Top USA On the Water

Enjoy sublime coastal scenery as you spot marine life during this kayaking trip to La Jolla’s sea caves and ecological reserve. Paddle alongside your expert naturalist guide as you observe the numerous species of birds, dolphins, sea lions, and even orcas of the area. Kayak among the lush kelp beds that grow in the reserve and, if conditions permit, explore inside the sea caves that dot the rocky coastline.

Treat yourself to an abundance of wildlife viewing with this 4-hour Kenai Fjords cruise in Resurrection Bay from Seward Harbor. Travel 55 miles (round-trip) along a rugged coastline and snap plenty of memorable photos as you sail past Bear Glacier. Sail close to sea lion colonies and seabird rookeries, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, eagles and mountain goats.

Explore the Everglades during a scenic airboat ride that includes the chance to see local wildlife like alligators. Take off down the canal and enjoy opportunities to photograph wildlife in their natural habitat including soft-shelled turtles, birds, and both large and small alligators. Learn how these reptiles live in the swamps and the recovery they've made from the endangered species list.

Climb aboard a traditional paddlewheeler and embark on a scenic cruise around Lake Tahoe’s world-famous Emerald Lake. Learn about how the bay was formed, hear tales about Fannette Island, and discover Vikingsholm Castle from your included audio guide. Choose to enjoy the scenery and fresh air outside or sit indoors in a climate-controlled seating area. Pack light: lunch and a full-service bar are available for purchase.

Spend 2 hours out on the Auke Bay Harbor's waters searching for humpback whales during this boat tour from Juneau. Listen to commentary from your guide and keep a lookout for other marine animals such as orca, bald eagles, and sea lions. Cap off the cruise with a 5-minute stop to snap photos of Mendenhall Glacier. Snacks, refreshments, and round-trip transportation from the Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau provided.

Spend a few hours relaxing and sightseeing in the waters just off San Diego during this 1- or 2-hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet, and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions.

Keep your eyes peeled for majestic whales on this group whale watching excursion from Long Beach. Your captain takes you to the best spots to search for whales, while you sit and relax aboard your cruise boat. There’s a restroom on the boat, so no need to worry. You can also purchase water, soda, and snacks, so bring some money with you.

Snorkel with manta rays at night on this tour from Kona. After a boat ride on a small 23-foot Zodiac-style boat carrying up to 11 passengers, jump into the water to observe the gentle giants. Wetsuits are optional and available to rent at check-in. Learn about manta ray biology and behavior through guided commentary during this safe and awe-inspiring experience.

Maui's Molokini Crater is a submerged crater from an ancient volcano. Discover the abundant underwater world around the volcano during this snorkel tour from Maui. Depart from Kihei with a small group and enjoy plenty of time to snorkel inside the crater observing several aquatic species that call the crater home.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from Elliott Bay and Seattle Harbor on this narrated cruise. Learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and get an up-close look at one of the world's largest shipping terminals. Take in the view of the city’s skyline with a spectacular panoramic background of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including majestic Mt. Rainier. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the ship.

Experience the best of New England’s marine wildlife on this guided whale-watching cruise around the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Hop on a high-speed boat in Boston that gets to and from the whales in the least amount of time possible. Look out for humpback and fin whales, plus Atlantic white-sided dolphins, with the help of a naturalist guide. The on-board galley offers food and beverages for purchase during the trip.

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Take a short cruise out to the snorkeling site before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night, free of charge.

Glide under the stars as giant manta rays dance beneath you, their 15-foot wingspans illuminated like underwater angels. This sunset-to-starlight tour includes a short cruise from Honokohau Harbor, warm wetsuits, high-powered lights, snacks, and onboard washrooms. With nearly guaranteed manta sightings, you'll experience Hawaii’s Pacific ballet hassle-free.

Observe humpback whales in their natural habitat during their return migration to Maui’s waters December–April. This whale watching adventure by high-speed catamaran provides a front row seat to fin slaps, flukes, and breaches. Underwater hydrophones help you hear whale songs, while the captain and crew provide the commentary. Juices and sodas are available on board to keep passengers hydrated.

Cruise through the scenic waters of Frenchman Bay during a leisurely sailing trip. Admire views of Acadia National Park in Maine during this sightseeing boat tour. Keep an eye out for wildlife including eagles, seals, and porpoises during the sail. Check out views of the Porcupine Islands from the spacious decks on board a Windjammer. Picnics are welcome on board.

Get a different perspective on Oahu by riding your own self-propelled electric submarine scooter through Maunalua Bay. Cruise past Diamond Head Crater, Koolau Mountain Range, and Koko Crater on a comfortable catamaran before an underwater adventure spotting green sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral reefs. After diving, relax on the boat with snacks and drinks while enjoying island stories.

Perfect for those who want to squeeze a lot of sightseeing into a limited amount of time. A fully narrated 90-minute cruise along the New River through Fort Lauderdale will let you soak up such sights as the lavish homes and mega yachts along Millionaire's Row.

Imagine exploring the ocean floor without getting wet. On this submarine tour in Maui, you can descend over 100 feet (30m) in an air-conditioned sub and press your face against circular portholes in search of reef sharks and fish. Experience the sights, sounds, and scenes of life beneath the waves. Note: all passengers must be 36" (90cm) or taller to ride the submarine, a fantastic adventure for all.

Go snorkeling in Oahu with a boating excursion in Turtle Canyon and Waikiki Beach. Climb aboard a boat and set out on a scenic ride before getting in the water. See angelfish darting in and out of caverns underwater and keep an eye out for large sea turtles. After snorkeling, relax in the sun on floating platforms designed for lounging. All snorkel gear plus flotation devices are provided.

Explore Savannah with ease when you book this package that includes a guided trolley tour and river cruise. Board your trolley at Savannah’s Visitor Center and see the lush foliage and Victorian mansions, listening to colorful stories about the city's past. Then, embark on a scenic river cruise, learning about the city's historic connection to the Savannah River.

Experience different sides of Louisiana and its complicated history on this plantation tour and swamp boat ride from New Orleans. On this full-day journey, visit Oak Alley Plantation or Destrehan Plantation (depending on the time chosen), where you learn about antebellum life. Next, head into the marshy swampland for a boat ride and some wildlife spotting. Enjoy guided commentary as you snap photos of alligators, raccoons, snakes, and native birds.

The Tonto National Forest is the largest in Arizona and the Lower Salt River runs right through its heart. On this tour, admire the natural scenery from the water on a thrilling kayaking excursion. Set out from Saguaro Lake Ranch, paddle along the Salt River, and look out for native wildlife, including the park’s herd of wild horses.

Trade crowded sightseeing boats for a small-group whale-watching experience that brings you closer to the action. Depart from Lahaina aboard a low-profile vessel designed for exceptional wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot whales and dolphins and listen to whale songs through an onboard hydrophone. If you don't see whales, you'll receive another trip at no additional cost.