Matthew TremblayIn our friend group, a typical weekend hang usually means bar hopping, firing up the grill, or watching the game with unlimited buffalo wings and ice-cold beer. So when someone suggested we take a boat tour, I was kind of iffy about it.
Well, it’s a good thing I went because it was fantastic! Imagine the fresh ocean breeze and the gorgeous skyline views from the water, topped with an incredible golden sunset—I literally didn’t want to leave.
For those looking for a mini escape from the usual routine, why not step out of your comfort zone? Here are the absolute best boat tour services in Halifax.
How much do boat tour services cost in Halifax?
Boat tour services in Halifax usually cost $40 to $120 per person, depending on the type and duration of the tour.
How We Chose the Best Boat Tour Services in Halifax
1. Sea Halifax Boat Tours & Adventures
Business Address: 1597 Lower Water St
Website: https://www.seahfx.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seahfx/
Contact Details: +1 902-412-8444
Business Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 12 PM–8 PM
- Sat – Sun: 11 AM–9 PM
Sea Halifax Boat Tours & Adventures is the brainchild of Ossama and Omar, former roommates at Saint Mary’s University. They turned their love of the ocean and entertainment into a thriving business.
A quick option they have is the 50-minute harbour tour. You’ll cruise past spots like Georges Island, McNabs Island, and Hangman’s Beach, all while reaching the historic York Redoubt.
But if you want something incredibly scenic, go for the 2-hour city and sunset tour—the pace slows down during the golden hour, while you zoom along the Halifax Waterfront.
Private tours can be arranged for something intimate and special. The route is entirely up to you; you can explore Bedford Basin or Point Pleasant Park.
While the majority of their trips go off without a hitch, we heard reports of crews not showing up on time.
Hands down the best boat tour I’ve ever been on
“Hands down the best boat tour I’ve ever been on for a long time now. Alex and Ossama were the ones who took us out, and we loved every moment. We took the sunset tour, and we had two hours of pure bliss; I will go to them again when I’m back in Halifax. Worth every penny spent!”
Prashanth Anilkumar, Google Review
It was amazing seeing the sunset
“It was amazing seeing the sunset. We wanted to experience something new, and it was just beautiful. I highly recommend coming back, and thank you to Omar and Ossama for an amazing experience.”
Moos Sa, Google Review
2. Halifax Harbour Tours
Business Address: 1655 Lower Water Street, In the water on the south side of Sackville Landing
Website: https://halifaxharbourtours.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hfxharbourtours/
Contact Details: Mon – Sun: 10 AM–3:30 PM
Business Hours:
- +1 888-383-4621
Halifax Harbour Tours holds the title of the city’s only Zero-Exhaust tour. It’s a fancy way of saying that their 1930s boat—the Violet Mac—is a whisper-quiet, all-electric gem.
This outfit is known for its 60-minute harbour cruise, priced at only $50 a seat. You’ll get to see Halifax waterfronts, as well as Georges and McNabs Islands. Because the boat is so quiet, marine life like seals and seabirds actually stick around to say hi.
For those celebrating a milestone, you can book their Evening Skyline cruise and watch the skyline come alive from the deck—very romantic!
What’s cool is that you can purchase gift cards on their website so you can share your awesome maritime experience with your loved ones!
The only thing, or rather person, you might need to keep an eye on is the captain. We heard that he could be a tad unfriendly at times.
The perfect way to enjoy Halifax Harbour!
“This was the perfect way to enjoy Halifax Harbor! The boat was a sweet, quiet, comfortable vessel. We loved that it was battery-powered. And 1 hour was just right. Highly recommend!!”
Maya Kaimal, Google Review
A very relaxing sail along Halifax’s harbour front
“An excellent boat tour. I booked directly with the company on their website. Very easy to book and very easy to find as we visited by cruise. Gorgeous Boat, I love that it started life back home in London, UK! It’s now an electric boat and was so quiet! A great captain and great guide! A very relaxing sail along Halifax’s harbour front. Sit on the back seat for great views! Highly recommend!”
Lois: No Cruise Control, Google Review
3. City Harbour Cruises
Business Address: 1655 Lower Water St
Website: https://cityharbourcruises.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityharbourcruises/
Contact Details: +1 902-220-1944
Business Hours:
- Mon – Tues, Sat – Sun: 11 AM–10 PM
- Thurs – Fri: 11 AM–11 PM
City Harbour Cruises was created by Karl, who has over 16 years of local boating experience, including a role with the Eastern Canada Response Corporation, under his belt. He finally turned his dream of running a water-based business into a reality.
Try his famous Retro Music Hour Cruise—sail past the Halifax waterfront while blasting the best of the 80s and 90s. The 26-foot tri-toon boat even has a floating dance floor!
You can also trade in the dance beats for something a bit more intimate. Their Romance Cruise lets you and your boo take in the breathtaking sunset, perfect for anniversaries and proposals.
No matter which cruise you choose, you’ll love the boat’s setup: open-air views, LED ambiance lighting, and even a beautiful licensed bar with your own server.
Unfortunately, we heard complaints about surly staff; this does not complement the whole luxury vibe of the boat.
This is a MUST for all first-time visits to Halifax!
“This is a MUST for all first-time visits to Halifax! Beautiful, clean, and safe boat. Excellent commentary and insight from Captain Carl! This was a relaxing and wonderful way to see the city and learn its history.”
Jeff Aldus, Google Review
The boat is immaculate and well cared for
“What a great time! Captain Carl was super. Very knowledgeable about all things Halifax! The boat was comfortable, and you KNOW he cares about his business. The boat is immaculate and well cared for. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and highly recommend you try this out! Book online and note: these trips fill up early! Thanks so much!”
MARCY MCKAY, Google Review
4. J Farwell Sailing Tours
Business Address: 1601 Lower Water St
Website: https://www.jfsailingtours.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfarwellsailinghfx/
Contact Details: +1 902-579-7245
Business Hours:
- Mon – Sun: 9 AM–9 PM
It was 2017 when Jeff Farwell, a tourism veteran, decided to trade big tour boats for a sleek, 45-foot Beneteau Oceanis Sailing yacht named J Farwell.
Introducing Halifax via the Best of Halifax Harbour Tour is his bread-and-butter. You’ll glide past the Pier 21 Immigration center and the Navy Dockyard, while the crew shares fascinating stories about the city’s link to the Titanic.
If indulgence is more your thing, go for the Sunset Wine & Cheese Sail—perfect for foodies—you get to sample four local wines with a sumptuous cheeseboard. No wonder this tour was awarded the 2024 Badge of Excellence by TripAdvisor!
The Signature Adventure Sail is geared for those who want a hands-on experience. Instead of just being a passenger, you can help lead a tack or set the jib sails.
Even the smoothest sailing can hit a rough patch, though. We heard complaints about abrupt cancellations of bookings.
This cruise was easily the highlight of our trip
“We did the Sunset Wine and Cheese cruise last night with Ryan and Cullen. Both were knowledgeable about the area and certainly experts in the world of sailing. The wine was delicious, and the charcuterie was tasty! This cruise was easily the highlight of our trip to the city! If you’re thinking about booking, do it. Absolutely worth it!”
K D, Google Review
It was both an adventure and relaxing
“As a Halifax resident, the Signature Adventure Sail was a perfect way to share my love for the city with a friend visiting from the USA. It was both an adventure – we got to help sail the yacht! – and relaxing – we sat on the bow under the spinnaker and watched for seals. Captain Jeff and deckhand Colin made sure we understood the safety protocols, told great stories, and encouraged us to help hoist the sails and steer.”
April Hennigar, Google Review
