





Singapore: Singapore River Cruises
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 13:00 - 22:00. Friday - Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00
The Vibe:Heritage bridges, sparkling skyline, breezy ride 🌆
A journey down the Singapore River floats through the city's story, from colonial trading port to modern metropolis. Traditional bumboats now carry sightseers past skyscrapers and historic shophouses, linking the Singapore of old and new.
A gentle breeze and a low engine hum accompany the cruise’s unhurried pace. City lights shimmer on the water’s surface as you drift under historic bridges and past lively riverfronts.
- Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2025
- Featured in Lonely Planet’s top 10 Singapore experiences
- Visitors rave about stunning skyline views at night 🌃
Persona Fit
- 👨👩👧 Families: Smooth ride, short and safe for kids; engaging sights like the Merlion
- 💕 Couples: Romantic city lights and a calm, intimate cruise experience
- 👵 Seniors: Relaxing pace with no walking; easy viewing from your seat
- 📸 Photographers: Golden hour reflections and unique angles of landmarks
Highlights
- Ride a heritage bumboat — cruise in a piece of Singapore’s history
- Skyline from the water — iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion from a new angle
- Sunset departures — golden light on city skyscrapers, then a dazzling skyline after dark
- Live commentary — hear the stories behind riverside sights as you glide
- Spectra from the bay — catch Marina Bay’s water-and-light show without the crowds — Hidden Gem
4 Curated Booking Options
Starts From
(Per Person)

Adeline Ee
Our Singapore Local Expert
Table of Contents
- MRT: Clarke Quay station (NE Line) is a 5-minute walk (via Exit C), and Fort Canning station (DT Line) is about 10 minutes away. Several bus routes (32, 54, 195) stop at Clarke Quay. Taxis or rideshares can drop you at Clarke Quay Central Mall nearby.
- Clarke Quay Jetty (next to the riverside Hooters restaurant) is the main and only boarding point. Look for the ticket counter by the river – exchange your online voucher for a boarding pass here. There are no special gates; everyone boards in order of the queue.
- Arrive 15 minutes early, especially around 7–8pm when lines peak. Boarding is first-come, first-served (no assigned seats). In the evening rush, getting there a bit early ensures you can choose an outdoor seat for the best views.
Food & Coffee Shops
Jumbo Seafood (Riverside Point): Famous chili crab restaurant by the river, a 5-minute walk from the jetty.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road): Local eatery known for peppery pork rib soup, just beyond Clarke Quay station.
Brewerkz (Clarke Quay): Casual microbrewery on the riverfront – great for a cold drink and bites after your cruise.
Jumbo Seafood (Riverside Point): Famous chili crab restaurant by the river, a 5-minute walk from the jetty.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road): Local eatery known for peppery pork rib soup, just beyond Clarke Quay station.
Brewerkz (Clarke Quay): Casual microbrewery on the riverfront – great for a cold drink and bites after your cruise.
Insider Tips
Best Time: Aim for a cruise around 6:30–7:00 PM – you’ll catch daylight views, a vibrant sunset, and then the city’s twinkling night skyline all in one trip.
Hack: Sit at the very back of the bumboat. The rear outdoor seats have no roof above, giving you a panoramic view and the best breeze during the ride.
Hidden Gem: The first boat of the day is often nearly empty, offering a peaceful experience with the river practically to yourself – a great option for crowd-free photos and quiet sightseeing.
Weather: Carry a small umbrella or poncho during monsoon season (Nov–Jan). Cruises run in light rain (boats have a covered section), but heavy storms can cause short delays. On hot afternoons, wear sunscreen – there’s partial shade onboard, but it can get warm.
Best Time: Aim for a cruise around 6:30–7:00 PM – you’ll catch daylight views, a vibrant sunset, and then the city’s twinkling night skyline all in one trip.
Hack: Sit at the very back of the bumboat. The rear outdoor seats have no roof above, giving you a panoramic view and the best breeze during the ride.
Hidden Gem: The first boat of the day is often nearly empty, offering a peaceful experience with the river practically to yourself – a great option for crowd-free photos and quiet sightseeing.
Weather: Carry a small umbrella or poncho during monsoon season (Nov–Jan). Cruises run in light rain (boats have a covered section), but heavy storms can cause short delays. On hot afternoons, wear sunscreen – there’s partial shade onboard, but it can get warm.
Photography Tips
No tripods or drones: The boats are small and constantly moving, and drones are prohibited in this central city area.
Best lighting: For photography, the golden hour (just before sunset) gives you soft light on colonial buildings and skyscrapers. After dark, capture the neon skyline reflections on the water for dramatic shots.
Angles: The clearest views are at the front or back of the boat. The back offers wide-open angles without a roof, while the front lets you use the boat’s prow in your composition. Avoid sitting under the canopy if you want unobstructed photos.
Steady shots: The boat will be in motion, so at night use a high ISO or your camera’s Night Mode instead of long exposure (to prevent blur). Brace against the seat or railing for stability, and use a wrist strap to keep your camera/phone secure over the water.
No tripods or drones: The boats are small and constantly moving, and drones are prohibited in this central city area.
Best lighting: For photography, the golden hour (just before sunset) gives you soft light on colonial buildings and skyscrapers. After dark, capture the neon skyline reflections on the water for dramatic shots.
Angles: The clearest views are at the front or back of the boat. The back offers wide-open angles without a roof, while the front lets you use the boat’s prow in your composition. Avoid sitting under the canopy if you want unobstructed photos.
Steady shots: The boat will be in motion, so at night use a high ISO or your camera’s Night Mode instead of long exposure (to prevent blur). Brace against the seat or railing for stability, and use a wrist strap to keep your camera/phone secure over the water.
Things To Do Nearby
Fort Canning Park — A historic hill park with colonial-era fort gates and lush gardens, just behind Clarke Quay (great for a post-cruise stroll).
Boat Quay & Asian Civilisations Museum — Walk 10 minutes downriver to explore a waterfront stretch of eateries and visit this museum showcasing pan-Asian heritage in a restored colonial building.
Clarke Quay Nightlife — If you’re out in the evening, stick around Clarke Quay’s colorful promenades for live music, nightlife, and riverside dining after your cruise.
Fort Canning Park — A historic hill park with colonial-era fort gates and lush gardens, just behind Clarke Quay (great for a post-cruise stroll).
Boat Quay & Asian Civilisations Museum — Walk 10 minutes downriver to explore a waterfront stretch of eateries and visit this museum showcasing pan-Asian heritage in a restored colonial building.
Clarke Quay Nightlife — If you’re out in the evening, stick around Clarke Quay’s colorful promenades for live music, nightlife, and riverside dining after your cruise.








