The 6 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in Nashville
Nashville isn’t just about country music and honky-tonks — it’s also a city with a lively waterfront scene that offers some memorable boat experiences. Whether you want a relaxing lunch cruise on the Cumberland River, a high-energy party on Percy Priest Lake, or a private pedal pub with skyline views, Nashville has something to float your boat. The options range from traditional river cruises to personalized party boats and unique water sports adventures, making this city a surprising waterborne playground.
In this guide, we’ll look at six standout boat tours, highlighting what makes each one special. You’ll find detailed descriptions of what’s included, the type of experience each offers, and practical tips to help you choose the perfect trip. Whether you’re after a leisurely afternoon, a full-day celebration, or an adrenaline-filled water adventure, this list covers it all — from family-friendly cruises to group parties. Get ready to explore Nashville from the water in ways you didn’t expect.
Quick Overview
This list features a mix of traditional scenic cruises, lively party boats, and private rentals. You’ll find a lunch cruise on the General Jackson Showboat, which offers live entertainment and Southern cuisine. For a more energetic experience, there are pontoon party boats on Percy Priest Lake, perfect for groups who want to socialize and get wild on the water. Bachelorette parties can enjoy a booze cruise that combines sightseeing with unlimited tastings, while families or couples can opt for a pedal pontoon or downtown pedal boat rental—both offering scenic city views from the river.
Each experience varies by duration, group size, and activity level, so consider your interests and party size when choosing. Prices range from around $98 per person to private group rentals over $999. Some tours focus on entertainment, others on water sports or sightseeing, making Nashville’s water-based offerings surprisingly varied.
1. Nashville: General Jackson Showboat Lunch Cruise
This afternoon cruise on the General Jackson Showboat stands out for its combination of scenic beauty, live entertainment, and hearty Southern cuisine. The $98 per person price covers a 3-hour experience that includes a cruise down the Cumberland River, a delicious Southern-style lunch, and lively country music performed by a live band onboard. The ship itself is one of the largest paddlewheel riverboats in the U.S., providing a true vintage feel.
What makes this tour unique is its classic riverboat charm paired with high-quality entertainment and all-you-can-eat Southern comfort food. It’s a great choice if you want a relaxing, scenic experience with a touch of Nashville’s musical spirit. The views of the Nashville skyline and rolling hills along the river are postcard-perfect, and the onboard atmosphere is lively with traditional country tunes.
Reviews highlight its overall quality, with one traveler praising it as “Wonderfuy entertaining! This is a Must Do in Nashville!” The value for money is good considering everything included — the scenic cruise, meal, and live music. The main downside is that it’s a scheduled tour, so reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a classic, relaxing river cruise with good food and entertainment in a family-friendly setting.
2. 25ft Pontoon Party Boat w/ Captain up to 12 people (3 hrs)
This private party boat experience offers a 3-hour cruise on Percy Priest Lake with up to 12 passengers for $649.00 per group. The boat is a new 25-foot Bentley Navigator equipped with a 200HP Suzuki engine, ensuring a smooth ride. The tour includes a party atmosphere with BYOB, coolers, music, and floatables like a 5’x10′ inflatable Play Pad. The itinerary revolves around Party Cove, one of Nashville’s few designated party spots on the water, where you can mingle with other boats, tube on the raft, or take a dip.
What makes this tour stand out is its customization and social vibe. The captain is highly experienced and knows Nashville’s water scene well, making this ideal for groups celebrating birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just a fun day with friends. The all-inclusive setup — with drinks, music, and water toys — means you’re free to relax and enjoy the party.
One review describes it as “an amazing experience that you won’t regret,” emphasizing the personalized service and flexibility. The main value lies in the exclusive use of the boat, perfect for groups who want a private, lively experience without the constraints of a large tour.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups wanting a private, customizable party on the water with plenty of fun water toys and a lively atmosphere.
3. Nashville Bachelorette Booze Cruise
This full-day bachelorette experience is a 6-hour multi-stop booze crawl, priced at $142.57 per person. It combines sightseeing, tastings, and celebrations, taking you on a 21-passenger bus to visit a brewery, distillery, and winery. The experience is highly customizable, with all-inclusive tastings and the option to bring your own drinks onboard. It’s ideal for groups looking to combine Nashville’s vibrant drinking scene with some scenic river views.
The highlight is the well-planned itinerary, which can include 2 distilleries and 1 winery, or a mix of a brewery and winery, depending on your preferences. The tour offers convenient transportation and all tastings included, so no one needs to worry about designated drivers or coordination. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, suitable for celebrating a bride-to-be or just enjoying Nashville’s beverage scene.
Reviews are glowing, with one saying, “An amazing, fully planned outing with your choice of tastings.” The long duration allows plenty of time for socializing, tasting, and photo ops. The main advantage is the hassle-free, all-inclusive nature, which allows your group to focus on having fun.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups celebrating special occasions who want a curated, all-in-one booze crawl that combines sightseeing with tastings.
4. 30ft Double Decker Triple Slide Party Boat with Captain up to 22
This private party boat rental offers a 3-hour adventure on Percy Priest Lake for up to 22 people at $999.00 per group. It’s the only triple slide boat on the lake with such capacity, making it a standout for large groups seeking high-energy fun. The double-decker design includes 3 slides on the top deck, perfect for those who love water sliding, along with a lively atmosphere complete with BYOB, coolers, music, and floatables like a 5’x10′ inflatable Lily Pad.
What makes this boat special is the combination of size, slides, and party atmosphere. It’s perfect for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or any celebration that calls for a splashy, action-packed day on the water. Cruising in style to Party Cove, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for tubing, sliding, socializing, or just relaxing on the inflatables.
Reviews praise the captain’s friendliness and the memories made, with one calling it “an epic adventure.” The value lies in the ability to host a large group with water slides and activities all included, making it a full-day party on the lake.
Bottom Line: Best for large groups wanting an energetic, slide-filled adventure with plenty of space and water toys.
5. Downtown Nashville Pedal Pontoon Boat Cruise with Captain
This unique 1.5-hour pedal pontoon cruise offers a private experience on the Cumberland River for groups of 6 to 16 people, priced at $0.00 (note: check latest pricing). The boat features a mahogany bar and cycling stations where guests can pedal to power the boat, making it both scenic and interactive. With onboard restrooms, Bluetooth stereos, and a captain and deckhand, the tour combines relaxation with a little exercise.
The tour’s main appeal is its city skyline views, wildlife sightings, and the chance to control your own adventure by pedaling or lounging. It’s perfect for smaller groups, couples, or families who want a more active and intimate way to see Nashville from the river.
Reviews mention how fun it is to pedal past the skyline and enjoy the casual, friendly atmosphere. It’s particularly suited for those who want an authentic, hands-on experience without high energy or noise levels of party boats.
Bottom Line: A great option for small groups seeking a scenic, relaxed, and interactive river cruise with a local guide.
6. Nashville: Downtown Pedal Boat Rental for 2 to 4 People
This downtown pedal boat rental is a two-hour outing that accommodates 2 to 4 people for $325 per group. Starting at 2 Victory Ave, it offers a relaxed, city-centric view of Nashville’s riverfront. The boat is easy to operate, with a focus on sightseeing and enjoying the city skyline from the water.
What makes this rental appealing is its straightforward, no-fuss approach — just rent, pedal, and explore. It’s ideal for couples, small families, or friends wanting a casual, scenic cruise with the freedom to explore at their own pace. The views of downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River are a major draw, especially at sunset or during the lively daytime.
Reviews praise its ease of use and the beautiful scenery, making it a good value for those who want a simple yet memorable experience. It’s less about guided commentary and more about enjoying Nashville from the water with friends or loved ones.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups or couples looking for an affordable, flexible way to see Nashville’s riverfront.
How to Choose the Right Nashville Boat Tour
When deciding among these water adventures, consider your budget, group size, and what kind of experience you seek. For a classic, scenic experience with good food, the General Jackson Showboat Lunch Cruise is a solid choice. If your group loves water sports and partying, the private pontoon or triple-slide party boats will deliver high energy and fun. For a more intimate, relaxed experience, the pedal pontoon or downtown pedal boat rental offers scenic views with less fuss.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons or for private charters. Also, think about the weather — some tours are more enjoyable in warm, sunny conditions. Check each tour’s availability and whether they allow BYOB if that’s your style.
Final Thoughts
Nashville’s water-based tours offer a surprising variety of ways to enjoy the city from the Cumberland River or Percy Priest Lake. From the timeless charm of the General Jackson Showboat to the lively, slide-filled party boats, there’s an option for every traveler. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the booze cruise or private party boats make for memorable moments with friends. For a peaceful, scenic cruise, the pedal pontoon or downtown pedal boat provide a more relaxed alternative.
Whatever your choice, these tours can add a unique dimension to your Nashville trip. Remember to book ahead, especially for private or popular tours, and enjoy exploring Music City from a whole new perspective on the water.