How many times can you say, "I rented a private yacht for the night?" Not very often when you're…read morein my income bracket. But thanks to my job and my role in planning meetings and events, I got to finally check renting a yacht off my list. Setting up the event was easy. A phone call, talking through options and placing a deposit secured the boat. It wasn't inexpensive, but it also wasn't bad since food and drinks are included for our 25 guests. For food, there are several options to choose from. You can do appetizer stations, have appetizers passed while people are enjoying cocktails, or you can skip apps and just do dinner. For dinner we opted for a sit down meal, but they also offer a buffet. For the plated meal, you get to choose two proteins, a starch and a vegetable. I chose a filet, mahi mahi, potatoes and carrots. The meal also comes with a spinach salad and bread. They kept the drinks flowing throughout, and for dessert we selected the chocolate cake. The boat is nice, the staff super, and cruising around is awesome! Sadly, the food is the low point. For appetizers we had a mix of things, including seared beef, spanakopita, samosas, chicken satay and bruschetta. The appetizers were pretty good but the bruschetta was served on stale crackers. I always thought the point of bruschetta was the bread. Also disappointing was the filet and mahi mahi. The filet was ordered medium to accommodate different tastes...middle of the road, I figured. Every filet was well done and the sauce tasted only of mustard. The fish was like shoe leather...so overdone. I ended up eating the salads and sides. I know it's difficult to cook on a boat, but what about cooking the filet whole and then carving it? Or just get someone who knows how to cook. If I were to do this again, I'd skip the food altogether, or maybe just do appetizers (I can buy the bread for them). People still had fun, even with the bad food. Just being on the water makes everything better.

3.5 Stars! My friend…read moreand I were running a little behind, but were able to get there in plenty of time and did not have to take a running jump to get on the boat. (woo hoo!) We were aiming for a Cherry Blossom tour, but the trees weren't on our side this time. The cruise itself was fine, as it took us around. I didn't really notice anything of note, except the Washington Monument in the distance. (This could just be my ignorance as well.) There was a deceptive display of coffee urns and mugs, but there was not coffee. That was disappointing. The bottom deck had several chairs in rows, and upstairs there are a few tables. You can also go outside on either end of the vessel. If you are on the bottom in the back, it's really loud, as that's where the motor is. Upstairs has cushioned seats and the engine isn't as noisy up there. In the front, there is some seating as well and it can also be loud if it's windy. We didn't buy anything from the snack station as we had just eaten, but I saw that they had a decent snack selection.

It has been awhile since I boarded their charter boat but it's still memorable. The food, decor…read moreand cruise was first class. The captain is the first minority woman to hold that honor in the DMV. This is a family owned business that is a gem to our area! Book your next party for an unforgettable experience.

Captain cancelled my party which had already been rescheduled once. Theoretically for no reason at…read moreall. At first she said weather, then that she didn't have staff. There's policy all over the website about if the costumer cancels but she expects to still keep people's money even if the party never happens because SHE cancelled which is ridiculous and corrupt.

My cousin reserved the up-to-6-passenger Tiki cruise as a local bachelorette party for me and our…read moregroup of 3 had a blast. Captain Matt not only gave us a great ride and was full of DC trivia we weren't familiar with even after 15 years of living in the DMV area - but also let my cousin do a little decorating for the occasion, and passengers can byo food and alcohol. We opted to cruise directly underneath the flight path for jets landing at DCA for a few exhilarating flyovers, then took in the Lincoln Memorial from the water. Want to play your own tunes? Connect to the onboard Bluetooth speaker. Hair getting in your face? Captain Matt has hair ties for you. Even for a short trip we felt like we had a full service experience. Perfect idea for guests in town as a new and fun way to experience the area, or for an occasion.

Rented a boat for a graduation celebration with friends on a Tuesday at 5pm. It was a great time!…read moreWe all wished we could extend for another hour (or four). The hosts answered all our questions, we were able to connect to the speaker, and we got in a mini photo shoot on the dock during the halfway point pit stop. The ride was very peaceful but also lit when we wanted it to be! Other groups were waving from their boats, the monuments provided poppin' views/backdrops throughout the ride, and we didn't even actually haaaave to paddle the whole time! I would definitely get a group together and go out on the water with this company again! A lit DC summer experience!

I went there for my birthday, the staff were so respectful and kind. They also have the best…read moreavailable skis that is for sure going to make you have fun.

Im a retired Firefighter with nothing but free time, I wanted to be on the water today so, I…read moredecided to rent jet skis for my nephew and myself at Shaoda Jet Ski rentals. To say I had a great time is an understatement, my nephew and I had a BALL!!!! Jamal, the guy who rented us the jet skis was very professional and very good at what he did. I cant wait to go back out to Jamal because he was very spot on and knew everything about the Jet Skis and we had an ABSOLUTE GREAT TIME!!!!! Will be going back a couple more times with Jamal. If you guys are looking for some Summer Jet Ski Fun. Go rent a jet ski from Shaods I Guarantee you wont be DISAPPOINTED!!!!!! Go see for yourself.

This is definitely a unique fun way to visit the famous Mount Vernon. It's $50 per person and an…read moreoptional extra $10 for a breakfast buffet (eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, pastries, croissants, OJ/coffee/tea.) I recommend the breakfast option if you have a good appetite and it's a good deal. Mount Vernon has a food court and restaurant in their visitor center, but nothing special. The $50 includes the round trip ferry cruise, admission and mansion tour of Mount Vernon. The cruise leaves at 8:30a and takes 1.5 hours to reach Mount Vernon as it passes through the Potomac River. Throughout the ride, there is some commentary about some sites we pass by. You arrive at Mount Vernon at 10a and have to meet back at the port by 1:15p, leave by 1:30p and return back to DC by 3:00p. I thought it was a good amount of time to tour the mansion and explore Mount Vernon grounds, along with the visitor center that has a George Washington exhibit. Highly recommend the Spirit cruise!

I don't know what some people's beef was with this cruise line. it was an awesome way to visit…read moremount Vernon from dc. Taking a tour bus cost roughly $100, and this was only $45 regular price- I was able to get a promo code online which made it about $40. You have to pick up your paper tickets at the dock before you board around 815. Then you set sail around 830 and arrive at mount Vernon at approx 1000 am It's about a half mile up to the house from the docks, but there's stuff to see along the way. You can also catch a shuttle that runs every so often. You get about 3.5 hours on the grounds to explore. I've heard some people say this isnt enough time - I can kind of see where they are coming from. Mount Vernon is huge! But for me personally, I felt it was enough time to hit the high lights. They served food (I had a breakfast sandwich) and drinks (including alcohol) on the boat for a fee. My coffee and sandwich was under $5 which seemed very fair. The bottom two decks are enclosed and the top is open - view from the open top deck is worth it. you pass lots of sights like national harbor, fort Washington, Alexandria, etc I went more towards the off season so in summer I can see it being packed. In fall it was not so busy that you felt crowded but not so empty that it felt weird. The boat leaves from 600 water st. I highly recommend!

Rented a Private Yacht for my Husbands birthday party the only word I can say is Spectacular! We…read morehad an amazing trip Captain Tommie was so nice and welcoming. She was reasonably priced and her boat was gorgeous! She even happily provided bottled waters and paper plates, and utensils for me and my guests. Her husband is her skipper and they are just a delightful couple they make you feel as though you are cruising with family. The yacht seated 8 people and had two levels a top and bottom. Captain Tommie was happy to accommodate and she lets us take the best pics. She even ended up going a little over her time to let us see the sunset on the boat. BEST TIME EVER

Had a great time with Captain Tommie! The boat was lovely and a great size for my party of 6. Plus…read moreCaptain Tommie is a photographer and we got some great pics. I would definitely suggest booking with her!

We had such a great and relaxing experience. We had a birthday celebration and were well…read moreaccommodated! From help with the food set-up, unpacking the car, getting ice, music, etc. They went beyond to make sure we had the best time.

Great experience with lots of views and stops to hop off and look around and visit. The tour was…read moreabout 2 hours for 40$. It's a bit confusing at the dock so make sure you get on the right boat unlike us who mistakenly got on the wrong boat and missed our tours of historic places . The ride was still beautiful. We stopped at three different locations before returning back to base. Drinks are optional for purchase down in main floor of boat along with restrooms and indoor seating.

I really enjoyed the City Cruise water taxi. The trip was very smooth-- on time, and easy to find…read more The views of the river were really relaxing, and I felt comfortable the whole time! You can sit either indoor or outdoor on the Boat. If you are indoor, remember to wear a mask. There is also a bathroom on the boat, as well as a snack counter. This is a fun experience for out-of-towners, but also something that took me quite a while to try as a local! Definitely a great experience to take a day trip to Mt. Vernon this way, which is what I did. Pros: Easy to find: The boat is bright yellow and says "water taxi" in black letters on it. It is impossible to miss it, I would think! Very helpful for the directionally challenged! I boarded at the Wharf, but I know that there are numerous stops. Quick Onboarding: Getting on-board was a very quick process. It is advised by the company that you arrive 15 minutes early, and I can see why, because the water taxi quickly boarded folks and took off punctually. I was able to book the trip online, and received a QR code, which I showed to a man with a scanner who was boarding people on the boat. Sooth trip: Overall, the trip was very calm and smooth. We made good speed, but nothing super fast, as there were many paddle boarders and kayakers on the water. I am sure that the bumpiness or smoothness of the ride is largely out of anyone's control, and more dependent on the weather, but my ride sure was relaxing! Fun facts, but not too many!: As you make your way on the water, the speaker shares a few fun facts about buildings that you pass, and some history on the land you see. I thought that the amount of information provided was good-- enough for me to learn something new, but not annoying or nonstop. Space: The water taxi that I boarded, which left around 8:30, was crowded but not overwhelmingly so. I actually found a spot near the bottom entrance of the boat, which was a pretty unique place to sit, and extremely comfy! No one else was really too close to me aside from the friend I traveled with, so I felt I had good space! Transport to fun places!: I took the water taxi from the DC Wharf, to Mt. Vernon-- the trip was about 80 minutes each way, and made stops all along the way. I could have also gotten off in Old Town, Alexandria, for example! This is a unique way of visiting these spots for a reasonable price. For what it's worth, Mt. Vernon was awesome too! Cons: - The confirmation emails that I received after booking online were a bit confusing, just in how they were organized and worded. As I read the email, it seemed that it was listing my initial departure time incorrectly. Eventually I figured out what the email intended to say, and was able to access my QR code, but I did have a little initial confusion there.