St Louis stands out as a city where history, culture, and river life blend seamlessly. Its location along the Mississippi River makes it a perfect place for boat tours and cruises that showcase not just scenic views but also the city’s vibrant spirit. Whether you want a quick overview of the major sights, a more in-depth walking experience, or an all-inclusive adventure that combines water, land, and air, St Louis offers options for every style of exploring. The Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise is a favorite for its balanced mix of iconic landmarks and personalized attention, making it ideal for first-timers or travelers short on time. For a slightly longer, more relaxed walk through the city, the St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour is a solid choice, especially if you enjoy a leisurely pace. And for those seeking the ultimate thrill—combining a helicopter ride with a river cruise—the St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Helicopter Ride & Cruise offers a comprehensive, high-adrenaline experience.
If you want a tour that covers all the bases—city sights, river, and transportation—then the St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Boat Ride & Arch balances these elements nicely. Each tour listed here offers a unique way to see St Louis, so read on to find the one that fits your style and schedule.
1. Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise
This tour provides a 3-hour whirlwind of St Louis’s highlights in a small, intimate setting. For those who prefer a personal touch, the group size is limited to seven people, ensuring the guide can give detailed insights. The experience begins with a hotel pickup anywhere in Downtown St Louis—eliminating the hassle of finding your way around—and quickly moves to the Gateway Arch. Here, you’ll ascend to the top to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the city and river, with tickets included in the price.
Following the arch visit, your guide will drive you past the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France—a stunning historic site—and then offer a narrated drive by city landmarks like Busch Stadium, the Botanical Garden, and the Zoo. The tour also includes a seasonal river cruise, giving you a different perspective on the city’s riverfront. Reviewers consistently praise the personalized service, with one saying, “It felt like visiting St. Louis with a friend.” This tour is perfect if you value convenience, want a rundown, and prefer a small-group environment.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for first-time visitors wanting an efficient, friendly introduction to St Louis’s top sights, with the added thrill of ascending the Gateway Arch.
2. St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour
At around four hours, this walking tour is perfect for travelers who love exploring on foot and want to enjoy the city’s atmosphere at a relaxed pace. Starting at the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, our guide will introduce you to its impressive architecture and history, then lead you to the St. Louis Arch for panoramic views from the top—tickets included. This walk gives you the chance to take in the city’s character while visiting notable landmarks such as Busch Stadium, the Federal Reserve, and the National Blues Museum.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on city walking, allowing you to absorb local details, from street art to small parks, that a vehicle might miss. Reviewers mention that even in rainy weather, the tour remained enjoyable, which speaks to its flexible and engaging nature. It’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet and who want a more immersive experience. The guide’s knowledge shines through, making even familiar sights feel new and interesting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to explore St Louis at a slower pace, with the chance to see city life and architecture up close.
3. St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Helicopter Ride & Cruise
This 4-hour tour is the ultimate all-in-one package. It combines a guided drive through St Louis’s major sights with adventures in the sky and on the river—including a helicopter ride that offers breathtaking aerial views, a Mississippi River cruise, and a ride up the Gateway Arch tram. The guided land exploration covers highlights like Busch Stadium and the Botanical Gardens, making sure you see the city from multiple angles.
The helicopter ride is the standout feature, offering a perspective few tours can match. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers or anyone craving a comprehensive experience that includes land, water, and air. The tour has received an excellent rating of 4.8/5, and reviews mention the friendly guide and the smooth organization. The package is a bit pricier, but the variety of activities justifies the cost if you want the most complete experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventurous travelers who want everything—scenery from the river, city views from the air, and a deep dive into St Louis’s highlights.
4. St. Louis Premium Driving Tour with Boat Ride & Arch
This 4-hour tour combines the best of land and water exploration, offering an efficient way to see the city. You’ll enjoy a Gateway Arch tram ride with tickets included, a Mississippi Riverboat Cruise, and a drive past key sites like Busch Stadium and Forest Park. The transportation is in an air-conditioned Mercedes Metris van, making for a comfortable ride, especially in hot or rainy weather.
This tour balances sightseeing with convenience, providing hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown St Louis. It’s especially good for travelers who want a structured itinerary with a mix of activities without the higher cost of flying or helicopter rides. The reviews note the knowledgeable driver, and the price of $174 per person offers good value for a tour that combines multiple highlights.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for travelers who want a straightforward, comfortable way to see the city’s top landmarks and enjoy a river cruise.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour & Cruise in St Louis
Choosing the best boat tour or cruise depends on your interests and travel style. If you prefer a personalized, half-day overview, the Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour offers a great balance of sightseeing and storytelling. For those who want to explore at their own pace, the Walking Tour provides a relaxed, in-depth look at the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks.
Adventurers seeking a maximum thrill should consider the Premium Driving Tour with Helicopter Ride & Cruise. It’s perfect for those who want to combine scenic views from above with a river cruise. Meanwhile, budget-conscious travelers or those who value convenience and comfort will find the Driving Tour with Boat & Arch a solid, all-inclusive choice.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure availability. Think about your preferred pace—whether quick and comprehensive or slow and immersive—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
St Louis offers a variety of boat tours and cruises that each bring something unique to the table. For a quick but packed introduction, the Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour hits the right notes. If you’re a walking enthusiast craving a deeper connection to the city’s streets and stories, the Walking Tour is a good pick. For those wanting a splashy, once-in-a-lifetime experience, the premium tour with helicopter and river adventures is hard to beat. And if you’re after a balanced, comfortable overview, the Driving Tour with Boat Ride & Arch provides excellent value.
No matter which you choose, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on these fantastic ways to experience St Louis from the river to the sky. Prepare to see this city from new angles and enjoy all its sights—on water, land, and in the air.