Portland Spirit: Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise Portland, OR

Salmon Street Springs DockPortland, OR 97204
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Starting at
$38.00
Total Price: $38.76 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

Hop aboard the Portland Spirit and take in the sights of downtown Portland, Oregon, from the Willamette River. Enjoy access to the entire boat. Grab a drink and snack from the bar, then head to the outer decks for views of iconic bridges, floating homes, the Waverly Country Club, and more. This Portland Spirit cruise makes a great happy-hour date!

up to 1.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Views of the historic Milwaukie Waterfront and Downtown Portland from the Willamette River.
  • Cruise duration is approximately 1.5 hour.
  • Cruises operate Monday-Saturday in July and August, and on weekends in September.
  • Boarding is 30 minutes prior to departure. Make sure to come early for the best seats.
  • Historical narration available on outer decks (or bring headphones for your cell phone and listen from inside via the Listen Everywhere App).
  • Food and drinks are not included in ticket price, but are available for purchase from the onboard bar.
  • Family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
  • Indoor seating cannot be guaranteed.
  • No outside food and drinks are permitted on board.

Description

Take in the sights of Portland from a different perspective on this 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise through happy hour aboard the Portland Spirit. Travel from Portland to the historic Milwaukie Riverfront with access to a full-service bar and appetizers on board.

Enjoy the city skyline and bridges. Learn interesting tidbits of the historic waterways of the Willamette River from the narration available on the outer decks.

You'll have plenty of photos of the city's famous bridges and waterfront sights. Grab a drink or an appetizer (available for purchase from the onboard bar and bistro) and take in the sights with your family and friends aboard this leisurely river cruise.

Boarding time: 3:00 PM
Cruising time: 3:30 - 5:00 PM

Please note: There is no assigned seating. Inside seating is not guaranteed.

Portland Spirit: Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise Reviews

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timjstark
Shorewood, Wisconsin
"Great day on two great rivers!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 25, 2024
We booked a last minute “7 Wonders of the Gorge” trip on what turned out to be a gorgeous day on the water. On a filled to capacity boat (25 or so people?), we had an exemplary experience with the top notch narration (I believe he was the owner of the company), the provided noise canceling headphones, and the amazing views; especially when we departed the city itself and headed into the Gorge. My friend, a long time Portland resident, even told me that it was his best river experience in all his years in Oregon! The ride back (due to the up & back route) was not as exciting as we had seen everything already, but the owner kept things lively with a discussion of Bigfoot along with plaster casts of said creature! All in all, a great day on the water!
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izzykelly04
"Family day of fun"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed September 24, 2024
Decided to do a cruise of Portland. Was a nice ride although we were confined to the main floor because of my dad being on a mobility scooter. We recommend a dinner or lunch cruise versus a sightseeing cruise.
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912reneeh
Denver, Colorado
"Wonderful Scenic River Tour!! Would definitely recommend the Happy Hour Cruise!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed August 12, 2024
So Much Fun!! We enjoyed a nice breeze on the upper deck, while taking in the sites. The boat is a nice size, so there is plenty of space both on the open top deck and inside the air-conditioned lower deck. It was fun hearing about the iconic bridges we sailed under, as well as other unique features of the city, like their floating homes. The hour and a half cruise on the Willamette River went by very quickly, but we were glad we wore sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. The Portland Spirit Salmon Springs dock is just a short walk from the Kimpton RiverPlace, where we were staying, so it couldn’t have been any more convenient. We didn’t purchase any food on the cruise, as we knew it was just a brief walk (on the river's walking trail) back to the Kimpton. We were looking forward to enjoying a couple of delicious appetizers and specialty cocktails on their outdoor patio, facing the river. The King Tide was the perfect complement to the cruise – and great for people watching! It was nice that it was casual, so we didn't feel out of place in shorts. We were also happy that the riverfront felt very safe, with lots of walkers, rowers, and cyclists.
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Sewcstm
Spokane Valley, Washington
"Fantastic Cruise on the Willamette River!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed July 21, 2024
We did the lunch cruise on the Portland Spirit to celebrate our mom’s 85th birthday. The cruise was amazing. Great food, great service and great views up and down the Willamette River! Our waiter Luis was fantastic. He was very personable and although he was waiting on several tables, he made us feel like we were his only customers. I would highly recommend this cruise.
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TravelBugVA
Burke, Fairfax County, Virginia
"Great Views of Portland, River and Bridges"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed July 05, 2024
We went on a two-hour sightseeing cruise on the Willamette River. We chose not to do the lunch because we had a late breakfast. The cruise was great! It started in downtown Portland. The narration included explanations of history as well as descriptions of buildings, houses, parks, islands and bridges. The seating was very comfortable on the top Observation Deck with plenty of shade on a hot, sunny July 4th! You could enjoy the A/C on the first-level, if you wanted. The bathrooms (“heads” in nautical talk) on that level were very nice and clean. We highly recommend this trip!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Portland Spirit: Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise

Where does this sightseeing cruise depart from?

The Heart of Portland cruise departs from Salmon Springs Dock at 1010 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204.

What days and time are available for this tour?

The Heart of Portland Sightseeing Cruise is available Monday through Saturday in July and August, and on Saturdays in September. It usually departs during Happy Hour and runs from 3:30PM - 5:00PM.

How long is the Heart of Portland Sightseeing Cruise?

The cruise lasts for approximately 1.5 hours. Boarding time is 30 minutes prior to departure.

Is parking provided?

Paid parking is available. Salmon Springs parking recommendations include the World Trade Center parking garage, Smart Park Lots, and U-Park Parking Lot. Street parking may also be available.

What should I wear?

The Heart of Portland Sightseeing Cruise has a casual dress code. High-heeled shoes are not recommended. Instead, opt for solid, non-slip footwear, as you will be in a marine environment. Consider wearing layered clothing, as the climate on the Willamette River can be unpredictable, and indoor seating is not guaranteed. Be sure to bring a jacket, even in the summer, as it can be cooler on the water.

Is this cruise appropriate for children?

Yes, children are more than welcome to join.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

This Portland Spirit cruise is wheelchair accessible on the lower decks with certain restrictions. The boat can accommodate standard-sized manual wheelchairs; the width of the ramp to the boat entrance is 25.5 inches. If you have questions regarding access requirements, please call the number on your e-ticket.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes, this tour has lots of great photo opportunities.

Are food and beverages available for purchase onboard?

Yes, there is a full service bar and bistro menu available onboard for appetizer and drink purchases.

Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately, the vessels are coast guard regulated, and dogs/pets are not allowed on board. Only service dogs trained to perform tasks that assist disabled people will be permitted on the boat.

What if it rains during my trip?

The cruise will depart from the docks rain or shine. There are two interior climate controlled decks as well as a covered top deck for exterior viewing so you will be guaranteed safe and dry during the trip.