St. Louis offers an unexpected variety of cruise and boat tour experiences that showcase its iconic skyline, historic landmarks, and lively riverfront. Unlike many cities, St. Louis’s river-based tours are not just scenic rides; they are well-integrated with city highlights like the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River, and historic neighborhoods. Whether you want a quick overview or an adventurous day combining boat and helicopter rides, there’s a tour that fits your style. These tours provide a chance to see the city from the water, getting close to landmarks that define St. Louis’s character and history.
Public and private boat tours give you a different perspective on the city’s skyline and riverfront activity, while some combine land exploration with aerial views, making for a truly multi-dimensional experience. If you want to maximize your time or dive deep into St. Louis’s story, the right cruise or boat tour can transform your visit from ordinary to memorable.
Quick Overview
Our list features a range of cruises and boat tours designed for different interests and timeframes. From the Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise that pairs city sights with a scenic river cruise (see details here), to the guided small group city tour with added river cruise (more info), and an immersive combo of city touring with helicopter flight (check it out). Lastly, for those who prefer walking but still want river views, the Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour offers a more intimate, on-foot experience (see it here). Each brings its own flavor—small-group intimacy, multi-sensory adventure, or thorough sightseeing.
1. Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise
At number one, this 3-hour tour balances the must-see sights with a seasonal river cruise, making it a top choice for travelers who want a quick, comprehensive introduction to St. Louis. Starting with pickup from your hotel in Downtown, the tour keeps things intimate—no more than seven people—so you get personalized attention and a relaxed pace. Your guide will lead you to the Gateway Arch, where you’ll ascend for sweeping city views, and then drive past the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of land and water. After exploring Forest Park and passing iconic sites like Busch Stadium and the Botanical Garden, you’ll enjoy a seasonal river cruise (which can be substituted with an aquarium visit if the boat isn’t running). The tour provides a well-rounded look at St. Louis’s architecture, parks, and stories, making it perfect for first-timers or those short on time. Many reviews highlight its personalized touch, with guests noting that it feels like exploring with a knowledgeable friend.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, tailored experience that hits all the major highlights, this tour offers excellent value at $174 per person.
2. St. Louis: Guided Tour with Boat Cruise and Helicopter Ride
Number two on our list hits a high note for adventure seekers willing to spend a bit more—$449 per person—for a 4-hour tour combining land, water, and air. This full-package experience begins with a guided exploration of the Gateway Arch and the surrounding National Park, where you’ll learn about the city’s history and architecture. Then, you’ll take a modern riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s skyline.
The big highlight is the helicopter ride, which provides a 360-degree view of St. Louis. This aerial component is perfect if you want to see the city from above and get a sense of its layout and scale—something you can’t get from a bus or boat alone. Guests rave about their pilot and the overall experience, noting that the helicopter ride offers “fantastic” views and fun commentary from the pilot.
This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a multi-sensory experience that combines history, scenery, and adventure. It’s a splurge but offers a truly memorable way to see St. Louis from three different vantage points.
Bottom line: Ideal for those craving a comprehensive, thrill-packed day with incredible photo ops and a taste of aerial sightseeing.
3. St. Louis: Guided Small Group City Tour with River Cruise
For around $174, the 4-hour Guided Small Group City Tour with a river cruise combines the best of both worlds—city sights and river views. Starting with a pick-up at your hotel, the tour takes you through Gateway Arch National Park, where you’ll get a 360-degree view from the top of the arch. Then, you’ll pass key landmarks like Busch Stadium, City Hall, and Forest Park, with plenty of stories along the way.
This tour stands out for its personalized approach, with guides like Michael or Mark praised for their flexibility and local knowledge. The river cruise on the Mississippi offers relaxing vistas of the skyline and the city’s waterfront, making it a well-balanced option if you want a thorough yet manageable sightseeing experience. Many reviews mention how their guides made the tour memorable through their enthusiasm and local insights.
It’s perfect if you prefer a smaller group and want to enjoy the city at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed, especially if you’re interested in a flexible day or combining it with other activities.
Bottom line: Great value for those seeking a detailed, personal guided experience that covers top landmarks and includes a scenic boat ride.
4. St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour
Finally, the 4-hour walking tour focuses on close-up exploration of the city’s key landmarks. Starting at the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, the guide leads you through the city’s streets to see iconic sites like Busch Stadium, the National Blues Museum, and Federal Reserve Bank. The tour culminates with a trip up the St. Louis Arch for panoramic views, followed by a leisurely walk along the riverfront.
This tour is favored for its personalized, on-foot approach. Guests appreciate how guide Melissa’s local expertise helps reveal stories behind the sights. Although the tour is longer at about four hours, it allows more time for questions and soaking in the atmosphere. Some reviewers mention that rain didn’t dampen the experience, and that it’s suitable even for those less mobile since the pace is relaxed.
While the price is lower at $144 per person, it’s best suited for travelers who love walking and want a more intimate, detailed look at St. Louis’s core neighborhoods. It offers a good balance of sightseeing and storytelling, with a focus on cultural and historic sites.
Bottom line: Best for those who enjoy walking and want a detailed, relaxed exploration of downtown St. Louis’s key sights.
How to Choose
When selecting your ideal cruise or boat tour in St. Louis, consider your budget, time, and interest level. If you’re short on time but want all the highlights, the Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour (see it here) provides a quick but rich experience. For a more adventurous day, the tour with helicopter ride (check it out) offers aerial views and thrills.
Those who prefer a more intimate, on-foot experience should look at the Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour (see details here), especially if you have more time or enjoy walking. Budget travelers might find the small group city tour with river cruise (more info) to be a great value.
Remember to book early during peak seasons, as popular tours fill quickly. Also, check the weather forecast—some tours are seasonal or weather-dependent, especially river cruises.
Final Thoughts
St. Louis’s cruise and boat tour options are diverse enough to suit many tastes. For a balanced introduction, the small-group city and river tour is hard to beat. For those seeking adventure and stunning views, the helicopter combo is unmatched. If you prefer a more relaxed, on-foot experience that still hits all the highlights, the walking tour is a solid choice.
No matter which you pick, early booking is recommended to secure a spot, especially during the busy spring and summer months. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll leave with a new perspective on this lively river city.