Sacramento is a city that offers more than just government buildings and historic sites. Its location along the Sacramento River makes it an ideal spot for memorable sailing experiences. Whether you’re craving a lively party on the water, a romantic sunset cruise, or a festive New Year’s celebration, Sacramento’s boat tours deliver a unique way to see the city from a new perspective. What sets these experiences apart is their focus on atmosphere—ranging from DJ-spun music and cocktails to special holiday celebrations—all with stunning views of landmarks like Tower Bridge and the I Street Bridge. If you’re looking to add a splash of adventure to your Sacramento trip, one of these options will surely fit your style.
In this guide, we’ve gathered the top four sailing experiences in Sacramento. Each offers a distinct vibe, from casual social cruises to exclusive holiday events. Check out the quick overview below, then dive into the details to find the perfect water-bound adventure for your visit.
Quick Overview
Our list features four dynamic sailing experiences in Sacramento. Starting with Sacramento: City Cruises Rock The Yacht River Cruise—a lively 1.5-hour party boat with drinks and music — perfect for a casual night out. Next is the New Year’s Eve Rock the Yacht Cruise, a festive way to ring in the new year with city views and celebration. For a more relaxed yet fun experience, the Rock the Yacht Cocktail Cruise Sacramento 21+ combines scenic river sights with dancing and drinks. Lastly, the Sacramento New Year’s Eve Rock the Yacht Cruise offers a two-hour celebration with a lively atmosphere to welcome 2024. Each provides a different vibe suited to various interests and budgets.
1. Sacramento: City Cruises Rock The Yacht River Cruise
This 1.5-hour yacht party on the Sacramento River is perfect for those wanting to combine fun with scenic views. Starting from City Cruises Sacramento, you’ll cruise past iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the I Street Bridge, with plenty of opportunities to take photos. What makes this experience stand out is its casual party atmosphere. It’s designed for friends looking to enjoy drinks, dance to a DJ’s tunes, and meet new people in a lively setting. The reviews speak volumes: “It was great — great people, great vibes, and great ride,” says one happy guest.
The cruise includes delicious drinks, and the friendly staff keeps the energy high with music and dancing. The cost is quite reasonable at $49 per person, making it an affordable way to enjoy Sacramento’s evening life. Though it’s primarily a social experience, you’ll get a 270-foot view of the city skyline at night, which adds a magical touch. Be aware that this tour is popular, especially on weekends, so booking in advance is recommended.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a fun, energetic night with friends, drinks, and a scenic river cruise, this is a top choice. It’s perfect for celebrating a special night out without breaking the bank.
2. Sacramento: New Year’s Eve Rock the Yacht Cruise
Ring in the new year with style on this special 1.5-hour cruise that takes you along the Sacramento River with beautiful illuminated cityscapes as your backdrop. The New Year’s Eve Rock the Yacht Cruise is a festive affair priced at $122 per person, reflecting its holiday exclusivity and lively atmosphere. As the clock approaches midnight, you’ll enjoy the thrill of watching fireworks displays from the water—an experience that makes ringing in the new year extra memorable.
Guests rave about the event’s atmosphere: “The cruise could be about 30 minutes longer, but the party really got started after the countdown,” mentions one review. The cruise features a live DJ spinning tunes, and you can purchase drinks like creative cocktails or wine on board. The illuminated skyline and the sense of celebration make this cruise particularly appealing if you want a unique, upscale way to celebrate New Year’s. The cruise’s short duration means you can easily continue your festivities ashore afterward.
Bottom Line: For a festive and stylish New Year’s celebration on the water, this cruise combines great views and lively entertainment—ideal if you want a memorable start to the year.
3. Rock the Yacht Cocktail Cruise Sacramento 21+
Ideal for those seeking a shorter, more relaxed experience, the Rock the Yacht Cocktail Cruise Sacramento 21+ offers a lively 1 hour 30 minutes on the Sacramento River. Priced at around $48.79, it’s an affordable way to enjoy Sacramento’s night views while dancing to tunes spun by a DJ. This cruise stands out because it takes you under Tower Bridge—a prime photo opportunity—and shows you the city from a different angle.
This experience is well-suited for young adults, couples, or anyone wanting a fun night out. The reviews highlight the friendly crew, “great music, great vibes, great drinks,” and the ease of meeting people. The onboard cash bar serves drinks at your own expense, adding to the casual, carefree atmosphere. The meeting point on Front Street makes it accessible and straightforward to start your evening.
While the cruise lasts only about 90 minutes, it offers a taste of Sacramento’s nightlife with great views and music, perfect if you want to combine a river cruise with other activities afterward.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a lively yet brief cruise with good music and city views, this is a practical and fun choice.
4. Sacramento New Year’s Eve Rock the Yacht Cruise
For those planning a longer celebration, the Sacramento New Year’s Eve Rock the Yacht Cruise offers a 2-hour journey to welcome 2024. While it currently has no reviews, its extended duration means more time to soak in the fireworks, dance, and enjoy the festive atmosphere on the Sacramento River. Priced at $96, it’s slightly more expensive but provides ample time to celebrate the new year in style.
This cruise emphasizes scenic views and a lively downtown backdrop, making it a good pick for those wanting to avoid the crowded land-based parties. The cruise’s itinerary promises stunning Sacramento vistas, with a focus on a unique, water-bound countdown to midnight. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer a more relaxed, extended experience with plenty of opportunities for photos and socializing.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a longer, less hurried New Year’s Eve celebration on the water—worth considering if you’re in Sacramento during the holiday season.
How to Choose the Best Sailing Experience in Sacramento
When selecting the right boat tour, consider your priorities: budget, duration, atmosphere, and special occasions. For lively partying with friends, the City Cruises Rock The Yacht River Cruise offers great value and a party vibe. If your goal is to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the holiday cruises or the extended New Year’s Eve cruise provide a festive, scenic setting.
Those who prefer a shorter, music-filled evening with scenic views under Tower Bridge will find the Cocktail Cruise to be a good fit, especially if you want to combine it with other downtown activities.
Booking early is smart, particularly for holiday cruises, as they tend to sell out fast. Think about the kind of experience you want—whether a quick, energetic party or a longer, leisurely celebration—and match that with your budget and schedule.
To sum it up, Sacramento’s river cruises offer a variety of ways to enjoy the city from the water. For a lively party, the City Cruises Rock The Yacht River Cruise is hard to beat. For celebrating special occasions or the New Year, the holiday and extended cruises provide memorable moments with stunning views. Whatever your style, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these unique sailing experiences in Sacramento.