Bordeaux, with its elegant Garonne River, stunning UNESCO-listed architecture, and world-famous wine regions, offers a fantastic setting for boat tours and cruises. Whether you want a quick sightseeing jaunt, a romantic dinner, or an immersive wine experience, Bordeaux’s waterways give you a fresh perspective on this historic city. We love the River Garonne Cruise with glass of wine and canelé, which combines sightseeing with local flavors, and the full-day private Médoc wine tour for true wine lovers eager to visit top châteaux. These tours let you soak in Bordeaux’s beauty while enjoying some of its best offerings—great for photo ops, relaxed afternoons, or special occasions. For an inside look, check out the Bordeaux: River Garonne Cruise with Glass of Wine and Canelé.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of experiences: from guided scenic cruises, gourmet dinner and brunch cruises, to private wine tours, and even short commentated water trips. Each offers a different way to enjoy Bordeaux from the water—some focus on architecture and city highlights, others emphasize wine and gastronomy, and a few combine both. Whatever your interest, there’s a Bordeaux boat tour that makes the city’s waterways come alive.
1. Bordeaux: River Garonne Cruise with Glass of Wine and Canelé
At number 1 on our list, this cruise offers the perfect blend of sightseeing, local flavors, and comfort. For just about $22, you’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour journey on a boat with a 360° rooftop view, allowing you to see Bordeaux’s iconic Place de la Bourse, bordeaux Cathedral, and the Miroir d’eau from the water. The boat is air-conditioned and features an open bar throughout, so you can sip wine or soft drinks while soaking up the scenery. The live commentary from a professional guide shares fascinating stories about Bordeaux’s history, architecture, and landmarks. The itinerary includes stops at Pont de Pierre, Chartrons, Cité du Vin, and more, making it a comprehensive introduction to the city’s highlights. Reviews praise its value and engaging narration, with a 4.4/5 rating from over 3,400 reviews.
Bottom Line: Great for first-time visitors wanting a relaxed, informative overview with a taste of local wine and canelé.
2. Bordeaux: Guided River Cruise
This guided tour at around $18 per person is a solid choice for those eager to explore Bordeaux’s Port de la Lune, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from the water. It’s a 1.5-hour cruise that includes live commentary on Bordeaux’s architecture and history, with scenic stops at the Place de la Bourse, Chartrons, and the Jacques Chaban-Delmas Bridge. A highlight is the photo stop at Citè du Vin, where you can learn about Bordeaux’s wine culture. The tour balances informative narration with short sightseeing moments—perfect for travelers who want a quick yet enriching experience. Reviewers appreciate the local insights and the affordable price, rating it 4.3/5.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a learning-focused cruise that covers Bordeaux’s main sights without breaking the bank.
3. Prestige Commented Cruise glass of wine and canelé in Bordeaux
Ranked third, this 1-hour 30-minute cruise offers a more luxurious experience, with a glass of Bordeaux wine or soft drink and authentic canelé. The Bordeaux Yacht company hosts this prestige cruise, which includes a detailed commentary about Bordeaux’s UNESCO World Heritage status, architecture, and notable landmarks like La Citè du Vin. It’s suitable for those seeking a more refined experience with small-group intimacy and expert narration. The reviews show a high satisfaction level, with a 4.5/5 rating from 474 reviews, and travelers particularly enjoy the atmosphere and in-depth insights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, informative cruise with a touch of elegance and regional wine.
4. Bordeaux: Scenic River Cruise with Commentary and Canelés
This 75-minute tour highlights Bordeaux’s UNESCO waterfront architecture, with a focus on local history and wine tasting. It’s ideal if you want a short, scenic, and informative experience that includes sampling two canelés from Baillardran. The tour combines breathtaking views of Bordeaux’s historic quays with engaging storytelling about the city’s trade history and urban development. The reviews commend its friendly guides and the opportunity to taste authentic local treats. It’s best suited for those with limited time but eager to get a taste of Bordeaux’s character from the water.
Bottom Line: A compact, flavor-filled way to enjoy Bordeaux’s waterfront and culinary delights.
5. Bordeaux: 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise
Offering a romantic 2-hour voyage, this dinner cruise is perfect for a special night out. You’ll choose from gourmet three-course menus and enjoy Bordeaux’s illuminated skyline passing by, with iconic landmarks like the Stone Bridge glowing at night. The cruise provides an elegant setting to savor world-class French cuisine while watching Bordeaux’s floodlit monuments drift by. An optional wine tasting adds to the experience. At around $64, this cruise delivers both gastronomic pleasure and scenic views in one package.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or anyone celebrating a special occasion who appreciates fine food and romantic scenery.
6. Bordeaux: Lunch Cruise
This 2-hour lunch cruise combines gastronomy and sightseeing. For a fixed price, you enjoy a 3-course French meal onboard while sailing past Bordeaux’s UNESCO monuments like the Stone Bridge and Place de la Bourse. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Bordeaux’s culinary scene in a relaxed setting. This tour is highly rated (4.5/5 from 235 reviews) and offers delicious food with picturesque views, making it ideal for those who want to combine good eating with sightseeing during their day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers who want a memorable meal with a view.
7. Bordeaux: Guided Wine and Canelé Discovery Cruise
Positioned seventh, this 1.5-hour cruise offers a wine and canelé tasting experience onboard, with panoramic 360° views. The guide shares stories about Bordeaux’s history while you enjoy a glass of local wine and delicious canelé. The air-conditioned, accessible boat makes this a comfortable and inclusive experience, highly rated at 4.4/5 by 134 reviews. It’s especially appealing for those interested in local gastronomy and history in a relaxed setting. The tour’s comprehensive itinerary includes stops at key landmarks like the Place de la Bourse and Cité du Vin.
Bottom Line: A delightful combination of culture, wine, and city views, suitable for all.
8. Bordeaux: Garonne River Yacht Cruise with Brunch
This 2-hour cruise features a homemade brunch served onboard a yacht, making it the only boat brunch experience on the Garonne. For around $64, you get seasonal foods and scenic river views. The boat is air-conditioned and offers a relaxed setting for a mid-morning meal. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking a leisurely, scenic brunch with a touch of elegance.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food-focused travelers who want to enjoy Bordeaux in style during a slow, comfortable morning.
9. From Le Verdon Cruise Port: Bordeaux Guided Shore Excursion
This full-day private tour at $175 per person is perfect if you want to maximize your time in Bordeaux. It includes guided walking, visits to Catedral Saint-André, Place de la Bourse, and the Water Mirror. Tailored to cruise passengers, it offers a personalized experience with a local guide, making it a top choice for cruise ship passengers wanting a rundown.
Bottom Line: A highly customizable, full-day option for a deeper dive into Bordeaux’s culture and sights.
10. Canelés cruise and UNESCO route
This 1 hour 15-minute cruise provides close-up views of Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed facades and iconic bridges like Pont de Pierre. It also includes tasting Baillardran canelés and learning their history. The commentary is bilingual, making it accessible for international visitors. The reviews mention the interesting stories and beautiful views, making it a good choice for those who want a shorter, informative experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for short visits and food lovers eager to learn about local sweets and architecture.
11. Bordeaux Cruise Port Shore Excursion: Full-Day Private Medoc Wine Tour
For devoted wine enthusiasts, this full-day private tour is unmatched. It takes you into Medoc’s vineyard countryside, visiting Châteaux like Margaux and Pauillac. It’s an 8-hour experience with private transportation, perfect for those looking for an exclusive wine tasting adventure. The tour is priced per group ($879), making it ideal for families or groups of friends.
Bottom Line: Best for serious wine lovers wanting an intimate, in-depth look at Bordeaux’s famous vineyards.
12. Bordeaux: Watered-commented cruise
This 1.5-hour cruise combines live commentary with sightseeing, giving you insights into Bordeaux’s landmarks from the water. At just $17.45, it’s the most budget-friendly option, perfect for travelers wanting a short, engaging tour of the city’s riverfront. Reviewers note its passionate guide and interesting stories. It’s suitable for those with limited time or budgets.
Bottom Line: An affordable, engaging way to see Bordeaux’s river architecture and monuments.
13. Bordeaux: Farmers Market Tour & Gourmet River Cruise
Finally, for those who want a full sensory experience, this 4.5-hour tour combines a market visit, local tastings, and a gourmet cruise. Starting at the Cité du Vin, you’ll explore local delicacies and enjoy a 90-minute cruise on the Garonne. It’s perfect for foodies who enjoy learning about local produce and pairing it with regional wines. The price is higher at $198, but it offers a comprehensive experience that appeals to those eager to immerse themselves in Bordeaux’s culinary art.
Bottom Line: Excellent for food and wine enthusiasts seeking a full, immersive day.
How to Choose the Right Bordeaux Boat Tour
When selecting a boat tour in Bordeaux, consider your budget, time available, and what you most want to experience—scenery, history, wine, or gastronomy. For a quick overview with a touch of local flavor, the River Garonne Cruise with wine and canelé is hard to beat. If you’re after a gourmet experience, the Dinner Cruise or the Brunch Yacht Cruise will satisfy your appetite for elegance and flavor. For wine lovers, the Full-Day Médoc Private Tour offers an in-depth visit to top Châteaux. Lastly, budget travelers may prefer the Water Commented Cruise for a short, fun, and affordable introduction to Bordeaux’s riverfront. Booking early is wise, especially in high season, to secure your spot on these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Bordeaux’s waterways provide a versatile way to experience its architecture, wine, and culture. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic cruise, a luxury dinner, or a private wine tasting, the options are diverse and compelling. For most travelers, combining a guided cruise with a local tasting creates a memorable outing. If you’re visiting with family, opt for an informative yet relaxed cruise like the Guided River Cruise, while couples celebrating a special night might prefer the Dinner Cruise. Remember to book ahead to ensure you get the experience that best matches your expectations. Bordeaux’s charming waterfront awaits—don’t miss the chance to see it from the water.
