Cherry Blossom Boat Tours in Washington DC

Want to witness the Cherry Blossoms bloom from a unique perspective? Skip the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the blossoms in the most serene and scenic way possible – from the water! 

Hop aboard a cherry blossom cruise on the Potomac River and enjoy the view. Springtime in DC is synonymous with the breathtaking beauty of this annual event. As the city comes alive with vibrant pink and white blooms, visitors from near and far flock to see this fleeting spectacle.

$45-70/person | 4-47 People | Bartended, BYOB & BYOF | 1 hr 45 mins - 2 hrs

4.9

Based on 349 reviews

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Abigail Stiglich

12:53 01 Jun 25

Recently went on this boat for a birthday celebration and had a fun time overall! The weather, unfortunately, was pretty rough—it was miserably cold, which made it a bit uncomfortable. Thankfully, the boat staff were very kind and handed out the few blankets they had, which was greatly appreciated.

Note that this cruise is *not* BYOB, but the drinks sold onboard were surprisingly affordable, which was a nice plus.

I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars mainly because I'm not sure it was fully worth the price. We didn’t get to see much of the Potomac, as the boat just circled a small area, and the trip ended earlier than expected. We departed at 1:45 PM and docked by 3:30 PM—short of the advertised 2-hour duration. I understand they need to stay on schedule, but I don’t think it’s fair to cut time short for guests who arrived on time just to accommodate latecomers.

Beth McFadden

01:19 27 May 25

We had a wonderful time on Whitlow’s on Water. The staff were friendly and made it a pleasant experience. Would recommend and would do it again!

Shantel Goodman

22:56 10 May 25

The cruise was a refreshing experience! Staff members were super friendly and the weather was beautiful!

Frances Posey

01:04 06 May 25

Thank you 🎶🎉❤️ We went on a big surprise birthday party that took months to put together! You just never know what will happen. The crew of Whitlow’s were amazing. Kind & understanding when the birthday boy was late! The crew was fun and smiled the whole trip……. Everyone was so nice! We will recommend them to all our friends!

Julia Lattarulo

13:59 29 Apr 25

Had a wonderful time!! Will probably try to do this when I’m up to DC for long weekends. I think Whitlows on the Water is a great spot and is ideal for any occasion whether it be Birthdays, parties hangouts, or just two friends catching up!! Get there early to grab a seat close to the bar and your set 👍🏻 👍🏻

Jacqueline

10:13 25 Apr 25

If you’re lookin’ to add a splash of fun to your day in D.C., Whitlow’s on the Water is the place to be.
This floating tiki bar is the life of the Potomac! With its lively atmosphere, friendly crew, great music, delicious drinks (those rum punches) and stunning views of the monuments, it’s perfect for any celebration or just a sunny afternoon escape. So grab your sunnies, set sail and get ready for an unforgettable experience on the water.

M P

22:28 23 Apr 25

Had an awesome time at our company party with Whitlow’s on the Water. Karlee, Sousa and Brad made sure we kept things safe and fun, and Connie kept the drinks flowing. Hoping to be back for our next outing, and would definitely recommend for any groups that are looking for awesome service & hospitality, great food and drinks and a more relaxed pregame before a night out. Huge thanks to the staff and management for setting us up!

Asmita Parekh

20:39 06 Apr 25

Celebrated my husband’s 50th birthday on the Whitlows boat. We were 25 people and everyone had a great time. The captain, bartender were super nice and very attentive. We highly recommend your next event with them! It’s lifetime memories we made to cherish forever.

Sean O’Sullivan

01:30 12 Nov 24

An absolutely fantastic time! Could not say enough good things about the entire experience, especially how friendly the Captain and crew were!

Annie M

22:33 01 Nov 24

Went on a little booze cruise for a friend's birthday and loved it! We played our own music on a nice sound system, plenty of comfy seating, drinks were reasonably priced, they even had football on 2 TVs! Will definitely be booking again!

Annie Williams

16:36 01 Nov 24

Great crew and awesome boat!!!

Melissa Harke

16:08 30 Oct 24

What a great experience! Our family loved it.

Andrea Paro

01:41 29 Oct 24

It was a lot of fun and the staff was great. I’d definitely go again!

Anna

23:34 24 Oct 24

This is the first thing I do when visitors come to visit DC! The perfect way to see the monuments and the city from the water -all with a cold beverage and awesome music! Thanks Whitlows on the water - I’ll be back!

Lynne McCartin

15:26 22 Oct 24

We had a wonderful evening on the Tiki boat. The whole crew was amazing. Very good with giving all the safety regulations and answering any questions. They could not have been nicer. Our whole group had a wonderful time!

Sandy McCartin

00:13 22 Oct 24

Had THE best experience on Whitlows on Water!! We hosted our engagement party on the boat and couldn’t have asked for a more fun and unique setting. The tropical party vibes were 10/10 and the staff was incredible. Will definitely be back for more fun!

Joyce McCartin

00:06 22 Oct 24

So comfortable. Friendly staff. Enjoyed every minute. Thank you.

Jack Tyse

23:39 21 Oct 24

Great Food, awesome server.

Rudy Segovia

13:36 15 Oct 24

100% worth it… everyone was friendly

Sofia Abuzobaa

12:47 15 Oct 24

What a fantastic experience! Great vibe, good music, and a scenic night view made it even better. I recommend going at sunset, whether for a birthday, celebration, or just a fun night out with friends. Shay, our bartender, was amazing, and the captains were fantastic too. It was totally worth it- something different and I can’t wait to do it again!

Get the Best Views of the Blossoms While Skipping the Crowds

Why fight your way through packed sidewalks and congested streets when you can float along the Potomac with a refreshing drink in hand? Our river cruises and boat rentals provide the ultimate cherry blossom experience – a tranquil and effortless way to take in DC’s most iconic natural display. Let your skipper be your guide while you sip, sail, and soak in the stunning scenery.

When is peak cherry blossom season in DC this year?

Peak cherry blossom season in Washington DC for 2025 is March 28 – March 31. The official forecast of peak season is typically announced toward the end of February or early March each year.

When is the DC Cherry Blossom Festival this year?

The 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC is March 20 – April 13, 2025. What originated in 1912 as a gift of trees planted at the Tidal Basin, has grown into a four-week celebration. The festival takes place throughout Washington, DC, and nearby areas in Maryland and Virginia. Both residents and visitors are invited to experience springtime in Washington, DC.

Where can you see the cherry blossoms in Washington DC?

The Tidal Basin and surrounding areas are renowned for being one of the best places to view the cherry blossoms in DC. If you’re looking for the iconic views of the Tidal Basin, you’re in luck! Our cruises from Georgetown, The Wharf, and Navy Yard are some of the ‘best places to see the cherry blossoms’ from the Potomac River. Our fleet which includes Paddle Boats, Tiki Boats, Retro Boats, and Whitlow’s on Water caters to all kinds of adventurers craving a cherry blossom cruise to remember.

Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season on a Boat with Family & Friends

Rated one of the 5 best cherry blossom boat tours in DC, our cruises offer a fun and festive way to gather with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a well-deserved day out, a private boat ride or a shared cruise makes for an unforgettable cherry blossom experience.

Spend less time driving through traffic, trying to find parking, and battling for space on crowded sidewalks and spend more time relaxing with loved ones, enjoying unobstructed views of the cherry blossoms from the serenity of the water.

Blossoms Up! Complement the Views with Food & Drinks

If you love good company, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere, our booze cruises are the perfect fit. These social nautical adventures allow you to bring your favorite beer, wine, hard seltzer, or canned cocktail on our BYOB party boats. Want an even more carefree experience? Opt for a bartended cruise and enjoy refreshing beverages from our on-boat bar.*

Most cruises are also BYOF (bring your own food), so you can pack a homemade meal or grab your favorite local takeout to enjoy onboard. If you’d rather leave the catering to the pros, our Whitlow’s on Water cruises offer a delicious selection of eats – no need to bring your own!

*Please note, we do NOT allow bottles of hard liquor on BYOB cruises.

Book Your Cherry Blossom River Cruise Today!

Cherry blossom season is short but spectacular – don’t miss your chance to see it from the best seat in town! Whether you’re looking for a relaxed sightseeing experience, a fun-filled party cruise, or a private retro boat rental with a few of your closest friends, our Potomac River cruises are the perfect way to celebrate springtime in DC. Secure your spot today and prepare to set sail toward the petals!