DISCOVER THE WILLAMETTE
Operating year-round in Portland, Oregon
PORTLAND RIVER TOURS
.png)
Explore Our Tours
_edited_edited_.jpg)
Bookings
Our signature tours are private experiences for just you and your crew — ideal for couples, families, and groups up to 6 passengers.
For larger groups of 7–18, our Pioneer vessel offers more space, heat, and an onboard restroom.
We cruise the lower Willamette River through downtown Portland, Oregon.
We’re on the water year-round — rain or shine. All boats are covered and heated, and we provide heated blankets for cooler days.
We also offer Single-Ticket Open Seating tours on select days and times if you prefer to join a scheduled cruise.
Same-day and last-minute availability is common.
Cancellation Policy
What to Bring
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
A warm jacket
Food, wine, and beer!
Enjoy Your Cruise!
Passenger Pickup Locations
If you need help locating the pickup points or have any questions prior to your tour, feel free to call or text us at 503-902-5161.
Click below to see answers to some of most commonly asked questions
Cancellation Policy
What to Bring
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
A warm jacket
Food, wine, and beer!
Enjoy Your Cruise!
The Fleet - Sweetwater
Meet Sweetwater, our custom built, fully covered, rain resistant, 23-foot tritoon powered by a Yamaha 4-stroke, 150 horsepower engine.
Cruise the Willamette in comfort and style. Our boat has three pontoons for an extremely comfortable and stable ride.
Features easy entry and exit at dock level for maximum accessibility.
During the winter months, we have heated blankets and an onboard heater.
The Fleet - The Pioneer
Meet The Pioneer — Our Flagship Willamette River Cruiser
At 35 feet long, The Pioneer is a custom-built, USCG-inspected vessel designed for all-weather comfort and unforgettable river adventures. With lounge seating, a full-size bathroom, heated cabin, and heated seats, you’ll cruise in total comfort year-round — rain or shine.
Ideal for group outings, team building, school field trips, or private events, The Pioneer accommodates up to 18 guests and opens up to the sunshine when the weather’s right.
Additional features include a covered deck, onboard sound system with Bluetooth, soft mood lighting, and easy dock-level access.
Experience Portland from the water — comfortably, stylishly, and your way.
Meet Your Head Captain
Ahoy, Mateys!
Captain Charles here, your guide to the treasures of the Willamette River! With a U.S. Coast Guard Master Merchant Mariner license, I’ve spent my life navigating everything from open seas to rivers, always driven by a passion for the water. I’m not just a captain—I'm also a surfer, Dive Master, Rescue Diver, and an FAA-licensed seaplane pilot. If it involves water, air, or a little bit of adventure, I’m in!
Since arriving in Oregon in 1990, the Willamette River has been my backyard, and now, living in one of Portland’s historic floating homes, it’s truly become my front yard too! My love for this river runs deep, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than sharing its stunning sights and stories with my guests. From river lore to hidden views and secret wildlife spots, I’ll make sure this journey is one you won’t forget.
Hop aboard and let’s explore! I can’t wait to show you the Willamette through the eyes of someone who calls it home.
Meet Captain Steve
Meet Captain Steve Cridland—a seasoned river guide, storyteller, and your passport to the wonders of the Willamette! With over 30 years navigating the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Captain Steve knows every bend, bridge, and bit of history along these waters. As a USCG 100-ton Master Captain and a retired freelance photographer, he brings both a sharp eye and a unique perspective to every tour, capturing the river’s essence through vivid stories and a dash of humor.
Captain Steve’s tours are more than just a scenic cruise; they’re a journey through time. From tales of old Portland legends to stories of colorful river characters, he blends history with just the right amount of embellishment to keep you riveted. Whether you’re a local or a visitor from afar, he loves getting to know his passengers, sharing laughs, and creating unforgettable memories.
Hop aboard with Captain Steve, and get ready to see the Willamette in a whole new light!
Meet Captain Nate
Captain Nate Hoffman here—ready to guide you on an unforgettable adventure down the beautiful Willamette River!
Now, after 34 years in Portland, I’ve fallen in love with the hidden gems of the Willamette River. The city’s rich history and breathtaking river views blend perfectly with my love for sharing a good story and a great adventure. Whether it’s an old Portland tale, fascinating river facts, or even a few boating tips, I promise you’ll leave with something new—and a lot of laughs!
So, hop aboard, and let’s make some memories! Call me Captain, or just Nate—either way, you’re in for a journey that’s anything but ordinary!
Meet Captain Dominic
Captain Dominic brings a lifelong love of the water—and serious professional credentials—to every Portland River Tours experience. Raised along the emerald waters of Panama City, Florida, Dominic spent his summers captaining boats on the Gulf of Mexico, towing parasail guests high above the shoreline and living a true ocean-first lifestyle. When he wasn’t at the helm, he was spearfishing, surfing, or chasing sunsets — a beach bum at heart with deep respect for the sea.
Dominic is a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed Master Captain, certified for Inland, Near Coastal, and Open Ocean waters, bringing a high level of experience, safety, and confidence to every tour. His calm presence and professional seamanship allow guests to relax and fully enjoy the journey.
Recently relocated to Oregon for love, Dominic has quickly fallen for the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From misty mornings on the Willamette River to snow-covered peaks in the Cascades, he’s embraced his new home with the same enthusiasm he brought to the Gulf Coast.
A huge fan of nature and wildlife, Dominic has a keen eye for spotting birds and river life, and he loves sharing those moments with guests. When he’s not on the water, he’s a dedicated snowboarder — a passion that was hard to satisfy in Florida. Now, with Mount Hood nearby, Dominic enjoys snowboarding nearly year-round before returning to the river to show guests around his new home on the Willamette.
Friendly, grounded, and endlessly curious, Captain Dominic blends coastal confidence with Pacific Northwest wonder — making every tour relaxed, informative, and genuinely memorable.
Meet Stephen Gettel
Native Oregonian Captain Stephen Spicy Gettel has fished Pacific Northwest waters for over 50 years. From coastal streams to the Columbia River and Tillamook Bay, Spicy knows these waterways intimately. As a USCG Licensed Captain and an OSMB Outfitter/Guide, he brings a technical edge to every trip. He tracks the Willamette River intentionally, as a fisherman, which ensures a well-planned journey, offering guests the peace of mind that comes from being with a true expert who understands the river as a living system.
Stephen’s unique background as a Master Craftsman and Sculptor adds a creative layer to his maritime expertise. After 25 years in manufacturing and reverse engineering, he brings a sharp eye for detail and a problem solving mindset to the helm. This ingenuity is backed by 20 years of wilderness survival experience and Red Cross safety certifications. Whether he is explaining the mechanics of a historic bridge or spotting local wildlife, Spicy ensures his passengers are in the most secure and capable hands on the Willamette.
Having spent decades in the industrial world, Spicy understands the importance of leaving the daily grind at the dock. He believes the water is the ultimate place for people to unplug and reconnect with one another. His goal is to provide a space where work and stress can easily melt away, replaced by the natural beauty of Portland while learning about our history and hopefully having a few good laughs too. Join Captain Spicy for an authentic Oregon experience that blends technical skill with the relaxed spirit of a lifelong Willamette River man.
Meet Captain Ali
Captain Ali Westmoreland is a true waterwoman at heart! Growing up on the sunny beaches of California, she developed a deep love for the water early on. Now, she calls Oregon home, where she navigates the Willamette and Columbia Rivers with ease.
As a licensed boat captain and dive master, Ali specializes in floating homes and nature excursions, offering a unique perspective on Portland’s vibrant river life. She’s also a gifted storyteller, bringing the history, wildlife, and charm of the river to life for her guests. Whether she’s guiding future floating homeowners or sharing the natural beauty of the waterways, Ali’s passion and deep connection to the river make every tour an unforgettable experience.
When Ali is not captaining the boat, she is an expert Floating Home real estate sales professional. With extensive knowledge of Floating Homes and the Portland real estate market, she helps buyers and sellers navigate this unique lifestyle. You can check her out at floatinghomesforsale.com. Feel free to reach out to Ali if you have any questions!
Join Captain Ali for a one-of-a-kind journey—you’ll see the river through her eyes and fall in love with its magic!
Book a Custom Tour
Experience the Ultimate Custom Boat Tour on the Willamette!
Looking for an unforgettable adventure on the water? We offer fully customizable boat tours designed to fit any occasion—whether it’s an intimate outing for two or a lively celebration for up to 18 guests.
From bachelor and bachelorette parties to school field trips, historical tours, bridge sightseeing, and private events, we provide a seamless and exciting experience. Our US Coast Guard-inspected vessel, paired with a professional captain and knowledgeable tour guides, ensures safety, comfort, and an engaging journey.
Enjoy the best views, the most exciting explorations, and the best prices on the Willamette. Book your adventure today!
We have same-day and last-minute tours available! We are always on the water, rain or shine! Our boat is fully covered and heated.
Please call or text for a quick quote!
503-902-5161
Our Cruising Destinations
See Portland from the water! From historic bridges and urban architecture to wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic nature — there’s a tour for every style and season.
Choose from our signature routes such as:
• Willamette Falls — the NW’s “Niagara”
• Twelve Historic Portland Bridges
• Sunset & City Lights
• Nature & Wildlife
Eagles, Sea Lions, Waterfalls, Beautiful Portland Bridges! Together, we will explore all of the incredible sights and sounds in and around the beautiful waterways of Portland!
Celebrate a birthday, engagement, wedding, or just a sunny afternoon on the river — it’s always a great time on the water!
Stacey Meade
05/19/2025
Went out on 9 PM sunset tour. Captain Charles was amazing! He was accommodating, knowledgeable, interesting, and invested in our experience! I highly recommend!!! Thank you for a great time!
S Cardwell
05/11/2025
This was such a fun experience! I took my family (kids 6 and 9) on the wildlife tour with captain Charles and captain Nate. We learned a lot about history, geology, and wildlife, and saw so many birds and animals (eagles, goslings, a beaver, and so much more) Charles and Nate were so fun and knowledgeable, I would highly recommend this trip for locals and travelers alike. It was easy to get to, very comfortable and everything ran smoothly and on time. We’ll be booking another one soon ⚓️
Already cruised with us?
Tell us what you loved! Your review means the world to us and helps others discover the experience. Drop us a quick note—we appreciate you!
Tripadvisor
Search flights, hotels, & rental cars.
Compare flights on 100s of sites on KAYAK.
