Frequently Asked Questions for Milwaukee Paddle Tavern: Public or Private Paddle Boat Tours on the Milwaukee River

Question 1

How many people can fit on the boat?

Accepted Answer

We can fit up to 14 people on the Paddle Tavern boats and 12 people on the Duffy Boats. Need more? We have 3 Paddle Taverns and 2 Duffy Boats. Call us to book two or more boats,  (414) 261-2425. Need even more room? We can fit up to 96 on our Pedal Tavern (bike pub crawl) tours – same phone number can help reserve boats or bikes.

Question 2

Is pedaling difficult on the boat?

Accepted Answer

No, it’s pretty easy, if you have done our bar bike tours before, you know that small hills can be a bit of a workout, the boats are considerably easier. The river is flat, and we have a 20 HSP motor assisting, bring Grandma along for the ride.

Question 3

What's the alcohol, food, cooler & music situation?

Accepted Answer

Bring Your Own Bevs! We have 4 built-in bar coolers with ice to cool your drinks down. We recommend cans over glass.
Food is welcome too, the general rule of food is what can you eat one-handed without a napkin or utensil (pretzels, sandwiches = awesome; birthday cake = horribly messy). Plug your phone into our sound system, a good playlist goes a long way.

Question 4

Where do we launch? How long are the tours?

Accepted Answer

Paddle Tavern trips are 1 hour and 45 minutes long. We start and end the trips from the docks behind the Harp, 113 E Juneau Ave.

We do allow for customization for the length of the tour, and custom drop off on non-peak days.

Question 5

Do you provide the driver? Can we tip them?

Accepted Answer

Paddle Taverns are staffed with a licensed captain and even a first mate, you guys relax and have fun, we will take care of all the “boat stuff”. And yes they love tips.

Question 6

How does the trip work? Do we stop at bars along the way?

Accepted Answer

The Milwaukee River is a gem and full of great river bars to make a quick pit stops. Most of our groups make one stop so they can maximize the “on water time”, but it’s your call how many times and where we stop.

Question 7

Can we drink while on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can, Bring Your Own Bevs! We have 4 built-in bar coolers with ice to cool your drinks down. We recommend cans over glass, if you have extras at the end of the trip please remember you can’t drink them at the bar. You can tip them to your crew, or throw them in a car.

Question 8

How old do riders need to be?

Accepted Answer

This is a drinking tour, and our insurance policy and the state law requires all riders to be 21+ for the Paddle Tavern.

Question 9

How many people can fit on the Paddle Tavern?

Accepted Answer

The Paddle Tavern can fit up to 14 passengers! We have 3 boats if you need more than one boat. Please call us @  (414) 261-2425 to make this type of reservation!

Question 10

What if it rains?

Accepted Answer

We have roofs and free ponchos. If it’s light rain we party on. If it’s a nasty weather day we will connect with you on the morning of your tour to game plan options: rain checks, delayed start time, or a refund.

Question 11

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you cancel 14+ days prior we will give you a refund. If you cancel 5-13 days, we will give you a rain check to use later in the season, or next season if it’s at the end of the season. Cancellations within 4 days of the tour will not receive any type of refund.

Question 12

What are the hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

We run 7 days a week from Mid-March through the end of October. First tours start at 10:00 AM and the last tours of the day go out at 8:30 PM.

Question 13

How do we pay?

Accepted Answer

Our online booking option takes full payment or you can pay half over the phone and the other half upon arrival.

Question 14

What's the least amount of people needed to operate the Paddle Tavern?

Accepted Answer

We like to have at least 6 on a boat so it’s not too hard to pedal!

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