Anacostia River Explorers Boat Tours

Our boat tours educate the public about the Anacostia River watershed, including its human and natural history, the threats it faces, and what solutions are being undertaken to help the river realize its full potential as an invaluable asset for the communities along its banks.

Spring tours are at capacity and scheduling for the remainder of the season is currently on pause. If you would like to secure your spot in line in case more tours become available, fill out the form below. We will reach out if any more spots open this season.

Schedule a Private Tour

Sign Up For a Public Tour

Boat Tour FAQs

What do you talk about on the tours?

Anacostia River Explorers Tours discuss all things Anacostia River. Our experienced captains will discuss topics like: the history of the Anacostia and its surrounding communities, environmental threats, river wildlife, infrastructure along the river, and anything else you’d want to know!

If you are booking a private tour and would like our captains to focus on a specific subject, please let us know in your booking form.

When are tours?

We offer both private and public boat tours from April through October.

Private tours can be booked Monday through Saturday from sunrise to sunset. Public tour schedule to-be-announced.

Who can go on an Anacostia River Explorers tour?

Pretty much anyone! Anyone under 18 can attend with a parent or guardian.

All tour launch locations are ADA accessible, as is our boat.

How much do tours cost?

Tours are totally free! All Anacostia River Explorers Boat Tours are offered free and paid for by the District Department of Energy and Environment through funds from the Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Fund. A portion of these funds come from the Districts five cent disposable bag fee.

Where do tours leave from?

Public tours launch from either Anacostia Park or Yards Marina.

Private tours launch from Yards Park Marina, Anacostia Park, or Kingman Island.

How many people can go on each tour?

Our 27′ Carolina Skiff can accommodate 20 passengers.

For private tours we ask that you have a minimum group size of 15 participants.

How long are the tours?

Public tours are 1-hour long.

Private tours can be 1-hour or 2-hours long.

What if I can't attend a tour in person?

No problem! We’ve also made our Anacostia River Explorers Tours virtual. Check the section below for more information regarding our virtual boat tours.

Virtual Boat Tours

Due to overwhelming demand for tours, we decided we would bring the beauty and fun of our Anacostia River Explorers Boat Tours to the digital world, allowing you to enjoy the Anacostia no matter where you are!

See the whole river or just a section!

Tours are broken up into 8 videos, one introducing watchers to the Anacostia and then seven video segments corresponding to different stretches of the river. Access them all through the Anacostia Riverkeeper YouTube channel.