Discover Detroit’s floating postal code aboard the J.W. Westcott mail boat on a private 4-hour boat tour. Experience freighters, history, and spectacular Detroit River views.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour mainly involves sitting with minimal walking.
Wildlife
History
The J.W. Westcott mail boat has been delivering mail directly to ships on the Detroit River since 1874, making it a unique and enduring part of maritime history.
Conservation
Efforts by local organizations promote clean waterways and protect the Detroit River’s diverse ecosystem, ensuring ongoing health for both wildlife and recreational users.
Detroit Water Taxi
Discover Detroit’s floating postal code aboard the J.W. Westcott mail boat on a private 4-hour boat tour. Experience freighters, history, and spectacular Detroit River views.
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.
Wear layered clothing
Boat decks can be breezy so bring layers to stay comfortable throughout your tour.
Bring a camera or smartphone
You'll want to capture views of the freighters and Detroit's scenic riverfront.
Arrive early for boarding
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure to ensure smooth boarding and orientation.
Hydrate and snack before the tour
While refreshments might be limited, staying hydrated enhances your comfort on the water.
Windbreaker or light jacket
Protects against chilly spring winds on the river.
spring
Sunscreen
Shields your skin from strong summer sun exposure.
summer
Waterproof boots or shoes
Keeps your feet dry if the deck is damp from autumn rains.
fall
Warm hat and gloves
Necessary to stay warm during colder winter river tours.
winter