11 Cruises & Boat Tours Worth the Saddle Time

1.Chincoteague’s Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 662 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75Our pick

Join Captain Mike of Up the Bay Pony Tours for a two-hour boat trip around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. With no more than six people aboard, you’ll search for wild ponies, dolphins, eagles, pelicans, and other wildlife while learning island stories from a local captain.

“Went on the sunset tour and saw ponies up close as well as dolphins. Mike knows the horses by name and shared fun backstories about the ponies. Bring a pair or binoculars in case the ponies are far off in the distance. Highly recommend!”

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2.Wild Pony Watching Boat Tour from Chincoteague to Assateague

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 367 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Cruise from Chincoteague along Assateague Island and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge with captains such as Shane and Lefty. Expect a 90-minute narrated ride, open-water views, local stories, and a good chance of seeing ponies, dolphins, eagles, and shorebirds, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Cap’n Shane was knowledgeable and friendly. We saw dolphins, ponies, and eagles. Well done. . . And thank you.”

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3.Myrtle Beach to Charleston with Horse & Carriage Ride, Harbor Cruise, Boone Hall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 261 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $215

Spend 10.5 hours traveling from Myrtle Beach to Charleston by motor coach. Ride through historic streets by horse-drawn carriage, browse City Market, eat lunch aboard the Carolina Belle, and tour Boone Hall Plantation. Guides may include Brian, Wendy, Joe, Jeff, or Hunter.

“Long day but carriage ride was great..box lunch was good harbor cruise great Narration and the plantation was gorgeous and house tour very good”

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4.La Grande Motte: Camargue Sunset Catamaran Tour with a Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 259 reviews · from $51

Set sail from La Grande Motte’s Charles-de-Gaulle quay at 7:30 p.m. for a two-hour Camargue sunset cruise. You’ll relax on catamaran sunbeds, enjoy one cocktail or soft drink with tapenade, and return past La Grande Motte after dark. The host speaks French.

“The boat ride was awesome, the team was super friendly and welcoming, and everyone was smiling We had a great time, we recommend it”

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5.Horseback riding and ATV or Buggy with Party Boat with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 225 reviews · from $125

Spend about eight hours combining a short horseback ride, ATV or buggy trails, an organic farm, a 25-foot water cave, Macao Beach, snorkeling, a natural pool, and a party boat. Guide Vladimir has accompanied guests throughout the day. Pickup and a mobile ticket are included.

“Vladimir was a great tour guide. He stayed with us during the duration of the excursion. It started with them picking us up from our hotel right on time, then taking us to the ATVs. Definitely bring clothing that you don't mind throwing away bRead more”

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6.Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Pony, Trap & Traditional Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 188 reviews · from $153

Start at Ross Castle, transfer to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, and ride a traditional pony and trap through the Gap of Dunloe. After a stop at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, cross Killarney’s three lakes by open boat with local guides such as Rory, Patsy, or Donal.

“The family business has operated this type of tour for over 250 years. Great experience with local guides and local history. Horse carriage and boat ride were excellent. You get a real sense of the land and the people with this outdoor activity.”

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7.Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 151 reviews · from $134

You’ll cruise 45 minutes across Lake Whakatipu, meet your horse and English-speaking guide at Walter Peak, then ride 40 to 45 minutes through rolling farmland to a lake lookout. The gentle trek suits first-time riders, with tea, scones, and muffins served afterward.

“Spectacular place, guide was awesome. All around a good time”

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8.Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 101 reviews · from $142

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, enjoy scones and tea, then ride for about 40 minutes with a small group of up to six. Guides such as Matt, Paddy, Tegan, and Benny may lead the trek.

“I was very disappointed with the Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise. I followed the staff member holding the horse trek sign along with a large group of people, but the sign was removed without any clear instruction. I later realised I was in thRead more”

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9.Dhow Cruise Dubai with Buffet Dinner, Dance & Horse Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · from $40Best value

Spend about two hours on Dubai Creek aboard a traditional wooden dhow, with a vegetarian and nonvegetarian buffet, drinks, music, dance, and a horse show. Choose the upper deck for open-air views or the lower deck for a more sheltered meal. Pickup is available with selected options.

“The views were unbelievable! The host went above and beyond to ensure everything was on point! Excellent food, amazing shows, great atmosphere! Would highly recommend”

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10.Moab: 3-Hour Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 81 reviews · from $150

You’ll ride a covered jet boat 32 miles down the Colorado River from Moab, with stops for petroglyphs, arches, Intrepid Potash, Dead Horse Point, and Thelma and Louise Point. English-speaking guides such as Rory and Richard add local stories, jokes, and river knowledge during this three-hour trip.

“Great 3 hour tour. I learned a lot of interesting facts. Our Guide was great!”

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11.Private Discovery of the Camargue by Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $106

Set sail from Le Grau-du-Roi for six quiet hours on the Gulf of Aigues-Mortes. With a maximum of six people, you’ll see Camargue beaches, La Grande-Motte, Sète, Mont Saint-Clair, and perhaps dolphins. Captain Georges or Swan handles the boat, and snorkeling gear is provided.

“Notre capitaine, Georges, nous a partagé son expérience et ses connaissances. Il est pédagogue et a eu la patience de répondre aux milliers de questions de notre fils de 10 ans. Nous avons passé un moment agréable et ensoleillé. Les courageux se sont baignés. Nous recommandons et réitérerons l'expérience 😊”

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