13 Incredible Cruise and Boat Tours in Portland OR

I honestly think there’s nothing quite like messing about on the river, it is even better if it’s an organized trip where you can relax, let go and just soak up the incredible scenery. From stylish champagne brunches to something more high-octane, here are my favorite cruise and boat tours in Portland, Oregon…

Top 3 Best Cruise and Boat Tours in Portland
1.
1 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Fine Dining
Columbia River Gorge Dinner Cruise
2.
2 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Champagne
Champagne Brunch Cruise Through Downtown Portland
3.
3 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Three-course Meal
Dinner Cruise Through Downtown Portland
Best For Fine Dining

Columbia River Gorge Dinner Cruise

Columbia River Gorge Dinner Cruise

Columbia River Gorge Dinner Cruise is a 2-hour cruise along the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

The tour starts from Cascade Locks and takes you across the Columbia River Gorge, allowing you to indulge in the picturesque landscapes of the river. I would personally recommend sitting on the expansive patio of the cruise ship, while you explore all corners of the Historic Scenic Area while eating a fine meal served up by their chef.

They offer an excellent selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts prepared with local ingredients with vegan and gluten-free options. You can also enjoy a wide range of craft beers, wines, and cocktails, although you’ll be charged an add-on. 

From live narration from the captain to a private candlelit table, the Columbia River Gorge Dinner Cruise offers everything to make your night special. 

Pros

Live narration for an immersive experience

Fine dining experience on the water

Cruise under the Bridge of the Gods

Private candlelit tables are available

Cons

Additional charge for drinks

Limited to a 2-hour experience

Must Do Things

Upgrade to a private candlelit table for a romantic evening

Take in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge landscapes

Facilities

Allows service dogs and infants

Souvenir photos are available for purchase

Best For Champagne

Champagne Brunch Cruise Through Downtown Portland

Champagne Brunch Cruise Through Downtown Portland

Champagne Brunch Cruise is a 2-hour brunch cruise that takes you along a major tributary of the Columbia River, the Willamette River. Portland Spirit Cruises and Events offer it.

Starting from Salmon Springs in downtown Portland, the Champagne Brunch Cruise takes you across the Willamette River watershed. 

The 2-hour cruise offers a delicious brunch featuring authentic Northwest cuisine. They have a curated selection of beverages, including champagne, mimosas, and sparkling ciders.

From historical narration on outer patios to live piano and entertainment, the Champagne Brunch Cruise has a wide range of features to offer you a wonderful brunch experience. The timing of the cruise varies depending on the season. 

Pros

A variety of champagne and mimosa selection

Scenic views of the Willamette River

Experience live piano and entertainment

Savor authentic Northwest cuisine

Cons

Timing varies by the season

Pricing may be relatively high for some

Must Do Things

Enjoy riverfront views of Portland's skyline while savoring a gourmet brunch

Sip on champagne or mimosas as you cruise the scenic Willamette River

Facilities

Live piano music during the cruise

Gluten-free and vegan options are available

Best For Three-course Meal

Dinner Cruise Through Downtown Portland

Dinner Cruise through Downtown Portland

Dinner Cruise by Portland Spirit Cruises and Events offers a sunset dinner along the beautiful landscapes of the Willamette River.

As you cruise down the Willamette River, you get to revel in the mesmerizing views of Portland’s skyline and major landmarks. 

Dinner Cruise by Portland Spirit Cruises and Events continues for two and a half hours. You are served a freshly cooked Pacific Northwest meal prepared with local ingredients. The cruise also comes with live music and entertainment and narration of the sights by the captain on outdoor patios. 

The cruise takes you through many iconic landmarks of Portland, including Hawthorne Bridge, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oaks Amusement Park, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and Portland Oregon Sign.

Pros

Scenic sunset views of Portland

Enjoy live entertainment while you dine

Iconic Portland landmarks are visited

Cons

The cruise follows a predetermined route

It may cause motion discomfort for some

Must Do Things

Savor a Pacific Northwest meal with live entertainment

Learn history from historical narration available on outer decks

Facilities

Appetizers and beverages are available for purchase

Also offers private reserved table

Best For Sightseeing

Heart of Portland Sightseeing Cruise

Heart of Portland Sightseeing Cruise

Heart of Portland Sightseeing Cruise by Portland Spirit Cruises and Events is a sightseeing tour along the Willamette River that takes you through the major sites of Portland.

They have two departure points, Caruthers Landing in SE Portland and Salmon Springs in downtown Portland. 

As you travel northward between the Oregon Coast Range and the Cascade Range, you enjoy the captain’s picturesque cityscape and historical narration. You learn about the historical significance of every landmark that you pass by. 

Indoor seating is not guaranteed on this sightseeing tour, although you can enjoy a broad array of food and beverages on the vessel’s patios. They have an onboard cafe specializing in diverse cuisine. However, food and beverages are not complimentary. 

Pros

Onboard bistro with diverse cuisine

Dual departure locations for convenience

Various landmarks and scenic beauty

Remarkable photo opportunities

Cons

Food and beverages are not included in the ticket

Limited indoor seating availability

Must Do Things

Take in the picturesque cityscape from the cruise

Facilities

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase

Best For Jetboat Adventure

Columbia Gorge Jet-Boat Adventure

Columbia Gorge Jet-Boat Adventure

Columbia Gorge Jet-Boat Adventure offers two cruises, a full-day trip and a half-day trip. Full-day cruise starts from downtown Portland and ends at Cascade Locks.

Half-day cruise starts from downtown Portland and ends at Multnomah Falls. Both cruises take you through countless landmarks and over 12 bridges. 

As you travel along the Columbia River, you see Beacon Rock, Vista House, Bonneville Locks and Dam, and Bridge of the Gods, among many other iconic landmarks. 

Pros

A chance to witness iconic landmarks

Diverse cruise options to choose from

Breathtaking Columbia River Exploration

Cons

The full-day cruise is 7 hours long

Not recommended for heart patients

Must Do Things

Marvel at the beauty of Multnomah Falls during the half-day trip

Discover the history of Bonneville Locks and Dam on your journey.

Facilities

Bench seating with comfortable cushions

Noise-canceling headphones or complimentary earplugs are available

Best For Iconic Bridges

Year-Round Sightseeing

Portland Spirit Cruises and Events

Year-Round Sightseeing is a sightseeing cruise along the Willamette River by Portland Spirit Cruises and Events, one of the best boat tour agencies in Portland. The cruise takes you through all major tributaries of the Willamette River, including the Willamette Valley. 

If you want to explore Sauvie Island, you must have this sightseeing cruise in summer. The captain ferries you under some of the famous bridges of Portland, including Fremont Bridge, Broadway Bridge, and Hawthorne Bridge. 

As it is a sightseeing-specific cruise, it does not offer complimentary food. However, the vessel has a full-service bar with food available for purchase.

You can take this cruise both in bright daylight and after sunset. 

Pros

Memorable passages under iconic bridges

Flexibility with daytime and evening cruises

Onboard full-service bar for refreshments

Breathtaking scenic river views

Cons

Seasonal exploration of Sauvie Island

Doesn't include complimentary food

Must Do Things

Explore Willamette River tributaries and Sauvie Island in the summer

Choose the nighttime cruise and see Portland’s night beauty

Facilities

Food options are available for purchase

The cruise is wheelchair-accessible

Best For Brunch

Gorgeous Brunch Cruise

Gorgeous Brunch Cruise Portland Oregon

Gorgeous Brunch Cruise is a 2-hour cruise that takes you across the exquisite canyon stretches of the Columbia River.

As you sit on the outer deck of the sternwheeler, you get to revel in the spectacular views of the Columbia Gorge while eating a fine meal and listening to the captain’s narration of the river’s rich history. 

The sternwheeler takes you westward through the Cascade Range, from where you can enjoy a few glimpses of the state of Washington.

The cruise comes with a delicious plated northwestern brunch prepared with local ingredients. You can take the cruise on any Sunday between May and October. 

Pros

Views of the Milwaukie Waterfront and Downtown Portland

2-hour cruise on the Willamette River

Beautiful views of the Columbia Gorge

A diverse selection of beverages

Cons

Only sails on Sundays

Souvenir photos are not available

Must Do Things

Listen to the captain's river history narration as you cruise

Savor a delectable Northwestern brunch while admiring the views

Facilities

Live piano music for entertainment

Assorted miniature desserts are available

Best For Adult-only Experience

BrewBarge Cruise

BrewBarge Cruise Portland

BrewBarge Cruise by Brew Group is an adult-only cruise along the Willamette River. As you cruise across the major tributaries of the river, you get to see the leaves of the recent ice age. You are only allowed on board if you are over 21. 

While you can bring your beer on board, the vessel has a classy beer shop offering a great selection of craft beers. You can take BrewBarge Cruise only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

They have a small seating capacity, with only 14 people allowed on board. The timing of the cruise varies depending on the season.

Pros

Scenic views of Ice Age remnants

A unique adult-only river cruise

Bring your beer option is available

A classy craft beer shop onboard

Cons

The seating is limited ( only 14 )

Timing varies with the seasons

The cruise is not family-friendly

Must Do Things

Enjoy local craft beers while cruising the river

Admire ice age landmarks on this adult-only adventure

Facilities

Various timings are available

House a craft beer shop onboard

Best For Delicious Seafood

Lunch Cruise by Willamette Jetboat Excursions

Willamette Jetboat Excursions

Lunch Cruise by Willamette Jetboat Excursions is a 3-hour cruise across the Columbia River. It is a 40-mile journey that starts on the Willamette River and takes you to the north of the Columbia River.

You get a perfect lunch at The Deck, a casual floating restaurant specializing in American seafood and seasonal cuisine. 

From St. John Bridge to Mt. St. Helens to Mt. Hood, you enjoy striking views of many iconic landmarks near Portland. The cruise ship takes you so close to big cargo ships that you can almost touch them. You can take this cruise on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Pros

Breathtaking views of St. John’s Bridge

Savor delicious American seafood cuisine at The Deck

Remarkable close encounters with cargo ships

Leisurely 3-hour lunch cruise experience

Cons

Availability is limited to Tuesday and Wednesday

Cruise may be weather-dependent

Must Do Things

Enjoy a scenic river journey with close-up views of cargo ships

Savor a delicious lunch at The Deck featuring American seafood

Facilities

Meal and non-alcoholic beverages are included

Alcoholic beverages available for purchase

 

Best For Historic Tour

1-Hour Shipyards

Willamette Jetboat Excursions

1-Hour Shipyards by Willamette Jetboat Excursions is a boat tour that takes you to Swan Island. It is a 14-mile journey that takes you through shipyards and beautiful bridges of Portland, including Hawthorne Bridge, Steel Bridge, Tilikum Crossing Bridge, and Marquam Bridge. 

You can see many landmarks from iconic bridges to historical monuments to shipyards during this one-hour tour. It is a kid-friendly tour that does not charge any fare for children aged 3 or below.

The timing of the tour varies every year. The tour is only available between June and September. 

Pros

Scenic boat tour offers picturesque views

Explore the historical shipyards of Swan Island

Enjoy Portland's waterfront and landmarks

Cons

Operating only between June and September

Only lasts for an hour

Must Do Things

Take your family for a kid-friendly tour during the summer

Enjoy the scenic views of Portland's iconic bridges

Facilities

No charge for children under the age of three

Best For Historic Tradition

Portland Christmas Ship Parade

Portland Christmas Ship Parade

Portland Christmas Ship Parade is an annual boat tour along the Willamette River during the Christmas holidays. The tour starts in the first week of December and runs through the third week. 

Traveling around Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, you see more than 65 waterfront communities.

It is the only boat tour in Portland that takes you around a complex estuarine network of marine waterways and basins. 

Pros

Two fleets offer beautiful views

Long-standing holiday tradition since 1954

Unique and memorable Christmas celebration

Exclusive access to marine waterways

Cons

The viewing areas are limited

Limited availability in December

Must Do Things

Enjoy the festive atmosphere along the riverbanks

Join a riverfront gathering for festive holiday cheer

Facilities

Various riverfront gatherings for a community feel

Opportunity to join with your boat

Best For Wildlife Watching

Kayak on the Willamette River

Salem Kayak Rentals Portland

Kayak on Willamette River is a kayaking tour by Salem Kayak Rentals. The tour is available from late Spring to mid-October. It involves about 30 minutes of paddling.

The tour starts from the West Linn and ends at the Willamette Narrows. 

As you kayak across the Willamette River, you get to explore the unique geology of its tributaries. Children below the age of 13 cannot take this tour. 

Pros

Provides opportunities for wildlife observation

Willamette River allows for extended kayak trips

The trail provides access to beautiful parks and rest areas

Convenient starting and ending points

Cons

Limited services in remote areas

Not suitable for young children

Must Do Things

Discover the river's geology on a guided kayaking tour

Enjoy a picnic in one of the riverfront parks

Facilities

Various kayak rentals are available

Diverse guided and self-guided tours are available

Best For Cityscape Photography

Portland Skyline & Bridges Night Photo Tour

Portland Skyline & Bridges Night Photo Tour

Portland Skyline & Bridges Night Photo Tour is a 2-hour night tour along the Willamette River at night. This is the ultimate tour for shutterbugs that allows passengers to capture the dramatic night lights of the cityscape. 

This photo tour takes you to many major bridges and landmarks of Portland, including the Eastbank Esplanade, Hawthorne Bridge, OMSI, and Tilikum Crossing. 

Pros

Stunning night cityscape photography opportunities

Expert-guided tour for photography enthusiasts

2-hour duration for in-depth exploration

The tour covers major Portland bridges and landmarks

Cons

Nighttime tours may have limited visibility

Small groups may not suit all

Must Do Things

Capture the shimmering city lights on the Hawthorne Bridge

Photograph the reflection of Portland's skyline in the Willamette River

Facilities

Professional Guide to help you in your photography

Various other photo tours are also available

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