Nashville isn’t just about country music and honky-tonks; it also offers some excellent cruises and boat tours that showcase its scenic waterways and vibrant waterfront life. Whether you want a relaxing lunch cruise, a high-energy party boat, or a unique pedal-powered adventure, Nashville’s water-based experiences add a fun, different perspective to your visit. These tours give you a chance to see the city’s skyline, enjoy local flavors, and even celebrate special occasions—without ever leaving the water.
Most of the tours listed here are centered around the Cumberland River and Percy Priest Lake, both offering a blend of scenic views, lively atmospheres, and some options tailored for groups. If you’re after a traditional cruise with live music and Southern cuisine, or a private party on the water, this guide will help you find the right experience for your style and budget.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a mix of luxury daytime cruises, private party boats, and themed booze tours. From the grand General Jackson Showboat Lunch Cruise to exclusive pontoon parties like the 25ft Pontoon Party Boat, there’s something for every water enthusiast. For a lively celebration or special occasion, options like the Nashville Bachelorette Booze Cruise and the Triple Slide Party Boat stand out. Lastly, for a more interactive and fun city experience, check out the Pedal Pontoon Boat or the Downtown Pedal Boat Rental which combine scenic views with a bit of exercise.
1. Nashville: General Jackson Showboat Lunch Cruise
At number 1, the Nashville: General Jackson Showboat Lunch Cruise is a true classic that combines sightseeing, Southern hospitality, and entertainment in one elegant package. The 3-hour cruise takes you down the scenic Cumberland River aboard one of the largest paddlewheel riverboats in the country, offering expansive views of Nashville’s skyline. Included is a Southern-style lunch, with options that highlight local flavors, and lively country music performed by a full live band.
What makes this cruise stand out is its blend of grandeur and relaxed fun. The showboat’s historic charm combined with the lively entertainment makes it perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a taste of Nashville’s musical spirit on the water. Reviewers have consistently praised the experience, noting it as “wonderful entertainment” and “an impressive show,” with “good food and relaxing river ride.” The cost is $98 per person, and it’s typically offered in the afternoon, making it a perfect midday activity.
Bottom Line: This cruise offers an elegant, family-friendly way to experience Nashville from the water, combining scenic views, live music, and delicious food. It’s best suited for those looking for a classic, all-in-one Nashville experience.
2. 25ft Pontoon Party Boat w/ Captain up to 12 people (3 hrs)
For groups seeking privacy and a flexible schedule, the 25ft Pontoon Party Boat is a standout choice. This private boat rental is designed for up to 12 people and offers a 3-hour journey on Percy Priest Lake, specifically in the famous Party Cove. The boat is fully equipped with a captain who knows Nashville’s waterways intimately, as well as BYOB options, coolers, music, and floatables, making it ideal for celebrating a birthday, reunion, or just a day out with friends.
What makes this tour special is its casual, party atmosphere combined with the ability to customize how you spend your time on the water. You can enjoy a tubing ride, relax on the inflatable Play Pad, or just soak up the sun and chat. Passengers rave about the captain’s friendliness and flexibility, with one reviewer praising the personalized experience: “Captain was awesome, amazing experience you won’t regret!” Cost at $649 for the group delivers excellent value for a private, fun-filled day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups wanting an intimate, customizable water adventure. It’s especially suited for those who prioritize privacy and fun, with the flexibility to tailor activities on Percy Priest Lake.
3. Nashville Bachelorette Booze Cruise
Looking for a lively way to celebrate a bride-to-be? The Nashville Bachelorette Booze Cruise offers a full-day, six-hour guided party experience that combines transportation, tastings, and celebration, all on a 21-passenger bus. This tour skips the logistics of planning multiple stops and transports your group to a brewery, distillery, and winery, with all tastings included.
What sets this apart is its all-inclusive nature and flexibility. You can customize the itinerary to include two distilleries and a winery, or a mix of a distillery, brewery, and winery—your choice. The experience includes BYOB, bottled water, and snacks, making it easy to keep everyone fueled for the day. It’s a great way to make the most of Nashville’s burgeoning alcohol scene while enjoying the comfort of private transportation.
Reviewers mention how well-organized and fun the day is, with one noting, “No one does it better than BarrelsOfFunNashville.com.” For $142.57 per person, it’s a pricier option but ideal for groups wanting a hassle-free, all-day celebration.
Bottom Line: If you’re planning a bachelorette party or a special celebration and want to combine sightseeing with tastings, this Booze Crawl offers a memorable, stress-free experience in Nashville.
4. 30ft Double Decker Triple Slide Party Boat with Captain up to 22
At number 4, the Double Decker Triple Slide Party Boat is a showstopper for groups craving fun and adventure. With capacity for up to 22 people, this unique boat on Percy Priest Lake features three slides on the top deck, making it the only triple-slide boat of its size in Nashville. The boat includes a captain, who is a Nashville local with lifelong knowledge of the waterways, as well as BYOB, coolers, music, and floatables.
The highlight is the combination of water slides, tubing, and socializing in one compact vessel. You can slide into the lake from the top deck, enjoy tubing rides on a 4-person raft, or lounge on the inflatable Lily Pad. The boat’s layout ensures everyone can participate, whether you want thrills or chill moments. Reviewers love the epic adventure and the fact that it’s suited for large groups, especially those celebrating birthdays or bachelor/bachelorette parties.
For $999, this offers incredible value considering the size and features, making it ideal for groups wanting a high-energy, all-in-one water party.
Bottom Line: Perfect for big groups wanting a lively, slide-filled adventure on Percy Priest Lake with plenty of space and activities to keep everyone entertained.
5. Downtown Nashville Pedal Pontoon Boat Cruise with Captain
For a different kind of water experience, the Downtown Nashville Pedal Pontoon Cruise offers a relaxed, interactive ride along the Cumberland River. This private tour is designed for groups of 6 to 16 people, who can enjoy 90 minutes of scenic views with a combination of pedaling and relaxing. The boat is equipped with restrooms, Bluetooth stereos, and a captain and deckhand to handle navigation.
What makes this tour distinctive is the pedal power aspect, giving you a little workout while taking in Nashville’s skyline and wildlife. You can BYOB and enjoy drinks at the mahogany bar onboard, with the staff managing the trip smoothly. It’s an intimate, engaging way to see the city from the water, especially for groups wanting a more active experience.
Reviews highlight how much fun it is, especially for groups with teens or those looking for a more interactive adventure. This tour offers great value, as it combines sightseeing, activity, and socializing without the boat feeling crowded or commercial.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups wanting a scenic, interactive cruise that combines light exercise with Nashville skyline views.
6. Nashville: Downtown Pedal Boat Rental for 2 to 4 People
Finally, for those seeking a self-guided water adventure, the Downtown Pedal Boat Rental provides a perfect way to explore Nashville’s riverfront at your own pace. Designed for 2 to 4 people, this rental lets you paddle your way through scenic Cumberland River views while enjoying the city’s skyline.
Starting from 2 Victory Ave, you can choose your own route, possibly stopping at Cumberland River Kayaking or just leisurely drifting along. The rental includes all necessary equipment and is ideal for couples, small families, or friends wanting a relaxed, intimate experience. You get to decide how long to stay, and the boat is easy to operate, making it accessible even for first-timers.
Reviewers mention how fun and easy it is, with one calling it a “great way to enjoy the river without leaving the city.” Cost at $325 per group makes it an affordable, flexible option for a quiet day on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups or couples who want to craft their own Nashville water adventure with minimal fuss and maximum scenery.
How to Choose the Right Cruise or Boat Tour
When selecting a Nashville water tour, consider your budget, group size, and what kind of experience you’re after. For a traditional, scenic experience with live music and Southern food, the General Jackson Showboat Lunch Cruise is hard to beat. If you’re celebrating a special occasion with friends, the private pontoon or party boat options like the 25ft Pontoon Party Boat or the Triple Slide Party Boat offer more fun and customization.
For those who want a more interactive or active experience, the Pedal Pontoon Cruise or Downtown Pedal Boat Rental allow you to pedal and explore at your own pace. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the shorter cruises or small private rentals, while larger groups or celebration parties are best served by the bigger, more energetic boats.
Booking early is recommended during peak seasons, especially for popular private rentals and cruises, to secure your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
Nashville’s boat tours provide a wide array of ways to enjoy the water and see the city from a different angle. If you’re after a traditional, scenic cruise with live music, the General Jackson Showboat should be on your list. For a private celebration or lively party, the pontoon and party boats offer unmatched flexibility and fun. And if you want a more relaxed, interactive experience, the pedal boat options are perfect for a low-key day on the river.
No matter your travel style or group size, Nashville’s water tours are worth considering for adding a memorable dimension to your visit. Just remember to book early, especially for the most popular options, and get ready for some unique Nashville water adventures.