Memphis is a city that’s hard to pin down without a boat. With its lively riverfront, iconic landmarks, and deep musical roots, Memphis offers some of the most memorable boat tours and cruises in the South. Whether you’re craving a scenic paddlewheel ride along the Mississippi or a guided tour of the city’s historic sites, Memphis’s water-based experiences promise a unique perspective. The guided Memphis city tour that includes a riverboat cruise stands out for combining downtown sightseeing with a leisurely Mississippi river ride, giving visitors a well-rounded experience of the Bluff City [].
For those seeking an in-depth look at Memphis’s history, culture, and music, the Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River offers a broader exploration, including visits to the Civil Rights Museum and Victorian neighborhoods, topped off with a relaxing cruise [].
And for travelers on a tighter schedule or those interested in adding specific experiences, the Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options provides flexibility, combining a narrated city tour with optional river or legendary recording studio visits [].
1. Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise
Rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 544 reviews, this combo tour offers a balanced mix of downtown sightseeing and a relaxing paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi for $85 per person. The 6.5-hour experience kicks off with hotel pickup, making logistics easy. Your humorous and knowledgeable guide will take you through Memphis’s most iconic sites, including Beale Street, Victorian Village, and the Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The highlight is boarding the historic Island Queen paddlewheeler for a cruise with spectacular views and insightful narration about the river’s significance to Memphis.
What makes this tour stand out is its seamless blend of city and river explorations, all narrated for context—perfect for first-timers. The board and disembark aspect ensures you get a comprehensive experience without rushing. Reviewers praise the guide for humor and knowledge, and the boat itself offers multiple seating levels for comfort. The inclusion of hotel pickup makes it a hassle-free way to see Memphis.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a well-rounded introduction to Memphis, with the bonus of a scenic Mississippi River cruise. It’s particularly good for travelers who appreciate engaging guides and a mix of history and leisure.
2. Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River
With a rating of 4.5 from 239 reviews and priced at $87.80, this comprehensive tour offers a deeper dive into Memphis’s culture, music, and civil rights history. Lasting around six hours, it combines city highlights with visits to significant landmarks like Beale Street, the Victorian district, and the National Civil Rights Museum. The tour includes insightful commentary on Memphis’s musical heritage, from W.C. Handy to Elvis Presley’s early home, and a stop at the I AM A MAN Plaza memorial.
The final highlight is a cruise on the Mississippi River, which many find particularly relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Guests often mention how the guide, Shannon, enhances the experience with her deep knowledge and approachable style. Reviewers note the civil rights focus as a meaningful part of the tour, making it especially appealing for those interested in social history.
The value is significant, given that the tour includes multiple key sites plus a river cruise, all in one day. It’s perfect for history buffs or those wanting a multi-layered Memphis experience. The only consideration is the longer duration, but many say it’s worth every minute.
Bottom line: For travelers eager to explore Memphis’s stories of music, civil rights, and local life, this tour offers depth and variety—plus a scenic river cruise finale.
3. Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options
This flexible, budget-friendly choice has a 4.5-star rating from over 1,700 reviews and costs just $45 per person. The multi-hour tour covers Memphis’s top sights, including the Pyramid Arena, Lorraine Motel, and Beale Street, with a friendly guide narrating the city’s stories. It’s a shorter, more adaptable option—lasting 2 to 7 hours—making it suitable for different schedules.
What sets this tour apart is its add-on options: you can include a river cruise or a visit to the famous Sun Studio for music history enthusiasts. The tour stops at landmarks like Schwab’s general store and the Peabody Hotel duck march, giving a well-rounded view of Memphis’s culture in a compact format.
Guests praise the friendly guides, and many appreciate the flexibility of customizing their experience. The tour’s price makes it accessible, but you’ll want to be aware that some reviews mention timing issues with pickups. Still, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a quick, narrated overview with optional extras.
Bottom line: If you prefer a shorter, customizable tour with the option to add a river ride or music history visit, this tour offers value and flexibility.
$45.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Memphis Boat & City Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, desired depth of experience, and interests. The first tour offers a great introduction with a scenic Mississippi cruise and in-depth downtown sightseeing—perfect for first-timers wanting a relaxing day with guide commentary. The second provides a comprehensive look at Memphis’s history, music, and civil rights, making it ideal if you want a deep culture. The third is best for travelers on a tight schedule or those who prefer a flexible, budget-conscious tour with optional add-ons like Sun Studio or a river cruise.
Also, think about the time of year—spring and fall usually provide better weather for outdoor cruises—and booking early is recommended, especially in peak season. If you’re interested in the historic civil rights sites or the legendary Sun Studio, make sure those are included or added on.
Final Thoughts
Memphis offers a variety of boat tours and city explorations that cater to different interests. For a balanced day with entertainment and scenic river views, the Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise is hard to beat. If you’re passionate about the city’s music and social history, the Memphis Discovery Tour provides a richer narrative. And for those seeking flexibility and affordability, the City Tour with Optional Add-Ons delivers a practical solution.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you secure a spot in these popular experiences. Each tour provides a different slice of Memphis, helping you understand its soul—on land and water alike.