Riga is a city that comes alive from the water. Its Daugava River, bustling Canal, and historic harbor offer a perfect backdrop for cruise and boat tours. Whether you want a quick sightseeing trip, a private luxury experience, or a sunset cruise to end your day, Riga’s boat tours deliver views you can’t get from land. I personally enjoy options like the Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat, which combines a relaxing ride with sights like the Freedom Monument and the Latvian National Theatre—all in just an hour. The variety here means there’s something for every budget and interest, from quick photo ops to luxurious private cruises.
One thing that stands out about Riga’s boat tours is their flexibility—many tours offer tickets you can use at your convenience, making it easier to fit into your schedule. Plus, the combination of water views and city sights makes these tours a refreshing way to experience Riga beyond the crowded streets. They’re especially appealing after a day walking through the Old Town or exploring the markets. Whether you’re after a simple scenic ride or an immersive experience with Latvian flavors, Riga’s water tours are a great way to see the city from a new angle.
1. Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat
This 1-hour cruise along the Daugava River and Riga City Canal is a favorite for its relaxed pace and scenic views. The boat is eco-friendly, and the route takes you past landmarks like the Freedom Monument and the Latvian National Theatre. This tour is perfect if you’re short on time but want a thorough introduction to Riga’s core sights from the water.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility—tickets can be used when it suits you, which is handy if your plans shift. The ride winds through leafy parks and under bridges, offering a different perspective on the city’s historic center. Although there’s no guide on board, a recorded commentary in English offers enough context to enhance your experience. Reviewers love how relaxing and scenic it is, describing it as a “pleasant and relaxing diversion” after a day of touring.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a short, scenic, and eco-friendly experience that captures the essence of Riga from the water. It’s especially good for those who appreciate flexibility and a quiet, contemplative ride.
2. Riga: Canal and Daugava River Boat Tour with Welcome Drink
For those wanting a more social experience, this 50-minute tour includes a friendly welcome drink—choices like beer, prosecco, or water. It’s a casual way to see Riga’s waterways while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere onboard.
The route covers the Riga Canal and the Daugava River, passing sights like the Freedom Monument, the Latvian National Opera, and Riga Castle. The audio guide is played through speakers, making it easy to follow along without needing headphones. Reviewers mention how inexpensive and enjoyable this tour is, with many noting the free drink as a real bonus. Some mention the boat’s age and noise, but most find it a charming and budget-friendly way to see the city from the water.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you want a quick, affordable cruise with a social vibe and some drinks included. It’s perfect for travelers on a budget or those looking for a casual, friendly outing.
3. Riga: Private Boat Tour City Canal and Daugava River
This private tour offers a luxurious and personalized way to experience Riga by water. Using a stylish cabrio boat, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city in comfort. The experienced local captain shares stories and insights about Riga, making this a more intimate experience.
The tour covers key sights like the Freedom Monument, Latvian National Opera, and Riga Castle, but with the added benefit of customizing the route to your preferences. Many reviews highlight how this private experience creates a memorable, relaxed atmosphere—ideal for couples or small groups wanting something special. The boat’s design ensures comfortable seating and unobstructed views, making your photos truly stand out. It’s priced affordably considering the level of exclusivity, and many mention how friendly and helpful the captain is.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples, families, or small groups seeking a private, comfortable, and personalized way to enjoy Riga from the water. The intimacy and flexibility make it a top choice for special occasions.
4. Riga: Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink
This 50-minute evening cruise is perfect for unwinding and soaking in the glowing skyline of Riga at sunset. The boat departs from the same location as other tours and offers views of landmarks like the Stone Bridge and Riga Castle.
What sets this tour apart is its romantic atmosphere—a welcome drink (including options like beer and prosecco) adds to the experience. The audio guide provides commentary on the sights as the city lights up around you. Reviewers speak highly of the friendly crew and the peaceful ride, especially during the golden hour when the city’s architecture is bathed in warm light.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or anyone seeking a romantic, relaxed way to end the day. It’s a good value for a scenic sunset experience with drinks and beautiful views.
5. Riga: Riga Canal and Daugava River Sunset Boat Cruise
This 66-minute sunset cruise offers a slightly longer and more immersive experience, focusing on capturing Riga’s magical evening ambiance. It’s the perfect way to see the city’s landmarks like the Latvian National Opera and the Freedom Monument with a backdrop of the setting sun.
Guests rave about how beautiful the sunset makes the city look from the water and appreciate the relaxed atmosphere. The audioguide or ambient music options enhance the mood, and the route takes in both the canal and river, giving a comprehensive view of Riga’s waterway architecture.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a longer, more atmospheric experience, especially those interested in photography or a romantic evening.
6. Riga: Private Evening or Sunset Boat Tour
This private option lets you choose between an evening or sunset ride, lasting between 50 minutes and 2 hours. It’s perfect if you want a customized experience, with the chance to explore different parts of Riga’s waterway system at your preferred time.
Most reviews emphasize the personalized service and flexibility. The route includes sights like Riga Castle and the Freedom Monument, but with the option to tailor your journey. The private setting makes it a great choice for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a quiet, intimate outing.
Bottom Line: Best for couples or small groups looking for a flexible, private cruise that can be tailored to your schedule and interests.
7. Riga: Private Boat Tour with Sparkling Wine
This 50-minute to 2-hour private tour elevates the experience by including sparkling wine and a cozy atmosphere. It’s ideal for celebrating a special moment or just adding a bit of sparkle to your Riga visit.
The tour covers the Riga Canal and Daugava River, with optional routes that include sights like Kronvalda Park and the Freedom Monument. Guests love how romantic and festive this experience is, often praising the included champagne glasses and the friendly guide. The price per group makes it a good value for an intimate celebration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups wanting a romantic or lively celebration on the water with drinks included.
8. Riga: Private Riga Canal Boat Tour with Riga Black Balsam
This specialty private tour combines Riga Black Balsam tastings with a scenic boat ride along the canal and river. It’s a unique way to explore Riga’s flavors while enjoying the sights from the water.
The expert guides share insights about this traditional Latvian herbal liqueur, and you get to taste different types during the cruise. The boat is comfortable, and the experience is highly rated for its combination of local culture and scenic views. Reviewers mention how fun it is to learn about Latvian drinks in such a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A great pick for those interested in local Latvian flavors, especially if you want a mix of sightseeing and cultural tasting.
9. Riga: Canal and River Daugava Sightseeing Cruise
This spacious and comfortable sightseeing cruise departs every 30 minutes, making it easy to hop on whenever suits your schedule. The GPS audio guide provides detailed commentary on landmarks like Riga Castle and the TV Tower.
The route covers both the canal and the Daugava River, giving a wide perspective on Riga’s waterways. Many reviews highlight how well-organized and communicative the support is, plus the flexibility to use tickets over 15 days. The ship’s comfort and the clear audio make it a standout for travelers seeking a detailed and flexible water tour.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who want a comfortable, detailed, and flexible sightseeing cruise, ideal for families and larger groups.
10. Riga: Private VIP Boat Tour on the Daugava River
This luxury private tour offers a VIP experience on the Daugava River. The oldest boat in Latvia, built in 1927, adds a touch of history and exclusivity. The 1-2 hour ride is perfect for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a quiet, elegant cruise.
Guests rave about the personalized service and the beautiful views. It’s a more exclusive experience, suited for those seeking privacy and a touch of class. The tour’s flexible duration and private setting make it a memorable way to see Riga from the water.
Bottom Line: Best for those celebrating a special event or wanting a high-end, private experience with historical charm.
11. Riga: Private Riga Canal Boat Tour with Latvian Beer
Finally, this one-hour private boat combines local Latvian beers with scenic views of Riga’s canal and river. It’s a fun and tasty way to learn about Latvian culture while enjoying a relaxing cruise.
Many reviews note how friendly the guide is and how enjoyable the beer tasting adds to the experience. It’s a lively option for small groups or couples who want a laid-back, social adventure with local flavors.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for beer lovers and those wanting a relaxed, fun, and cultural experience on the water.
How to Choose the Best Cruise or Boat Tour in Riga
Selecting the right water experience depends on your interests and schedule. If you want a quick overview of Riga’s main sights, the Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat offers a balanced, scenic ride. For a more personalized and luxurious outing, consider the Private Boat Tour City Canal and Daugava River. Those interested in local flavors should try the Riga Private Riga Canal Boat Tour with Riga Black Balsam, which combines sightseeing with Latvian tastings.
Budget travelers will find value in the Canal and Daugava River Boat Tour with Welcome Drink, while sunset and evening cruises like the Riga: Evening or Sunset Boat Tour are perfect for romantic evenings. If you’re celebrating or seeking a more exclusive experience, look at private options such as the VIP boat tour.
Booking early is advisable during peak season (May to September) since these water tours fill up quickly, especially private and sunset cruises. Consider your interest in local culture, budget, and how long you want to spend on the water to pick the best fit.
Riga has a broad array of boat tours that let you see the city from a new angle. Whether you opt for a quick scenic ride, a private luxury cruise, or a flavorful Latvian experience on the water, each offers a unique way to appreciate Latvia’s capital. Think about your schedule, your budget, and what experience excites you most—then go ahead and book early to ensure your spot in Riga’s waters.