Milwaukee Boat And Kayak Tour Guides

Guides here cover picking a tour or rental, places to paddle and cruise, itineraries, and planning by season and budget. Ratings, operators and inclusions come from the live listings.

Choosing A Tour

Downtown Milwaukee skyline rising above the Milwaukee River at dusk

Tours

Tour Prices

What every Milwaukee river and lake option really costs, from $18 dock paddling to pontoon charters.

Private charter boat cruising the Milwaukee River past downtown buildings on a calm evening

Tours

Private Charters

Vessels, capacities, catering and quotes for private boat charters on the Milwaukee River.

Milwaukee harbor breakwater with the downtown skyline across Lake Michigan water

Tours

Lake Michigan Tours

What the lake portion adds to a Milwaukee boat trip, and when the water is warmest.

Kayaks floating on the Milwaukee River beside downtown buildings on a bright afternoon

Tours

Tour Decision Guide

Match your group to the right Milwaukee boat tour: couples, families, history fans and parties.

A calm stretch of the Milwaukee River with downtown buildings and bridges above the water

Tours

Tours With Kids

All-ages cruises, child ticket prices and family paddling options on the Milwaukee River.

Kayaks resting on a wooden dock beside the Milwaukee River with downtown buildings behind them

Tours

Kayak The River

Rentals, launches, bridge etiquette, and route ideas for paddling downtown Milwaukee.

Downtown Milwaukee skyline reflected in the calm Milwaukee River at golden hour

Tours

On The Water

Cruises, paddles, rentals and lakefront events, compared in one place.

Places And Itineraries

Downtown Milwaukee riverfront docks along the Milwaukee River on a calm morning

Places

Docks And Parking

Every Milwaukee boat tour dock, the best nearby lots, and how early to arrive.

Riverwalk path along the Milwaukee River with downtown buildings reflected in the water

Places

Riverwalk Guide

The full 3.1-mile Milwaukee Riverwalk route, section by section, with docks and boat options.

Milwaukee River and downtown skyline seen from the water at midday

Places

One Day In Milwaukee

Sample one-day Milwaukee itineraries that slot a river paddle or cruise between the Riverwalk, the market and the evening waterfront.

Brewery buildings along the Milwaukee River with the Riverwalk in the foreground

Places

Breweries And Boats

Pair Riverwalk breweries and the Brew City Trail with a kayak, donut boat or cruise on the Milwaukee River.

Red brick warehouse buildings along the Milwaukee River with a riverside walkway and boats at dock

Places

Historic Third Ward

Warehouses, the public market and Riverwalk tables, minutes from the docks.

Planning, Seasons And Budget

Downtown Milwaukee skyline reflected in the Milwaukee River on a calm summer evening

Planning

Season And Schedule

Months, days and departure times for Milwaukee boat tours, May to October.

Calm Milwaukee River at golden hour with downtown buildings reflected in the water

Planning

Best Time To Go

Month, day, and hour: when Milwaukee's river season is at its best.

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