Sail Chattanooga’s riverfront with live music on a 6 pm cruise
1.5 hours
Live entertainment, commentary
Step aboard a Chattanooga riverboat for a 1.5-hour early evening cruise on the Tennessee River with live entertainment and onboard commentary. Take in skyline and bridge views as you relax on deck or grab a drink from the bar.
Arrive 1 hour before departure; all times are Eastern Time. Parking is across the street and costs $1 per hour. Gratuity is not included, and you must be 21 with valid ID to purchase alcohol.
All sales are final. If you do not add Trip Protection, no refunds.
Plan on a late afternoon/early evening cruise. Sunset time changes daily, and the schedule doesn’t adjust each day to match the exact sunset.
No. The Southern Belle Riverboat is a non-smoking vessel, and smoking of any kind is not permitted onboard.
Plan to pay for parking across the street. Gratuity isn’t included. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard.
151 Riverfront Pkwy Pier 2, Chattanooga, TN
The Southern Belle offers a pleasant cruise down the Tennessee River with friendly staff and live entertainment that guests consistently appreciate. The onboard gift shop is a hit, stocked with Chattanooga memorabilia and the famous moon pies invented locally. Most visitors enjoy the gentle pace and scenic views, finding it a relaxing way to spend a few hours. Live music adds to the atmosphere, and the bar area gets particularly good marks for its welcoming vibe. The boat itself shows its age with dated decor and worn carpet that some guests notice. Outdoor seating fills up quickly, so arriving early is smart if you want to snag a spot on deck. Dinner cruise experiences are mixed, with some praising the food and festive atmosphere during holiday events, while others found the buffet underwhelming and felt the overall experience didn't quite match expectations. Note that dinner cruises may no longer be regularly offered. The wheelhouse visits are a nice touch, though crew interaction there can be hit or miss. Overall, it's an enjoyable local experience for around $40 that showcases the city from a different perspective.
I was a little sad when I thought we would be on the big river boat but in fact we sailed on the smaller one anchored right behind it🤣. Just a little duped! We had a great time on the cruise though and the live music really set it off. We were sad when the boat turned to come back to port and the adventure was over. Tips: They board the boat at 5:30. If you want a seat on the top deck in the shade get in line early!!!!
Erica Kenny
April 13, 2026
I was a little sad when I thought we would be on the big river boat but in fact we sailed on the smaller one anchored right behind it🤣. Just a little duped! We had a great time on the cruise though and the live music really set it off. We were sad when the boat turned to come back to port and the adventure was over. Tips: They board the boat at 5:30. If you want a seat on the top deck in the shade get in line early!!!!
Erica Kenny
April 13, 2026