booze cruise potomac

5 Best Booze Cruises For Exploring D.C. From The Water

The Potomac will look better with a drink in your hand while enjoying one of these incredible booze cruises in the capital!

The weather is warming up, and summer is sailing its way in! What better way to celebrate summer’s return than on the water with a drink in hand? Thankfully, the Potomac River offers Washingtonians and tourists alike the chance to do just that. Whether you’re looking for a tropical vibe, a more upscale affair to take in the sights, or to try your hand as a pirate at sea, D.C. has the perfect booze cruise for you!

1. Enjoy a two-hour bunch booze cruise with the Odyssey DC

This incredible brunch plan aboard the Odyssey DC features a two-hour Booze Cruise along the Potomac filled with delicious brunch and lunch options and unlimited mimosas. The high-quality event calls for you and your friends to throw on some flashy fun clothes to enjoy the morning and take in the experience cloaked in your favorite classy-casual attire.

2. Potomac Tiki Club

Entering its second year on the water, Potomac Tiki Club brings tropical vibes to D.C.! Groups of 8-18 can set sail on the Potomac for a 90-minute cruise, taking in the sights, and enjoying some drinks. The tiki cruise offers an assortment of alcoholic beverages for purchase on board, and you can bring your own bottle of wine or champagne for an $8 uncorking fee. Light snacks are also available for purchase, but the cruise is BYOF (bring your own food). 

3. Boomerang Boat Tours

Get ready to party! Boomerang Boat Tours offer a couple of options for spicing up your time on the water, including choosing between party boat, party yacht, and pirate ship-themed cruises where you can include cocktails and an open bar!

4. City Cruises D.C.

While these are more dinner/brunch and holiday cruises than a traditional booze cruise different ticketing options include bar access and champagne, making this a classier opportunity than your traditional booze cruise! 

5. Capitol River Cruises

Capitol River Cruises is another boat tour with tons of options! From private charters for sightseeing tours (during the day and at sunset!), to special events like the Fourth of July, you can choose whichever cruise best suits your needs! Just check the details of each cruise: sometimes drinks are included but others have an additional charge for use of the bar! 

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Where to Book Booze Cruises of All Kinds in D.C.

Seasonal offerings on the Potomac include tailgating excursions to Nats Park, sunset Champagne on the dock, and everything in between

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This spring, D.C. docks are home to a surge of drinking vessels designed for every occasion, vibe, and price point. A returning line of retro motor boats are apparently the ticket to getting engaged, with seven proposals out on the water last year. Want to watch dolphins give birth on the Chesapeake this summer? One hotel offers an excursion for that. And a fancy sailboat manned by a fine dining chef pairs tasting menus with French wines.

Soak up monumental views along the Potomac River, drink in tow, with this running list of bookable boats.

Sea Suite Cruises

Co-founders and Arlington natives Jack Walten and Jack Maher’s first BYOB paddle pub debuted in 2018. Six years later, their supersized fleet is made up of 13 boats bobbing around Mid-Atlantic waterways (in D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, and Richmond), plus floating tiki bars. And a landlocked bar born in Clarendon is the muse for one of their hottest new bookings this season:

Whitlow’s on Water

Now the largest boat in Sea Suite Cruises’ fleet, the 48-passenger tiki tour is the product of a fun new partnership with Whitlow’s owner Jon Williams. His iconic Clarendon dive moved to Shaw, but its original tiki rooftop on Wilson is reincarnated as a floating bar. “Whitlow’s on Water has taken the [Potomac] by storm,” says Sea Suite’s Jack Walten, noting it’s pretty much sold out almost every Saturday through the summer. Diehard Whitlow’s regulars, which includes the “Jacks,” have a familiar face on board: a former bartender from its Clarendon days handles the liquid lineup. Standard mixed drinks join beers, wines, High Noon seltzers, orange crushes, and rum punches. There’s also a selection of pub grub (sandwiches, wings, etc.) sourced from Whitlow’s.

Two TVs air “whatever people want to watch,” he says, which has included everything from March Madness to the Bachelorette (bachelorette parties are popular bookings, after all). As are corporate teams, birthdays, Whitlow’s fans, and even 50-year wedding anniversaries. Individual tickets are also available, to “mix and mingle like you would in a normal bar,” he says. Sea Suite caters to Washington Nationals fans with a traffic-free cruise from Georgetown to the Yards Marina, docking just in time to walk over for the first pitch. “Tailgating on a tiki boat, it doesn’t get better than that,” he says.

Price: Ticket tiers start at $24 and up for daily options that include individual or group sightseeing tours, tiki taxis, private charters, or “Nats Sailgate” ( book online).

Where: Pick-ups and drop-offs in Georgetown in front of Fiola Mare ( 3100 K Street NW ) and Yards Marina by District Winery (1492 4th Street SE )

Retro Boat Rentals

Vintage runabout boats from Sinatra’s time were retro-fitted with electric motors, so having a romantic or intimate conversation is highly possible. It’s no wonder there were multiple (seven) proposals out on the water last year, reports Sea Suite. Each four-top fiberglass beauty sports a different color and name (Gladys, Bonnie, and Violet).

Price: $175-$225 for 1.5-hour tours; BYO drinks and food

Where: Wharf to the Washington Channel

Potomac Tiki Club

D.C.’s “first tiki cruise” lets patrons buy booze on board, or opt for an $8 corkage fee for wine and Champagne. BYO food or purchase small snacks.

Price: $45-$60 for parties of 8 to 18 out of Georgetown. A smaller thatched-roof sibling out of Navy Yard fits six and runs $350-$425. Both last 1.45 hours.

Paddle Club Cruises

Sea Suite Cruises’ fleet that started it all is a pontoon pedal boat outfitted with 10 cycle stations (or just let the motor power the party). BYOB (just no hard liquor) or purchase on-board beverages like canned Cutwater ($4-$8.50).

Price: $35-$55 for groups of 8 to 16 for 1.45-hour tours

Where: Docks from the Wharf, Navy Yard, and Georgetown

Sea Table DC Aboard Cru Classé

Chef and sommelier Troy Knapp makes Michelin-level menus on his luxury sailboat Cru Classé. Back at the Wharf for its third year , the detail-oriented captain brings fine dining to the dock with artfully plated courses, decadent floral arrangements, seafaring table settings, and French wines he pours himself. Knapp also mans other Wharf vessels for parties of six or more, partnering with Nautiste to offer dining excursions with his catering company Curated.

Choose from three different experiences this season (book via TOCK ):

• Cruise Experience (April through October): Set sail for up to three hours while enjoying four to six courses comprised of ingredients from local farms and fishermen. Complemented by prestigious wine pairings. Starting at $430 per guest
• Dockside Experience (April, May, September, and October): Savor four to six courses with sommelier-selected wines while docked at the Wharf’s marina for up to two hours. Starting at $180 per guest
• Oyster Sails (June, July, and August): Enjoy local bivalves, freshly shucked by an oyster expert on board, alongside specialty accompaniments. Paired with Champagne or prestige white wine. Starting at $225 per guest

Where: Docks at the Wharf ( 650 Wharf Street SW )

Pendry on the Potomac

The most baller option of the bunch by far, the Wharf’s luxe Pendry hotel offers guests a captain-chartered Aviara cruise that’s available to the public for the first time. Parked in its own slip right out front of the Southwest Waterfront hotel, onboard food and beverage offerings include Champagne and caviar service supplied by Pendry’s culinary team. Bar selections, beer or wine, and appetizers can be customized, depending on the parties’ preference. Excursions near and far include round trips to Nationals home games and an all-day adventure to the Chesapeake Bay to spot marine life. As it turns out, dolphins use the Potomac and Bay as a nursery to birth their calves — a rare event that happens from mid-June to mid-August when the water is warmest. Kicking it up at full speed (35-40 knots), hat-holding patrons will jet downstream through Old Town, Fort Washington, and Mt. Vernon and (hopefully) see the annual occurrence.

Price: $3,600 (3 hours); $4,600 (4 hours); $6,000 (6 hours); $7,800 (7 hours) for up to six; reserve here .

Where: Outside of the Pendry ( 655 Water Street SW ) at the Wharf Marina

Watergate Charter

Staycation alert: the historic Watergate Hotel offers guests 90-minute scenic tours of the Tidal Basin aboard a private power boat chartered by a captain. Upon check-in, guests get a welcome amenity and a Polaroid camera to capture their day on the Potomac. Bring your own beverages and snacks or order Watergate’s picnic basket for two stocked with cherry blossom-themed macarons, a charcuterie board, and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Available for stays through the summer (September 2).

Where: Docks from the Georgetown Harbor; view booking details here .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sea the City Hot Tub Boat Tours (@seathecityhottub)

Private Hot Tub Boat

Believe it or not, it’s now possible to bask in a bubbling hot tub with 10 friends, be a DJ, and soak up city sights out on the water — all at once. NYC-based Sea the City expanded its tricked-out party fleet on the Hudson down to the Potomac in March. No food is allowed, but 21-and-up passengers are permitted to bring alcohol (beer, wine, bubbly, or hard seltzers only) on board. The company provides complimentary ice, coolers, cups, and water. Up to 20 can fit on the boat at once, and the 10-person tub is outfitted with a Bluetooth-enabled sound system to create your own set list.

There’s a private room onboard for swimsuit costume changes (along with a separate bathroom). BYO towels or rent ones for $6-$8. Party favors include customized marquee boards, and the boat promises “attentive deckhands” at the ready.

Where: The Wharf Marina, 101 Market Square SW

Price: Starting at $359 for a two-hour experience

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This Floating Tiki Bar Isn’t Your Average DC Boat Cruise

The Potomac Tiki Club is your own personal party on NoVA’s biggest river.

By Laura Scudder July 1, 2022

Have you ever wanted to enjoy a booze cruise along the Potomac River? This is where Sea Suite Cruises steps — or sails — in.

Owners Jack Maher and Jack Walten, who refer to themselves as “the Jacks,” started out as preschool friends in their hometown of Arlington before bringing paddle boats to the Potomac. Now, they’re bringing boatloads of fun to a new venture: the Potomac Tiki Club , a floating bar experience on the Potomac River.

“It’s so cool,” Maher says. “This is definitely not the line of work I thought I’d get into.”

The Logistics: During the week, tiki boat cruises are $45 per person and $55 from Friday to Sunday. Book for eight people and add or subtract passengers leading up to your ride. You’re paying for quality: The cost gets you a private bartender and U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain. As many as 18 can join the vessel. Rides are 90 minutes, and fortunately, there’s a bathroom on board.

Passengers are picked up and dropped off on the docks at Washington Harbour on the Georgetown Waterfront, right outside of Nick’s Riverside Grill.

Because the dock runs a strict schedule for commercial ships, it’s necessary to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure so the crew has time to check IDs, load up, and set sail.

Sea Suite Cruises provides rain checks, but not refunds. Maher notes that golden hour and night cruises are the most popular (and thus the most booked), along with brunch time slots on the weekend.

The Sights: While you can have your birthday, bachelor, or bachelorette party at any bar in DC or Northern Virginia, why do it on land? The water offers something special.

“The sights and the scenery and just the glow of the water is something that’s truly unique,” Maher says.

Cruise along and see the sights at the Watergate Hotel, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Key Bridge, and Georgetown University. During nighttime floats, see all the national monuments lit up. The boat also parties at the Three Sisters island, where Maher says tons of recreational boats anchor down.

The Vibe: “The whole concept behind the tiki club is bringing the beach inside the Beltway,” Maher says. The bar is in the middle of the boat with surrounding seating under a classic thatched tiki roof. There’s also some standing room to enjoy.

It’s BYOF (bring your own food), and you won’t break the bank when you grab something from the bar. Prices range from $4 for a Michelob Ultra to $8.50 for a canned cocktail. Passengers are allowed to bring their own wine or Champagne for an $8 uncorking fee.

Some Rules: It might be fun to get wild with drinks on a boat, but don’t get goofy and jump off, or you’ll incur a $1,000 fine and your group will return to the dock without a refund. Maher notes that while the water can look cool on a hot summer day, the jump isn’t worth it — and the Potomac isn’t an enticing swimming hole.

What’s Next: Keep the Potomac Tiki Club in mind for more than summer cruises. “Fall on the water is one of the best kept secrets of the District,” Maher says. The co-founder also notes Sea Suite Cruises isn’t stopping with just this one boat. “I certainly see more tiki boats coming in the future,” he says.

This story originally ran in our  July issue . For more stories like this,  subscribe  to our monthly magazine.

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Whitlow's on Water DC

Locations | Washington DC Area » Whitlow’s on Water

Whitlow's Meets Party Cruise

The only thing better than a waterfront bar is a bar on the water ! In collaboration with Sea Suite Cruises, Whitlow’s on Water is the first bar in Washington, D.C. to expand to the Potomac River. As the largest vessel in the Potomac Tiki Club fleet, she brings a whole new WOW factor to DC.

Whitlow's Meets Tiki Barge Cruise

In collaboration with Sea Suite Cruises, Whitlow’s on Water brings the fun of Whitlow’s to the Potomac River. As the largest vessel in the Potomac Tiki Club fleet, she brings a whole new WOW factor to DC.

Tiki barge cruises with gorgeous views of DC from the water

Perfect for large gatherings of up to 48 passengers

Canopy & retractable window covers to conquer any weather

Bartended cruises with a gorgeous view from the water

Tiki bar meets tiki boat, continuing the whitlow's legacy.

Whitlow’s on Wilson in Arlington, VA was one of the most popular bars in the region for decades…

Private Charters, Shared Cruises & Monument Tours

All cruises are staffed by a licensed Master Captain, Deckhand, and a Bartender. The boat is outfitted with seating for 48, surround sound speakers and curated playlists, a bathroom, safety equipment, party lighting, and 2 TV’s for sporting events and watch parties.

Private Rentals

Individual tickets, sightseeing tours, private charters & events.

Perfect for corporate team building, bachelor & bachelorette parties, birthday parties & more!

» Private Charters

Shared Social Cruises & Mixed Groups

Socialize, mix and mingle on a community cruise by sharing your ship!

» Shared Cruises

DC Monument Boat Tours

Looking for your next adventure? Join us for sightseeing boat tours along the scenic Potomac River!  

» Sightseeing Cruises

The boat is stocked with a full range of libations including beer, wine, seltzers, and spirits for tropical mixed drinks. For those making lifestyle changes around the way they drink or those who do not drink, we also proudly serve non-alcoholic beverages and zero-proof mocktails. Additionally, we serve soft drinks and Gatorade. For public cruises on evenings and weekends, all passengers (21+) will be offered a complimentary High Noon upon boarding.

Light snacks such as chips are available for purchase on board all cruises. During public cruises and tiki tours, passengers are permitted to bring their own food, but must keep in mind space considerations for shared space with other guests. For private events, we offer catering through Whitlow’s. To learn more about the menu and details, check out private events .

The boat is tailored for groups of 25-48 people, offering an ideal setting for a myriad of private events and complemented by stunning views of the nation’s capital landmarks. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, corporate team-building event, graduation party, bachelor/bachelorette extravaganza, large family gathering, or simply a gathering of cherished friends out on the water, Whitlow’s on Water will leave your guests WOW-ed.

Building on Sea Suite Cruises’ legacy as DC’s favored choice for boat parties of 8-20 passengers for the past 5 years and Whitlow’s legacy as a meeting spot for decades, Whitlow’s on Water emerges in 2024 as the premier destination for unforgettable boat parties on the Potomac.

It’s no secret that DC’s weather can be a little unpredictable. That’s why we designed Whitlow’s on Water to eliminate the guesswork when planning an outdoor event well in advance.

On beautiful sunny days, our open concept with full tiki roof coverage allows you to enjoy the best of the fresh air and river’s breeze without being exposed to the sun’s harsh rays. In less-than-ideal weather, the boat is equipped with retractable Isinglass panels. These panels can be fully or partially closed, providing protection from rain, wind, or colder temperatures, ensuring your group stays comfortable and dry, no matter the conditions. To give you a sense of the fully enclosed experience, imagine an enclosed rooftop bar or a luxury wedding tent—except it’s out on the water.

In the rare event that extreme weather conditions require a change of plans, we’ll collaborate with you and your group to find an alternative space at Whitlow’s DC on U Street or arrange for an alternate date, ensuring you can still enjoy a fantastic outing on the water.

Experience Whitlow's on Water

Elevate your next celebration with the perfect blend of a rousing get-together and a relaxing getaway. Secure your spot today and let the currents of euphoria carry you away.

Georgetown - Weekday Cruises

Private Charters

• Location: Georgetown
• Hours: Mon - Thurs
• Group Size: 25 - 48
• Duration: 1 hr 45 mins

• Group Size: 1 - 48

• Hours: 11am-3:45pm Mon-Fri
• Duration: 1 hr

Navy Yard - Weekend Cruises

• Location: Navy Yard
• Hours: Fri (evening) - Sun
• Duration: 2 hrs

• Hours: Fri - Sun

Have an idea for a customized private event that you don’t see on our website? No problem! Contact us to let us know what you’re thinking and we’re happy to try and accommodate.

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