Boat Tours in Bordeaux: The 7 That Repay the Fare

1.River Garonne Cruise with Glass of Wine and Canelé

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,630 reviews · 1h 30m · from $22Our pick

See Bordeaux from the Maddalena, a riverboat with a rooftop deck and air-conditioned cabin. A French and English guide points out the Pont de Pierre, Place de la Bourse, Cité du Vin, Darwin, and more while you enjoy a wine, soft drink, or hot drink with a canelé. Guides such as Fanny and Ann-Marie are especially lively and clear.

“Really worth doing! My tour had to be rescheduled due to low numbers but they kindly gave me a free wine to apologise. Lovely engaging tour guide, delicious wine and snack. Really good value for money”

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2.Prestige Commented Cruise glass of wine and Canelé in Bordeaux

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 517 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $22

Spend about 90 minutes on the Garonne with an English and French-speaking guide, taking in Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed architecture, La Cité du Vin, bridges, monuments, and riverfront. Your ticket includes a canelé and one glass of wine. The boat returns to Quai Richelieu, though the exact boarding point may change.

“It was great fun, very informative guide, brilliant young man, well worth the cost. Really enjoyed the glass of rose and the gorgeous canelle”

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3.2-Hour River Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 365 reviews · 2 hours · from $81

Join Les Bateaux Bordelais at Quai des Chartrons for a two-hour dinner cruise on the Garonne. Enjoy a chef-prepared French starter, main course, and dessert while passing Bordeaux’s bridges and UNESCO waterfront toward the Pont d’Aquitaine. Wine and coffee cost extra, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.

“Nice relaxing cruise on the river with a great meal, what’s not to like.”

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4.Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 241 reviews · 2 hours · from $69

Meet at 24 Quai des Chartrons at noon for a two-hour Bordeaux cruise with Les Bateaux Bordelais. You’ll enjoy a seated three-course lunch prepared on board while the boat passes historic waterfront buildings, a vertical-lift bridge, the Pont d’Aquitaine, and the Port of Bassens. Beverages cost extra.

“Very nice boat, staff very friendly and helpful, and food very good. It would be helpful if at time of booking you could mention needing vegetarian and gluten free options, but all very good.”

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5.Bordeaux: Guided Wine and Canelé Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 157 reviews · 1h 30m · from $22

Cruise Bordeaux’s Garonne River for 90 minutes on a panoramic, air-conditioned boat with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. A live guide explains Burdigala, the Port of the Moon, Chartrons, Cité du Vin, and the Pont d’Aquitaine. Your ticket includes a glass of local wine and one traditional canelé.

“we were asked to change dates which was fine and excellent communication regarding this and new tickets provided. boat trip was interesting and guide spoke excellent English (was done in English and French). I personally didn't like the caneles and had soft drink option. Trip lasted 90 minutes and was about the right time. a lovely scenic boat ride”

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6.Garonne River Yacht Cruise with Brunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 112 reviews · 2 hours · from $64

Spend two hours aboard the 1950s Yacht de Bordeaux, enjoying a seasonal sweet and savory brunch as the boat glides along the Garonne. You’ll have an air-conditioned indoor room for up to 150 people, an open bar throughout the cruise, and commentary about Bordeaux on the return journey. Clément has been praised for clear, engaging explanations.

“Belle expérience sur la Garonne, le brunch est copieux et le personnel aux petits soins. À renouveler dès que possible.”

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7.Aperitive guided cruise « Wine and Canelé »

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 31 reviews · from $22

See Bordeaux from the Garonne on a 90-minute cruise departing near Place de la Bourse. A live guide explains the city on the outward journey, then music accompanies your wine or soft drink and canelé on the return. The boat has air conditioning, a bar, snacks, and a wheelchair-accessible setup.

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