Set sail from the DC Wharf for a private boat tour along the Potomac River. Discover major landmarks, enjoy customizable routes, and bring your own food and furry friends for a memorable day on the water.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–3 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking and standing for short periods; no technical skills required.
Wildlife
History
The Potomac River has served as a vital route for explorers and military campaigns, shaping Washington, D.C.'s development.
Conservation
The waterfront area is actively involved in ecological preservation, ensuring sustainable recreation for future generations.
Embark DC
Set sail from the DC Wharf for a private boat tour along the Potomac River. Discover major landmarks, enjoy customizable routes, and bring your own food and furry friends for a memorable day on the water.
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 sun protection
Apply sunscreen and wear hats to stay comfortable during the cruise.
Pack snacks and drinks
Bring your own food and beverages to enjoy onboard at your leisure.
Arrive early for best spots
Getting to the dock early helps you secure a preferred departure time.
Respect wildlife and environment
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and follow environmental guidelines.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure during the cruise.
spring
Hat or cap
Shade your face from direct sunlight for added comfort.
summer
Waterproof bag
Keep valuables and electronics dry in case of splashes.
Polarized sunglasses
Reduce glare from the water for clearer views and eye protection.
summer