Charter the vintage motor yacht Independence for a private Potomac cruise
2, 3, or 4 hour
Up to 13 people
Private cruise, Captain, Crew
Explore the Potomac on a private cruise aboard the 1976 Downeast-style motor yacht Independence. Choose a 2, 3, or 4 hour route past DC monuments and Georgetown with a United States Coast Guard (USCG) captain and crew.
Smoking is prohibited. Only soft white-sole shoes are allowed on deck; heels must be removed prior to boarding.
This booking is for the whole experience, which fits up to 13 guests.
Deposit is fully refundable for cancellations made more than 30 days before your booking. Within 30 days, you are charged 25% of total bill. Less than 72 hours, you are charged 75% of total bill. You can transfer to another date if communicated 72 hours in advance, or transfer to another person.
Meet in front of the entrance gate that leads to the boat slips adjacent to Gordon Ramsey’s Fish and Chips at The Wharf Marina. Arrive with plenty of time—your reservation starts promptly and your entire party must be present before you board.
Yes. Review and sign a liability waiver before you board.
Wear only soft white-sole shoes on deck. For safety, deck shoes are preferred; otherwise remove your shoes. Remove heels before boarding.
Departing from The Wharf Marina in Washington DC
Hannah and her team have built something special on the Potomac, turning life's big moments into unforgettable experiences on the water. Reviewers consistently praise the seamless coordination from start to finish, with Hannah getting particular recognition for her responsiveness and attention to detail. The vintage yacht fleet includes standout vessels like The Patriot and Independence, both described as gorgeous and impeccably maintained. Whether it's a wedding, milestone birthday, or corporate event, guests rave about the whole package: exceptional seafood (those oysters get multiple shout-outs), Chef Troy's culinary expertise, and captains who know how to create the right atmosphere. What really shines through is how the crew tailors each experience to what clients envision. From fireworks viewing during Cherry Blossom Festival to intimate family celebrations, they handle logistics smoothly while delivering fine-dining quality on the water. Past clients are so impressed they're already planning their next booking, and guests consistently ask how they hadn't discovered this DC gem sooner. The professionalism, beautiful boats, and genuinely memorable experiences make this a standout choice for anyone wanting to celebrate something special.
We recently hosted a private client event aboard The Patriot, and the experience exceeded our expectations. From our first conversations with Hanna and Keighley from the Nautiste team through the event itself, every detail was handled with professionalism, warmth, and genuine care. The yacht is beautifully maintained, the views of Washington, D.C. from the water were incredible, and the service throughout the evening was seamless. What stood out most was the team's flexibility and willingness to accommodate special requests, helping us create an experience that felt thoughtful and personalized for our guests. Planning events can be stressful, but Hannah and Keighley made the process smooth from start to finish! A huge thank you to Hanna, Keighley, and the entire Nautiste crew for helping us create such a memorable evening. We would gladly work with you again and highly recommend Nautiste for anyone looking to host a unique event in D.C.!
Angélica Zamorano
June 1, 2026
We recently hosted a private client event aboard The Patriot, and the experience exceeded our expectations. From our first conversations with Hanna and Keighley from the Nautiste team through the event itself, every detail was handled with professionalism, warmth, and genuine care. The yacht is beautifully maintained, the views of Washington, D.C. from the water were incredible, and the service throughout the evening was seamless. What stood out most was the team's flexibility and willingness to accommodate special requests, helping us create an experience that felt thoughtful and personalized for our guests. Planning events can be stressful, but Hannah and Keighley made the process smooth from start to finish! A huge thank you to Hanna, Keighley, and the entire Nautiste crew for helping us create such a memorable evening. We would gladly work with you again and highly recommend Nautiste for anyone looking to host a unique event in D.C.!
Angélica Zamorano
June 1, 2026
Explore Washington, D.C. with stand-up comedy as your guide
See National Mall museums through a comic and art lover's lens
See rare Revolutionary artifacts in a self-guided changing exhibition
Tour Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon with guide and transportation
See DC by convertible bus with reserved entry to the U.S. Capitol and National Archives
See DC’s top memorials with reserved entry to the U.S. Capitol and National Archives