Spa Creek holiday cruise Annapolis: 45-minute festive boat tour

Holiday characters, hot cocoa and residential waterways in under an hour

A 45-minute festive cruise along Spa Creek in Annapolis, guided by Captain Santa or Mrs. Claus, with hot cocoa and blankets included. The boat departs from downtown Annapolis and steers into the residential waterways where holiday sights unfold. Private group bookings accommodate up to 21 passengers, and a portion of ticket proceeds supports Historic Annapolis.

Step-by-step itinerary

Festive 45-minute Spa Creek cruise

• Depart from downtown Annapolis dock
• Cruise along Spa Creek with holiday characters
• Enjoy hot cocoa and cozy blankets onboard

The experience

The boat leaves the downtown Annapolis dock and heads into the harbor before Captain Santa or Mrs. Claus steers into Spa Creek, where the waterway winds through residential neighborhoods. The 45-minute route is short enough to hold young children's attention and long enough to feel like a real getaway from the holiday shopping crowds. Hot cocoa arrives onboard, served by an elf, and cozy blankets keep everyone warm as the boat moves through the water to the sound of holiday songs.

This is a family-friendly cruise, not a sightseeing lecture. The focus is on the festive atmosphere, the characters greeting passengers, and the quiet residential scenery passing by. Adults can add a shot of schnapps to their cocoa for a nominal charge, or order a beer. Other drinks and snacks are available for purchase. The limited capacity keeps the boat intimate, and private group bookings are available for parties up to 21 passengers.

What’s included

• Complimentary hot cocoa served onboard.
• cozy blankets to keep warm.
• holiday music throughout the cruise.
• guidance from Captain Santa or Mrs. Claus.
• a portion of ticket proceeds donated to Historic Annapolis.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 11:30, the last at 18:30Last departure this season: 3 Jan 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 21

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Watermark Harbor Cruise

Is this one for you?The boat departs from downtown Annapolis, so if you're staying in the city or using public transportation, you can walk or take a bus to the dock without needing a car. The 45-minute duration fits easily into a holiday afternoon or morning without dominating your day.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Spa Creek holiday cruise?

The cruise runs 45 minutes from the downtown Annapolis dock into the harbor and along Spa Creek through the residential waterways.

What's included in the ticket price?

Each passenger receives complimentary hot cocoa, cozy blankets to stay warm, and holiday music throughout the cruise. A portion of proceeds supports Historic Annapolis.

Can I book this cruise for a larger group?

Yes, private group bookings are available for up to 21 passengers, so families and holiday parties can reserve the boat together.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat leaves from the dock at downtown Annapolis and heads into the harbor before entering Spa Creek.