The Tampa Riverwalk is a two and a half mile waterfront path through the heart of Downtown Tampa, and one of the easiest destinations to reach on our private charters. We cruise the Hillsborough River right alongside it, dock so your group can eat and drink on the waterfront, and pick you back up when you are ready to keep moving.
What Is the Tampa Riverwalk?
It runs along the Hillsborough River from Armature Works at the north end down to the Tampa Bay History Center at the south, connecting waterfront parks, hotels, museums, and a long run of restaurants and bars. It also links straight into the Water Street district and Sparkman Wharf, so one stretch of water covers most of what Downtown Tampa does best.
What Does the Riverwalk Look Like From the Water?
Better than it does from the sidewalk. You get the downtown skyline the whole way, the University of Tampa’s silver minarets across the river, and the bridges overhead. In the evening the buildings and bridges light up, which is why our night charters make this run part of the show. People on the Riverwalk are taking pictures of the boats. On a charter, you are the boat.
Can You Dock Along the Riverwalk?
Yes. There are public docks along the river, so we can tie up while your group hops off for drinks or a meal, then carry on cruising. The Riverwalk also works as a pickup or drop-off point if downtown is easiest for your group.
Which Charters Stop at the Riverwalk?
Any of them. On a 4-hour charter it can be the main event, and on a 6-hour or 8-hour trip most groups pair it with an island stop: Beer Can Island while the sun is high, then Riverwalk bars on the way home. After dark, the Wave Rave night charter cruises this stretch with the city lit up.
Quick FAQs About the Riverwalk by Boat
Can we bar hop along the Riverwalk by boat?
Yes. That is one of the most popular ways to use it. Your captain docks at a spot, your group drinks and eats, and the boat moves you to the next one. No ride shares, no parking, no walking between bars in the heat.
Do we need a long charter for the Riverwalk?
No. It is minutes from our downtown pickup points, so even the shortest trips can include it. Longer charters just leave more time for stops along the way.