Varanasi’s 15 Top Boat Tours & Cruises (With Prices)

Varanasi is a city that’s best experienced from the water. Its sacred ghats—steps leading down to the Ganges—come alive at sunrise, sunset, and during the many rituals performed along the river. Whether you’re after a peaceful dawn cruise, an immersive full-day experience, or a private tour that combines heritage walking with boat rides, there’s a Varanasi boat tour for every traveler. We’re particularly fond of the Sunrise Boat Tour with Arti Ceremony for its spiritual serenity and stunning photos, and the Full-Day Private Tour with Boat Ride that offers a tailored, all-in-one experience. If you want to see the city’s cremation ghats and learn about local customs, the Marigold Boat Tour provides insightful commentary and hassle-free logistics.

To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best boat tours and cruises in Varanasi, each with its own unique appeal. From early morning rituals to full-day explorations, these tours open a window into the soul of one of India’s most spiritual cities.

1. Varanasi : Full Day City Highlights Day Tour & Ganges Cruise

At number one, this full-day private tour combines a comprehensive look at Varanasi’s major sites with a relaxing cruise on the Ganges. It includes private transportation with air conditioning, hotel pickup, and a boat trip, making it perfect for travelers wanting a seamless experience. Highlights include visiting temples, the university, and watching the Ganga Aarti at dusk. Guests consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and the personalized attention, especially for those who want a flexible, in-depth day.
Bottom Line: A great choice for first-time visitors who want a full, curated experience with the convenience of private transport and expert guidance.

2. Varanasi: Sunrise Boat Tour with Arti Ceremony

This tour is a favorite among early risers, rated 5/5 with over 200 reviews. For just $28, you’ll glide across the Ganges at dawn, taking in panoramic views of the city and the Manikarnika Ghat, the city’s most sacred cremation site. The sunrise images are spectacular, and you’ll witness both the tranquility and the spiritual energy of Varanasi awakening. The boat ride coincides with the evening Ganga Aarti, offering a full day’s immersion in ritual and scenery.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who love sunrise vistas and want an intimate, budget-friendly way to experience Varanasi’s spiritual morning.

3. Marigold Boat Tour in Varanasi

Rated 5.0/5 with nearly 100 reviews, this private boat tour is about 1 to 2 hours of exploring the ghats and cremation sites from the water. It’s a hassle-free way to see all the main ghats, including Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika, while enjoying commentary about their significance. Masala chai and water are provided, making it a comfortable ride. The tour is ideal for those short on time but eager to see Varanasi’s lively riverfront life up close.
Guests love the peaceful boat ride and the opportunity to see Varnasi’s rituals from a respectful distance.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, private experience that offers a quick yet rich view of the city’s ghats and cremation sites.

4. Varanasi Morning Boat Tour [RowBoat]

Rated 5.0/5, this 3-hour tour offers a classic scene of Varanasi waking up. Your guide will take you along the Ganges via rowboat, with opportunities to observe pilgrims bathing, rituals, and the city’s early morning life. The tour includes hotel transfers, so it’s convenient and flexible. Guests highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the knowledgeable guide who shares insights about local customs.
Bottom Line: A peaceful way to start your day, ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, intimate look at Varanasi’s morning routines.

5. Varanasi: Private Full-Day Tour with Boat Ride

This full-day private experience combines a sunrise boat ride, temple visits, the Banaras Hindu University, and Sarnath. It’s highly customizable, with private air-conditioned transport, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Highlights include the Mother India Temple and a sunset boat ride during the evening Ganga Aarti.
Guests appreciate the personalized service and the opportunity to combine cultural, spiritual, and archaeological sites in one day. The tour is best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive, private experience.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a flexible, all-encompassing day that balances spirituality and history, this tour is a top pick.

6. Varanasi: Private city sightseeing & Ganges Cruise (with car)

Rated 4.8/5, this full-day tour starts with the Subah-e-Banaras, a sunrise Ganga Aarti. It then takes you across all major ghats, including Manikarnika and Harishchandra, by private boat. You’ll visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU, and the Durga Temple with a private guide. The tour’s highlight is the full coverage of spiritual sites with comfortable private transport.
Guests love the detailed explanations and the convenience of an all-in-one experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground comfortably.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, private tour perfect for travelers who want to explore both the spiritual and cultural side of Varanasi in one day.

7. Varanasi & Sarnath: Full-Day Tour with Ganges Boat Ride

Rated 4.6/5, this tour includes roundtrip transportation and a full day of exploring Varanasi and Sarnath. It features a Ganges boat ride, the famous temples, and the Sarnath museum. The guide ensures you see both the religious rituals and archaeological sites, making it ideal for those interested in history as well as spirituality.
One guest remarked: “The boat ride for the evening aarti was very nice,” showing how the combination of activities keeps the experience well-rounded.
Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers wanting a mixture of culture, history, and spiritual rituals in a single day.

8. Varanasi & Sarnath: Full-Day Tour with Boat Ride

Rated 4.5/5, this tour is similar to the previous but emphasizes early morning boat rides and includes a detailed spiritual exploration. The tour covers the famous Ghats, Sarnath, and local temples, blending water-based and land-based sightseeing. One reviewer enjoyed the well-paced itinerary with expert guidance.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a deep dive into both Varanasi and Sarnath with the convenience of private transportation.

9. Varanasi: Full-Day Tour with Sarnath and Boat Ride

Rated 4.5/5, this tour begins with a sunrise boat ride and continues with visits to Sarnath, including the Dhamek Stupa and museum. It also covers key temples like Kashi Vishwanath and the Bharat Mata Temple. The guide provides in-depth explanations of the rituals and history, ideal for travelers keen to understand the context behind what they see.
Guest review: “This was a nice tour,” highlighting the well-organized itinerary and insightful guide.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive day blending spiritual, cultural, and historical sights.

10. Varanasi: Sunrise Boat Tour

Rated 5/5, this 1-hour 20-minute tour offers a short but magical early morning experience. You’ll see the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Agni Pooja, and the city waking up in its most peaceful form. The guide shares rich stories about the significance of each ritual.
Guests highlight the serene atmosphere and the stunning sunrise photos.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers with limited time who want a quick yet authentic glimpse of Varanasi’s spiritual dawn.

11. Varanasi Full day tour with Boat ride

Rated 5/5, this full-day private tour includes early morning boat rides, visits to major temples, and Sarnath. It balances cultural sights with religious rituals, perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth day without rushing. Guests value the customizability and the seamless logistics.
Bottom Line: A flexible, comprehensive option for those wanting to see the essentials at their own pace.

12. Omvity’s Full-Day Varanasi Tour: Sunrise Boat to Sunset Aarti

Rated 5/5, this curated experience features a guided sunrise boat ride, visits to temples and Sarnath, and premium Aarti seating at sunset. It’s ideal for travelers wanting personalized attention and a balanced spiritual day. The tour includes a guided walk through the old city and a relaxing Sarnath visit.
Guests mention the knowledgeable guide and the beautiful sunset Aarti as highlights.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a luxurious, well-rounded spiritual journey in Varanasi.

13. 3-hour Varanasi Sunrise Boat Tour with Heritage Walk

Rated 5/5, this short yet rich tour combines a sunrise boat ride with a heritage walk through the old town. The guide takes you to Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and a local temple, providing insightful commentary and personalized attention. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire for authentic experiences.
Guests love the combination of water and land exploration.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a focused, immersive morning.

14. Varanasi: Private Heritage Walking Tour & Sunrise Boat Ride

Rated 4.9/5, this private experience combines a heritage walk through Varanasi’s old streets** with a private boat ride along the ghats. The guide is local and knowledgeable, making it easy to learn about local customs, temples, and the cremation rituals. Hotel pickup and drop-off make it especially convenient.
Bottom Line: An intimate, educational tour suited for travelers eager to learn about the city’s living traditions.

15. Varanasi Boat & Tour

Rated 5/5, this simple yet authentic tour offers a morning boat ride combined with walking to explore temples and the city. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to soak in Varanasi’s spiritual atmosphere from both water and land. The cremation sites are included as part of the experience, giving a full sense of the city’s living rituals.
Bottom Line: Ideal for budget travelers wanting an authentic, straightforward experience.

How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Varanasi

When selecting your ideal boat experience, consider how much time you have and what kind of focus appeals most. If you’re after a deep culture, the full-day private tour (link) offers comprehensive coverage. For a short but magical morning, the Sunrise Boat Tour (link) is perfect. Budget travelers might prefer the Marigold Boat Tour (link), which provides an authentic yet affordable experience.

Think about your interest in rituals, temples, and history. For example, if you want to combine heritage walking with boat rides and visit Sarnath, the Full-Day Tour with Sarnath (link) is a versatile choice. Booking early, especially for popular tours like the Sunrise Boat Ride, ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences.

To sum it up, Varanasi’s waterways are a window into its soul. Whether you prefer a quick sunrise glimpse or a full-day exploration, these boat tours and cruises offer authentic ways to connect with the city’s spirituality and daily life. For different traveler types—whether you’re seeking a peaceful moment, culture, or a private, tailored adventure—there’s a Varanasi boat experience waiting for you. To make sure you don’t miss out, plan and book early.