Memphis is a city that practically lives on the Mississippi River. Its lively music scene, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods come alive when viewed from the water. Taking a boat tour or cruise gives you a new perspective on the city’s landmarks—like Beale Street, Victorian mansions, and the Lorraine Motel—while enjoying the gentle flow of the river.
We especially like tours that combine city sights with relaxing river cruises, as they offer a well-rounded experience, blending history, music, and scenery seamlessly.
For example, a guided Memphis City Tour that includes a riverboat cruise offers not just sightseeing but also the chance to relax aboard a paddlewheeler on the Mississippi, with hotel pickup included for convenience.
If you’re visiting Memphis and want to see its iconic sights from the water or learn about its soul through music and civil rights history, this list will help you pick the perfect boat cruise. Whether you’re after a comprehensive city tour or a leisurely river cruise, each of these options has something special to offer. Now let’s explore the best boat tours and cruises in Memphis.
1. Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise
At number 1, this tour offers a perfect blend of downtown sightseeing and a relaxing Mississippi River cruise. For around $85, you’ll spend roughly 6.5 hours exploring Memphis with a professional guide, then enjoy a 90-minute paddlewheel boat ride on the Island Queen.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of history, culture, and scenery, all with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it highly convenient.
The tour begins with a downtown Memphis drive, where your guide will point out landmarks like Beale Street, Victorian Village, and the Lorraine Hotel—the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Highlights include visiting the Peabody Hotel to see the famous ducks and stopping at The Peabody Ducks parade.
You’ll also witness the Lorraine Hotel and learn about Memphis’ civil rights struggles. Afterward, you’ll board the paddlewheeler for a narrated cruise, offering great views of the river and city skyline.
The Island Queen offers three decks, snacks, drinks, and informative commentary—perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the boat ride’s relaxing atmosphere. One reviewer calls their guide “Sam the best tour leader,” noting the tour’s humor and depth. With a good balance of culture, history, and river scenery, this tour is great for first-timers who want a rundown of Memphis.
Bottom line: If you want a full day of sightseeing with the added bonus of a scenic Mississippi River cruise, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
2. Memphis Discovery Tour with Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi River
Number 2 on our list is the Memphis Discovery Tour with a river cruise, priced at about $87.80 for roughly six hours of exploration. This tour is ideal for those wanting to enjoy Memphis’ musical heritage, civil rights history, and architecture. It’s highly rated, with many reviewers emphasizing its depth and the quality of guides like Shannon, who makes history accessible and engaging.
The tour covers essential sights such as Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Victorian mansions in Victorian Village. You’ll also visit the I AM A MAN Plaza and see the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
The tour includes a visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Pyramid Arena, and historic homes, providing a broad picture of Memphis’ diverse attractions.
The highlight is a 1.5-hour civil rights museum visit, where you’ll gain insight into a pivotal part of American history.
The river cruise is a key feature, with guests describing it as “wonderful” and “informative,” featuring commentary that enhances the experience. The tour is praised for its friendly guides, especially Kate, whose storytelling makes the history come alive. Many visitors appreciate the mix of cultural landmarks and scenic river views, making it a comprehensive way to understand Memphis.
Bottom line: For travelers interested in Memphis’ music, civil rights, and architecture, this tour combines live narration, museum visits, and river cruising—all at a reasonable price.
3. Memphis City Tour with Optional Riverboat Cruise & Sun Studio Add-On Options
Our third pick is the Memphis City Tour with optional river cruise and Sun Studio add-ons, a flexible and budget-friendly choice at just $45 per person. Covering about 2 to 7 hours, this tour is perfect for travelers who want a guided overview of Memphis’s top sights with options to customize.
Starting from your hotel, a friendly guide will take you on a narrated mini-coach tour past landmarks like Beale Street, the Lorraine Motel, and Peabody Hotel. You’ll see Elvis’ first home and the Pyramid Arena—a striking sight resembling an Egyptian pyramid. The tour includes stops at Schwab’s general store and the Ducks’ march at Peabody Hotel.
For an extra fee, you can add a cruise on the Mississippi River or visit the famous Sun Studio, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded.
Reviews highlight the flexible timing and the engaging guides like Darrell, who made the experience fun and informative. Some find it a bit rushed but overall appreciate the value, especially with the optional add-ons. The tour provides a good overview for first-time visitors and those short on time.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a quick, affordable introduction to Memphis with options to deepen your experience through river cruises or a visit to Sun Studio.
How to Choose
Choosing the right Memphis boat tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a comprehensive day with city sights and a Mississippi River cruise, the first tour offers the best value. For those especially interested in civil rights and Memphis’ musical legacy, the second tour provides an in-depth cultural experience.
The third option is perfect for travelers on a tighter schedule who prefer a shorter, customizable tour that can include added experiences like Sun Studio or a river cruise.
Consider your physical comfort—some tours involve walking, while others are primarily seated. Also, think about timing; booking early ensures better availability, especially during peak seasons. Each of these tours offers a unique window into Memphis, whether you’re into music, history, or simply want to enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Mississippi.
Final Thoughts
Memphis’s boat tours and cruises showcase the city’s musical roots, civil rights history, and stunning river views. The Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise stands out for its full-day mix of sightseeing and relaxation, while the Memphis Discovery Tour offers a deep dive into Memphis’ cultural landmarks. For travelers seeking flexibility and value, the third tour provides a quick but rundown with optional add-ons.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will help you secure a spot and ensure a smooth experience. These cruises are a great way to see Memphis from a different perspective—whether on the water, on foot, or with a combination of both—and make your visit truly memorable.