John PerrySeeing Philadelphia from the Delaware River is one of the best ways to enjoy the city.
While some people spend their free time looking for golf coaches or visiting local nightclubs, a cruise gives you a fun and relaxing way to get out on the water.
Whether you’re planning a family day, a date, or just want to see the skyline, there’s an option for you.
I put together this guide to help you find the best cruise in Philadelphia and enjoy a great day on the river. Keep reading to find the perfect cruise for your next outing.
How much does a cruise cost in Philadelphia?
Cruises in Philadelphia typically cost between $68 and $274+ per person, depending on the cruise type, dining package, entertainment, and whether you choose a shared sightseeing experience or a private charter.
| Cruise Type | Base Price Range (Per Adult) | What Is Included |
| Signature Lunch Cruise | $68 – $96 | Buffet lunch, narrated skyline tour, non-alcoholic drinks |
| Bingo Cruise / Specialty Lunch | $79 – $110 | Theme activities, themed lunch buffet, river tour |
| Bottomless Mimosa Brunch | $94 – $121 | Weekend brunch buffet, bottomless mimosas, DJ entertainment |
| Signature Dinner Cruise | $95 – $137 | Buffet dinner, DJ, dancing, 2.5-hour evening tour |
| Holiday / Fireworks Cruise | $183 – $274 | Special holiday menus and view of fireworks |
| Private Luxury Charters | $350 – $1,200+ | Private boat rental for small groups |
1. Philadelphia Cruise Co.
Website: https://www.philacruise.com/
Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Contact: 856-209-6561
Hours: Check availability
Getting out on the river with just a few friends sounds much more relaxing than joining a crowded tour, and that’s exactly what Philadelphia Cruise Co. offers.
Their private pontoon charter is limited to six guests, making it a great choice for sunset cruises, family outings, or even romantic proposals.
Also, I really like that the trip feels casual because it’s BYOB, and the crew provides a large cooler with ice and fresh water.
Another nice touch is the built-in USB charging ports, making it easy to keep your phone ready for photos. They even operate rain or shine, which helps if your plans can’t change.
The biggest drawback is the small pop-up marine toilet tent. It’s pretty cramped and may not feel comfortable during longer trips.
Customer Reviews
The views were incredible, the vibes were perfect
Such an unforgettable experience! My friends and I rented out the sunset cruise and had the best time. The views were incredible, the vibes were perfect, and the whole ride felt like something out of a movie. The owners were amazing—super friendly, helpful, and made sure everything went smoothly from start to finish. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want a fun night out on the water, I can’t recommend this cruise enough. We’ll definitely be back!
- Audrey C | Google Review
The boat is immaculate
We’ve taken 2 sunset cruises with Brent during our guest season this summer. Both cruises were highlights of our guests’ visits. The boat is immaculate and Brent is a top notch captain and host. We’ve done a cruise on each river and loved both cruises. It’s such a great way to spend happy hour!
- Julie van der Poel | Google Review
2. Sea Philly
Website: https://www.seaphilly.us/
Address: 215 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Contact: 267-899-2469
Hours: Not listed
If you want something that feels a little more special, Sea Philly is worth checking out. Their beautiful all-wood boats are inspired by the Italian Riviera and give every trip a classic look.
Another highlight is the peaceful eco-tour experience, where guests can cruise along the river, search for local bald eagles, and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Besides that, they offer unique experiences, including an oyster tasting cruise led by a certified master specialist.
I also love that every booking includes a captain, ice, coolers, and a real onboard restroom, making the ride much more comfortable.
The main downside is the price. Trips start at around $350 and can cost up to $1,200, so this luxury experience may be too expensive for some travelers.
Customer Reviews
History lesson and a smooth and peaceful ride
Today we got to experience Philly through the lens of Sea Philly. The evening was perfect for a sunset cruise on the Delaware River. The owners Georgette and Chris are very nice and friendly. Big shout out to Captain Don for the history lesson and a smooth and peaceful ride on the Argonaut. If you get a chance check out Sea Philly. You won’t be disappointed. ⚓️⛴️
- Tiffani Wilson| Google Review
Accommodating during our whole trip
What an unbelievable experience!!! My husband and I did a sunset cruise with Sea Philly for our anniversary yesterday and it was sooooooo incredible! The team and crew were so awesome and accommodating during our whole trip and we had a photographer (Rachel Rosenstine) join us who capture so many special memories for us. We already can’t wait to go again next year!
- SJ Del Priore Photo & Film | Google Review
3. City Cruises
Website: https://www.cityexperiences.com/
Address: 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Contact: 800-459-8105 / 833-997-5300
Hours: Monday-Sunday 7:00 AM-9:00 PM CST
If you’re organizing a big celebration, City Cruises makes it simple to bring everyone together out on the water.
From what I’ve seen, their big multi-level yacht is the only local choice for year-round public dining cruises. It has an open-air rooftop, climate-controlled indoor decks, and a live DJ to keep the party going.
Another thing I appreciate is that the ticket covers a chef-prepared buffet, which makes planning lunch or dinner much easier. It’s also nice that parking near the dock is affordable, so getting there is less stressful.
The main downside is slow drink service. When it’s busy, there aren’t always enough staff, so you might wait up to an hour for your drinks.
Even so, everything else made the experience enjoyable and easy to recommend.
Customer Reviews
Very fun and smooth experience
Went on their signature dinner cruise at the end of February. Very fun and smooth experience. Parking is next to the dock for $20, literally a few minutes walk to the boat.
It’s a covered cruise with a viewing deck, so it’s enjoyable regardless of the weather. It’s a buffet experience and the food tasted great. There is also a love DJ and a dance floor.
I plan to come again for a day cruise.
- Bijan Abrahim | Google Review
Good buffet selection, comfortable seating
Fun experience, good food and good views. My wife and I went on the cruise for Valentine’s day. It was a nice 3 hour cruise with a good buffet selection, comfortable seating. Although cold at this time of year it was nice to be able to sit on the upper deck outside and watch the city line view and the boat cruised up and down the deleware. It was a great time, Id reccomend trying it once.
- Brad | Google Review
4. Ben Franklin Yacht
Website: https://benfranklinyacht.com/
Address: 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Contact: 215-629-8687
Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
If you want plenty of room to celebrate, the Ben Franklin Yacht is a great choice.
This family-owned business has been running cruises for more than 20 years and welcomes guests for sunset socials, weekend brunches, and other public events.
On top of that, the three-level layout is often praised for creating a spacious and enjoyable setting for special occasions and celebrations. It gave everyone space to walk around and enjoy clear views of landmarks like the Battleship New Jersey.
Another thing I liked was that public tickets include a full meal, and you can even choose an open-bar package.
The only drawback is the buffet location. Because it’s only on the first deck, guests on the upper levels need to go downstairs to get more food.
Customer Reviews
Already making plans to come back!
Was here on 7/20/25 for their Sunday Brunch cruise. It was my friend’s birthday and we loved it!!!! Food was amazing, the atmosphere was amazing! Everyone was pleasant and polite. Still enjoyable even though it rained but it eventually cleared up again. My bday friend loved it!!! We are already making plans to come back!!!
- Taneisha Mitchell | Google Review
SUPER easy and the entire cruise so enjoyable!
We had our sorority formal here and the crew and captain were awesome! We did a private cruise from 9-12. They made planning SUPER easy and the entire cruise so enjoyable!! Our group loved the food and third floor deck!! This was a second time here and we will definitely be back in the future!
- Alexis Ochman | Google Review
5. Phila Sail
Website: https://philasail.com/
Address: SV First Light
Contact: 347-735-6762
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Phila Sail offers a completely different experience from a regular sightseeing cruise. Instead of using a noisy motor, the boat moves with the wind, making the ride quiet and relaxing.
On top of that, the captain shares interesting stories about Philadelphia’s waterfront, giving guests a chance to learn a bit of local history while enjoying the scenery.
Plus, couples planning engagement photos will appreciate the custom photo packages, and your own photographer can come aboard for free.
Families will likely enjoy the calm atmosphere, as it’s a comfortable place to learn and spend time together.
The biggest drawback is that the trip depends on the wind. As a result, your route, travel speed, and even the overall ride can change depending on the day’s weather.
Customer Reviews
Had a great cruise with beautiful views
I took my girlfriend and my mother on the sunset cruise excursion and it was a blast! James and Lorri are both very knowledgeable and very kind, we had a great cruise with beautiful views and amazing relaxing time!
- Rem Deikun “Char” Casval | Google Review
All wonderful and we will be back!
Our sail boat tour of Philadelphia was so much fun and really relaxing. I highly recommend either the historic Philly boat tour or the sunset sail. For anyone thinking of proposing or even getting engagement photos taken, definitely book a sailboat and get James to photograph the event for you. What a romantic setting! My husband said he wished that he thought of it before and to be honest, so do I! The experience, the views, and James were all wonderful and we will be back!
- Robin’s Nest Market | Google Review
