13 Christmas & New Year Harbour Cruises Worth Flying For

1.Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59Our pick

Paddle from Santa Barbara Harbor past Stearns Wharf, under the pier, and along the beach while watching for seals, sea lions, pelicans, seabirds, and sea stars. You receive a kayak, paddle, PFD, protective gear, and a safety lesson. Guides such as Paco, Nora, Spencer, and Dario are known for calm instruction and local stories.

“Great for guests at various skill levels! I have zero experience and am not super comfortable with water sports but our guide Dario was able to make adjustments to make it work for our family (two adults plus an 8yo). We saw starfish, crabs, sea lions, harbor seals, etc. Super fun!”

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2.Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Start at Santa Barbara Harbor about two hours before sunset with safety instruction, gear, and a guide such as Asa, Luke, or Bret. Paddle a double or single kayak past Stearns Wharf and the waterfront while watching for seals, sea lions, birds, and changing sunset colors. No kayaking experience is required.

“Took my sister to Santa Barbara to celebrate her birthday and though the sunset kayak would take us both out of our comfort zone and offer and adventure. We loved it! I am planning to bring my son for his birthday in a few months. Casey Cleland is fantastic!”

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3.New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 37 reviews · from $552

City Cruises gives you three hours on New York Harbor with a reserved table, climate-controlled dining room, buffet dinner, open bar, live DJ, and a sparkling wine toast for guests 21 and older. Expect skyline views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty, and fireworks, weather permitting.

“-meals and drinks not very interesting, despite a fairly high price -servers a bit overwhelmed -very long start, about 45 minutes after the announced departure time -the circuit seemed truncated to us, we expected to go to the Hudson side of Manhattan, but we didn't go further than the Statue of Liberty. -return also strange, we returned to the departure dock (PIER15), and we stayed about 30 minutes opposite before docking, as if it was to use up the time planned for the cruise.. -too bad for these negative points, because the views of Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty were very beautiful, as well as the fireworks for…”

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4.Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 31 reviews · from $158

Spend Christmas Eve on the glass-enclosed Bateaux New York yacht, choosing a casual brunch or semi-formal dinner. Your reserved table comes with a three-course plated meal, live music, and views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and the Manhattan skyline. Drinks and gratuity cost extra.

“What an amazing cruise, everything was gorgeous and so well organised. Highly recommend.”

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5.Private Harbor Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · 1 hour (approx.)

Take a private one-hour cruise for up to six people aboard Whisper, Santa Barbara’s all-electric charter boat. Captain Charlie, Georgia, Dustin, or another local captain may guide your outing around the harbor and, in good conditions, Stearns Wharf. Bring your own appetizers, beer, or wine with no corkage fee.

“It was so much fun, bring sunglasses if you are going to be in the sun, and some sunscreen. My son loved it and enjoyed seeing the wildlife as well as my husband and I”

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6.Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 29 reviews · from $146

Board the Spirit of New York at Pier 61 for a Christmas Day brunch or dinner cruise with a reserved table, seasonal buffet, live DJ, games, and skyline views. Brunch includes unlimited mimosas. You will cruise the Hudson and East Rivers past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and more.

“We did the Christmas evening cruise with hot buffet. Really enjoyed it. Food was good and the music was entertaining. Something different to do whilst visiting NY over the holidays.”

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7.Sea Lion Kayak Tour – Santa Barbara Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $70

Paddle from Santa Barbara’s harbor toward the green buoy, where sea lions often gather. Your local guide, such as Megan, Sienna, Jeff, Ceanna, Lydia, or Daphne, leads the way, shares wildlife and local history, and helps beginners feel at ease. Expect birds, boats, harbor views, and a chance of dolphins or migrating gray whales.

“Best way to see Santa Barbara and learn some interesting facts while also seeing the sea lions up close. Excellent staff. Awesome Guides.”

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8.Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 26 reviews · from $199

Board Spirit of New York at Pier 61 for a 2 to 2.5-hour Christmas Eve cruise on the Hudson and East Rivers. You get a reserved table, seasonal buffet, coffee, tea, iced tea, live DJ music, and views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and more. Drinks and photos cost extra.

“El servio de la tripulación, la comida y las vistas, un paseo espectacular!!! mi agradecimiento por la experiencia y lo recomiendo ampliamente.”

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9.Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $40

Board SunVenture at Heron Harbor for a 90-minute cruise toward Emerald Grande and HarborWalk Village. Captain Morgan and his first mate keep the ride lively while you watch Destin’s fireworks from the water. Every seat offers a clear view, and the boat has a restroom. Food and drinks are not included.

“The captain and his 1st mate definitely made it worth going. It’s a fun time from when we boarded until we got off. Highly recommend doing this while in Destin!”

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10.Fireworks Cruise in Destin Harbor aboard the hydrojet

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 13 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $38

Board the HydroJet at 314 Harbor Boulevard at 8:30 pm for a 45-minute cruise through Destin Harbor during the Thursday fireworks. This is a slow evening ride, not a high-speed thrill trip. You’ll hear music, enjoy the breeze, and watch a 5-to-10-minute fireworks show from the water. Children must be at least five and 3 feet 5 inches tall.

“It was canceled due to rain issue a refund please we didn't get to go it was canceled. I don't know who the guide was.”

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11.Christmas Harbour Cruise with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 10 reviews · 1h 15m · from $25Best value

Join Aros Cruises for a 75-minute Christmas harbor cruise from central Aarhus. A live guide speaks English, German, and Danish while you pass marinas, wooden ships, houseboats, fishing docks, Aarhus Ø architecture, and giant murals. The decorated ship has a bar, snacks, children’s activities, wheelchair access, and accessible toilets.

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12.1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 10 reviews · 1h 30m · from $65

Launch from West Beach for a 90-minute guided kayak trip through Santa Barbara Harbor and the Channel. Your English-speaking guide leads you past sailboats, fishing vessels, sea lions, Stearns Wharf, and the Sandspit, while sharing local history and tips for fresh-caught seafood. Swimming ability is required.

“The group tour started on time, meeting location easy to find, community locker for belongings was watched while we were on the water, cool boats in the harbor, cute sea lions, guides were personable. This activity was our 1st time kayaking and would recommend it’s safe enough for other beginners too!”

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13.New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise through Vancouver Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · from $177

Board at 501 Denman Street for a four-hour New Year’s Eve cruise through Vancouver Harbour. You’ll enjoy a three-course-style gourmet buffet, full-bar service for purchase, DJ music, reserved seating, skyline views, and a Champagne toast at midnight. The boat returns to the same dock after the celebration.

“It snowed the whole day but the night turned out absolutely stunning no rain, no snow no wind. Was able to stand on deck and view the firework display. Décor was great.The food was excellent , music catered for all age groups. Great Party worth the money.”

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