riverboat dinner cruise chattanooga tn

Riverboat Cruises

Chattanooga is a city that prides itself on its river. Only a short trip from downtown, the Tennessee River Gorge is one of the most biologically diverse areas of the country. Over 200 bird species call the gorge home, nesting in the 27,000 acres of virtually undisturbed forest. And one of the best ways to see this wonder of nature is by riverboat. Conveniently, there's plenty of options for rolling on the river. 

For an educational adventure on the Tennessee River, check out Southeastern Adventure Tours . Explore the Tennessee River gorge on an inflatable rafts that are propelled by outboard motors. Take a four hour tour through Tennessee's Grand Canyon, or extend your adventure with camping, guided nature walks, and mineral hunts.

No matter how you choose to navigate a Chattanooga riverboat vacation, chances are you’ll be singing its praises for years to come.

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Southern Belle Riverboat

Review Highlights

“ The boat trip was very nice and the weather was great, but the musician, Gary, that played the guitar and sang made the trip amazing. ” in 2 reviews

“ Over Labor Day weekend, I took my Mom on a riverboat cruise on the Southern Belle. ” in 2 reviews

“ Wine, dinner, and live music all while going down the river, definitely a great experience! ” in 10 reviews

Location & Hours

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151 Riverfront Pkwy

Chattanooga, TN 37402

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Is there a designated smoking section? I want to enjoy the cruise without the smell of smoke.

No smoking on board. No issues with smoke at all.

Recommended Reviews

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

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Overall rating

144 reviews

Everything about our sunset cruise was perfect, fed the ducks on the drawbridge walking in, spent plenty of $ at the gift shop that can only be described as A game stuff for sale, found the staff to all be very nice and engaging, enjoyed going out on the cruise with a few rum slushies and pretzel bites, the guitar player at the front of the boat was excellent music for the cruise, the weather and view was perfect, and the folks on the cruise with us were all very nice and worthy of light conversation!!!! Work this trip in and enjoy something different!

Food is disgusting and service is extremely poor. Definitely a spot to try in chattanooga, but would not return. Could be much better if more detail was focused on.

Over Labor Day weekend, I took my Mom on a riverboat cruise on the Southern Belle. It was such a delightful experience! Felt like we were in another time, sitting on the deck watching the birds fly over the river as we sipped cocktails and listened to live music. Everyone was friendly. And we got to see a beautiful sunset over the river too! A great, low price for such a high quality life experience.

Sunset from the boat deck

our river view

What a wonderful ride we had yesterday on the Southern Belle! We were lucky enough to get a nice table on the upper deck and therefore shaded from the sun. We went up the gorge and it was beautiful. We were blessed to see six bald eagles on the trip. The captain really makes the ride enjoyable. He has a great personality and shares a lot of history about the river and Tennessee. They need help when it comes to lining up to go on the boat. I think they should organize it so that all the elderly are boarding first. And help making sure the line stays organized. It was a hot mess yesterday. It reminded me of concerts in the 70's with open seating. A little scary. Again, the Captain makes the trip!!

View from the Southern Belle

Food was divided into who had paid and at what level. We paid $75 and did not get fancy charcuterie board and we got plain cheesecake while those paid more got special toppings. Band was ok. Nothing special. Didnt get to see sites of chatt at night Stayed in dining room. This is not worth the money.

Went Saturday, 5/27/2023 at 5p.m. Beautiful weather and ride. Enjoyed the facts told and the humor during the ride. The young ladies at the check in where very polite and pleasant. When leaving, the dinner/cruise that was waiting to board after we left, over crowded the check in/gift shop area. I think management should utilize the scanners they don't use to help their staff get customers checked in more efficiently. The 2 young ladies were doing a great job and their best with juggling people checking in and those trying to buying tems.

Bar and food are great Shelly is awesome loved this outing lol Shelly did an amazing job serving drinks for us. She went above and beyond anything we could have asked thanks for the great experience.

Although the boat was nice, If you do plan on going on this boat, just pay the normal price. My friend and I wanted to get seats by a window and paid $211 for that and it also included a charcuterie/cheese plate with a bottle of wine. We were told there would be live music, a 'big' cheese and meat tray and a Good time. We were escorted to our seats that already had a very sad looking charcuterie and cheese plate. Only a couple of fruits, literally planters peanuts, basically string mozzarella cheese, one slice of Gouda, and two slices of cheddar and meat that had looked as if it had been sitting out for a while. The live music was two floors up so we had no entertainment and the bottle of wine was worth 9.00$ for the bottle according to google. Again, I am sure the people who paid 39$ a piece had a MUCH better experience than us, who paid 106$ a piece. Was very disappointed.

Awesome captain, funny and informative. The PA system was shoddy but the captain included the kids in tid bits and even let them honk the horn/blow the whistle. You get a cute mini moon pie upon boarding. The views were great and you don't feel crowded. We also had a drink which was decent. We didn't try any food.

Surprise Birthday Party. We chartered the Latitude 35/Tadpole pontoon boat for a surprise party for a 2 hour cruise down the Tennessee River. The rental also includes the Tadpole, a barge attached to the riverbank, for social hour before or after the cruise. The process of booking to the cruise itself was great. The staff were all excellent and very accommodating of requests and meeting our needs. Thanks so much to our Captain, Bar Staff and sales (Joy) for a wonderful day on the river. A big thanks to Cupcake Kitchen for the wonderful birthday cakes you baked and delivered for us.

10 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Chattanooga River Cruises

See downtown chattanooga from a riverboat.

• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Sightseeing Cruise

The southern belle riverboat.

See Chattanooga from the beautiful Tennessee River. The best sightseeing tour in all of Chattanooga. All the way to Lookout Mountain, under the bridges.

Sunset Cruise

The best sunset cruise in all of Chattanooga. Since 1985 the Southern Belle Riverboat has had a simple mission: to provide a unique and spectacular experience of the beautiful city of Chattanooga.

See the Sights of the Tennessee River

Chattanooga’s location in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains along the Tennessee River makes it the perfect setting for a beautiful river cruise .

As one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country, the Tennessee River Gorge is a must-visit destination for out of town guests and locals who want to play tourist for a day. The best way to see the sights of the Tennessee River is on a Chattanooga riverboat cruise !

Cruise on a Luxury Riverboat

Chattanooga riverboats date all the way back to the 1800s when they played a key role in transporting freight and passengers to riverside towns. Today, taking a sunset dinner cruise on a Chattanooga riverboat is like stepping back in time. You’re sure to enjoy the romance and spectacle of these impressive, multi-story riverboats. Sightseeing cruises offer a unique look at downtown Chattanooga, with many opportunities to spot wildlife along the riverbank. Be on the lookout for bird species (over 200 of them!), especially bald eagles.

Reminisce on simpler times as you relax aboard a dinner cruise and take in the amazing views along the river. Multi-course dinners are a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion or just share a memorable moment with family and loved ones. Book a Chattanooga sunset cruise to watch the sun sink over the water as you admire the scenery. Whether you cruise by day or night, floating along the Tennessee River is an experience you’ll cherish for years to come.

Book your Chattanooga river cruise online today.

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Experiences make excellent gifts! Grab an E-Gift Card here for an upcoming Cruise!

Sightseeing Cruises

In chattanooga, tn.

Have you seen Chattanooga from the river? The absolute best sightseeing of the lovely city of Chattanooga is from the Southern Belle Riverboat, the only cruise ship that gives you the very best views of the city and the Tennessee River. Our sightseeing cruises show off gorgeous views that you can only experience from the Southern Belle. Book a sightseeing cruise today!

• Clock 3 hours

Fall Foliage Sightseeing Cruise

The Southern Belle Riverboat takes you on a three-hour cruise to the famous Tennessee River Gorge. See nature’s brilliant canvas of vivid fall colors.

• Clock 1.5 hours

Sights Cruise

The absolute best sightseeing of the lovely city of Chattanooga is from the Southern Belle Riverboat. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise on our open-air deck with live narration!

• Clock 2 hours

Twilight Cruise

Enjoy a two-hour cruise on our open-air deck! Grab a glass of wine or beer from concessions, kick back, and relax as we cruise down the lazy Tennessee River.

Sunset Cruise

Grab a glass of wine from the concession, kick back, and relax as we cruise down the lazy Tennessee River on a two-hour scenic tour on our open-air deck.

Chickamauga Lock Sightseeing Cruise

The Southern Belle Riverboat takes you to the Historic Chickamauga Lock System at the Chickamauga Dam, where you experience moving from one reservoir to another.

Moonlight Cruise with Live Music

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Tennessee River and live music on the third deck. The tour includes pilot house tours with our captain.

Fireworks Over the Tennessee River! (Without Meal)

The Southern Belle Riverboat takes you to the middle of the Tennessee River, where you can see the fireworks (weather permitting) right over your head!

Chattanooga River Cruises and Boat Tours

If you’re planning to spend time in the Chattanooga area, you may be interested in experiencing one of the many river cruises in the area. Chattanooga is the perfect place to enjoy a river cruise or boat tour since the Scenic City is full of natural beauty and impressive architectural creations. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing cruises or fishing expeditions, we have created a list of the best Chattanooga boat tours and river cruises in the area.

The river cruising options below include family friendly experiences, dinner cruises, and full all-inclusive packages. So, no matter what your adventure level is, you’re sure to find a Chattanooga boat tour that’s right for you! If you’re looking for fun things to do in Chattanooga, check out our full list below of the best river cruises and boat tours in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Best Boat Tours in Chattanooga

Visitors and families in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area often search for fun outdoor attractions to enjoy. From popular spots like Rock City and Ruby Falls to the Chattanooga Zoo, the Scenic City offers all kinds of amazing places to visit.

Those who are looking for more unique opportunities of things to do in Chattanooga can check the local river cruises and boat tours. These are our top picks for the best boat tours in Chattanooga:

Southern Belle Riverboat

If you have ever spent time in downtown Chattanooga, you’ve probably noticed that it’s hard to miss the gigantic Southern Belle Riverboat. Guests can climb aboard the riverboat for amazing views of the beautiful Tennessee River and of the downtown Chattanooga area. The Southern Belle Riverboat is available for private tours and events, including weddings, reunions, and birthday parties. Additionally, the Southern Belle Riverboat offers two different river cruises year-round for guests to enjoy:

• Sightseeing Cruise – The Sightseeing Cruise onboard the Southern Belle Riverboat is a narrated cruise with views of some of the most popular sights in Chattanooga. Guests can enjoy views of popular places like Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee Aquarium.
• Sunset Cruise – The Southern Belle Riverboat’s Sunset Cruise features live music and incredible views of the sunset as guests cruise along the Tennessee River in Chattanooga. This tour is roughly a 1.5-hour cruise.

If you’re visiting Chattanooga during the holidays , the Southern Belle Riverboat often features special holiday themed cruises and dinner cruises with great service. These include unique cruises for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s. In addition, if you are planning to enjoy the Chattanooga riverboat with kids, we highly recommend checking out the Christmas and Easter cruises. Guests can enjoy breakfast with Santa, a dinner boat cruise with carolers, or a meal with the Easter Bunny.

River Gorge Excursions

Chattanooga’s River Gorge Explorer is a double-decker pontoon boat tour through the TN River Gorge. The two-hour tour boasts amazing views of the scenic Tennessee River Gorge. In addition to this standard boat tour, River Gorge Excursions also offers a brunch cruise along with private tours for guests.

Furthermore, those interested in helping clean up the river to preserve the natural beauty of Chattanooga should check out River Gorge Excursions for their volunteer opportunities. Finally, if you’re looking for boat rentals in Chattanooga Tennessee, River Gorge Excursions features several pontoon boats for guests to rent and enjoy on the Tennessee River.

American Queen Voyages

If you’re interested in the full cruising experience, American Queen Voyages offers river cruises between Memphis and Chattanooga. These river cruises make several stops along the way at popular places like:

• Cape Girardeau in Missouri
• Decatur in Northern Alabama
• Nashville, TN

Guests onboard the American Queen Voyages can also visit Savannah, Tennessee to tour historical Civil War battlegrounds like Shiloh National Military Park. The American Queen Voyages are all-inclusive with meals, drinks, and transportation all included in your cruise fare.

Additionally, American Queen Voyages adds to their great guest experiences by featuring onboard live entertainment, including really talented musicians. While these river cruises are typically lengthy (a week or longer) in total duration, they are a great option for those visitors who are willing and able to invest the time and money into a truly special experience.

Chattanooga Ducks

The Chattanooga Ducks tour is an eye-opening experience into the history of the city of Chattanooga. It’s also one of the most fun boat tours in Chattanooga! We even added it to our list of the best things to do in Chattanooga with kids. Guests board the Chattanooga Ducks in the heart of Chattanooga and ride along the streets of downtown until the reach the Tennessee River.

Once the boat takes the (super fun) plunge into the water, guests can enjoy even more beautiful views of the city. This narrated boat tour is really entertaining and informative. You’ll learn all about the history behind the Walnut Street Bridge, Maclellan Island, Coolidge Park , and some of the historic homes in the Scenic City. The Chattanooga Ducks’ captains have even been known to let the kids take turns driving the duck boat while in the river.

Scenic City Fishing Charters

For those who are really wanting to get in on the action, Scenic City Fishing offers boat charters for visitors in the Tennessee River Valley. You can book a fishing expedition with one of the many boat crew members who specialize in fishing for catfish, bass, and more.  Scenic City Fishing Charters is a great option for those visitors who are interested in spending time on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga while actively participating in the fun.

Where to Stay before Your River Cruise

If you’re visiting the Chattanooga area from out of town, you may be wondering which hotels are the most conveniently located to the river cruising opportunities in our list. Since many of these Chattanooga boat tours are located in and around downtown area attractions, visitors will have no problem finding suitable accommodations nearby. We have compiled a list of our top picks for the best hotels in Chattanooga. These are our top choices:

• The Edwin Hotel Chattanooga (luxury hotel in great location)
• Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Chattanooga

Not only are the hotels above located near the Tennessee River, but they’re also close to popular entertainment options and restaurants in the Chattanooga area.

Final Thoughts on Chattanooga Boat Tours

If you’re looking for a great guest experience of Chattanooga and its surrounding area, we highly recommend trying one of the river cruises or boat tours in our list above. With spectacular views of downtown Chattanooga, the boat tours offer the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the river and the historic downtown area. On your next visit to Chattanooga Tennessee, check out one of the exciting boat tours from our list.

Whether you’re looking for a dinner cruise experience or a narrated tour of the Chattanooga area, you can find all sorts of options from our top picks in this post. Maybe you’ll even choose to experience multiple boat tours in Chattanooga. If so, you won’t be disappointed you did!

You may also like our post on the Best Beaches near Chattanooga, TN . In that post, we discuss local lakes with sandy beaches plus the closest ocean beaches to Chattanooga! So, what do you think? What is your favorite boat tour in Chattanooga? Comment below to share it with us!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise

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Southern Belle Riverboat Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

We offer a variety of Lunch & Dinner Cruises along with sightseeing-only tickets.

How to organize a Wedding Event on Cruise

Weddings onboard the “Star of Knoxville” riverboat are a most unique and distinctive choice for your wedding. We can provide complete arrangements for the most intimate of weddings to the most elaborate, accommodating anywhere from 2 to 110 for a ceremony and reception and up to 200 for a reception only. The vessel is equipped with 2 full bars, a dance floor, and band stage. The open air observation deck is ideal for an outdoor setting. Our main interior is fully air conditioned and heated, for a great dining and entertainment experience and is a perfect choice for the most important day of your life. From black tie events to very casual, the atmosphere is right for any occasion. The beautiful Tennessee River proves to be the most romantic, enchanting, and memorable atmosphere in East Tennessee. You and your guests will be mesmerized by scenery and fully entertained during any of our cruise.

Cruises for 2024 are now open for reservations

The historic tennessee river.

The Tennessee River is one of the most beautiful rivers you will ever cruise. While cruising, you will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in Knoxville. Not only will you see some of the history of the river, you will most certainly be relaxed by the river’s beauty.

Tennessee Riverboat Staff

 Blue Heaven River Tours Chattanooga

Check out all our 5 Star reviews on TripAdvisor and FaceBook and see why so many of our Guest tell us that this was their favorite thing to do in Chattanooga!

Click the Blue Book Your River Tour Button for all Prices and Tour Times!

Our Private Tour prices are based on per tour, not per person!

                            S wim, Fish, Float, Eat, Drink, Relax and Explore!

Our Private Tours were created as an affordable way to enjoy all the beauty of the Downtown Riverfront, Bluffview Art District, Adventurous rides through the Lock and to explore the gorgeous scenery of what many call the Little Grand Canyon. 

        Why Rent a Boat when you can Charter a Beautiful Cabin Yacht for Less 

No gas or insurance to buy, no crowds, no hassels!

All with the convenince of being located at the Beautiful Downtown Riverfront!  

Seating is limited to 6 passangers or less for a romantic tour for a couple or an adventurous and fun filled day for  family and friends! When you book your Private Tour you pay one price and it covers up to 6 Guest.

       We can be your one stop connection to your Ultimate Lake and River adventure! Check out all our 5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor and FaceBook to see all the wonderful pictures that show how much fun your day on the water can   be!

Located on the Downtown at 201 Riverfront Pkwy offering tours of Downtown Chattanooga, Lake Chicamaugua, Nickajack Lake and the Tennessee River Gorge!

 Call Capt. Wyn  423-320-3008   

T ake a tour to Downtown and check out all the  Beautiful Architecture of the  Bluffview Art District and the Aquarium!

 The party is on with BlueheavenrivertoursChattanooga.com and I am your designated Captain!

  Wonderful tour of under the three bridges downtown! Learn about the History of Chattanooga!

We love Aniversaries, Birthday Parties, Bridal Showers, Company Outings

and all your  Special Events!

Why Rent a Boat when you can Charter a Beautiful Cabin Yacht for Less!

No Gas or insurance to buy, no crowds, no hassles! 

 (Cabin Yacht Private Tours are perfect for couples

that want that intimate day on  the water or can   seat

up to Six Guest to accomidate your family and Friends.)

            Ask us how to accomidate Larger parties and Groups!

 Ask about adding a Paddle Board to any tour for just $50.00

Check out my Beautiful Cabin by clicking the Links at the bottom of the page! To Learn about Snorkel with the Manatee Tours visit our Florida Loacation by clicking the Link to Homosassa!

Tubing is subject to an extra charge and ranges from $25.00 per person per turn. This is due to wear and tear on the boat, gas and insurance requirements.    

 Tubing is also subject to a 200 lb maximum weight limit!

In the some cases we alow 2 children for $25.00 if they ride together and don't exceed a 200 lb weight limit. 

 Semi Private Tours may be available. Minimum Fee may apply for less then 4 guest

Everyone that visits our boat says that the pictures simply don't do it justice! 

Some of the most common comments are how nice it is to be able to enjoy a climate controlled Cabin Yacht. Other comments are that are location is simply beautiful! We are close to Chattanooga and the Downtown attrations as well as conviently located to all the wonderful restaurants and quiet coves of Lake Chickamauga as well!  When you arrive we will do everything we can to make your River and Lake Adventure the best you have ever had. We can take you from the Rolling Hills and beautiful scenery of the Lake all the way through the Lock to Downtown  & the Tennessee River Gorge!

 Our tour boat is not your average crowded  pontoon boat. It is a beautiful Cabin Yacht with Airconditioned indoor seating that is climate controlled for your comfort and is equipped with a restroom and comfortable seating for your convenience. It not only has wonderful indoor seating with so many glass windows so you can experience a panoramic view of the River and the Lake. It also has wonderful outdoor seating and a second story Flybridge and sundeck that enables you to see all the sights even better!  We look forward to having you aboard to what so many say can be an awesome experience.  We also offer Sunset tours, Fishing tours. Ask about adding a couple of Kayaks and let your family and friends take turns enjoying the full experience of being on the river. Our location and service will have you wanting to keep coming back!

Also check ot the Links below to see my Beautiful Log Cabins! Breathtaking Views!

  My Beautiful 1 Bedroom Log Cabin in the Clouds   https://www.vrbo.com/141929

Also check out the Link to find some of our favorite

Places to Eat / Places to Stay / Things to Do in Chattanooga  

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