Ron LawnThere’s nothing quite like a day on the water, especially when your furry companion can join in on the fun! Dog-friendly boat tours offer the perfect opportunity to explore scenic waterways while keeping your dog by your side. Whether you’re cruising along a sparkling river, taking in coastal views, or enjoying a peaceful lake, there are a variety of boat tours across the country and abroad that welcome dogs. These experiences allow you and your pup to bond in a new environment, enjoy the great outdoors, and create unforgettable memories together. Here are some of the best dog-friendly boat tours for water-loving pups and their owners.
1. Lake Tahoe Boat Tours – Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Best For: Scenic lake cruises and outdoor exploration.
Lake Tahoe, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, offers a range of boat tours that are dog-friendly. Various companies in the area, like Lake Tahoe Cruises and Tahoe Adventure Company, offer boat tours where your dog is welcome to join you on deck. You can enjoy a leisurely cruise on the lake, taking in breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains while your dog enjoys the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere. Some tours even allow dogs to swim in designated areas.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: With plenty of space on deck and a relaxing environment, this is a perfect boat tour for both you and your dog to enjoy nature together.
2. Dog-Friendly Boat Tours of Charleston Harbor – Charleston, SC
Best For: Exploring historic waterfronts and coastal views.
Charleston, South Carolina, is known for its rich history and picturesque harbor, and what better way to explore it than on a dog-friendly boat tour? Several companies, including Charleston Harbor Tours and the Schooner Pride, offer dog-friendly sails and cruises where your pup can join you on board. You can take in the sights of historic forts, lighthouses, and waterfront mansions while enjoying the saltwater breeze. Whether you choose a relaxing harbor tour or a more adventurous sailing experience, your dog is welcome to accompany you as you explore this charming coastal city.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: The relaxed pace of the tour, along with plenty of outdoor seating and water bowls available, makes it a dog-friendly activity that both you and your pet will enjoy.
3. Island Dog Tours – Key West, FL
Best For: Adventuring in a tropical paradise.
If you’re visiting the sunny paradise of Key West, Florida, be sure to check out Island Dog Tours, a boat tour company dedicated to making sure both you and your dog have a great time on the water. With their dog-friendly charters, you and your pup can cruise around the island, enjoy dolphin sightings, and even explore the surrounding wildlife refuges. The boat tours are designed to be relaxed, and dogs can even jump into the water to cool off during stops at the sandbars.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: Island Dog Tours offers a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for your dog to swim and explore the tropical surroundings.
4. Vancouver Harbor Tours – Vancouver, BC, Canada
Best For: Urban waterfronts and scenic city views.
Vancouver is a city known for its stunning waterfront and vibrant natural beauty. Vancouver Harbor Tours offers dog-friendly boat excursions where you and your dog can enjoy a scenic tour around the harbor. From the breathtaking views of Stanley Park to the skyline of the city, your pup will love the fresh air and scenic vistas. The tours run year-round, so whether you’re enjoying the summer sunshine or a crisp winter day, your dog can join you for an unforgettable adventure.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: The boat’s spacious outdoor deck offers great views for both you and your dog, and there are plenty of opportunities for your dog to enjoy the sights and sounds of the harbor.
5. Puppy Paddle Boat Tour – St. Petersburg, FL
Best For: Pet-friendly water activities in a fun, laid-back setting.
In St. Petersburg, Florida, the Puppy Paddle Boat Tour is an amazing dog-friendly water adventure that’s perfect for dog owners who want to experience a leisurely outing with their pup. The 1.5-hour cruise takes you through Tampa Bay, with stops that allow your dog to dip their paws into the water and cool off. The boat is designed for small groups, making it a more intimate experience. Your dog will enjoy the soothing waves, the chance to socialize with other dogs, and the opportunity to relax in the sunshine.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: The relaxed pace and dog-friendly crew make this an excellent choice for smaller dogs or pups who may be nervous around crowds or fast-paced tours.
6. Maine Windjammer Cruises – Rockport, ME
Best For: Sailing adventures with a touch of history.
For a truly unique dog-friendly boat experience, consider a Windjammer cruise in Maine. These tall ships sail through the scenic coastline of Maine, offering a historic and adventurous way to see the area. Many of these boats, like the Schooner Mary Day and the Victory Chimes, allow dogs on board to accompany their owners on these multi-day cruises. Enjoy the stunning views of the rugged coastline, lighthouses, and peaceful harbors as you and your dog relax on deck.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: These cruises are ideal for dogs who love the open water and a bit of adventure. Plus, the slower pace of a windjammer cruise makes it easier for your dog to enjoy the experience.
7. Tampa Bay Water Taxi – Tampa, FL
Best For: Casual sightseeing and exploring local neighborhoods.
The Tampa Bay Water Taxi offers a fun, dog-friendly way to explore the bustling waterfronts of Tampa Bay. With a variety of routes that take you through the heart of Tampa, you and your dog can enjoy the cool breeze and scenic views while hopping on and off at various stops around the city. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor decks, and the water taxi provides an easy way to explore the bay with your pup in tow.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: The flexibility of hopping off at different stops makes this a fantastic way to explore the area with your dog at your own pace. Plus, the boat’s short and casual nature makes it easy to manage your dog.
8. Newport Harbor Boat Tours – Newport, RI
Best For: Exploring historic harbor and elegant seaside mansions.
Newport, Rhode Island, is a charming coastal city known for its luxurious mansions and beautiful harbor. Newport Harbor Boat Tours offers dog-friendly boat excursions where you and your dog can cruise around the harbor, taking in views of the stunning coastal estates and beautiful yachts. Dogs are welcome to join you on board and can enjoy the sights and smells of the harbor while relaxing on the outdoor deck.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: The scenic views of Newport’s harbor and mansions, along with the dog-friendly boat, provide a great way to enjoy the city with your pup.
9. Lake Michigan Sightseeing Boat Tours – Chicago, IL
Best For: Urban water tours and skyline views.
Chicago offers one of the best city skylines in the country, and what better way to take in the views than with a dog-friendly boat tour on Lake Michigan? Companies like Shoreline Sightseeing allow dogs to join their owners on their outdoor boats, cruising along the lake while taking in the stunning sights of Chicago’s skyline and famous landmarks, like Navy Pier and the John Hancock Center. The tours offer a unique view of the city that’s just as enjoyable for dogs as it is for their human companions.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: The spacious outdoor deck and scenic views make it a great choice for enjoying a leisurely water tour with your dog.
10. Dog-Friendly Canal Tours – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Best For: European adventures and unique canal sightseeing.
If you’re planning an international vacation, Amsterdam offers dog-friendly canal tours that allow you to explore the city’s charming waterways with your dog by your side. The canals are a unique way to experience the beauty of Amsterdam, with their picturesque bridges, historic buildings, and vibrant culture. Many of the private canal boat companies, such as Those Dam Boat Guys, welcome dogs aboard, making this a wonderful opportunity for a leisurely day on the water in one of Europe’s most dog-friendly cities.
Why It’s Great for Dogs: The relaxed, calm atmosphere of a private canal boat offers a perfect environment for dogs, and the opportunity to see Amsterdam from the water is an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
A boat tour is a fantastic way to experience nature, explore new cities, and enjoy the open water with your dog. From relaxing lake cruises to adventurous ocean sails, there are countless dog-friendly boat tours available worldwide that cater to pups and their owners. Whether you’re enjoying the serene waters of Lake Tahoe or the bustling canals of Amsterdam, these tours offer a great opportunity for both you and your dog to experience something new. So, pack your pup’s life jacket, grab a leash, and set sail on a water adventure you’ll both cherish!
