Enjoy a magical evening dinner cruise on the Detroit River with stunning sunsets, live music, and vibrant wildlife. Bring your picnic and drinks for a unique Golden Hour experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness level is required; this is a relaxed boat tour perfect for all ages and abilities.
Wildlife
History
The Detroit River played a crucial role in trade and transportation history, connecting the Great Lakes and supporting Detroit’s rise as a major industrial city.
Conservation
Efforts by local organizations help maintain water quality and protect native wildlife habitats along the Detroit River, promoting sustainable recreational use.
Detroit Water Taxi
Enjoy a magical evening dinner cruise on the Detroit River with stunning sunsets, live music, and vibrant wildlife. Bring your picnic and drinks for a unique Golden Hour experience.
Detroit Water Taxi in Detroit, Michigan operates water transportation and curated river excursions on the Detroit River. The company offers a mix of scheduled rides and customizable charters that connect waterfront destinations such as Belle Isle Beach, the Detroit Yacht Club, and Sinbad's.
Trip options include short scenic cruises and longer day trips, including morning canal excursions, Golden Hour dinner cruises, full-day adventures to the river delta and Harsen's Island, and a historic route that follows the Bob-Lo cruise line. Passengers can choose themed trips such as a three-hour Golden Hour dinner cruise with live music, a seven-hour All Day Get Away tracing the Bob-Lo route with a picnic on Bob-Lo Island, or a four-hour journey to see the J.W. Westcott mail boat and its floating postal ZIP code. The fleet also provides private water taxi service for events, family outings, and group transfers to waterfront restaurants and island stops.
Detroit Water Taxi’s offerings emphasize scenic views of Detroit’s waterfront, opportunities for photography, and flexible itineraries that allow restaurant and overnight options. The business is listed on The Adventure Collective, where its trip descriptions appear alongside other curated experiences. Travelers interested in river sightseeing, private charters, or historic boat routes will find clear trip summaries and choices appropriate for day trips, special events, and sightseeing along the Detroit River. Departure points and schedules vary by trip; travelers should consult Detroit Water Taxi listings on The Adventure Collective to view current availability, detailed itineraries, pricing, booking information, suggested packing, expected trip durations, group requirements and details before planning a river excursion.
Tours Offered
6 unique trips
Range of excursions and services
Trip Lengths
3–7 hours
Short cruises to full-day outings
Private Charters
Available
Events, parties, and group transfers
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Curated travel discovery listing
Find the right cruise or private charter and check availability on The Adventure Collective.
Bring Your Own Picnic
Pack a favorite meal and drinks to enjoy a truly personalized dining experience aboard the cruise.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Arriving 15 minutes before departure helps ensure a smooth boarding process and better seating options.
Wear Layers
Evenings on the river can get chilly, so dress in layers to stay comfortable as the sun sets.
Keep Your Camera Ready
The sunset and moonrise offer spectacular photo opportunities; having your camera or phone ready is key.
Light Jacket or Sweater
To stay warm during cooling temperatures as the sun sets on the river.
spring
Picnic Blanket
Perfect for making your picnic comfortable while sitting on deck or at Ford Cove.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
To capture the golden sunsets, moonrise, and wildlife throughout the cruise.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer evenings on the water.
summer