Dog-Friendly Boat Tours and Cruises: Sail Away with Your Pup
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Dog-Friendly Boat Tours and Cruises: Sail Away with Your Pup
Nothing beats the feeling of fresh air, gentle waves, and open water—especially when you can share it with your four-legged friend! Fortunately, many boat tours, ferries, and even some luxury cruises welcome dogs aboard, allowing you and your pup to enjoy a scenic adventure together. Whether you’re looking for a quick ferry ride, a river cruise, or a full-on sailing experience, here are some of the best dog-friendly boating options across the U.S. and beyond.
⛵ Best Dog-Friendly Boat Tours in the U.S.
1. Schooner Woodwind (Annapolis, MD)
🐕 Well-behaved dogs are welcome on this gorgeous sailing tour of the Chesapeake Bay. They even have special “Dog Days of Summer” sails!
2. Mercury Canine Cruise (Chicago, IL)
🌊 A one-hour cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, designed specifically for dogs and their humans.
3. Lake Champlain Ferries (Vermont/New York)
🚢 This ferry service between Vermont and New York allows dogs to enjoy the ride on the open deck.
4. Potomac Riverboat Company’s Canine Cruise (Alexandria, VA)
🐾 A special dog-friendly cruise along the Potomac, offering beautiful views of Washington, D.C.
5. Island Queen Cruises (Miami, FL)
🌴 Small, leashed dogs are welcome on select sightseeing cruises through Biscayne Bay.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Ferry Rides
1. Staten Island Ferry (New York City, NY)
🚢 Dogs in carriers are allowed, making for an amazing (and free!) ride with views of the Statue of Liberty.
2. Washington State Ferries (WA)
🌊 Dogs are welcome on outside decks and in vehicles on these scenic ferry routes across Puget Sound.
3. Cape May-Lewes Ferry (NJ/DE)
🐕 Dogs can enjoy a breezy ride on the outdoor decks while traveling between New Jersey and Delaware.
4. Alcatraz Cruises (San Francisco, CA)
⚓ While dogs aren’t allowed on the actual island, they can ride the ferry to Alcatraz if they stay in a carrier.
5. Balboa Island Ferry (Newport Beach, CA)
🐾 This short but fun ferry ride allows leashed dogs to join their owners for a scenic trip across the bay.
🌴 Luxury & Extended Dog-Friendly Cruises
1. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 (Transatlantic Cruise)
🚢 One of the few major cruise ships that allow pets, offering a special pet kennel with playtime and a private walking deck.
2. Lewis & Clark Riverboat (Bismarck, ND)
🐕 Dogs are allowed on board this relaxing riverboat cruise along the Missouri River.
3. Key West Sunset Cruises (Key West, FL)
🌅 Several boat companies, including Lazy Dog Adventures, allow dogs on their scenic sunset sails.
4. Salty Dog Cruise (Caribbean)
🐾 A music festival at sea that welcomes well-behaved dogs on select sailings.
5. Maine Windjammer Cruises (Maine)
⛵ Some windjammer sailing tours in Maine allow dogs to experience the ocean breeze on deck.
🌊 Tips for Taking Your Dog on a Boat
✔️ Check pet policies – Always confirm in advance that dogs are allowed, as some cruises have restrictions.
✔️ Pack essentials – Bring water, a collapsible bowl, leash, waste bags, and a life jacket for your pup.
✔️ Choose calm waters – If your dog isn’t used to boats, start with a short and gentle ride.
✔️ Watch for seasickness – Some dogs can get motion sickness; ask your vet about options if needed.
✔️ Respect others – Keep your pup leashed and ensure they’re comfortable around crowds.
🐶 Set Sail with Your Pup!
From river cruises to ocean adventures, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a boating experience with your furry best friend. Whether you’re cruising through a city skyline, exploring a lake, or taking a ferry to a new destination, your pup will love feeling the wind in their fur.
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