The 10 Best Boat Day Trips in the USA

1.From Seattle: Round Trip by High Speed Ferry to Victoria, BC

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 479 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $192Our pick

Ride the FRS Clipper from downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour in about three hours, with roomy economy seats, a cafe, duty-free shopping, and open-deck views. You get a convenient passenger-only crossing and several hours to explore Victoria, though the trip can take longer and a day visit feels short. Upgrade seating may be available.

“Right on time. Excellent crew including pilot! Convenient to down town. Easy rider transportation once on land. Staff person Hank was especially gracious. Hank assisted my husband who has mobility issues. Thank you Hank.”

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2.Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 433 reviews · from $220

Take the Yankee Freedom III from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park for a full day of Fort Jefferson, beaches, coral reefs, snorkeling, and open-water views. Your $220 fare includes breakfast, lunch, equipment, the $15 park fee, and a guided fort tour. Guides such as Hollywood, Dan, and Ben bring the fort’s story to life.

“The story behind Fort Jefferson was incredible. Hollywood (our host) did a great job bringing the story to life. The snorkeling afterwards was spectacular. Great weather day that day.”

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3.Bimini or Grand Bahama Day Trip by Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 299 reviews · 15 hours · from $284

Take a same-day ferry from Port Everglades to Bimini or Grand Bahama, then spend several hours on your own with beaches, swimming, snorkelling, sting rays, jet skis, or a golf cart. The air-conditioned ferry has restrooms and a snack bar, but you must check in by 7:30 AM with the correct passport documents.

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4.Maalaea: West Maui Snorkeling & Sailing Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 210 reviews · from $200

Set out from Maalaea Harbor with Sail Maui for a five-hour catamaran trip toward Lanai. Snorkel at the best available reef sites, watch for turtles, dolphins, fish, coral, and humpback whales in season, then enjoy breakfast, buffet lunch, and drinks. Captains Patrick, Ron, Chase, and crew are known for careful safety briefings and personal help in the water.

“Captain Ron, James and the rest of the crew did a great job today. My family had a blast and we appreciate them working on Christmas Eve. The food, music and drinks were also wonderful.”

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5.Kailua-Kona: Captain Cook Reef Catamaran Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 189 reviews · 4 hours - 270 minutes · from $80Best value

Join Kona Coast Boat Tours for a roughly four-hour catamaran trip from Honokohau Harbor to Kealakekua Bay. Guides such as Bryce, AJ, Aiden, and Kelly combine local stories with a lively ride, reef snorkeling, sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. Choose the snorkeling option for about two hours in the water, with dolphins and whales sometimes appearing along the way.

“A fabulous and fun trip. Aidan and his team looked after us very well. They were efficient and well organised. They were a lot of fun and happy to help. By the way, the snacks were plentiful and tasty, thank you. Recommend this excursion. 😁”

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6.New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Cruise Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 183 reviews · 8h 30m · from $125

You’ll travel from New Orleans to Oak Alley Plantation, tour the home and grounds, then take a 1-hour-40-minute covered boat ride through Louisiana wetlands. Expect period-costumed guides, oak-lined paths, a Native American burial mound, Cajun cemetery, fishing village, alligators, and a full day of English commentary.

“This tour was the best thing we did in New Orleans”

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7.Washington DC: Mt. Vernon Day Trip with River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 102 reviews · from $161

Cruise from Washington to Mount Vernon with a small group of up to 15. Your English-speaking guide leads you through the farm, slave quarters, mansion exterior, gardens, tombs, and estate grounds. The mansion is closed for renovations until June 2026. A boxed lunch is included on the return boat ride.

“It was a fantastic trip and enjoyed the cruise. If you want a deeper dive into Mount Vernon, this cruise might not be for you. We did not spend a lot of time lingering at places because of the schedule. If I were to return, I would probably not do the cruise but I’m glad I did it this one time.”

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8.Austin to San Antonio Day Trip: Alamo Tour & Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 87 reviews · 7 hours · from $241Top rated

Travel from downtown Austin to San Antonio with a professional English-speaking guide in a group of up to seven. See the Alamo and Mission San José, ride to the Tower of the Americas observation deck, cruise the River Walk, and stop at Buc-ee’s. Guides such as Mike, Victoria, Bill, and Owen are known for lively Texas history and flexible service.

“Mike was a knowledgeable and accommodating guide. he made the day fun and educational. he even made some adjustments to itinerary to accommodate the group. highly recommend. book now !”

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9.From Myrtle Beach: Charleston Day Trip, Boone Hall & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · 10 hours · from $210

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Myrtle Beach to Charleston for a horse-drawn carriage ride, City Market shopping, and a narrated Carolina Belle harbor cruise with deli lunch. Finish at 738-acre Boone Hall Plantation, including the house, slave cabins, smokehouse, cotton gin, and Gullah presentation. English-speaking guides lead the experience.

“our driver, Joe, was a great driver. we felt very safe throughout the day. He gave us great directions to find him after our excursions. He was also very personable.”

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10.From Fort Lauderdale: Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 29 reviews · 16 hours · from $289

You’ll take an economy-class ferry from Port Everglades to Bimini, reaching the Bahamas in about two hours. Spend roughly six hours on the island swimming, relaxing, shopping, sightseeing, or booking activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, and golf-cart hire. Food, drinks, and island excursions cost extra.

“asked to arrive at 5am. boat didnt leave until 9am.”

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