four cruise ships of varying sizes on the Willamette River four cruise ships of varying sizes on the Willamette River

Portland Boat Tours

See Portland and the region from the water on boat tours that traverse the Willamette and Columbia rivers.

3 min read

Portland is a river town, largely defined by the Willamette and Columbia, which divide the city into east and west, and form its northern border, respectively. Portland boat tours offer a unique perspective on the city and region.

Know Before You Go

All details are subject to change, so please contact tour operators for the latest information.

Portland Boat Tours

The Portland Spirit

Tours onboard the Portland Spirit let guests soak in the sights of the Portland cityscape along the Willamette River while a veteran sea captain narrates the trip. Portland Spirit tours include downtown sightseeing cruises serving brunch, lunch or dinner; Early Escape Concert Cruises with a live local band every Thursday afternoon, July-September; a Flashback Dance Cruise every Saturday night; and holiday and other special event cruises. The Portland Spirit’s sister ship, the Explorer, provides high-speed river tours of 10 famous Portland bridges, from St. Johns Bridge to Sellwood Bridge.

Bridges of Portland

Learn the history and key features of the city’s 12 Willamette River bridges.

Read more

Willamette Jet Boats

For a thrilling ride, Willamette Jet Boats will show all the sights with an open-cabin, 130-person boat that gives passengers a distinct view of Bridgetown. Operating May -September, there are several packages to choose from to fit your needs. The two-hour tour departs from the dock near OMSI and takes passengers past downtown bridges, wildlife and houseboats on the way to majestic Willamette Falls in Oregon City. The one-hour tour heads north to show off the city’s shipyards, waterfront and more bridges. They even have a 30-minute ride for those short on time. Offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays only, the Columbia River & Lunch tour explores the mighty Columbia with a stop for lunch at a floating restaurant.

BrewBarge

Want to work — and drink — while you cruise? BrewBarge’s human-powered paddle boats seat up to 14 people for 1.5-hour tours down the Willamette River from Riverplace Marina in downtown Portland. The trips are BYOB, but beer is available for purchase at the BrewStop, where you’ll check-in for the tour.

Portland Electric Boat Company

Always wished you could pilot a boat yourself? Portland Electric Boat Company at RiverPlace Marina makes it easy. If you can drive a golf cart (and are 21+), you can pilot their zero-emission boats. The vessels seat 10 people and include rainproof enclosures for inclement days. Bring your own food, drink and tunes for a self-guided river tour; there’s also the option to hire a captain.

Scovare Expeditions

Sail in style with Scovare Expeditions, whose fleet includes a 50-foot cutter, 40-foot sailboat and 25-foot sloop, as well as a power pontoon boat. In addition to public and private tours, Scovare also offers lessons for aspiring sailors.

What to Do in the Columbia River Gorge

Just 30 miles (48 km) east of Portland sits the Columbia River Gorge — a rugged canyon on the broad Columbia River and home to more than 90 waterfalls, countless hiking trails, plenty of water sports and several charming communities.

Read more

Columbia River Gorge Boat Tours

Bigfoot Explorer Jetboat Cruise

Discover the history and lore behind Bigfoot while aboard the Explorer for Portland Spirit’s scenic Bigfoot Explorer Jetboat Cruise. This 120-mile journey takes you from downtown Portland, through the port of Portland, into the epic Columbia River Gorge and through the locks at Bonneville Dam, with a stop for lunch in Cascade Locks.

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Cruises

Also under the Portland Spirit umbrella, the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler provides dinner, brunch and sightseeing tours departing from Cascade Locks in the Columbia River Gorge. From the triple-deck paddle-wheel vessel, you can check out sights like the Bridge of the Gods, Bonneville Dam, native American fishing platforms, windsurfers and kiteboarders.

Portland Boat Tour Operators

Portland Tour Options

More tours
city view on early fall day, tree leaves are changes colors, and there is a light blue sky with passing clouds

Portland City Tours

Great for first-time visitors, city tours offer a comprehensive experience highlighting the best that Portland has to offer.

walking toward the sun, three people pass a colorful mural painted on the side of a building

Portland Walking Tours

These tours let you experience a street-level view of supremely walkable Portland.

family on bikes stop in green bike lane, one pointing up with building towering behind them in cityscape

Portland Bike Tours

Bike tours let you see Portland like a local, rolling through neighborhoods along this cycling-friendly city’s many bike paths, trails and lanes.

an ice cream sampler consisting of four small bowls and one sugar cone

Food Tours In and Around Portland

Get a taste of Portland on a variety of food tours focused on specific ingredients, venues or neighborhoods.

four hands raise four pints of Rogue beer in a toast

Portland Beer Tours

Explore “Beervana” with the help of local expert tour guides on these Portland beer tours.

The sun breaks through clouds above a wide river

Columbia River Gorge Tours

Columbia River Gorge tours are an ideal way for visitors to experience the famous Columbia River Gorge National without worrying about traffic or parking. Explore the waterfalls just east of Portland with a guide and driver.

A snow-capped mountain is reflected in a lake with autumn foliage in the foreground

Mount Hood Tours from Portland

Explore Oregon’s highest peak, located 90 minutes from Portland, with these tour operators.

four cruise ships of varying sizes on the Willamette River

Portland Boat Tours

See Portland and the region from the water on boat tours that traverse sights on the Willamette and Columbia rivers.

A hot air balloon floats above a wooded valley.

Portland Aerial Tours

Aerial tours give you a bird’s-eye view of Portland and the surrounding region.

A climber descends from a tree while another person watches.

Portland Outdoor Adventure Tours

Explore the great outdoors in and around Portland in any season with these tour operators.