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Potomac Riverboat Company

Potomac Riverboat Company offers sightseeing tours, private charters and water taxi transportation along the historic Potomac River.

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Potomac Riverboat Company

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Potomac Riverboat Company - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Potomac Riverboat Co

Guests looking for a leisurely tour; getting from Alexandria to National Harbor or the Washington Harbor, or the new District Wharf and back. Or anyone looking for a charter for a reunion; office outing, awards program or milestone event. Group rates for guests having more than 20 people in their group are available.

Who we want to be referred to

The best way to see DC, MD and VA is to take a water taxis, narrated tours or charter one of our eight vessels on the Potomac River. We have docks in all three areas. We love working with individuals and groups. So whether you have a VIP group, are being married, have a special family or work get together, need a different outing or just want to be on the water; go to: potomacriverboatco.com and book today. We are a division of Entertainment Cruises - memorable river programs!

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Potomac Riverboat Company

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Potomac Riverboat Company - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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Potomac Water Taxi is closed for the season, resuming in March 2024

Plan ahead and purchase your season pass now Book Now

Potomac Water Taxi

Our newest water taxi service offers routes connecting The Wharf to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor.

View the schedule to see departure times at your nearest location. Enjoy the ride along the Potomac River. Download our City Experiences app today to enjoy these audio tours the next time you’re on a narrated sightseeing tour – download in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Our boats are ADA compliant but please note that the Georgetown Dock is not. Sorry, no pets – only service dogs are allowed on the Potomac Water Taxi

Where to Meet

• The Wharf    View on Map Dock: Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St SW* Drop-Off: 950 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC *Pedestrian access only. Located between Blair Alley SW & 9th St SW.
• Georgetown  View on Map 3100 K St NW, Washington, DC Approximate trip time: 30 minutes – Georgetown Dock is not Wheelchair accessible * Please note, our water taxi route traveling from Georgetown directly  to Old Town Alexandria is our Monuments Cruise
• Alexandria City Marina     View on Map 0 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA Located behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center Approximate trip time: 30 minutes
• National Harbor     View on Map 145 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD Approximate trip time: 45 minutes

Explore More Water Taxi Offerings

Frequently asked questions, reservations, how do i make a reservation.

Reservations may be made online or at the ticket booth based on availability. Advance purchases are recommended. Click here to book your ticket.

How do I modify a reservation?

You may change your return time at the ticket booth or over the phone as long as space is available. Click here to manage your booking. Pricing is subject to change.

For more information, please call 877-511-2628 . We reserve the right to change boats/schedules at any time.

Payments and Discounts

How do i pay for my tickets.

We accept most major credit cards for reservations. You can pay directly on our website , or call our reservation department at 888-302-2469 for more information.

Are there any discounts for children?

Children under three years old cruise free. Unfortunately, we do not offer additional child discounts at this time.

Are season passes available?

Yes. There are one-way, round-trip, one-day, two-day and season passes available online . Please note, tickets can only be redeemed by the pass holder.

When does the season pass expire?

You will have unlimited water taxi service through December.

Can I commute to work?

Due to the current seasonality hours, the water taxi is ideal for a leisurely commute, but we look forward to expanding hours in the future.

Print or Show Tickets

Do i need to print tickets or show my boarding pass.

Tickets are not required for boarding. When boarding, you can check in with your confirmation number and the last name that is on your reservation.

What happens in there is inclement weather?

Potomac Water Taxi sails rain or shine. In the event of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, we will remain dockside.

What is the dress code?

Casual attire: jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweaters, and sneakers are appropriate. Depending on the season, we recommend bringing extra layers as it may get breezy out on the water.

What are the routes of the Potomac Water Taxi?

Our water taxi service offers routes connecting The Wharf to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor.

What are the departure times?

Departures begin at the Wharf at 11:45 am and will depart every 30 minutes to one hour depending on the day of the week.  View the water taxi schedule , and select your desired date, departure, and destination location. Departures out of National Harbor and Alexandria may vary.

What is the travel time for the water taxi rides?

Approximate travel time: 30-45 minutes.

What is the location for departure?

Please look for the dock address you are departing from below:

The Wharf   View on Map

Dock: Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St SW* Drop-Off: 950 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC *Pedestrian access only. Located between Blair Alley SW & 9 th St SW.

Georgetown   View on Map

3100 K St NW, Washington, DC Approximate trip time: 30 minutes – Georgetown Dock is not Wheelchair accessible. Please note, our water taxi route traveling from Georgetown directly to Old Town Alexandria is our Monuments cruise.

Alexandria City Marina   View on Map

0 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA Located behind the Torpedo Factory Art Centr Approximate trip time: 30 minutes

National Harbor   View on Map

145 National Harbor Plaza, National Harbor, MD Approximate travel time: 45 minutes

What will I see along the routes?

You will see a plethora of famous monuments and landmarks of Washington, DC with stunning reflective views.

Are audio tours available?

Experience the full Potomac River Experience with one of our narrated sightseeing tours. Choose from:

• Alexandria-Georgetown Monuments Route
• Wharf-Georgetown Sightseeing Route

Download our app today to enjoy these audio tours the next time you’re on a narrated sightseeing tour.

Download the City Experiences App – Apple Store and Google Play Store

Food & Beverage

Can i purchase food or beverages on board.

Yes. Light concessions are available to purchase on board.

Are pets allowed on board?

Sorry, no pets -only service dogs are allowed on the Potomac Water Taxi.

Are there age restrictions to cruise?

There are no age restrictions for most of our cruises. All minors require adult supervision.

Smoking Policy

Is smoking allowed onboard.

Smoking is not permitted onboard.

Weapon Policy

What is your weapons policy.

You may not bring explosives, firearms, illegal substances, or any articles of a dangerous or damaging nature, as determined in our sole discretion, that could be harmful to yourself or others.

Safety & Accessibility

Are you regulated b the u.s. coast guard.

Our vessels are all subject to inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard and our crew members are all properly licensed.  We also follow MARSEC security guidelines. Should the MARSEC security level be elevated, we may opt to increase security measures onboard our vessels to ensure safety. The U.S. Coast Guard requires all passengers over 18 years of age to have valid photo identification.  Please make sure to have your photo ID available at boarding.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Are the water taxis handicapped accessible.

Our boats are ADA compliant but please note that the Georgetown Dock is not ADA comliant.

Onboard Comfort

Are there life preservers onboard.

Each vessel is 100% U.S. Coast Guard certified with life preservers and all required lifesaving equipment, including child life vests.

Will I get seasick?

Most of our guests experience no discomfort, if you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, you may experience seasickness. Please take advantage of the preventative measures that are available to you.

Is there a phone on the boat where guests can receive or make calls?

Phones are not available for guests to use. Most cellular services are available on the water as we do not cruise beyond one mile offshore.

Is there parking by the boarding location?

Parking varies by location. The Potomac Water Taxi does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Please check your specific departure site for surrounding parking locations.

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Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.

From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!

Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".

The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.

Need primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!

The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.

The Potomac Company

Perhaps more than any other Founding Father, George Washington believed that America's destiny lay in expansion to the west.

Even before the Revolution, Washington became obsessed with the idea of opening the west to trade and navigation. His dream was to link his beloved Potomac River through a series of canals and roads to the mighty Ohio River.  The challenge was to skirt the several falls of the Potomac River, the most violent and unpassable being Great Falls about 10 miles above the port city of Georgetown, now in the District of Columbia. 

After the war, in 1784, Washington made a trip across the mountains to inspect his western land holdings and to investigate the best route for extending the navigation of the Potomac. When he returned home, he wrote a letter to the governor of Virginia calling for the opening of the west as a means of binding the Union together and countering the influence of foreign powers.

The following year, under Washington's leadership, the Potomac Company was chartered by both the legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, for the purpose of building a system of canals around the falls.

Washington's Exploration of the West

George Washington's lifelong association with the American West and its expanding frontier began in his youth.  During his early teenage years he was exposed to school exercises that taught the basics of surveying and land measuring.

Washington's first trip out west came in 1748 when he was invited to join a survey party organized by his neighbor and friend George William Fairfax of Belvoir . Fairfax assembled an experienced team to layout lots within a large land tract along the western edge of Virginia.

He noted in his diary the "beautiful Groves of Sugar Trees," the Potomac swollen by melting spring snows, and encounters with settlers and Native Americans.

Learn More about Washington's Life as a Surveyor 

The Military Deepens Washington's Knowledge of the West

Potomack & Shenandoah Navigation Lottery Ticket

Patowmack Company Logo

Washington continued professional as a surveyor until 1752 when he recieved a military appointment as adjutant for southern Virginia.

As a young and ambitious military officer, he experienced the wilderness on a number of occasions. In late 1753, twenty-one-year-old Major Washington set off on a 2 ½-month journey on rough trails and through deep snows into the Ohio country to warn the French against encroachment into the Virginia backcountry.

Still in his twenties, he served as an aide to General Edward Braddock in the French and Indian War and trekked the forests, built roads, and led troops through the western Pennsylvania wilderness.

During this time, Washington perfected his skills as a surveyor and achieved notoriety on the battlefield. He also developed an extraordinary awareness of the vast resources of the American interior, the role of the Potomac and other waterways as important avenues to the West, the potential for personal wealth there, and the attraction of the hinterlands to a multitude of diverse settlers.

These experiences greatly influenced the young master of Mount Vernon. Aside From expanding his estate and changing his agricultural focus from tobacco to wheat, nothing occupied his time more intensely during the years prior to the American Revolution than acquiring and managing vast land holdings in the Ohio Valley.

By 1770, Washington had amassed more than 20,000 of the approximately 60,000 acres he would eventually own in frontier areas by taking advantage of a 1754 proclamation that awarded land to officers who had served in the French and Indian War.

He traveled to the Ohio country in the fall of 1770 to inspect and choose specific parcels for himself and other officers, and he renewed his acquaintance with the rich interior.

At that time Washington became actively involved in efforts to establish an organization, called the Potomac Company, that would develop links between the Potomac, James, and Ohio Rivers by networks of roads, canals, and locks in order to expedite the transportation of produce and people between the East and the West. He commented on the "immense advantages" of "making the Potomac the Channel of Commerce between Great Britain and that immense Tract of Country which is unfolding to our view ...."

Post-Revolution Brings Opportunity

Gateway to the West: Daniel Boone Leading the Settlers Through the Cumberland Gap (© David Wright - <a href="http://www.davidwrightart.com" target="_blank">davidwrightart.com</a>)

After the American Revolution Washington's thoughts turned once more to improving the navigation of the Potomac River. In 1784, at age 52, he journeyed again to the West, both to inspect his lands and to explore the best and shortest river routes for inland navigation.

Since settlers were pouring into the Ohio country much faster "than anyone would imagine,"it was important he wrote, "to prevent the trade of the Western territory from settling in the hands, either of the Spanish [to the South] or the British [to the North]." If the inhabitants "should form commercial connexions [sic]" with these other "kinds - they would in a few years be as unconnected with us ... and wd [sic] soon be alienated from us."

Now Washington believed the development of the Potomac would not only provide commercial benefits but was necessary politically to create a strong Union.

Washington led the way in chartering the Potomac Company by first seeking interstate cooperation between Virginia and Maryland in developing the Potomac River. Both states passed legislation in early 1785, and the details of trading rights were set forward in the Mount Vernon Compact that same year. 

Work Begins

Illustration by William H. Bond of what Matildaville (near Great Falls) would have become once the canal was in place. (National Geographic Society)

Harpers Ferry along the Potomac River in 1803 (Harpers Ferry NHP Historic Photo Collection (HF-628))

Washington and the directors made several trips to inspect the sites and to consult about the best methods of improving the navigation of the Potomac, traversing the rapids in canoes and walking both shores in order to select suitable channels and proper depths. Ultimately, the Company cleared channels and built canals and locks to negotiate the rapids between Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, and the area above Harpers Ferry.

The 1785 charter provided "liberal wages" for "any Number not exceeding one hundred good Hands with provisions and a reasonable Quantity of Spirits; that a further Encouragement will be given to such as are dextrous [sic] in boring and blowing Rocks in which Service a proportion of the Men will be employed .... " Rations for the workers included ~1 lb. Salt pork or 1 ¼ lb. Salt Beef or 1 ~ lb. fresh Beef or Mutton-- 1 ½ ibs. Flour or Bread and 3 Jills Rum a day."

The one hundred plus hands were divided into crews and put to work at various points along the river: Shenandoah Falls, Seneca Falls, Little Falls, House Falls, and Great Falls. During the life of the company, workers included a mixture of hired hands, indentured servants, and slaves.

The crew led a difficult life, being required to remove a certain amount of debris and rock before their rations of "spirits" were distributed. The work was dangerous, and since many of the men were inexperienced in the use of explosives several were injured and some died.

A July 1786 report noted: "One Run off the other Blown up." Often their rations and acquisition of basic equipment, such as boats, were delayed because contracts were not fulfilled. Sometimes these contractors were neighboring settlers who resented the disturbances of the unruly crews.

Running the Company

"List of Workmen Employed at the great falls by the Potomack Company under Richardson Stuart [Stewart] from the 11 th of April last up to the 12th of May 1787, and Certified by the Subscribing Overseers" (MVLA)

In 1999, Mount Vernon had the good fortune to acquire a manuscript entitled "List of Workmen Employed at the great falls by the Potomack Company under Richardson Stuart [Stewart] from the 11 th of April last up to the 12th of May 1787, and Certified by the Subscribing Overseers."

This fascinating document illustrates in microcosm the basic organization of the company during the time of its existence. The 25inch long payroll lists the names and wages of 53 workers--including five overseers, two blacksmiths, a cook, one carpenter, and 44 laborers--during a 30-day period in the spring of 1787.

A ranking by skill and management level is indicated: the overseers earned the most, followed by the skilled carpenter and blacksmiths, and finally by the laborers. Although the overwhelming majority on the project were men, it is interesting to find the name of Mary Tuinch, the lone cook for the group. (A laborer named George Tuinch was probably related to Mary.) This wage tally was written by Richardson Stewart, manager, and verified by James Smith, assistant manager, and by the five overseers.

On the reverse Stewart notes receipt of the last portion of the payroll from William Hartshorne, company treasurer. The document is signed and approved by George Washington, president of the company until 1789, and two of the company's four directors, George Gilpin and John Fitzgerald.

Throughout the life of the project, bad weather, labor problems, and mounting expenses plagued the operation, and tensions and jealousies occurred among the field managers. In July 1785, when no applicants applied for the job as superintendent to initiate and oversee the fieldwork, George Washington offered the position to James Rumsey. Washington had witnessed Rumsey's demonstration of a mechanical boat propelled by poles and had learned of his ideas for developing a steamboat, both promising inventions for navigating upstream. Richardson Stewart was chosen assistant manager to Rumsey, and later James Smith was appointed as another assistant manager.

Rumsey held his position for less than a year, resigning in July 1786 because of poor pay, difficulties in managing the workers, and his desire to further his experiments. He made a formal complaint against Stewart, which included "want of truth and candor, disobedience of his orders, misrepresentations to the board, [and] interfering with the overseer's men .... "The board dismissed these charges and Stewart was appointed as Rumsey's replacement. By June of 1788, however, charges were once more brought against Stewart, who was this time relieved of his position, and James Smith was promoted to manager of the project.

A Lifelong Promoter

Mules pulling boats on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O National Historic Park)

Whether serving as president of the Constitutional Convention or as the newly elected president of the United States, Washington's enthusiasm for the Potomac Canal never wavered. Visitors to Mount Vernon commented on his long discussions on the subject; Robert Hunter, a visitor to the estate in 1785 noted that, "The General sent the bottle about pretty freely after dinner and gave success to the navigation of the Potomac for his toast, which he has very much [at] heart, and when finished will, I suppose be the first river in the world." In the last week of his life Washington "rejoice[d] that the means are likely to be obtained which will accomplish this desirable object."

The Potomac Company increased the trade between east and west, with boats carrying such diverse items as barrels of flour, pig iron, pork, beef, tobacco, ginseng, linseed off, and even cast iron stoves.

The canal and lock systems of the Potomac Company were taken over in 1828 by the Chesapeake and Ohio Company, and the railroads superceded the canals by the middle of the 19th century.

However, it was Washington's vision for a strong Union that shaped the development of inland navigation, opened up the rich interior, and helped "bind those people to us by a chain which never can be broken."

Remains of Potowmack Company

Washington's efforts to link the east coast of America with the Ohio Country via the Potomac River. See it in person at Great Falls National Park in Virginia.

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‘We need to get started now’: Search for backup water storage, supply for Potomac River funded

Neal Augenstein | [email protected]

March 15, 2024, 9:53 AM

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Almost six years after WTOP reported D.C. only has a one or two-day supply of drinking water  if the Potomac River weren’t available, a study to find potential water storage or another drinking water source will soon begin.

The Energy and Water Appropriations Bill approved by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden last week contains $500,000 in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin a study on potential solutions.

In 2016, water officials finally made public a long-standing water system shortcoming: D.C. has no backup drinking water supply. And surrounding communities have limited options.

“We only have about 24 to 48 hours of water supply available should the Potomac River become unavailable to us,” said Tom Jacobus in 2016 while he was general manager of the Washington Aqueduct. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the aqueduct processes drinking water for the District and Arlington County and the City of Falls Church in Virginia.

The aqueduct is one of the few water-processing facilities with only one source. WSSC Water, which serves most of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, draws 30% of the water it sends to customers from the Patuxent River. Fairfax Water, which serves Fairfax and Prince William counties, gets a portion of its water from the Occoquan Reservoir.

Now, in 2024, funding is finally in place for the Army Corps to begin identifying ways to ensure the region has enough drinking water.

“Overall, for the whole region, about 80% of our water supply comes from the Potomac River,” said Steve Bieber, water resources program director for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

A train crash, power plant discharge, underwater pipeline rupture or act of terrorism could make the Potomac temporarily unavailable and affect the entire region’s drinking water.

“The impact of it could really be catastrophic,” Bieber said. “You can imagine businesses having to close, schools having to close, if the water supply were severely diminished or, in some cases, unavailable.”

Bieber said the total estimated cost of the study over three years is about $3 million.

“The $500,000 is to get things started in year one,” Bieber said. For the $3 million total, “we envision half of that being paid by the federal government — the U.S. Army — and the other half paid by local partners like COG, and the water utilities in the region.”

In terms of possible water storage possibilities, Rudy Chow, general manager of the Washington Aqueduct, told WTOP in 2022, the possibility of utilizing the Travilah Quarry on Piney Meetinghouse Road in Rockville, Maryland, to provide water storage for the region’s water utilities would be very expensive.

Chow believes there are some less-costly options than a quarry.

“Can we increase underground storage facilities, tanks, to increase that capacity? That is something that needs to be looked at,” Chow said in 2022. Other options might be reclaiming Potomac Water, by recycling it for drinking water purposes.

Bieber told WTOP local water suppliers need to plan ahead, “for things in 2050 or 2070.”

“The reality is, if we want to have something built, online and running to meet the needs two decades from now, we need to do the three-year study now, to identify the option we prefer,” Bieber warned. “Planning, design, and to implement that plan will take another several years after the study — we need to get started now, so we’ll have something online, before there’s a problem.”

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© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Neal Augenstein has been a reporter at WTOP since 1997. Through the years, Neal has covered many of the crimes and trials that have gripped the region. Neal's been pleased to receive awards over the years for hard news, feature reporting, use of sound and sports.

• @AugensteinWTOP

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8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

• Statue of Lenin
• Electrostal History and Art Museum
• Park of Culture and Leisure
• Museum and Exhibition Center
• Museum of Labor Glory