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10 Best Boat Tours in Halifax (Ultimate Guide)
Are you looking into boat tours in Halifax, Nova Scotia, but need help finding the best one?
I can help!
Back when I lived in Halifax as a university student, one of my favorite things was watching the boats go by in the harbor. Then, when family or friends visited, I would often take them on one of the many boat cruises in Halifax.
Most of these are only 1-2 hours and are a surprisingly affordable way to spend an afternoon! You can learn more about the history of Halifax and see the harbor from a unique perspective.
So, I’ll share my ‘insider’s list’ of the top boat tours Halifax offers. By the end, you’ll be able to know precisely which one is right for you!
My Top 3 Picks for Tours
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
1. Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour
⭐5/5 (680+ Reviews)
The Harbour Hopper Tour is one of the most unique boat tours in Halifax because it uses an amphibious Vietnam War vehicle that can travel both on land and in water!
I actually lived along the route so I always heard it. When my mom came to visit it was our first stop so I could learn what else they said on the route.
You’ll visit several important sites, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and Citadel Hill.
The guide narrates the entire journey, telling you what to look for and interesting facts about each landmark!
Once the land portion of the tour is complete, you’ll head down to the harbor, where the captain will launch the vehicle directly into the water. Then, you’ll enjoy a short boat tour of Halifax Harbour before returning to land, where the tour concludes.
This tour is great for families with children. (Even grown adults who are big kids at heart will find this amphibious tour a lot of fun.
As one of the most popular tours in Halifax, there are multiple departure timeslots each day.
“Our Captain Kirk and First Mate Matt were absolutely amazing! The trip was very informative and told a lot of history we did not know. We highly recommend this tour.” – Jennifer C.
Important Info:
- Group Size – 40 people max
- Tour Length – 55 minutes
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Tour Operator – Murphys Sailing Tours Ltd
Check Prices and Availability Here!
2. Adventure Yacht Sailing in the Halifax Harbour
⭐5/5 (65+ Reviews)
Prefer sailing on a yacht? This Halifax luxury yacht tour is the only wind-powered sailing tour in Halifax.
The coolest part is that you can even participate in the sailing process. The crew will guide you on how to lend a hand on board the ship with the sails and other tasks.
But there’s no obligation. If you just want to chill, you can hang out at the bow of the ship and simply take in the sights as they pass.
You can also grab a glass of complimentary wine or beer from the bar on board and enjoy a luxurious skyline view of the Halifax Harbor!
“Our sailing trip was thoroughly enjoyable. We got to enjoy the Halifax harbour while also learning about how a sailboat works/operates. The staff were very friendly and helpful and answered any questions that we had. It was a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon.” – Erin G.
Important Info:
- Group Size – 12 people max
- Tour Length – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Tour Operator – J Farwell Sailing Tours
Check Prices and Availability Here!
3. Sunset Wine and Cheese Yacht Sailing
⭐5/5 (75+ Reviews)
Imagine sipping fancy wine and sailing through the harbor during golden hour. Not only is it a unique way to spend the evening, but it is also one of the best date night ideas in Halifax!
Once you board the yacht, your captain will sail down the narrows of the Northwest Arm during sunset and share some interesting insights about the harbor along the way. You’ll also get to sample four different types of local wine, cheese, and other charcuterie items.
The best part is that, because it’s a small group boat tour, you won’t have to share the moment with crowds of other tourists. The maximum number of people on each yacht tour is 12.
If you’re a wine enthusiast or a couple traveling to Halifax, this is a great way to spend an evening on the water!
Note: Guests must be 19 years of age to take this tour.
“If I could rate this tour 6 stars, I will. We had an amazing experience. The wine selection was extraordinary, the navigation in the ocean made me want to be a sailor, the crew was gentle and knowledgeable. The hours spent flew by and the scenery with wine and cheese couldn’t be better. Thank you for making our Halifax visit so joyful.” – Olga S.
Important Info:
- Group Size – 12 people max
- Tour Length – 2 hours 30 minutes
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Tour Operator – J Farwell Sailing Tours
Check Prices and Availability Here!
4. Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise
⭐5/5 (150+ Reviews)
The tall ship Silva is an imposing 130-foot (40m) schooner, but it looks even more impressive when you’re a passenger on board.
On this boat tour, you’ll enjoy sailing on one of the most beautiful boats in the harbor and learn all about the rice maritime history of Halifax. The tour sails near many local points of interest, including Harbour Bridge, Fort George, McNab’s Island, and Point Pleasant Park.
Towards the end of the tour, there is an optional part where you can join the crew manning the sails, tying knots, or even taking a turn at the helm. This is particularly fun for families with young children!
The tour does have a lot of people, but since the ship is so large, it rarely feels overcrowded. There’s plenty of room to find a spot and enjoy the boat tour!
“The young tour guide was great. The weather was beautiful. The wind and seas were calm. An exciting way to spend a couple of hours viewing the Halifax Harbour.” – Alvin B.
Important Info:
- Group Size – 72 people max
- Tour Length – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Tour Operator – Murphys Sailing Tours Ltd
Check Prices and Availability Here!
5. Private Luxury Catamaran Sail from Downtown Halifax
⭐4.5/5 (15+ Reviews)
Do you have a large group of friends or family looking for a private sailing tour? You can book as a couple and join the tour, or reserve the entire luxury catamaran for your group!
This catamaran is the newest boat in J Farwell Sailing Tour’s huge fleet.
It’s a luxurious, comfortable boat with catamaran nets suspended over the water, comfortable indoor seating, and lots of space to lounge. Guests can even sit at the stern and watch the captain navigate the boat!
This boat comes complete with Bluetooth speakers (so you can play your own music), an open-concept living room, a full bar, a kitchen, and a washroom.
Then, if you want to customize your private boat tour in Halifax even more, you can request to extend the sailing time or add to the number of guests on board (they can accommodate up to 26 people).
“We had a wonderful experience from the time of booking to docking! The crew were kind, helpful, funny, entertaining, engaging and made our group of ladies feel like queens! The boat is absolutely beautiful, and the views of Halifax at night were lovely. We enjoyed every minute!” – Autumn S.
Important Info:
- Group Size – private charter, 12 people
- Tour Length – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Tour Operator – J Farwell Sailing Tours
Check Prices and Availability Here!
6. Moonlight Yacht Cruise from Halifax Waterfront
⭐5/5 (15+ Reviews)
If you want a relaxing cruise showing you the Halifax skyline in a brand new light, this boat tour is for you!
This Moonlight Yacht Tour set sail late in the evening to take full advantage of the dark sky to view the glowing moon and stars, plus Halifax’s dazzling skyline.
It’s one of the few moonlight boat cruises in Halifax, creating a unique experience you can share with your friends or family.
The boat tour includes a calm atmosphere, soft music, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase on board. There’s also plenty of room on board because it’s a small group tour (12 people max.)
Note: This tour is for ages 19+.
“A very enjoyable evening! Would highly recommend! Halifax at moonlight is delightful! We met some very interesting people. And our tour guides were very informative.” – Elizabeth B.
Important Info:
- Group Size – 12 people max
- Tour Length – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Tour Operator – J Farwell Sailing Tours
Check Prices and Availability Here!
7. Private Sunset Luxury Catamaran Sail in Halifax
⭐5/5 (5+ Reviews)
If you’re looking for a luxury private boat tour, this catamaran could be the perfect option for you and your friends.
After booking the tour, the luxurious catamaran is yours for the duration of the cruise. Allow your captain to sail you through the golden light as you make your way through the northwest arm of Halifax to view the sunset.
Go ahead and relax with a view of the Halifax skyline. There’s plenty of space to sit, but the crowd favorite is the classic catamaran nets at the rear!
This private sailing departs at 7 PM and can accommodate up to 12 people. IT typically lasts 2 hours, but you can add more time for an extra fee!
“Captain Tim and the crew Karina and Hannah were amazing. Delightfully evening with plenty to see. Highly recommend this tour.” – Tripadvisor
Important Info:
- Group Size – private charter, 12 people
- Tour Length – 2 hours
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Tour Operator – J Farwell Sailing Tours
Check Prices and Availability Here!
8. Morning Family Sailing Experience in Halifax
⭐5/5 (25+ Reviews)
This boat tour in Halifax caters to families traveling to Halifax and want to go sailing together. It starts first thing in the morning (around 10 AM) and uses a 45’ wind-powered vessel!
The kids will learn so much from the crew on board, including gybing, tacking, setting the course, and turning the winches. The team works hard to make it a quality educational opportunity for everyone on board!
The captain will even provide each child with an Official Crew Member Certificate!
But don’t worry, this is an excellent tour for big kids, too (ahem, adults)!
There’s plenty of space to spread out and feel like you have your own space, even when a couple of families are on board, and reviews praise the team for giving personal care to each passenger.
If your kids love spending time on a boat, another memorable experience for families in Halifax is going whale watching!
“Kind, knowledgeable and fun staff. Clean, well maintained boat. Children friendly! All ages fun! I would recommend to anyone.” – Laurie S.
Important Info:
- Group Size – 12 people max
- Tour Length – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Tour Operator – J Farwell Sailing Tours
Check Prices and Availability Here!
9. Tidal Bay Wine & Cheese Yacht Sail
⭐5/5 (5+ Reviews)
This wine & cheese yacht sailing tour is excellent for people who want to sample locally-made wine and learn about each local wine’s history and cultural significance.
You will learn about how the sea has shaped the region and how that influences the climate in which the grapes are grown and their taste.
Then, the guides will bring you a sample of wines from the Tidal Bay Area, along with some cheese and meat pairings.
This Halifax boat tour takes place late in the afternoon and, like most sunset cruises in Halifax, sails around the along the Northwest Arm.
Note: You must be 19 years of age to consume wine.
“Wonderful experience. Wonderful 2 hours. Got to see loads of houses. Great night. Wonderful cheese and wine. Beautiful sail.” – Robert W.
Important Info:
- Group Size – 12 people max
- Tour Length – 2 hours
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Tour Operator – J Farwell Sailing Tours
Check Prices and Availability Here!
10. Halifax Harbour Tour
⭐5/5 (50+ Reviews)
Wondering if there are any good tours for budget-conscious travelers?
This Halifax Harbour Tour is not only affordable, but it’s also eco-friendly.
This unique tour takes place on a small, electric-powered boat. That means there’s no noise, fumes, or exhaust from the boat, which makes it super peaceful and helps the environment!
Once you climb on board, you’ll get a lovely 60-minute cruise around Halifax Harbor and a passionate guide to show you around the waters.
“We had a beautiful experience with Halifax Harbour Tours. The tour guides are very lovely people and were very informative. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Halifax.” – TripAdvisor.
Important Info:
- Group Size – small group
- Tour Length – 1 hour
- Hotel Pickup/Dropoff? – No
- Cancellation Policy – Nonrefundable
- Tour Operator – Halifax Harbour Tours
Check Prices and Availability Here!
Conclusion: Should You Book a Halifax Boat Tour?
Halifax’s Harbor is one of the most iconic parts of the Canadian city, and getting the chance to learn more about it and explore the coastline by boat is one of the best things to add to your itinerary in Halifax.
While there isn’t a bad tour on the list, here are my top picks!
Best Boat Tour for Solo Travelers – Tall Ship Silva Sailing Cruise
Best Boat Tour for Couples – Sunset Wine & Cheese Yacht Tour
Best Boat Tour for Families – Morning Family Sailing Experience
Best Boat Tour for Friends – Adventure Yacht Sailing Boat Tour
I hope this helps you decide on the best tour for your travel preferences and budget. I absolutely loved getting out on the water in Halifax, and I hope you do too!
Don’t forget to do your research for the best areas to stay in Halifax (you might even find a few hotels with waterslides!).
Read More About Nova Scotia:
- 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia
- 51 Fun Things to do in Halifax: The Best Activities You Won’t Want to Miss!
- 7 Best Whale Watching Halifax Tours: Where to See Whales in Nova Scotia
- 3 Best Halifax Hotels with Waterslides
- 10 Best Peggy’s Cove Tours
- 19 Exciting Day Trips from Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Where to Stay in Halifax: 17 Best Hotels
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
