Travelers' Choice
Best of the Best Things to Do
Sailing & Day Cruises - World
We award Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best to experiences and attractions with a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from our community over a 12-month period. Each winner has passed our rigorous trust and safety standards. Fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in travel. Congrats to all of the 2023 winners and a big thanks to the travelers who made it possible.
Below are the 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Sailing Experiences and Day Cruises that will take you off dry land and onto open water.
01.
Get as close as possible to Niagara Falls on this escape to one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders. Feel the powerful rush of the falls from the Prospect Point Observation Tower, overlooking the American falls. Take a journey to the edge of the rushing water — by boat on the Maid of the Mist and by land on the Cave of the Winds walking adventure.
Quick facts
Duration: 4h 30m
Ages 0-99, max of 9 per group
02.
3,239 reviews
See the sights of Amsterdam from a luxury canal boat on a cruise from central Amsterdam. Choose the departure point that is most convenient for you, and board either in front of the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, or Amsterdam Central Station. Aboard an electric boat, you’ll see the sights of the city in an eco-friendly way, passing along the smaller canals that the large boats can’t access. A local skipper and host provide commentary about the sights as you cruise.
Quick facts
Duration: 1h
Ages 3-99, max of 15 per group
03.
1,751 reviews
Highlights with Cozy Bay Premium 5 Star Cruise - Halong Full-Day Trip: - Limousine bus 2 ways by expressway. - 5 star cruise with the super good price as 3 star cruise. - Buffet lunch with more 30 dishes. - The romantic sunset party with Red wine, tea, cakes, shrimp Chips, fresh fruits. - All included: Cave, Titop island, kayaking/bamboo boat.
Quick facts
11–12 hours
Ages 1-80, max of 15 per group
04.
4,965 reviews
Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
Quick facts
Duration: 1h 15m
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
05.
3,308 reviews
Avoid the crowds that flock to the Blue Cave by booking a small-group tour to the popular destination. The boat’s crew is dedicated to creating an intimate trip and utilizes alternate routes and less-common departure times to ensure you have a less-crowded experience. Plus, while some trips take all day, this efficient tour is offered in both the morning and afternoon so it is easier to fit into your schedule.
Quick facts
Duration: 4h
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
06.
514 reviews
Enjoy a tourist cruise and beautiful views of the Seine (Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, Pont Alexandre 3, New Bridge, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris Plage ...) Excellent as a surprise gift to celebrate a birthday or outing with friends. Admire the city of love and lights from the water on this Paris cruise. Embark down the Seine, one of the longest rivers in France, and take in Paris’ sights on the riverside, such as the iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Hop on board the boat and get comfortable before taking off from Port Javel Bas ( in Paris city). Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks on board to fully enjoy your trip. Pets are also welcome. First, you’ll cruise in front of the Statue of Liberty monument, followed by the Eiffel Tower, the Alexander III Bridge, the Orsay Museum, and the Louvre. The boat will pass under the historic Pont Neuf, Europe's oldest stone bridge and the first bridge in Paris. Just beyond it, you will have a unique view of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Paris Plages, a famous artificial beach located along the Seine. After your scenic cruise around Paris, return to the Port of Javel Bas. Private aluminum boat with 6 seats (driver + 5 passengers) with 6 comfortable seats and stable boat, with best prices in Paris. Purchase of tickets from 1 to 3 at 114 € per person = shared tours (sometimes there is a private cruise) A private boat for your exclusive use is 1 to 5 tickets (Use Private Tour option - price €379). Please download the "Google maps aplication" and open the link I am sending you in message. This is the correct location for our trip. Please use only my location. Dond forgot phone with service for google maps ( for finding mitting spot). On the spot, just go to the river bank and serch your small boat. Please don't be to late. Don't forget that it's a big city where there is a problem with taxis and there are big traffic. Please arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point. In the case of a Shared Cruise, we cannot wait for latecomers (and there are no refunds and no rescheduled for latecomers - zero tollerance), as passengers who arrive on time often request that the service be performed as scheduled at the agreed. In the case of a private cruise we wait latecomers maximum of 60 minutes (of course this shortens the cruise time). If you don't show up, there is no refund. Time this tour it 100-110min. See you soon :)
Quick facts
Duration: 1h 30m
Ages 0-120, max of 5 per group
07.
2,610 reviews
Let your adrenaline levels go through the roof during a white-knuckle ride on the Thames River. Climb aboard a modern RIB (rigid-inflatable-boat) and satisfy an appetite for adventure as you soar past iconic landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye. Enrich your knowledge of English history as you listen to illuminating onboard commentary, and experience the exhilaration of super-fast speeds up to 35 miles (56 km). Enjoy an intimate atmosphere on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.
Quick facts
Duration: 50m
Ages 1-99, max of 12 per group
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08.
3,051 reviews
Every member of your party will find something to enjoy on this action-packed day cruise. The double-decker glass-bottomed catamaran will stop at two of the finest beaches on Ibiza’s west coast, Cala Bassa and Cala Conta. Swim, snorkel, paddle board, dive from the diving board, use the two on-board waterslides, and see what lies beneath the sea from the glass-bottomed viewing area.
Quick facts
Duration: 6h
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
09.
1,023 reviews
Spend three relaxing days on board one of the finest vessels in the Whitsundays, the schooner New Horizon. Spend the days scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, SUP boarding, and much more, while at night you can relax in air-conditioned comfort on a boat that sleeps 32 passengers. Meals are included, as are leisure activities and necessary equipment. An ideal adventure for couples or groups of friends.
Quick facts
Duration: 3 days
Ages 18-35, max of 10 per group
10.
794 reviews
Enjoy the blue and green waters of Bacalar's Seven Colors Lagoon on a boat tour. Join a small group and board a boat for a relaxing cruise across the lagoon, stopping at various spots to swim and soak up the warm sun. You'll quickly see why this area is called the 'Maldives of Mexico' as you explore the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.
Quick facts
Duration: 3h 30m
Ages 1-88, max of 8 per group
11.
818 reviews
Enjoy stunning, sunset views of Istanbul’s top heritage sites, all from the comfort of a luxury yacht. During this Bosphorus cruise, you’ll sail down both European and Asian sides of the renowned strait, covering highlights like 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace, imposing Rumeli Fortress, and the iconic towers of Maiden and Galata. Guided tours include complimentary refreshments, including fruit and homemade lemonade.
Quick facts
Duration: 2h 15m
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
12.
305 reviews
Explore the waters off Cozumel with a group of up to 15 people on a 39-foot catamaran with this private boat charter. Customize the itinerary to suit your interests, with help from the captain and let the crew take care of everything, including lunch, snacks and drinks. Simply relax and enjoy the views, or go snorkeling and paddleboarding in the water.
Quick facts
Duration: 6h
Ages 0-120, max of 15 per group
13.
600 reviews
Explore the Aegean island of Milos on this sailing excursion. Enjoy a small group experience that includes visits to Cape Vani, Kalogries beach, and Gerontas beach, as well as inaccessible areas like Kleftiko and Sykia. Check out caves on a dinghy, go swimming and snorkeling, and relax by the sea. Enjoy complimentary meals, snacks, drinks, access to scuba equipment, and photos via a GoPro.
Quick facts
Duration: 8h
Ages 0-99, max of 10 per group
14.
489 reviews
This private yacht tour offers a luxurious, up-close way to explore Malta’s lagoons and seaside scenery. Meet your skipper at the Kalkara Marina near the Grand Harbour and head north toward Comino. Your trip is personalized, and can include stops at the Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon, hidden sea caves, and more. Snorkel gear and stand-up paddleboards are included, and drinks and a generous barbecue meal are available on request.
Quick facts
Duration: 9h
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
15.
183 reviews
You will discover the peaceful coconut forest and be welcomed warmly by the local people here. So, book our tour and enjoy some fun activities at the village such as basket boat spinning, fishing crabs, casting the fishing net and the fisherman will show you how to paddle a basket boat. You will definitely have a fun time when you come and join us at the coconut forest.
Quick facts
Duration: 2h
Ages 0-80, max of 15 per group
16.
995 reviews
Cruise through Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes en route to the uninhabited Morris Island on this boat cruise from the Charleston area. A private boat company launches from Bowens Island for the scenic ride through an estuary rich in biodiversity before a soft landing on Morris Island. Spend free time to taking photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and looking out for birds, sea turtles, and dolphins before your return.
Quick facts
Duration: 2h 30m
Ages 0-99, max of 12 per group
17.
285 reviews
Visit Phi Phi Island and the gorgeous water and limestone karst cliffs on this boat trip which leaves from Phuket. Watch the monkeys play on the beach, check out Viking Cave and the famous Maya Bay. You can also jump in the water with the clown fish, rainbow fish, and all kinds of marine life, thriving in the crystal water. You’ll make several stops along the way here on this private tour just for you and your group.
Quick facts
6–8 hours
Ages 0-120, max of 15 per group
18.
440 reviews
Be the captain of your own sailboat with this private experience from Bacalar. Ideal for aspiring sailors, this half-day excursion includes an optional sailing class led by the crew. Or, if you prefer, take the relaxed option and admire the scenery, cenotes, and abundant birds. Stops for swimming and kayaking are included during the trip.
Quick facts
Duration: 3h
Ages 0-120, max of 5 per group
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19.
363 reviews
Enjoy stunning vistas and exotic wildlife sightings on this chartered whale watching tour by sailing boat. Keep an eye out for dolphins, pilot whales, and turtles, and admire the stunning cliffs of Los Gigantes from the open water. Tours include a swimming and snorkeling stop in a secluded coastal cove, plus wine, fresh fruit, and sandwiches.
Quick facts
Duration: 3h
Ages 0-99, max of 8 per group
20.
1,173 reviews
See Lisbon’s monuments from the water during a 2-hour cruise including wine. Board a sailboat at the harbor and relax while you take in the city views from a unique perspective. See Belém Tower, the neoclassical Ajuda National Palace, Ponte 25 de Abril (25th of April Bridge) and more. Savor this unforgettable experience while you are served Portuguese wine!
Quick facts
Duration: 2h
Ages 0-99, max of 12 per group
21.
1,117 reviews
The waters off of Georgia’s Jekyll Island are teeming with pods of bottlenose dolphins and this boat tour helps you find them. Board your cruise and set your sights on the playful creatures out in the Atlantic. Cruise through coastal waterways, salt marshes, and past wild beaches in search of dolphins as well as other wildlife like manatees, sea turtles, and sea birds.
Quick facts
Duration: 1h 30m
Ages 0-112, max of 15 per group
22.
367 reviews
This custom sightseeing tour on the Hudson River is designed for photographers and tourists alike. Travel on the same media boat that news photographers use to cover breaking stories, and view more than 40 iconic sights—including the New York City skyline—from unique vantage points. The captain’s narration provides a comprehensive overview of New York Harbor, with close-up views of landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.
Quick facts
Duration: 1h
Ages 5-99, max of 12 per group
23.
388 reviews
Take a private cruise around Dubai in a mini-yacht and take in the sights. Admire the Dubai skyline and see landmarks such as Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis the Palm Hotel, and Burj Al Arab. Stop for a dip in the warm waters and listen to your favorite songs on board with a provided stereo system. This mini-yacht is suitable for up to six passengers and is inclusive of light refreshments.
Quick facts
Duration: 2h
Ages 0-99, max of 6 per group
24.
984 reviews
The Mamanuca Islands can only be reached by boat, so take the stress out of transport planning by having everything organized for you. After a Denarau Island hotel pickup, you’ll board the boat and head to Sand Island, Monu Island, and Modriki Island. Seeing multiple islands in one day means you’ll make the most of your trip and cover more ground. Enjoy free time to swim and snorkel, and a delicious Fijian buffet lunch.
Quick facts
Duration: 8h
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
25.
508 reviews
While many travelers come to Cathedral Cove to relax on the beach, this is a marine reserve so there’s so much to see beneath the surface of the ocean. Take a look on a glass bottomed boat ride, and jump in with a snorkel if you want to get up close to the fish. Learn all about the history of this important area while relaxing and enjoying the views of the rock formations and pinnacles.
Quick facts
Duration: 2h
Ages 0-100, max of 14 per group
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