- Home
- Activities
- Year-Round Columbia River Boat Cruise & Drift (4 Seats) 2 Hours in Wenatchee
Year-Round Columbia River Boat Cruise & Drift (4 Seats) 2 Hours
- ~2 hour
- Heated Gear, Winter Scenery, Holiday Ready
- Lowest Price Guarantee
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the experience starts
-
Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 14 days in advance.
Overview
Visiting Leavenworth for the Christmas lights or the Reindeer Farm? Add a scenic, heated Columbia River cruise to your trip. This two-hour cruise and drift is a year-round Columbia River experience just a short drive from Leavenworth and Wenatchee, ideal for couples, families, and small groups looking for a relaxed addition to their winter getaway. Your U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain will navigate at an easy pace while offering optional narration about local landmarks, history, and wildlife. During colder months and Christmas week, the boat features an enclosed cabin, and a heater can be used as needed to keep guests warm and comfortable — so the cruise runs rain, snow, or shine. This experience prioritizes comfort and scenery rather than speed or adventure, making it an easy, relaxing add-on to a Leavenworth Christmas trip.
Meet Your Captain
Every cruise is piloted by Captain Wiley, a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain with over 20 years of experience navigating the Columbia River in Wenatchee. He’s run boats through this stretch of river in every season, so winter operations — cold weather, shifting light, ice-watch near the shoreline — are second nature, not a first attempt. Read more about Captain Wiley.
Safety & Experience You Can Trust
- U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain with 20+ years on the Columbia River
- USCG-required safety equipment and life jackets on every cruise
- Winter departures are weather-monitored; cruises adjust or reschedule for guest safety
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your cruise
Page content reviewed by Captain Wiley — last updated August 2026.
Tour Highlights
- Best view of the Rocky Reach Dam. Perfect photo op!
- Relaxed sightseeing, drifting, and social time — a scenic add-on to a Leavenworth day trip
- Available year-round, including Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas week
- Enclosed cabin with optional heat for cold weather comfort
Photos
Photos and video are not included with this experience.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Columbia River cruise
- USCG-licensed captain & crew
- Life jackets and all required safety equipment
- Enclosed cabin and heat available during cold weather
- 20 minutes cruising with the engine on
- 100 minutes drifting down current with the engine off
Exclusions
- No photo package offered, but the captain is happy to snap a photo with your phone upon request.
- Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drink including alcohol (with valid ID) as the operator doesn't offer this service.
Meeting Location / Pickup Info
📍 1 N Worthen St., Wenatchee, WA 98801
Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing.
- Duration
2 hours total on the water.
- Restrictions
- Minimum age: 4 years old
- No infants or pets
- Not wheelchair accessible; please advise of mobility needs in advance
- Lowest Price Guarantee
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the experience starts
-
Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 14 days in advance.
Additional Offerings
Corporate Group Tours in Wenatchee
Take your team out of the office and onto the water with our weekday corporate boat tours on the Columbia River in Wenatchee. Perfect for team-building events, client entertainment, or company celebrations.
Ideal for local businesses, startups, and executive retreats looking to mix work with adventure.
Special Celebration Boat Rides in Wenatchee
Make your next celebration unforgettable with a custom boat ride experience in Wenatchee. Whether it’s a birthday, class reunion, or anniversary, we provide a scenic, festive environment for your event.
Bring your favorite food, drinks, and music — we’ll provide the views and good vibes!
Wedding Party Boat Experiences in Wenatchee
Planning a wedding weekend? Add a touch of fun and elegance with a wedding party boat ride in Wenatchee — perfect for bridal parties, group photos, or just relaxing with your closest friends before the big day. Great for pre-wedding fun or post-rehearsal relaxation.
Sightseeing Boat Rides for Out-of-Town Guests in Wenatchee
Treat your out-of-town visitors to the best of Wenatchee with a scenic Columbia River boat tour. It’s a fast, fun, and relaxing way to share the beauty of our region.
Tours as short as 30 minutes — big impact, little time commitment.
Columbia River Proposal Packages in Wenatchee
Thinking of proposing? Do it in style with our romantic Columbia River proposal experience in Wenatchee, designed for unforgettable moments and stunning backdrops.
Optional add-ons include champagne, flowers, and custom photography.
More Ways to Ride: Group and Event Packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Many guests pair this Columbia River cruise with a day trip to Leavenworth for the Christmas lights or a visit to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. Wenatchee is a short drive from Leavenworth, making the cruise an easy, relaxing add-on rather than a full day commitment.
Yes. This is a year-round experience, and we’re actively booking through Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas week. The boat’s enclosed, heated cabin keeps guests comfortable even in cold weather, so weather rarely cancels the cruise.
Dress warmly and in layers, as you would for any outdoor Pacific Northwest winter activity. The enclosed cabin and on-demand heater keep the ride comfortable, but we recommend a warm coat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes for the walk to and from the dock.
All cruises depart from 1 N Worthen St, Wenatchee, WA 98801. Leavenworth is a short, scenic drive away, so it’s easy to combine time in Leavenworth with a cruise on the same trip.
The Columbia River Boat Cruise & Drift is approximately 2 hours and offers 4 passenger seats. Your captain provides a relaxed sightseeing experience with optional narration about local landmarks, history, and wildlife.
Same-day booking is available depending on availability, but Christmas week and Thanksgiving weekend fill up fast, so we recommend booking in advance if you’re planning around a Leavenworth trip.
Pets and infants are not permitted on the boat for safety reasons. Guests should be able to sit independently and follow safety instructions. There’s limited storage, so strollers and bulky gear are best left at home or in your vehicle.
Photos and video are not included with this experience, but your captain is happy to snap a picture with your phone or camera upon request.
Absolutely. This cruise works well for small celebrations, proposals, or a quiet outing with friends or family visiting from Leavenworth or Lake Chelan. Reach out via our Contact page to talk through any special requests.
Ready to add a Columbia River cruise to your Leavenworth trip?
Click below to secure your seat for the Year-Round Columbia River Cruise — a scenic, heated addition to your Leavenworth Christmas lights or Reindeer Farm trip!
What Our Riders Say
Join the Wiley's Boat Rides Newsletter
Looking for ways to save on things to do in Wenatchee? Subscribe to our mailing list and get seasonal trip updates — plus updates on seasonal specials and local insider tips.
Our Gallery
Moments from the River
From scenic winter landscapes to summer river views, explore the Columbia River experience in our photo gallery.