Cincinnati may be famous for its chili and sports teams, but the city’s location along the Ohio River makes it a fantastic place for boat tours and cruises. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset, a lively jazz brunch, or a historic sightseeing voyage, Cincinnati offers a variety of options that highlight its skyline, river life, and history. We especially love the Cincinnati: Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner, which combines a delicious meal with stunning views and live music—perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or family.
If your trip is short but you want a taste of Cincinnati on the water, one of our top picks is the sunset cruise, offering panoramic views and a peaceful vibe. For a lively daytime experience, the jazz brunch cruise combines great food with toe-tapping music. Keep reading for a detailed rundown of the five best boat tours and cruises in Cincinnati, helping you choose the perfect trip for your interests and schedule.
1. Cincinnati: Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner
At number 1, this buffet dinner cruise offers a wonderful way to enjoy Cincinnati’s skyline and river in one relaxing evening. Priced at $71 per person, it’s slightly more upscale but well worth it for the experience. The 2-hour voyage takes you along the Ohio River, with a buffet dinner featuring a variety of tasty dishes, from salads to hot entrees. You’ll be entertained with live music, creating an atmosphere perfect for celebrating special occasions or just unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
What makes this cruise stand out is its combination of great food, scenic views, and entertainment. The boat’s large windows and outdoor decks allow you to soak in Cincinnati’s twinkling skyline as the sun sets. With a 4.4/5 rating from nearly 1,000 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this cruise both enjoyable and memorable. The balance of good value, beautiful scenery, and a lively atmosphere makes it a top choice for couples, families, or groups celebrating something special.
Bottom Line: A slightly more elegant choice for an evening cruise that combines good food, music, and beautiful views—ideal for those wanting a full, relaxing experience.
2. Cincinnati: Riverboat Cruise with Lunch and Entertainment
Second on our list is the riverboat cruise with lunch, offering a lively 2-hour journey in the daytime. For $57 per person, this tour provides scenic views on a vintage riverboat, paired with a delicious lunch buffet. It’s perfect for those who want to relax on the water while enjoying a hearty meal and some musical entertainment.
What makes this cruise unique is the vintage riverboat ambiance, which adds charm and nostalgia that’s less common on modern boats. Passengers rave about the relaxed atmosphere and the tasty buffet, which often features a variety of comfort foods. The live music adds a festive touch, making it suitable for families, friends, or even a casual business outing. The 4.4/5 rating from nearly 700 reviews underscores its popularity.
If you’re interested in learning about Cincinnati’s river life and enjoying a laid-back afternoon, this cruise offers excellent value for its price. It’s also a flexible option if you prefer a daytime experience with good food and entertainment in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A charming vintage-style cruise with good food and music, great for a casual afternoon on the Ohio River.
3. Cincinnati: Sunset Sightseeing Cruise on the Ohio River
Next up is the sunset sightseeing cruise, which for $36 per person offers 2 hours of peaceful river views. Departing from the Kentucky side of Cincinnati, this trip is all about beautiful sunset scenery and relaxing ambiance.
What makes this cruise stand out is the chance to see the Cincinnati skyline glow as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone craving a calm, scenic experience after a busy day. The tour includes live entertainment, which enhances the laid-back atmosphere. With a solid 4.4/5 rating from nearly 600 reviews, travelers appreciate the value and tranquility of this evening voyage.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the Ohio River’s quiet beauty. The cruise’s relaxed evening vibe makes it ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and enjoy some serene scenery.
Bottom Line: An affordable, romantic way to take in Cincinnati’s skyline at sunset, with entertainment to keep the atmosphere lively yet peaceful.
4. Cincinnati: Historic Sightseeing Cruise
The historic sightseeing cruise offers an engaging 1.5-hour journey for just $36 per person. It’s perfect if you want to combine river views with fascinating stories about Cincinnati’s past. This tour features a knowledgeable captain who shares historic commentary about the city and the Ohio River.
What makes this trip special is the focus on local history and landmarks. You’ll learn about Cincinnati’s development and see notable sights from the water, with stunning views as the backdrop. The BB Riverboat provides a comfortable setting, and the narrated tour enriches the experience. With a 4.3/5 rating from over 360 reviews, this cruise appeals to history buffs and curious travelers alike.
If you want a short, informative cruise that adds context to Cincinnati’s river scenery, this is an excellent choice. It’s also a good way to break up a busy day with some cultural insights and relaxing views.
Bottom Line: A concise but informative cruise that combines scenic beauty with Cincinnati’s fascinating history.
5. Cincinnati: Dixieland Jazz Brunch Cruise
Finally, the Dixieland Jazz Brunch offers a lively 2-hour Sunday experience for $59 per person. This cruise is perfect if you enjoy live jazz music, delicious brunch, and scenic waters. You’ll indulge in a buffet brunch featuring entrée options while listening to live Dixieland jazz, creating a festive, upbeat atmosphere.
What sets this cruise apart is the combination of great food, vibrant music, and scenic river views. It’s ideal for a relaxed weekend morning or a special celebration, especially if jazz music is your thing. The cruise has a high rating of 4.6/5 from 68 reviews, reflecting how much visitors enjoy the fun, lively atmosphere.
During this cruise, you get panoramic views of Cincinnati and the Ohio River, all while being entertained by talented performers. It’s a fantastic option for music lovers and brunch enthusiasts looking to combine good food with a unique musical experience.
Bottom Line: A joyful, music-filled brunch cruise that makes for a memorable weekend treat, especially if jazz is your favorite genre.
How to Choose Your Perfect Cincinnati Boat Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and time. For a romantic evening with dinner and city views, the buffet dinner cruise is hard to beat. If you prefer a daytime outing with good food and vintage charm, try the lunch cruise. For a peaceful evening, the sunset cruise is ideal.
History buffs and those interested in Cincinnati’s development will appreciate the historic cruise, while music lovers should consider the lively Dixieland jazz brunch. Think about your timing—weekends are perfect for brunch or sunset cruises, while weekday afternoons suit the lunch and sightseeing options.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the popular brunch cruise, which tends to fill up quickly. Check the weather forecast too—cruises are most enjoyable on clear days.
Final Thoughts
Cincinnati’s variety of boat tours ensures there’s something for all—whether you’re after a romantic dinner cruise, an informative history tour, or a lively jazz brunch. If you’re short on time, the sunset cruise offers a beautiful, affordable experience. For a special occasion, the buffet dinner cruise provides a memorable evening with good food and entertainment.
No matter your preference, these cruises offer a unique way to see Cincinnati from the river and enjoy its scenery and stories. Be sure to book early, especially for the most popular options, and prepare for a relaxing, scenic adventure on the Ohio River.