Set sail on Detroit’s scenic canals and waterways with the Detroit Water Taxi, blending urban history, lush parks, and river views into a memorable three-hour adventure. Discover the city from a fresh perspective today!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical effort involved
Wildlife
History
The Detroit River played a vital role in early Great Lakes shipping and was central to Prohibition-era bootlegging.
Conservation
The water taxi operates with eco-friendly practices, helping reduce congestion and emissions in Detroit’s waterways.
Detroit Water Taxi
Set sail on Detroit’s scenic canals and waterways with the Detroit Water Taxi, blending urban history, lush parks, and river views into a memorable three-hour adventure. Discover the city from a fresh perspective today!
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 sunscreen and water
Protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated during the trip.
Dress comfortably for the weather
Wear layers and waterproof clothing if rain is forecast.
Arrive early for boarding
Arriving a bit ahead ensures a smooth start and allows time to grab a good spot.
Capture the views
Bring a camera or smartphone for photos of Detroit’s skyline and scenic spots.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure during your time on the water.
summer
Comfortable shoes and attire
Wear clothes suitable for sitting, standing, and the weather conditions.
spring;summer;fall
Waterproof jacket or poncho
Be prepared for unexpected weather changes.
spring;fall;winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture scenic views and memorable moments of your trip.