10 Best Boat Tours in Pennsylvania
It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or a tourist, boat tours allow you to see Pennsylvania from a new perspective. Whether you’re sailing past the Pocono Mountains or embarking on a historic river cruise, there’s an impressive variety to choose from. Here are the best boat tours in the state.
Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour, Hawley, PA
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains’ lake region, Hawley is known for its plethora of outdoor adventures, historic attractions, and fun events year-round. One popular outdoor activity is the Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour, which is a 50-minute cruise on the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack. Tour guides narrate for the duration, describing the area and its history. The tour covers about one-third of the lake and departs hourly.
Historic Penn’s Cave Boat Tour, Centre Hall, PA
Penn’s Cave is the only cave in the state to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. What’s a better way to view the inside of a cave than by boat? Boat tours are 45-50 minutes long and feature glittering rock formations. Tours give participants an opportunity to get up close and personal with the cave and see how water has sculpted its inside. They also include a tour of Lake Nitanee.
Presque Isle Boat Tours, Erie, PA
Whether you tour aboard Lady Kate or the Canadian Sailor, Presque Isle Boat Tours offers 14-mile, 90-minute tours on Lake Erie. Tourgoers narrate throughout, describing points of interest which include “Presque Isle’s shores, Erie’s skyline, lighthouses, ships, the beaches, Gull Point Nature Preserve, wildlife and numerous other sights.”
Delaware River Harbor Cruise, Philadelphia, PA
Patriot Harbor Lines’ Delaware River Harbor Cruise is its most popular offering. The cruise, which lasts one hour, departs on a reproduction of a 1920’s commuter yacht. On the cruise, visitors will see different sights, including: the historic vessels of Penn’s Landing, the Ben Franklin Bridge, the Camden Waterfront, the S.S. United States, and more. Philadelphia’s only harbor cruise also features a bar, fully stocked with beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
Secrets of the Schuylkill, Philadelphia, PA
Secrets of the Schuylkill is a one-hour, fact-filled guided tour of Philadelphia, which highlights the Hidden River. On the tour, you’ll learn about history, discover new sights and sounds, and of course, have fun. The tour covers history from the early 1700s to today’s modern, award-winning skyscrapers, and more, all set along The Banks’ beautiful backdrop.
Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise, Pittsburgh, PA
On a Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise, you have a few different options. There’s the Classic Sightseeing Tour, the Fun, Interesting & Strange Pittsburgh tour, the How “Pittsbourgh” Became Pittsburgh! tour, and a haunted sightseeing tour. Each tour is narrated, entertaining, and fun, so you’re sure to have a great time, whichever you choose.
Bucks County Riverboat Co., Upper Black Eddy, PA
Bucks County Riverboat Co’s River Otter is a 52-foot tri-pontoon boat that provides guests with a truly memorable boat tour experience. Happy hour and sunset cocktail cruises are particularly popular during the summer months, featuring beautiful views, lite fare, and delicious drinks. The captain will provide a short narration full of interesting facts about the Delaware River and its surrounding area.
The Pride of the Susquehanna, Harrisburg, PA
Built 30 years ago as part of a community service project, the Pride of the Susquehanna is an authentic paddlewheel riverboat used for the benefit of the city of Harrisburg and its visitors. There are many tour options, including a 45-minute sightseeing tour, dinner cruises, food and drink tastings, family events, and so much more. Whether you’re a Harrisburg resident or a visitor from out of town, the Pride of the Susquehanna has a tour for you.
The Victorian Princess, Erie, PA
Per its website, The Victorian Princess is Erie’s only authentic paddle wheeler. For Erie locals and visitors, the Victorian Princess is a popular attraction. From narrated sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises to events featuring live entertainment, the Princess offers it all. To find out about upcoming events, check out the website.
Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat, Williamsport, PA
The Hiawatha is one of central Pennsylvania’s most popular attractions. For six days a week, the boat offers public cruises specialty cruises, and private charters. Choose from public sightseeing cruises, beer cruises, murder mystery cruises, dinner cruises, concert cruises, and even more. Take a ride on the Hiawatha for a truly memorable experience today.
