Questions we get… daily.
What’s the process for booking a cruise?
You can book online or contact us by phone to make your booking. We can chat about what you would like to see, your schedule, your preferred meet-up location, any special needs, etc. The process is flexible, but it’s usually helpful to chat early on. Note that cruise bookings are not confirmed until payment is received.
What are the differences between your boat types?
A lot. We offer open bow boats and yacht-certified, multi-level cruisers with indoor, climate-controlled spaces. Both are great ways to see DC differently, but the comparison requires a page of its own: visit our boat comparison page.
Most of our cruises are aboard our open boats: view gallery. To learn more about the standard larger cruiser, view this page, or contact us.
What if we’re more than 6 People?
Answer: Reserve more boats! U.S. Coast Guard regulations limit us to 6 passengers per boat (regardless of age). Fortunately, you can reserve more than one vessel. At low speed, we can cruise closely enough to enjoy comfortable conversation between boats, and we can tie up on anchor, and hang out together.
What do you charge?
Please visit our rates page for information on pricing. You can pay over the phone or online. Cruises are only confirmed after payment is received.
Where can we start our tours?
We are the only operation to have access to 9 marina/dock locations in the Washington DC area (DC, Virginia & Maryland).
Note that we are not a river taxi service. We offer custom, private, sightseeing and recreational cruises, with a minimum duration of 90 minutes. If you’re in need of a river taxi, you’re in luck—check out our friends page for information on the Potomac Riverboat Company.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A TOUR?
Many go for the classic sunset tour for a couple hours. To see the full impact of the city lights and monuments at night, we recommend planning your cruise to last 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. To minimize the probability of thunderstorms in the summer, mid-morning is usually a better time. Check out our Sights page to get a sense for what you might like to see. Washington has a long, warm, boating season, so spring and autumn cruises are usually wonderful, and we have blankets on board if needed.
Note that cruises can be reserved starting at 9:00 am.
Can I get a discount?
Call us if you’d like a rundown of why it’s so expensive to operate charter boats, especially in Washington DC. We’ll talk for hours. That said, occasionally we do offer specials. Join our mailing list and we’ll let you know!
Do you offer gift cards?
Yep… right here. Hard to imagine a more unique gift!
What boats do you use?
We currently offer two main boat types:
Most guests opt for our 25-foot open bow boats with seating throughout — plenty of space for your group of (up to) 6 guests.
We also offer a 41’ yacht-certified Sedan Bridge Cruiser with an enclosed, climate-controlled cabin (see one of them here). Ideal for family outings or private business meetings aboard. They’re also ideal during extreme heatwaves or when it’s very cold. Pricing is significantly higher and minimum cruise charge is typically 3 hours, although you’re welcome to keep it shorter. Reserve by phone or email.
what about food and drinks?
There are lots of options. We don’t want thirsty or hungry guests. You’re invited to bring whatever you like aboard. Alcoholic drinks are permitted assuming you’re ≥ 21 years old. All types of food are welcome. Be sure to let us know if you want to grill the food (gas is included). We will anchor in order to light the grill, so please account for the extra time. Our locations page lists logical options for take-out food and drink purchases, prior to boarding. We have catering options for a minimal service charge (call us for details). Our cruises can typically include a stop along the river for a meal at a restaurant (docking fees may apply, and please account for the waiting time). And, if you’re lucky (or we plan ahead) DC’s only aquatic food truck, NautiFoods, can deliver piping hot hot dogs, veggie burgers, etc., frozen desserts, and cold (but non-alcoholic) beverages directly to us, while underway!
Can I bring my 2-year-old?
Yes! We have life vests for all ages. Check with your doctor regarding a newborn or very young child as they typically recommend a certain level of neck strength first. If you need indoors or climate control for a nap, you’ll need to select our larger cruiser.
Will there be people I don’t know on the boat?
Not unless you invite people you don’t know, which would be odd. This is your private cruise for you and up to 5 of your closest friends, family members, or professional colleagues (total of 6 per boat + crew). If you want to ride with people you don’t know, see our Friends page, where we list suggestions for bigger boat cruise companies.
What if I need to use the restroom?
Our sport boats include an enclosed “head” or toilet. While they take some dexterity to use, they are private... and provide the relief you seek in a pinch. (The larger cabin boats include a full stand-up bathroom.)
IS THERE MUSIC ABOARD?
Yes! We have Bluetooth stereos on our boats. You can listen to your own playlist or ours, and/or the captain’s tour narrative.
WHERE CAN WE PARK?
Street and garage parking varies by location. We recommend using a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or a car service for maximum convenience. Some locations are very convenient to our network of bike paths, including Columbia Island Marina, George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, and The Yards Marina.
What if it rains?
It does happen sometimes. For light rain, we have umbrellas, blankets, and a bimini (rain and sun cover). For heavy rain, it’s helpful to be somewhat flexible on your cruise date or timing. We can monitor the weather and attempt to adjust to fit the best weather window schedule permitting. See our Rates & Policies page for more information on weather policies. (Contact us to enquire about our weather-protected larger boats with climate controlled indoor salons, available with advance notice typically on weekdays, at higher rates and minimums.)
WHAT IF IT IS HOT AND SUNNY?
Lucky you! We will be in a moving vessel over water and that typically creates a cooling effect aboard. We also have a bimini (for shade), sunscreen, umbrellas, and coolers with ice, water and soft drinks. While heat is heat, guests typically report that it feels much cooler on the water than on the streets of DC. (Contact us to enquire about larger boats with air-conditioned salons and indoor spaces, available with advance notice typically on weekdays, at higher rates and minimums.)
Should I bring a bathing suit?
Possibly! Call us to discuss the types of cruises where swimming or tubing is logical. All boats have ladders for re-boarding. Either way, bathing suits just make sense on a boat in the summer!
We were on anchor. Seriously.
Can I “drive” the boat myself?
Sorry. You have to let our USCG-licensed captain take the helm. Of course we can take a picture of you at the wheel when we’re not underway, while your friends blow wind in your hair.
Can I act like a drunken pirate?
We are relaxed captains. We want you to enjoy yourself, but safety has to come first. We reserve the right to disembark any passenger(s) who may be incapacitated, intoxicated, refuse to follow the captain’s instructions, or are in any way jeopardizing the safety of themselves, other passengers or crew, or the vessel. The “My Boat” thing is just a tagline — don’t take it literally!