Getting on a boat can be a remarkable way to see the world, whether on a two-week cruise or an hour-long boat tour. From the canals of Venice to the waters of the Amazon, we urge you to add one of these to your next travel itinerary!
Venetian Gondola Ride – Italy
No trip to Venice is complete without a characteristic ride on a gondola. While wandering the Venetian streets and getting lost in the alleyways is lots of fun, a gondola ride is a great opportunity to get up close with beautiful Baroque buildings and sail under ancient bridges.
Bangkok Floating Market – Thailand
This boat tour at Damnoen Saduak is an amazing experience where you can float and eat all at once! These boat rides will take you through the floating markets where you can purchase drinks, fruits, vegetables or fresh breakfasts cooked right in front of you. If Damnoen Saduak is too crowded, try heading to Amphawa.
Rhine River Cruise – Germany
If you’re in Germany, a boat cruise is a must to make the most of the Rhine region, with destinations including Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz, Cochem and Bingen. Stunning valley scenery here makes the trip worthwhile, as does the chance to glimpse medieval castles and towns.
Yangtze River Cruise – China
From the Three Gorges to White Emperor City to the Fengdu Ghost City, a boat trip on the Yangtze is a wonderfully cultural experience. A combination of magnificent scenery, ancient temples and bustling cities all make up this cruise, and there are plenty of chances to get off the boat and explore. Allow 2-4 nights for this boat tour to see the major sights.
Amazon River Tour – Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil
The Amazon is the second-longest river in the world (after the Nile) and amazingly, it does not have any bridges. Passing through multiple countries and destinations means there are dozens of boat tours on the Amazon. Wildlife spotting is popular on these trips (you can see monkeys, sloths, dolphins, macaws, jaguars and piranhas), as is heading into the jungle to visit local villages.
Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour – USA
Alaska’s Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most beautiful in the world – and a daytime boat tour here (they usually range between 4-8 hours) is highly recommended. You’ll get to see spectacular glaciers as well as spot wildlife like whales, seals and walruses. To make the most of the trip, book a cruise that offers meals on board.