Belle Isle Cruise Detroit: 75-minute electric boat tour

Glide past historic mansions and tranquil islands in serene, silent comfort

A 75-minute private cruise around Belle Isle and the Detroit River on the Sycorax, the only fully electric boat in Southeast Michigan, with a captain and first mate, soda, snacks, and a glass of champagne or beer. Departing from Stanton Yards near downtown, the tour passes Windsor's waterfront, Peche Island, Lake Saint Clair, and the grand homes lining the riverfront. Up to six guests travel together. Cruises run May through October, seven days a week.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relaxing 75-minute Detroit river cruise

• Board the Sycorax electric boat
• Cruise around Belle Isle Park
• View Windsor waterfront and Peche Island
• See Lake Saint Clair and Detroit riverfront mansions
• Enjoy onboard captain and first mate service
• Disembark at Stanton Yards

The experience

Belle Isle is one of the most visited urban parks in the U.S., and the Sycorax gets you there by water instead of land. The boat is 100% electric, which means no gas fumes, no engine roar. Just the sound of the water and whatever you want to play on the award-winning Bluetooth system. The captain and first mate handle navigation and share insider knowledge of Belle Isle and the Detroit River, one of the world's busiest shipping channels, so you're not just looking at the park. You're learning how it fits into the region.

The 75-minute route takes you around Belle Isle itself, then out to the Windsor waterfront across the border, past Peche Island, and along Lake Saint Clair. The historic mansions that line the Detroit riverfront come into view as you move through the water. Booth-style seating with a teak table sits in the stern, and there's ample bow seating if you want to be up front. The boat has a private head, a fridge stocked with ice, and a sound system, so you can bring your own food and drinks or stick with what's provided.

Soda, snacks, and a complimentary glass of champagne or beer come with every cruise. WiFi is on board. The boat accommodates dietary restrictions, just note them when you book, and you're welcome to bring your own food and beverages. Service animals are allowed. Cruises run seven days a week from May through October, and the boat departs from Stanton Yards near downtown Detroit.

What’s included

• Complimentary champagne or beer.
• soda and snacks.
• WiFi on board.
• private restroom.
• award-winning Bluetooth sound system.
• cooler, ice, cups and serving ware for your own food and drinks.
• captain and first mate with live commentary in English.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 May 2027

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPets welcomeNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sycorax Cruises

Is this one for you?The boat is steady and the pace is leisurely (you're sitting or standing on a 75-minute cruise, not walking or climbing), so it suits anyone who wants to see Detroit's waterways without physical exertion. Bring your own food and drinks if you prefer, or enjoy what's provided. The choice is yours.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is Belle Isle and why is it worth seeing from the water?

Belle Isle is one of the most popular urban parks in the U.S., and the water route lets you see the whole island and its surroundings (the Windsor waterfront, Peche Island, Lake Saint Clair, and the historic mansions along the Detroit riverfront) in a single 75-minute loop without leaving the boat.

How many people can book this cruise together?

The Sycorax holds up to six guests per cruise, so it's a private boat for your group, whether that's a couple, a family, or a small party.

What's included in the cruise price?

Soda, snacks, a complimentary glass of champagne or beer, WiFi, the captain and first mate's service and commentary, and use of the private restroom are all included. You can bring your own food and drinks, and the boat provides a cooler and ice.

Why does it matter that the Sycorax is electric?

It's the only 100% electric boat in Southeast Michigan, so there are no emissions, no fumes, and no engine noise. Just a quiet, peaceful cruise on the water.

When do cruises run, and where do they depart?

Cruises depart seven days a week from May through October, leaving from Stanton Yards near downtown Detroit.