Things to do on the Tampa Riverwalk
The best views of downtown Tampa are from the water. Drive your own boat past the arena, the skyline, the University of Tampa’s minarets and Armature Works, or let a captain drive. No boating license or experience needed.
BOOK A BOAT NOWEvery trip leaves from our dock at the Tampa Convention Center. From there, you choose: up the Hillsborough River, along Garrison Channel, or south toward Davis Islands.
Your trip starts at Boat Slip #26 on the Tampa Riverwalk, at the Tampa Convention Center. Our crew shows you how everything works before you head out. Harbour Island is right across the water.
Cruise east along Garrison Channel past Benchmark International Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Turn around at the Tampa Bay History Center: past it, Sparkman Wharf, the Florida Aquarium and the port are off limits.
Head north up the Hillsborough River with the downtown skyline above you, past Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Tampa Museum of Art and the Straz Center, with the Riverwalk running alongside.
Across the river, the silver minarets of the University of Tampa’s Plant Hall rise above the west bank, one of Tampa’s best-known landmarks.
Keep following the winding river to Tampa Heights, past Water Works Park, Ulele and Armature Works. Even on a 1-hour rental there’s time to go past Armature Works and back.
Or head south past Harbour Island to Davis Islands, with some of the most impressive waterfront homes in Tampa, and out toward Hillsborough Bay. Stay within 500 yards of Davis Islands.
Keep an eye out: pelicans and other water birds are everywhere, and if you’re lucky you may spot a dolphin or a manatee. They’re wild and completely random, so we can never promise one.
Mini Powerboat · Up to 2 people
A two-person mini powerboat you captain yourself. Go up the river to Armature Works, along Davis Islands or out toward Hillsborough Bay, at your own pace.
$89/hr · $178 for 2 hrs
Book Mini PowerboatRetro Boat · Up to 4 people
Restored jet-age boats from 1958-1963 with quiet electric motors, so you can hear each other as the city goes by. Room for up to four.
$129/hr · $258 for 2 hrs
Book Retro BoatPrivate Pontoon · Up to 6 people
A private 2-hour cruise for up to six with a captain, so everyone can enjoy the views. Cooler with ice and Bluetooth stereo included, and it’s BYOB.
$399 for 2 hours
Book Private PontoonWe’re open 7 days a week from 10 AM until sunset. A late-afternoon slot lights up the skyline and the minarets.
There’s a little paperwork and a quick orientation before you head out, so you get your full time on the water.
The South Regional/Pam Iorio Parking Garage on the corner of Florida Ave. and Channelside Dr. is your best bet. Metered spots at the docks fill up fast and close for events.
Use a waterproof case or a lanyard. You’ll want photos of the skyline from the water.
The only restriction that we have is that you refrain from going into the port areas and shipping channels. Other than that, you are welcome to travel up the Hillsborough River or even out toward Hillsborough Bay as long as you stay within 500 yards of Davis Islands. See what you’ll see on the water.
This depends on weight. The 9.9HP mini powerboat rentals will go a max of 14mph with one person under 200 lbs. Two people or weights over 200lbs the boat will go up to 10mph.
Nope! The only thing you need to bring with you is some form of a government ID and a credit card. A valid credit card is required at check-in for a $250 pre-authorization hold. Debit cards cannot be used for pre-authorization. Once your rental is complete, you may pay with cash, debit, or the pre-authorized credit card.
Drivers have to be at least 18 years old while passengers can be any age.
Probably not, but maybe. While we would love to guarantee your dryness on one of our fine vessels, truth be told, you are very close to the water and things such as waves from other boats and/or sea spray may get you a little wet depending on the weather.
No, you are only allowed to enter and exit the boat from our launch area at the Tampa Convention Center for your safety.
Sorry, no. Please stay in the boat at all times.
The Riverwalk Boating Company is located on The Tampa Riverwalk at the Tampa Convention Center Docks. The best place to park is the South Regional/Pam Iorio Parking Garage on the corner of Florida Ave. and Channelside Dr. There are metered spots right at the docks, but they fill up fast and are often closed for events, so please don’t count on them. Street parking around downtown is another option. For more information about parking, please visit the City of Tampa Parking Division website.
More answers on our FAQ page.
Book online in a minute. Prices are per boat, not per person.
