The 2 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in Memphis
Memphis’s charm isn’t just in its legendary music and soul food — it’s also in its spectacular riverfront setting along the Mississippi. Taking a boat cruise here offers a unique view of the city’s skyline, historic sites, and the mighty river itself. With options ranging from guided combo tours to flexible city explorations with optional riverboat add-ons, Memphis offers memorable ways to see this city from the water and land alike. Whether you’re seeking a full-day experience or a quick overview, these two tours stand out for their quality and value.
Quick Overview
Our list features two standout Memphis cruises and boat tours. The first, a guided Memphis city tour combined with a Mississippi River paddlewheeler cruise, offers a guided exploration of Memphis’s top landmarks plus a scenic river trip. It’s perfect for those wanting a structured, all-in-one experience with hotel pickup.
The second, the Memphis City Tour with optional riverboat cruise and Sun Studio add-ons, provides a flexible, narrated sightseeing experience with the option to upgrade for river and musical history highlights. You can customize this tour based on your interests and schedule.
1. Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise
At number 1, this combo tour blends downtown sightseeing with a scenic paddlewheel cruise along the Mississippi River. For around $85 per person, you get approximately 6.5 hours of guided adventure, which is quite a good deal considering the time and experiences included. The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, making it convenient and hassle-free. Your professional guide will take you to major Memphis landmarks including Beale Street, Victorian Village, and the Lorraine Hotel, site of MLK’s assassination — all narrated with humor and insight.
The highlight is the Isle Queen paddlewheeler cruise, where you’ll enjoy three decks of views on the Mississippi. It’s a chance to relax, learn about the river’s significance, and soak in the Memphis skyline. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the smooth logistics, with one calling it “a fantastic balance of city highlights and river scenery.” The cruise itself often features snacks and drinks available on board, adding comfort to your voyage.
This tour suits travelers who want an engaging, all-in-one experience with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it ideal for first-timers or those short on time. The combination of guided touring and a river cruise offers great value at just over $12 an hour of total experience.
Bottom line: A well-rounded tour that combines Memphis’s cultural and scenic treasures, perfect for visitors wanting a comprehensive day from knowledgeable guides and a relaxing river cruise.
2. Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options
Coming in at number 2, this more flexible and customizable tour is a favorite for its wide-ranging options and extensive reviews. Starting at $45 per person, the tour duration varies from about 2 to 7 hours, allowing you to tailor your experience. Your friendly guide will take you through Memphis’s most notable sights, including the Memphis Pyramid — now a Bass Pro Shops megastore with shops, restaurants, and even a bowling alley. You’ll also see the Lorraine Motel, where MLK was assassinated, and pass by Beale Street and Victorian homes.
The tour also features a stopping point at Schwab, a historic general store, as well as the Peabody Hotel, famous for its ducks’ daily march. For those interested in a river experience, the tour offers the option to upgrade with a riverboat cruise, which many reviewers recommend for its scenic views and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, you can add a visit to Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, for a deeper dive into Memphis music history.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a budget-friendly overview but still wish the flexibility to upgrade. The reviews highlight professional guides and praise the option to customize, making it a good pick for those with variable interests or limited time. The main drawback might be that the tour can feel rushed if you opt for the full-length experience, but the ability to pick what interests you most is a major plus.
Bottom line: An affordable, adaptable way to see Memphis’s top spots with optional river and music history add-ons, perfect for flexible schedules and budgets.
How to Choose Between These Tours
When deciding between the guided combo tour with a riverboat cruise and the flexible city tour with optional upgrades, consider your priorities. If you want a comprehensive, guided experience with hotel pickup and a scenic Mississippi River cruise included, the first tour is your best bet. It’s ideal for those who prefer a set itinerary and a relaxing day with informative narration.
If you prefer more flexibility, a lower starting price, or the option to add a river cruise or Sun Studio visit later, then the second tour offers the freedom to customize. It works well if you’re on a tighter budget or want to focus on specific sights like the Pyramid or the Lorraine Motel.
In either case, booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to ensure you get your preferred times and upgrades. Both tours provide authentic ways to experience Memphis’s vibrant culture and Mississippi scenery — your choice depends on how structured or flexible you want your day to be.
Final Thoughts
Memphis offers a range of cruises and boat tours that showcase its musical, cultural, and natural splendors. The guided Memphis city tour that includes a riverboat cruise ranks high for its all-in-one convenience, combining land and water in a well-paced six-and-a-half-hour adventure. On the other hand, the city tour with optional upgrades provides a more budget-friendly and customizable approach, perfect for those who want to pick-and-choose their highlights.
For a traveler seeking an immersive experience with expert narration and scenic Mississippi views, the first tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a more flexible schedule or want to explore Memphis’s music history at your own pace, the second tour offers excellent options. Either way, both tours give you a meaningful taste of Memphis’s unique character. Be sure to book early, especially if you’re visiting during busy times, to lock in your preferred experience and avoid missing out.
Enjoy your Memphis adventure — from the vibrant streets to the mighty river, there’s no better way to see it all than from the water and the road.