Discover Washington, D.C., from the water with Embark DC’s private boat tour. Customize your experience for spectacular views, fishing, or relaxing drinks—all on a vessel designed for small groups. An adventure perfect for creating lasting memories on the Potomac River.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, comfortable for all ages
Wildlife
History
The Potomac River has served as a vital corridor for trade and transportation since the 18th century, shaping Washington’s growth.
Conservation
Embark DC emphasizes eco-friendly practices by minimizing waste and encouraging responsible boating habits to preserve the river’s health.
Embark DC
Discover Washington, D.C., from the water with Embark DC’s private boat tour. Customize your experience for spectacular views, fishing, or relaxing drinks—all on a vessel designed for small groups. An adventure perfect for creating lasting memories on the Potomac River.
Embark DC operates private, customizable boat tours based in Oxon Hill, Maryland, offering departures from National Harbor, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria’s Historic Old Town, The Yards, Georgetown, and The DC Wharf. Each private tour accommodates up to six guests and is guided by a personal captain who navigates the Potomac while providing a tailored experience.
Trips are designed for flexibility: guests choose pace and sights, bring their own food and drinks, and may include dogs on board. Several departures advertise fishing as an option and include serene anchor spots for relaxation or sightseeing. Embark DC focuses on small-group private cruises that showcase iconic monuments such as the Washington Monument and riverfront landmarks while offering leisure or exploration choices.
Service features include customizable routes, a welcoming policy for dogs, and allowance for personal provisions, which together create a relaxed, private atmosphere. Departures from multiple embark locations enable convenient access across the Washington, D.C., and Maryland waterfronts, making it simple to select a launch point that fits a guest’s plans.
All promotional descriptions emphasize personalized attention from the captain and small-group privacy rather than large commercial tours. Embark DC’s published trip summaries consistently present up to six passengers, BYO food and beverages, occasional fishing opportunities, dog-friendly options, and a variety of scenic destinations along the Potomac. Booking information, pricing, exact departure times, and availability vary by embark location and should be confirmed directly with Embark DC before planning a trip to ensure the desired route and scheduling today.
Launch Points
6 embark locations
National Harbor to The DC Wharf
Max Guests
Up to 6
Small-group private tours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Dogs allowed on many departures
Private Captain
Personal captain
Captain-led, customizable trips
Select an embark point, choose the pace and sights, and confirm availability with Embark DC for a tailored, small-group boat experience.
Bring snacks and drinks
Personalize your trip by bringing food or beverages to enjoy on the boat, as the tour allows for catering your own provisions.
Wear comfortable clothing
Dress in layers and bring sunglasses or hats for protection against sun and wind during your cruise.
Book in advance
Private tours fill quickly, especially in peak seasons, so reserve your spot early for full customization options.
Bring your furry friend
Dog-friendly life vests are available, making it easy to include your pet on the adventure.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during sunny cruises, especially when spending extended time on deck.
summer
Hat or cap
Provides shade and helps prevent sunstroke on sunny days.
spring|summer
Layers for warmth
Bring additional clothing to stay warm during cooler months or breezy conditions.
fall|winter
Waterproof jacket
Stay dry if weather turns wet or windy during your cruise.
winter|spring