Nashville isn’t just about honky-tonks and country tunes—it’s also a city that shines from the water. Its Cumberland River offers a stunning perspective on the city, and with a variety of boat tours—from wild party cruises to relaxing family-friendly rides—you can see Nashville in a whole new way. We especially like the Nashville: Pontoon Party Cruise with a Captain, which combines fun music, drinks, and Nashville’s skyline in a lively on-the-water experience. If you’re celebrating a bachelor or bachelorette party, this cruise hits the mark with its relaxed, party atmosphere. For families or history buffs, the Family Friendly River Cruise offers engaging commentary and scenic views without the wild party vibe. And for a private, customized day, the Aloha Paradise Private Boat Rental Percy Priest provides a versatile, family-friendly escape on Percy Priest Lake.
Below, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the top boat tours in Nashville, each with its own unique flavor—whether you’re after a lively party, a scenic family cruise, or an exclusive private rental.
1. Nashville: Pontoon Party Cruise with a Captain
At number 1, the Nashville: Pontoon Party Cruise with a Captain stands out for its lively atmosphere and all-in-one party vibe. For $60 per person, you get 2 hours on a 50-foot pontoon with a licensed Captain and a dedicated party host. The onboard bar offers a wide variety of alcohol, and the host plays popular hits to keep everyone dancing. The cruise takes you along the Cumberland River, giving you some of the best city views—not to mention a chance to escape Broadway’s hustle. Perfect for bachelor or bachelorette parties, this cruise is all about mingling, dancing, and soaking in Nashville’s skyline from the water. It’s a straightforward, fun way to celebrate with friends.
Key highlights include the lively bar atmosphere, hit tunes, and the scenic cruise. The 4.8-star rating from 130 reviews confirms its popularity. The only downside might be the potential for crowds, but if you’re after a fun, no-fuss party on Nashville’s water, this is hard to beat.
Bottom line: This cruise offers great value for a party atmosphere, making it ideal for groups wanting lively entertainment and city views in a relaxed setting.
2. Nashville: Family Friendly River Cruise
Number 2 on our list is the Nashville: Family Friendly River Cruise. For $55 per person, this 2-hour cruise offers a laid-back way for families to explore downtown Nashville from the water. The highlight here is the live commentary that brings Nashville’s history alive, making it a more engaging experience than just sightseeing. The cruise features a bar onboard with a variety of alcohol options, but it’s geared towards a more relaxed, educational outing suitable for all ages.
Guests praise the scenic views of Nashville’s skyline and the informative narration, which adds a layer of understanding to the city’s development. It’s a perfect choice for families, history enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a calm, scenic cruise that combines education with entertainment. The 4.7-star reviews reflect its strong appeal.
Bottom line: A relaxed, family-friendly option with informative commentary and beautiful river views—an easy way to experience Nashville from the water without the party noise.
3. Aloha Paradise Private Boat Rental Percy Priest
Number 3 is the Aloha Paradise Private Boat Rental Percy Priest, offering a fully private experience for up to 16 guests. For $949, you get about 3 hours of exclusive access to Percy Priest Lake. The boat is a custom slide pontoon, with coolers, ice, music, and floatables provided—making it perfect for a party or family outing.
What sets this rental apart is the local expertise of the Master Captains, who know the area better than any guide. You can anchor at Party Cove, enjoy water sports, or just relax on the boat while bringing your own beverages. It’s versatile enough to accommodate everyone from active water-sports lovers to those wanting a peaceful day on the lake. One recent reviewer called it an “amazing experience you won’t regret,” praising the captain’s knowledge and the fun atmosphere.
Bottom line: This private rental offers a custom, family-friendly or party-ready experience, with the flexibility to create your perfect lake day.
4. 25ft Pontoon Party Boat w/ Captain up to 12 people (3 hrs)
Number 4 is the 25ft Pontoon Party Boat, perfect for smaller groups. For $649, it’s a 3-hour cruise designed for up to 12 people on Percy Priest Lake. The boat is a brand-new Bentley 243 Navigator with 200HP Suzuki, offering a comfortable, family-friendly environment with BYOB options, coolers, music, and floatables.
This tour’s highlight is its personalized service—a Master Captain who has grown up in Nashville knows the waters intimately. The cruise includes a visit to Party Cove, where you can socialize with other boats or enjoy water sports like tubing and relaxing on the inflatable Play Pad. Guests mention the captain’s attentiveness and the fun, flexible experience.
Bottom line: Great for small groups wanting a mix of fun, water sports, and socializing, with the added comfort of a new boat and a local captain.
5. 30ft Double Decker Triple Slide Party Boat with Captain up to 22
Number 5 is the biggest on our list: the 30ft Double Decker Triple Slide Party Boat, with capacity for up to 22 people. For $999, this 3-hour adventure on Percy Priest Lake features a double-decker layout with three slides on the top deck, making it ideal for thrill-seekers and larger groups.
Unique to this boat is the triple slide feature, which allows guests to slide directly into the lake, adding a splash of excitement to your day. It’s perfect for groups wanting a high-energy experience with water sports, tubing, or just relaxing on the inflatable Lily Pad. The captain, a lifelong local, ensures a smooth, fun ride, and reviews mention the “amazing experience” and the captain’s attentiveness.
Bottom line: This is Nashville’s most exhilarating party boat, suited for larger groups or those seeking a splashy, thrill-filled day on the water.
$999.00 per group (up to 15)
6. Nashville Bachelorette Booze Cruise
Number 6 is the Nashville Bachelorette Booze Cruise, designed specifically for celebrating a bride-to-be. For about $142.57 per person, this 6-hour excursion offers an all-inclusive, multi-stop booze crawl via a 21-passenger bus, visiting a brewery, distillery, and winery. It’s a full-day, customizable event tailored for groups looking to combine sightseeing, tasting, and celebration.
Highlights include the easy transportation, all-inclusive tastings, and the ability to tailor the stops to your interests. The experience is perfect for groups wanting to skip the planning hassle but still enjoy Nashville’s best drinks. This tour is ideal for those who want a lively, social, and well-organized way to toast the bride. Reviews reflect a “fully planned outing” that’s fun and stress-free.
Bottom line: Best suited for groups celebrating a special occasion with a love of drinks, good company, and a hassle-free day.
$142.57 per person
7. General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville
Number 7 takes you aboard the iconic General Jackson Showboat. For around $111.71 per person, this cruise offers a traditional paddle-wheel boat experience with options for lunch or dinner. It’s a 4-hour trip that combines Southern cuisine, live entertainment—including music, comedy, and dancers—and scenic views of the Cumberland River.
Guests love the atmosphere, highlighting the size and historic charm of the boat, as well as the quality of the food. The cruise includes a dining experience with a buffet, along with the entertainment, making it a great option for those wanting a relaxed, classic Nashville outing. The reviews note that the show is engaging, and the views of downtown Nashville are a highlight.
Bottom line: Ideal for visitors wanting a mix of good food, entertainment, and a scenic river cruise, especially for special occasions or first-time visitors.
$111.71 per person
8. Downtown Nashville Pedal Pontoon Boat Cruise with Captain
Number 8 offers a unique twist: the Downtown Nashville Pedal Pontoon Boat. For about 1.5 hours, up to 16 guests can enjoy pedaling and cruising along the Cumberland River. It combines a private, interactive experience with the scenic beauty of Nashville’s skyline.
This tour is perfect for active groups who want to blend physical activity with sightseeing. The boat includes a mahogany bar, coolers, Bluetooth speakers, and staff, making it a comfortable, social experience. Reviews emphasize the fun of the pedal experience, with many recommending it for groups of friends or families who want something different. The “We had a large group from Virginia Beach” review highlights its appeal for mixed-age groups.
Bottom line: A fun, active way to see Nashville from the water, best suited for lively groups who enjoy a bit of exercise along with sightseeing.
9. Nashville: Downtown Pedal Boat Rental for 2 to 4 People
Number 9 is a straightforward pedal boat rental for small groups. For $325, up to 4 people can enjoy 2 hours of floating around Nashville’s riverfront. It’s a simple, relaxed way to see the skyline, watch wildlife, and enjoy a day on the water without leaving the city.
This option is perfect for couples or small groups wanting a quiet, scenic experience with minimal fuss. It’s a good value for those looking for a quick, enjoyable outing that combines the fun of pedal boating with city views.
Bottom line: Ideal for small groups or couples wanting an easy, scenic ride on Nashville’s river without any complicated logistics.
$325 per group up to 4
How to Choose Your Water Adventure in Nashville
When selecting a boat tour, consider your group’s size, interests, and energy level. Want to dance and party? The Pontoon Party Cruise or Triple Slide Boat are excellent. For a family outing, the Family Friendly River Cruise provides a relaxed, educational experience. Planning a special celebration? The Bachelorette Booze Cruise or the scenic Dinner Cruise offer memorable options. Private rentals like the Percy Priest Lake give you the flexibility to craft your perfect day, especially for larger groups.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Think about what kind of experience will make your Nashville trip special—whether it’s dancing on the water, relaxing with family, or celebrating a milestone. Each option caters to different tastes and budgets, but all promise a fresh perspective on Music City.
Nashville’s water tours cover the gamut—from lively parties to serene family cruises, private rentals, and elegant dinner trips. If you’re after a spirited gathering, the Pontoon Party Cruise offers a genuine Nashville experience on the Cumberland River. For a quieter, educational experience, the Family-Friendly River Cruise is hard to beat. Larger groups or thrill-seekers will love the Triple Slide Party Boat, while romantics can enjoy a scenic ride on pedal boats. Whichever you choose, Nashville’s waterways promise a memorable view of the city, so plan ahead and book early.