The Most Enjoyable Boat Tours in the U.S.

Driving The News

Exploring the U.S. by boat offers a unique and thrilling way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes and iconic destinations. From the sun-kissed waterways of Fort Lauderdale to the awe-inspiring power of Niagara Falls, these top-rated boat tours have earned near-perfect reviews on TripAdvisor and promise unforgettable experiences for all passengers, regardless of their interests.   

A new study by vacation rental site Lake.com has ranked the top ten boat tours in the U.S. based on the percentage of excellent reviews they have received on TripAdvisor. The study also looks at the most popular keywords used in the reviews to determine which aspects of these boat tours make them stand out to travelers, revealing the most praised features that set them apart.

Best Boat Tours in America

The Fort Lauderdale Sailing Charter is the most enjoyable U.S. boat tour, with 100% of its 247 reviews classified as “excellent.” 
 
This tour offers the perfect way to celebrate special occasions, enjoy a romantic outing, or soak up the sun and sea breeze with friends and family while enjoying the scenic waterways of Fort Lauderdale.  

“Great” was the most popular keyword used by reviewers to describe this tour, with 129 mentions in total. Guests also love the “relaxing” atmosphere, where they can soak up the sun, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the calm waters in a laid-back, stress-free environment. 
 
The San Francisco Bay Adventure Sightseeing Cruise ranks as the second-most popular boat tour in the U.S., with 99.67% of its 304 reviews classified as “excellent.” 

This tour offers an unforgettable day on the waters of the iconic San Francisco Bay, offering breathtaking views of famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, making it a must-see for tourists and locals alike.  

Guests often describe the tour as a “fantastic” way to spend the day, whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends and family. Reviewers also praise the “friendly” and “informative” crew, making the cruise both scenic and educational. 
 
Placing third is the Private Luxury Sailing Charters BYOB Dolphins Tour, with 99.52% of its 210 reviews classified as “excellent.”  

Guests on this luxury tour of Charleston, South Carolina, are invited to bring their own beverages as they set sail to spot dolphins and enjoy the peaceful waters. This tour is perfect for smaller groups who want to relax and enjoy the ocean at their own pace.  

Common keywords in the reviews include “relaxing” and “scenic.” Travelers also love the tour’s flexibility, often calling it a “perfect” way to celebrate special occasions or just enjoy some time with loved ones.  
 
The Manhattan Adventure Sightseeing Boat Tour ranks fourth, with 99.28% of its 419 reviews classified as “excellent.” 

Passengers embarking on this boat trip can expect an awe-inspiring tour of New York City’s iconic skyline, with the opportunity to view Manhattan’s most famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center.  

Many reviewers describe the experience as “exciting” and “informative,” with the crew offering insightful commentary into the city’s history.  
 
In fifth place is the San Diego Sail Exclusive Small Group Adventure, with 98.8% of its 333 reviews classified as “excellent.” 
 
This tour offers a full-day, intimate, small-group experience offers stunning views of the San Diego coastline, with onboard refreshments included in the price.  

Many passengers describe the tour as “relaxing” and “beautiful,” with 188 reviews mentioning the area’s “scenic” beauty.  
 
Placing sixth is the Small Group Snorkeling Expedition South Kona, with 98.75% of reviews classified as “excellent.” 
 
This boat tour is a top choice for anyone seeking underwater adventure in Hawaii. The opportunity to see Hawaii’s natural beauty above and below the water surface makes this tour an absolute highlight for tourists.  

Passengers describe the tour as both “exciting” and “breathtaking,” with plenty of opportunities to see colorful fish, coral reefs, and even dolphins. The keyword “beautiful” is also mentioned in 94 reviews, reflecting the stunning underwater vistas on display throughout the trip.  
 
Placing joint seventh is the Niagara Falls in 1 Day Tour of the American and Canadian Sides and the Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching Tour of Alaska with 97.71% of their reviews classified as “excellent.”  

If you’re looking to experience the grandeur of Niagara Falls from both the American and Canadian perspectives, then this one-day tour is a must. Visitors will be taken to the heart of the falls, allowing them to witness this incredible natural spectacle up close.  

Reviewers often describe the experience as “unforgettable” and “amazing,” with “scenic” vistas and “memorable” moments featured prominently in the reviews. 

The Juneau Whale Watching Tour allows passengers to see Alaska’s majestic whales in their natural habitat, offering both a thrilling and educational experience.  

The tour is frequently described as “exciting” and “breathtaking,” with the keyword “amazing” also appearing frequently.  
 
The 4 Hour Fort Lauderdale Sailing Charter ranks eighth, with 97.56% “excellent” ratings from 164 reviews.  

Offering a mix of relaxation and adventure on the water, this charter gives passengers a memorable escape from the stresses of city life, allowing them to soak in the tranquil surroundings of Fort Lauderdale.  

The tour is perfect for small groups, making it an excellent option for families or friends looking for a “lovely” and “pleasant” sailing trip.  
 
Placing ninth is the Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure from Kihei, with 97.25% of its 1,089 reviews classified as “excellent.”  
 
This lunchtime cruise is a standout experience for those interested in exploring the waters around the Molokini Crater and the South Maui coastline, allowing passengers unparalleled access to one of the world’s most coveted snorkeling destinations.  

In the reviews, the crew is praised for their hospitality, making the tour not only visually stunning but also a “fun” and “relaxing” adventure. 
 
Rounding out the top ten is the Maid in America Tour of Niagara Falls USA, with 97.13% of its 349 reviews rated as “excellent.”  
 
This tour provides visitors with an unforgettable experience of Niagara Falls, especially for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and power of the falls from the American side. 

Reviewers frequently describe the tour as “amazing” and “breathtaking,” with many passengers also noting the “informative” and “friendly” guides, who provide fascinating insights into the history and geology of the falls.  

Top 10 Most Enjoyable U.S. Boat Tours  Ranked

Expert Opinion 

Stephanie Ciccarelli, CMO of Lake.com commented on the study: 
“This study provides valuable insights into what makes a boat tour truly memorable for travelers. 

“By analyzing the percentage of excellent reviews and the most frequently used keywords, it becomes clear that travelers prioritize not just the natural beauty and excitement of these tours, but also the quality of service, organization, and unique experiences they offer. 

“Whether it’s a friendly crew, breathtaking views, or a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, these elements can take a boat tour from a ‘good’ experience to an ‘unforgettable’ one.”

This study was conducted by Lake.com, a vacation rental platform that offers lake houses, cabins, and cottages for rent. 

Editors Note

The Methodology and Data Visualizations

Our Methodology

• The reviews for each Boat Tour and keyword data were scraped from TripAdvisor.com, and the data was gathered for all boat tours with 150+ reviews.
• The listings were checked for the words ‘rent’, ‘coast’, and ‘ocean’ in the title, any listings containing these were removed. The listings that have a category type containing ‘hire’ were also checked, and listings that were not a guided tour were removed. 
• Using this data, the percentage of excellent reviews was determined, and the results were ranked accordingly. 
• Data is correct as of 18/09/24. 

Visualization of The Most Enjoyable Boat Tours Data

The Most Enjoyable Boat Tours in the U.S. by Score

The chart for overall score showcases the boat tours ranked by the percentage of excellent reviews, providing an easy comparison of customer satisfaction. The “Fort Lauderdale Sailing Charter” leads with a perfect 100% rating, while other tours also boast impressively high scores, indicating the consistently positive experiences reported by visitors.

The Most Enjoyable Boat Tours in the U.S. by Reviews

On the other hand, the chart for the most reviews highlights the boat tours that have received the highest number of customer reviews. The “Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching” and “Niagara Falls in 1 Day Tour of American and Canadian Sides” dominate the chart with thousands of reviews, demonstrating their popularity and wide appeal among travelers. This chart helps identify which tours have gathered the most attention and engagement from tourists.