One of the beauties of living in Michigan is being surrounded by so. much. water. No matter where you live, you’re probably only a stone’s throw from a river, a lake, or one of the Greats. Even Detroit, with its big-city vibe, is surrounded by water, including the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, River Rouge, Ecorse Creek, and Lake Erie. This means the opportunities to catch some waves, whether as a passenger or as the operator of your own craft, are abundant. And is there really a better way to spend a day in the D than on the water?
While you can always rent a kayak, canoe, SUP, or jet ski, sometimes being a spectator is nice, too. If a boat ride is on your to-do list this summer, here are some top picks.
Diamond Jack’s River Tours
Since 1991, this family-owned riverboat tour business has been offering affordable cruises for Detroit residents and visitors alike. In 2025, public sightseeing tours run Thursday through Sunday, June 6–September 1, and September 6–28 Saturday and Sunday only. These one-hour, fully narrated tours provide a peek into Detroit’s history and incredible views of its signature skyline and noteworthy landmarks.
The boat departs from the Cullen Plaza Dock at the corner of Rivard along the riverfront, and tickets are on sale at the dock, on a first come basis. While on the tour, you’ll enjoy covered seating as well as open-air decks, plus snacks, soft drinks, and adult beverages for purchase. And, yes, there are restrooms!
Diamond Jack’s also offers private charters that are ideal for corporate events, school field trips, reunions, parties, and senior groups. Catering and beverages can be added for an additional fee.
Detroit Princess Riverboat
Known as the “Motown Boat,” this 1900-total-passenger-capacity vessel is the second largest in the country. Lunch and dinner cruises feature live entertainment that ranges from a celebration of Motown’s Detroit roots to live bands, murder mystery dinner theater, DJs, and more. These cruises are open to the public and you can find a calendar with full details and a link to buy tickets for a specific date and time here. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
There are several full-service, fully stocked cash bars with a variety of imbibables, including wine and champagne, cocktails, and craft and domestic beers. The Detroit Princess also has a self-serve buffet with a number of entrees, hot sides, salads, and add-ons. Some vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options are available.
Private parties are also welcomed, with the most popular charters being weddings, proms, class and family reunions, and corporate gatherings.
Detroit Sails
If you’re looking for a completely different excursion that’s much more intimate in size, book a sunset, sunrise, or full moon sail with this overlooked gem. Tours are either two or four hours long and can accommodate up to six guests, so you can join an open sail with your date or gather your own group. Feel free to BYOB (and ice)! They do have a cooler or refrigerator on board, depending on the vessel you choose. Need more inspiration? Here’s what Detroit Sails says about their offering:
Detroit Cycle Boat
Okay, this boat is actually powered by you, so you’ll be more than just an onlooker, but that’s part of the fun—and there’s also an electric motor to help in pedaling. Plus, you don’t just bring your lower-body strength, you bring your own bar. Don’t worry; there’ll be a captain and deckhand operating the boat to ensure safety. The cycle boat seats a maximum of 16, and the two-hour ride traverses a beautiful stretch of the Detroit River.
Don’t want to pedal? Rent the Pink Party Boat instead! This converted cycle boat is now equipped with comfortable bucket seats and is awash—stem to stern—in pink. A disco ball adds to the party vibes, as does a champagne gun for use during the tour. Just like the cycle boat, it runs two hours, has a 16 person maximum, and you’ll have a captain and deckhand aboard. Detroit Cycle Boat is affiliated with Aloha Tiki Tours, so you can book The Big Kahuna or 30-passenger tiki boat through them, too.
Aloha Tiki Tours
With two locations, one in Detroit and one in St. Clair Shores, you can choose your own adventure. Hire one of these floating tiki bars for you and your group of six, with two boats available in St. Clair Shores and four in Detroit. Tours run for two hours every day of the week, though weekends and holidays do sell out quickly. A captain is provided, as are Bluetooth speakers so you can queue up your favorite jams and play DJ for a day!
And, you can pack your cooler with ice, beverages, and food and bring it all on board. They allow wine, liquor, and beer; just no kegs. If you want your birthday bash, bachelorette party, or family get-together to be anything but ordinary, plan to have your celebration with Aloha Tiki Tours. For larger groups, check out The Big Kahuna, accommodating up to 18 people, or their 30-passenger tiki boat.
However you choose to take in Detroit from the water, you’re sure to have a memorable time—and the pics to prove it!
EXPLORE MORE
This Overlooked Lake Erie State Park Awaits Your Visit
Looking for a fun weekend getaway near Lake Erie with your crew?
8 Undeniable Stops to Make a Splash in Detroit This Summer
Which free or low-cost water spots are open in Detroit this summer?
Best 420-Friendly Campgrounds in Michigan for Cannabis-Loving Campers
Get Elevated in the Outdoors: Michigan's Best 420-Friendly Campgrounds Near Detroit
