Portland River Tours – Scenic Cruises

I booked the Willamette Falls tour when visiting my son and his family. Making the reservation was a breeze and Captain Dominic pulled up right as scheduled.Because they had such a good time, my youngest grandchild insists on writing the review! The boat tour was amazing. It was a perfect day for a boat ride. We saw a golden eagle, and Captain Dominic brought us to Willamette Falls. It was amazing! Captain Dominic talked to us a lot and some of our group even got to steer the boat for a little bit of the way back. Captain Dominic explained a lot about the history of the places we saw, and it was very interesting. It's an amazing tour and we highly recommend to anyone. It's especially great for tourists because you can learn a lot about Portland. It's also great for locals, because you can explore and have fun with friends and family. A great way to wrap up your day after the boat ride could be swimming at the beach. I mean, after looking at water for 2 hours straight, it's irresistible to jump in, right?

I did the Sunset Tour with Portland River Tours, and I brought my puppy along! It was such a great experience. The captain, Dominic, explained the bridges and their history in a really clear and interesting way. The two-hour tour ran perfectly on schedule and felt smooth and easy the entire time. The boat itself was very comfortable, with heated seats that made the whole experience warm and cozy. We even saw eagles, sea lions, and otters, which was amazing. The weather was perfect, and seeing the cherry blossoms from the water made it a unique and unforgettable experience. The captain was very kind and patient, especially since I’m not from Portland (I’m from Ecuador), and I really appreciated that. Also very pet-friendly—he even let my puppy “drive” the boat LOL. Since I was by myself, he kindly took photos of me and my dog. Highly recommend Captain Dominic!

This tour was such a treat! The guide was both knowledgeable and entertaining, making the experience engaging from start to finish. The views were absolutely spectacular. I've lived here for decades and thought I knew the city inside and out, but seeing the bridges from this vantage point truly took my breath away. The boat itself was very comfortable, with thoughtful touches like heated blankets that made the ride extra cozy. Highly recommend to both locals and visitors alike!

Our river tour was lovely. Captain Dominic did a fabulous job with everything in his control. The rain was just one of those things we put up with. The scenery was lovely, the history interesting and the whole experience perfect! Thank you gentlemen!

Captain Charles was fantastic! We booked a private boat tour and he was awesome! The boat was comfortable and he was super knowledgeable of the history of the area. It was a perfect way to see Portland from another angle and learn about its history! Thank you, Captain Charles! We will be booking again!

My son and I reserved a private tour to Willamette Falls, and it was fantastic! Our captain, Dominic, guided us throughout the trip and provided fun facts about everything from nature to history to animals. The boat was very comfortable and warm - they provided 2 heated blankets and 2 normal ones. We were protected from the wind and light rain thanks to very well built structure. I highly recommend this tour to anyone under any weather condition.

Our family had a wonderful time on the Christmas Ship ride along cruise! Despite the weather, we were warm and covered- they even have heated blankets on the seats! The captains were so kind and welcoming and checked our comfort levels throughout the tour. There is also a bathroom on board which is awesome. A great activity if you have family in town or you’re just looking to start a new tradition. Thank you Portland River Tours!

I just had the most incredible experience on a Portland River Tour, and I can’t stop raving about it! From the moment we stepped on board, the entire outing felt like a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city. The environment was incredibly relaxing—gentle breezes off the water, the soft hum of the boat, and stunning views that made the whole world feel far away. It was the perfect antidote to a busy day in Portland. What truly blew me away were the bridges and the waterfalls. Portland’s bridges are iconic, and seeing them from the river gives you a completely new perspective—towering steel structures arching gracefully over the water, each with its own unique character and history. But the highlight for me was the waterfalls. The way the water cascaded down in misty veils, surrounded by lush greenery, was absolutely breathtaking. It felt like nature’s own masterpiece, right alongside the urban beauty of the city. The contrast was magical and unforgettable. And then there’s Captain Charles—he made the entire tour exceptional. He was so accommodating and made sure we were comfortable and enjoyed ourselves. His knowledge was encyclopedic! He shared fascinating stories about the bridges, the history of the Willamette River, the geology behind the waterfalls, and even pointed out local wildlife and hidden gems along the way. You could tell he genuinely loves what he does, and his passion made the experience so much richer. If you’re in Portland, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Captain Charles. Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh view of your city or a visitor wanting something truly special, this is hands-down one of the best ways to experience Portland’s natural and architectural beauty. Relaxing, informative, visually stunning, and led by a wonderful captain—I’m already planning my next trip! Highly, highly recommended. 10/10!

We had a small group staying an extra day with an event we were hosting due to flights. This tour provided the group with a different view of the city. Because it is an intimate experience, we could ask questions. Captain Arnell was incredibly knowledgeable about the happenings in city as well as the history of the bridges. Our tour was mid-November and he provided blankets for warmth as well. 10/10 would recommend!!

We had such an amazing time with Captain Charles! He was super informative and shared interesting facts along the way, but also gave us time to just relax and take in the beautiful views. The boat was cozy and intimate, making the whole ride feel really special. Highly recommend this experience!!