Island hopping · CITY TOURS
Good harbour city tours sell out weeks ahead in high season and the early departures go first. Below: the 15 to book now, what each includes and how they differ.
Take a self-guided ferry trip from New Jersey to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. You’ll see Lady Liberty up close, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and Immigration Museum, and use audio guides in 12 languages. Allow four to six hours, and note that crown and pedestal access are not included.
“It was so gorgeous on top! Dont think anything needs to be improved!!”
Set out from Kaş at 9:30 am for a full day around Kekova Island. Swim at four clear-water bays, view the Sunken City from the boat, enjoy a buffet lunch and afternoon tea, then explore Simena and its castle. Captain Ergun is among the guides who may lead the trip.
“Highlights were the 4 swim stops in warm, crystal-clear turquoise water, plus the Kekova sunken city. Very well organised, beautiful boat, very clean, excellent lunch. Could have done with more time to see Simena Castle”
Leave Galway City Docks at 9:30 a.m. for Inishmore, the largest Aran Island. You have about 4.5 hours to explore by bike, bus, walking, or horse-drawn cart, then cruise past the Cliffs of Moher on the return. Expect open-sea conditions, helpful crew, and no guided island tour included.
“Great ride across the water to the Aran Islands. Be sure to book a buggy ride with Carriage Tours on Inis Mor! Great guide with fabulous stories. The view of the Cliffs of Moher from the water can’t be beat.”
Spend eight hours with Captain Ergun and his crew cruising from Kas to Kekova. Swim in clear coves, see the Sunken City from the boat, walk up to Simena Castle, and enjoy a generous onboard lunch. Bring beachwear, your own snorkel gear, and cash for the castle fee.
“Supppper nice if you wanna see some amazing swimming spots :) the lunch was 10/10”
Spend seven hours cruising from Manavgat River toward Dolphins Island Bay, with hotel pickup, lunch, swimming, sunbathing, and a live guide in English, German, or Russian. Dolphins are possible but never promised. Bring your own snorkeling gear for the clearest-water stops.
“gutes Essen, schöne Fahrt und man konnte Delfine sehen.”
Meet the English-speaking crew at Café Marina Bay for a 90-minute RIB ride past Helsinki’s harbor, islands, saunas, Suomenlinna, and summer cottages. Floatation suits, life jackets, goggles, and a safety briefing are provided. Expect city views, local stories, and a fast open-water run.
“It was a thrilling experience. A great way to experience the gulf of Finland and see the archipelago. We loved the fact that we were given the full body suits, goggles and gloves. We were warm and able to enjoy the experience to the fullest because of that. Our guide was knowledgeable and his enthusiasm was infectious. Highly recommend this activity”
Join Blue Bimini for a two-hour morning catamaran cruise from Ocean City Harbor to Assateague Island. Captain and crew guide you toward wild ponies, migratory birds, and Sinepuxent Bay views. The boat Alyosha has a spacious layout and nets for lounging. Bring your own picnic and drinks.
“Our family had an enjoyable 2 hour cruise on the Alyosha. The captain and crew were knowledgeable about the wildlife and surrounding area. The boat was beautiful and glided through the water with ease. We would recommend this cruise!”
Ride a round-trip ferry across St. Andrews Bay to Shell Island, a 700-acre barrier island with white sand, shelling, and natural habitats. English-speaking staff provide the ferry and tram connections. Bring an ID, and plan for food, drinks, chairs, and umbrellas on your own.
“We had an awesome time with family and you all. Very friendly and professional.”
Sail from Playa Langosta to Isla Mujeres on a bilingual catamaran with snorkeling gear, an onboard open bar, buffet lunch, and about five hours on the island. You can shop, relax, or add a golf-cart tour. Pickup is available at many Cancun hotels.
“First things first: if you're taking this trip to snorkel, find another trip. This was definitely a party cruise. They dropped us off to snorkel for about 30 minutes in a place teeming with other boats and nothing of note to see. By the time everyone got a life jacket and jumped into the water it was time to get back on the boat. We had upgraded to the platinum cruise for another $45 apiece and our first stop on the island was to a beach club owned by the tour company with a small beach area, a bar and a buffet. The food was good, typical buffet fare. I…”
Spend seven hours around Sihanoukville with an English-speaking guide, visiting a fishing village, Phsar Leu Market, and Wat Leu Pagoda before a boat trip to Koh Chalous and Koh Takeiv. Snorkeling, fishing, drinks, and a beach BBQ are included. Guide Sothy has led some outings.
“The Ultimate Boat Trip – A Truly Unforgettable Experience! Every time we travel, we make a point of booking a boat trip or two—but this one stands out as the absolute best we’ve ever had! Our adventure began with a private Tuk Tuk pickup from our hotel, adding an authentic local touch right from the start. We were taken to a bustling fish market and a beautiful Pagoda, both offering a fascinating glimpse into Cambodian culture before setting off on our ocean escape. Our guide, Sothy, then led us to our boat for the day—a traditional 40-foot fishing vessel, uniquely powered by two car engines. As we cruised out into…”
Spend about eight hours tracing Cape Town’s apartheid-era story and colonial past. You’ll visit Robben Island, District Six Museum, Bo-Kaap, Company’s Garden, and the Castle of Good Hope, with ferry tickets, entry fees, bottled water, and air-conditioned transport included. Guides such as Remmy and Kuda may lead the day.
“We booked the trip on-line. Unfortunately everything went wrong ! Nobody met us at the pick up rendez-vous. We angrily called RAW tours…. Remy answered the phone and quickly calmed us down. They missed the booking, but a true test of a Read more”
Take a two-hour guided cruise from Saint-Laurent-de-l'Île-d'Orléans with an English- or French-speaking captain. See Montmorency Falls, Château Frontenac, Quebec City, and Lévis from the Saint Lawrence River, with transportation from downtown Quebec City included.
“Vraiment une excellente journée,nous étions 4 et on a tous adorer et la capitaine est vraiment très gentille.De toute beauté,je vous recommande de le faire.”
Travel from central Montreal to Kingston with an English or French guide, see City Hall, Queen’s University, and the Royal Military College, then take a Thousand Islands cruise past Boldt Castle and Zavikon Island. Guide William has earned praise for his calm, helpful approach.
“I must have misunderstood that this was a boat tour to the 1000 islands. In this respect it was disappointing. Otherwise it was OK. The tour guide William was good. The bus was a clapped out school bus, so not very comfortable. It was a long 6 hour return bus trip to see a small town like Kingston. Without the final 1 hour boat cruise through the fantastic lakescape of the 1000 islands, the trip would have been a waste of time.”
You can choose between Dolphin Island and Side Boat Tour options from Side. Expect hotel pickup, a 3-deck boat, three swim stops, grilled chicken, music, and a foam party. English, German, Russian, and Turkish support is available, though busy departures can mean waiting.
“Overall, everything was good. Like many other providers. There were a lot of people on the boat, which meant a long wait. The food was really delicious and all the staff were friendly, but the tour itself was like other providers.”
Spend eight hours cruising from Dubrovnik to Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. Swim, stroll, or relax at Šunj Beach while lunch and drinks are served aboard. Anabela, the captain, and crew handle the day in English or Spanish, with time for Lopud’s Your black horizon art installation.
“Excelente atención!! Anabela una genia, el capitán y la tripulacion muy profesional; comida abundante y fresca; vino, agua y gaseosas ilimitadas. Super recomendable, si en algun momento vuelvo sin dudas haria el tour con ellos de nuevo.”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
