Set sail on a private 4 to 6-hour expedition cruise near Philadelphia with Sea Philly. Enjoy personalized exploration of beautiful waterways, rich history, and stunning views on your own schedule.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals of all fitness levels as most of the trip involves sitting and enjoying the views; light mobility required for boarding and disembarking.
Wildlife
History
Philadelphia’s waterways played a crucial role in trade and transport during the colonial era and industrial revolution.
Conservation
Sea Philly is committed to eco-friendly practices, minimizing fuel consumption and promoting local habitat awareness to protect aquatic ecosystems.
Sea Philly
Set sail on a private 4 to 6-hour expedition cruise near Philadelphia with Sea Philly. Enjoy personalized exploration of beautiful waterways, rich history, and stunning views on your own schedule.
Sea Philly is a Philadelphia-based river cruise operator specializing in private charters, guided working-river tours, dock rental events, and curated special occasions on the Delaware River. Operating classic all-wood boats including the award-winning vessel ARGONAUT, Sea Philly offers a range of experiences from 1.5‑hour private charters to two-hour guided tours that highlight Philadelphia’s maritime history and iconic waterfront landmarks.
Trips include themed cruises such as sunset and day charters, a picnic cruise experience, and a dedicated photoshoot cruise designed for memorable portraits against the city skyline. Guided tours focus on the Historic Working River with expert narration about ships like the SS United States and the USS New Jersey. Event services range from intimate boat proposals with bouquet and champagne to larger cocktail hours at The Estuary dock rental with options for oysters, live music, and classic boat rides.
Sea Philly emphasizes a comfortable, classic aesthetic—decked seating, gourmet charcuterie options, and curated beverage offerings such as Mailly Grand Cru Champagne on select trips. Captains and crew guide each experience with local knowledge of Philadelphia’s waterways, routing guests past Petty Island’s back channel and the city’s waterfront landmarks.
By combining maritime expertise, a historic fleet, and customizable event add-ons, Sea Philly provides trustworthy, professional river experiences for couples, photographers, event hosts, and history enthusiasts seeking a distinctive waterfront perspective of Philadelphia.
Awarded Vessel
ARGONAUT
Award-winning classic wooden boat
Service Area
Delaware River
Scenic routes along Philadelphia waterfront
Tour Types
Private & Guided
Private charters and guided working-river tours
Event Options
Dock Rentals
The Estuary cocktail hours and add-ons
Reserve a customized charter, guided tour, or dock rental with Sea Philly and create a waterfront experience tailored to the moment.
Book Early for Best Availability
Private charters are popular, so reserve your preferred date in advance to ensure your ideal timing.
Wear Layers for Changing Weather
Water conditions and temperatures can vary, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the cruise.
Bring Sun Protection
Even on cloudy days, UV rays reflect off the water—pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warm days, to keep hydrated during your hours on the water.
Layered Clothing
Adapts to changing temperatures and wind conditions on the water.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UV rays during sunny parts of the cruise.
spring
Hat and Sunglasses
Protect your eyes and face from bright sun glare on the water.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the duration of your trip.