Chattanooga Riverboat Cruise | River Gorge Explorer

River Gorge Explorer Cruises

This 70-passenger, hydrofoil-assisted vessel is the first of its kind to operate on an inland waterway in North America. Four water jets transport guests smoothly and swiftly along the Tennessee River. Angled seating allows each guest to relax in the climate-controlled cabin and enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife through oversized windows.

Two cruise options allow guests to enjoy very different experiences. Visitors may choose a downstream adventure into “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon” or an upstream excursion tracing some unique aspects of Chattanooga’s colorful timeline. All cruises are led by Aquarium naturalists who bring the area’s rich history to life and share animal expertise while pointing out wildlife along the way. Passengers will have plenty of time to enjoy the topside observation deck while taking in the scenery on each cruise.

Relax and enjoy the culture, history and natural beauty of the Tennessee Valley as it should be experienced – from the water.

Seven Bridges Cruise  (Starts May 26th) Head upstream to discover the little-known history along the route between the Aquarium and the Chickamauga Dam. Wildlife sightings and the river’s untamed side comes into view as you pass the seven bridges that helped shape the Scenic City.		River Gorge Cruise Travel downstream past the foot of Lookout Mountain and into “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.” Cruise between the mountain slopes of a protected habitat that’s home to an amazing array of plants and animals. Learn how the river and terrain played a pivotal role in the Civil War.
>> Click here for the River Gorge Explorer Schedule Ticket Prices: Adult $29 / Child $21.50 (3 -12) / Toddler $18         All children under 3 riding the River Gorge Explorer will be charged $18. They are counted as a passenger via Coast Guard regulations. Both cruises take 2 hours. Please allow 10 minutes for loading and disembarking. The boat boards at the Chattanooga Riverboat Pier - two blocks from the Tennessee Aquarium. Refreshments & restrooms are available on the boat. The Explorer is handicap accessible, however only two wheelchairs or small motorized chairs are allowed aboard each trip due to limited cabin space. Passengers with large motorized chairs or scooters will be asked to transfer to a cabin chair whenever possible..  Please call 423-265-0698 for advance reservations. The reservations department is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:45 pm. Please note cruises are subject to cancellation due to circumstances beyond our control (river conditions, weather, etc.). Whenever possible those holding advance reservations will be given one day’s notice of schedule changes.  Locating the River Gorge Explorer is easy!  Boarding Basics: From either the Tennessee Aquarium or IMAX 3D Theater, simply walk toward the Tennessee River on Chestnut Street. Turn left on Riverfront Parkway and continue to the Chattanooga Pier, located at the corner of Riverfront Parkway and Power Alley.  *If you need additional tickets, you may purchase them on the Chattanooga Pier at the ticketing kiosk. Proceed under the arch displaying the nautical flags and continue down the ramp to board the River Gorge Explorer.

A River View of Civil War History
Notable military points exist between Downtown Chattanooga and historic Pot Point. Tennessee Aquarium naturalists highlight strategic locations for passengers aboard the Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer.

Tour Highlights and Descriptions
Join us aboard the River Gorge Explorer and experience “Tennessee's Grand Canyon” as it was meant to be seen - from the water.

About the Tennessee River Gorge
The Tennessee River Gorge winds along 26 miles of the Tennessee River, and contains over 27,000 acres of protected land.  It is the perfect setting for taking beautiful photos from the deck of your Chattanooga riverboat cruise.

Ticket Information & Sales
Order your tickets online anytime for the Aquarium, IMAX Theater and River Gorge Explorer and you can pick them up at the will-call window.

Charter a Chattanooga Cruise
Whether it's a special occasion with family and friends, or a relaxing company cruise, the River Gorge Explorer can be chartered for all kinds of events making it both flexible and fun!