjoy lunch along the Willamette River on a 2-hour cruise in Portland. Great for newcomers and locals alike, the leisurely cruise presents an expansive vista of Portland from the water. In addition to exceptional views and food, the afternoon tour also includes commentary from your captain and live entertainment. Prepared with local ingredients, your meal can be upgraded to include an appetizer and dessert.

This private tour takes you out on the Willamette River, where your captain guides you to scenic spots including one of the largest waterfalls in the Northwestern US. Ideal for personal or corporate events, the tour emphasizes sustainability and conservation. Enjoy narration while you relax and take in the views on this two-hour private boat tour.

A cruise down the scenic Williamette River lets you take in top Portland sights such as the Steel Bridge or the white stag neon sign—but standard boat rides are often crowded and include tired audio guide commentary. Treat yourself to a more elevated experience on this sunset river cruise, which includes narration from a live guide and space to spread out, plus plenty of photo opportunities.

Whether you want to relax after a long day of sightseeing or need to unwind at the end of your workweek, a sunset dinner cruise along the Willamette River is sure to do the trick. The journey offers spectacular views of the Portland skyline and city’s main landmarks. Listen to live music while you enjoy a freshly cooked Pacific Northwest meal.

Start your day off right with a 2-hour brunch cruise along the Willamette River. Board the boat in the late morning and soak in the scenery of northern Oregon as your boat glides away from Portland. When you’re ready, help yourself to a buffet brunch accompanied by sparkling wine or apple cider. You can walk around the deck or sit near the cabin windows to view the stunning landscape.

The Columbia River Gorge is known for its dramatic waterfalls and impressive vistas—but if you don't have car, planning a trip from Portland can be tricky. Instead, enjoy a hassle-free way to check off many top attractions in just half a day, all thanks to this small-group sightseeing tour. Visit the historic Vista House, admire Latourell Falls, stop at Multnomah Falls, and more, all while your guide shares insider stories.

Take a scenic cruise along the Willamette River while you learn about Oregon's history. Your captain will take you on a 44-mile journey, showing you historic attractions such as the Wheatland Ferry Crossing, which first began operations back in 1845. This tour is totally private and up to six passengers can be accommodated.

Explore Portland from a unique vantage point on the water, cruising beneath its iconic bridges while spotting bald eagles, ospreys, sea lions, and other Pacific Northwest wildlife. Led by a US Coast Guard–licensed captain and a Oregon-certified professional guide, each tour blends natural beauty with Portland’s rich 200-year maritime history. Guests may reserve a premium private charter for up to six people for an intimate luxury experience, or join a shared cruise with up to 18 passengers—available daily—for a lively and accessible way to discover the city’s scenic waterways.

Paddle through the calm, winding waterways of Scappoose Bay, one of the most serene and wildlife-rich kayaking areas in the region. This guided experience takes you into quiet tidal channels surrounded by wetlands and forest, where it’s common to spot birds, river otters, fish, and other native wildlife. The tour follows a relaxed pace, with time to float, observe nature, and take photos rather than rushing. With stable kayaks and attentive guidance, it’s well suited for both first-time paddlers and those seeking an easy, enjoyable outing on the water. What truly sets this experience apart is its private and unrushed format. The route and rhythm are adapted to the group and conditions, creating a more personal connection with the landscape. To keep things seamless, private transportation from a location chosen by the traveler is included, along with fresh snacks and water—so you can focus entirely on the experience.

Enjoy superb views of the Portland riverfront on a 90-minute sailing cruise along the Willamette. Set out from Portland on a small-group tour up the river, stopping to view Portland's floating homes as well as uninhabited Ross Island. Savor the surrounding scenery―including placid Holgate Channel and the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge―as you go. Bring your own snacks, refreshments and spirits to satisfy both hunger and thirst throughout.

Welcome to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Join the eagles, osprey, salmon and sturgeon on an epic journey on the Columbia River. Starting out in beautiful Herman Creek Cove we'll get comfortable with the kayaks and explore the crystal clear waters as we paddle a gentle inlet of Herman Creek toward an old fish hatchery From there we head out onto the Columbia, staying near the shore and letting the wind of the gorge push us to our next cove while soaking up the majesty or this amazing river. The wind will blow us down to Government Cove where a secluded cove full of wildlife awaits. We'll pause for a water break on the shore and get a chance to watch the birds soar over the water. After some more exploring of beautiful Government Cove we'll paddle to shore and hop on a 5 minute shuttle back to where we started. The shuttle allows us to paddle downwind, making this tour suitable for those who can walk about 100 yards through the woods and are comfortable in a kayak.

Experience the sights of the Columbia River Gorge from a unique vantage point on the water during this adventurous river cruise. From your seat onboard a Explorer Jetboat, snap photos of the Willamette River and Columbia River, including Cape Horn, Multnomah Falls, Crown Point, Rooster Rock, Beacon Rock, and Mount Hood. Listen as your guide provides insightful live commentary as you enjoy the exhilarating ride along the water.

**City Lights & Tiki Nights Cruise – Tiki, Tunes & Waterfront Views** Step aboard for Portland's most unique evening escape: the City Lights & Tiki Nights Cruise. This 21+ one-hour cruise along the Willamette River combines the fun of a floating lounge with views of the city skyline sparkling against the night sky. Sip your favorite drink as you glide past glowing bridges and the illuminated waterfront while music and social vibes set the mood. Every cruise is unique as the vibe tends to align with the energy of the group onboard, often ending in one big dance party. Whether you're planning a date, celebrating a special occasion, simply gathering with friends, or looking for a new way to enjoy Portland after dark, this cruise blends scenic views with lively island-style energy. **August:** 9:30 PM check-in, 10–11 PM cruise. **September & October:** Usually 8:00 PM check-in, 8:30–9:30 PM cruise. Please review all booking details and communications carefully before your cruise.

Escape to an island paradise without leaving PDX on this tropical happy hour cruise! Sip a delicious drink, take in the city sights, and catch up with old friends or meet new ones aboard Portland's only tiki-style river boat. Depending on the day, crew and crowd, vibes vary from lively and energetic to chill and relaxing. Come connect, take in the fresh air and celebrate a special occasion—or just life itself! At Island Style Charters, every day is a party. **Perfect for:** Happy hour • Celebrations • Work Groups • Travelers • Afternoon Dates • "Just because" **Highlights:** Tropical tiki boat • Downtown river views • Music, drinks & snacks available for purchase **Cruise Duration:** 1 hour **August:** 4:30 PM check-in, 5:00–6:00 PM cruise. **September & October times vary** Please review all booking details and communications carefully before your cruise.

One of Portland's many nicknames is Bridgetown, not much of a surprise given that the city is split by a river crossed by 10 bridges. With this tour, you'll hop aboard a pontoon and head from the southernmost of the city's bridges, the Sellwood Bridge, making your way north. You'll pass through downtown, eventually coming to the last bridge within the inner city: the towering Freemont Bridge, before heading back south.

Visit Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge, with a couple of stops for wine tasting along the way, with this full-day tour. You'll visit Multnomah Falls, the Columbia Gorge's most famous attraction, hang out at Mt. Hood's historic Timberline Lodge, and pay a visit to two different wineries to taste Gorge-produced wine. There will be a hosted lunch on tour and a glass of wine at one of the wineries included. You will also be able to purchase beverages at your leisure during winery visits.