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Smiling friends on a covered pontoon boat at sunset, enjoying drinks and snacks with waterfront city skyline and American flag in the background
Four smiling women wearing sashes and sunglasses enjoy cocktails on a sunny boat near a city waterfront, with a bowl of grapes on the table — bachelorette party vibe.
Smiling group of women enjoying a summer boat outing docked at an urban waterfront harbor on a covered leisure boat with a small American flag.
Two friends smiling on a boat at a sunny riverfront, holding a ribbon-decorated champagne bottle with an arched bridge and waterfront buildings in the background.
Two friends smiling on a sunset harbor boat cruise, holding cocktails on a small leisure boat with an American flag and waterfront skyline in the background.
Two people toasting with beer on a covered boat during a downtown river cruise, city buildings and a bridge lining the urban waterfront
Smiling group of friends on a covered pontoon boat at a sunny marina, gathered around a wooden table with drinks — relaxed summer waterfront boat party scene.
Smiling person in sunglasses and casual shirt sitting at a small boat helm, making a shaka gesture with a rocky breakwater and coastal city skyline under a sunny sky in the background.
Two friends laughing on a sunlit boat near a marina, sipping drinks — one in a colorful striped sweater and jeans, waterfront skyline in the background.
Two friends smiling on a motorboat under a clear blue sky, waterfront city and yellow-arched bridge in the background, casual summer clothes with a canned drink — sunny boating day.
Small covered pontoon boat with a navy canopy, people chatting and snacking around a table while the captain steers, floating on calm water with a clear reflection.
Three smiling friends on a boat at a sunny city waterfront, holding cocktails beneath a canopy with modern waterfront apartments in the background.
Smiling friends on a sunny boat: bride-to-be in white lace dress and sash, man in captain’s hat with a 'Bachelor' sash, sunglasses and canned drinks — casual summer bachelorette boat party
Two smiling women toasting drinks on a boat at an urban riverfront with downtown skyline — bachelorette sash and champagne visible.
Person in sunglasses and white sundress steering a small motorboat and sipping a drink, American flag at the stern with red-brick waterfront apartments and a bridge at golden hour.
Person in a baseball cap with tattooed arms steering a motorboat at a marina, sailboats and green shoreline visible in the background.
Two friends smiling on a sunny summer boat ride, seated on a motorboat with drinks, blue water and a yellow-arched bridge and waterfront buildings in the background.
Two covered tour boats docked at a sunny Milwaukee marina, tied to wooden piers with calm blue water and reflections.
Aerial drone view of two white boats with matching beige canvas covers docked between wooden marina piers on brown river water; people and long shadows stretch across the sunlit dock.

Cruise the Milwaukee River in Style with Our Easy-to-Drive Duffy & Retro Boats

About this Experience

What you'll do:

Grab your crew, hop into a super easy-to-drive electric boat, and cruise the Milwaukee River in total comfort. You’ll sip your drinks, blast your playlist, make stops at riverfront bars, and enjoy the city from a totally new angle — all on a silent, eco-friendly ride. It’s the perfect mix of chill vibes, sightseeing, and party energy.

Why we love it for your party:

  • Zero boating experience needed — seriously, they drive like a golf cart

  • Perfect party setup with BYOB, a big cooler, ice, and Bluetooth speakers

  • Amazing Milwaukee views without the crowds or chaos

  • Weather-proof cruising with windows you can zip up or down

  • Flexible for any crew size — from couples to birthday squads to bachelorettes

About this experience partner:

Milwaukee Duffy—explore the Milwaukee River in our Easy to Drive Duffy Boats!

Additional information:

  • Driver Requirements: Must be 25+ with a valid driver’s license. If born on/after Jan 1, 1989, a quick online boater safety course is required.

  • Boat Options:

    • Duffy Boats (Party Favorite): Seats up to 12 guests, covered cabin with zip-up windows, sun deck, silent electric motor, ideal for birthdays, bachelorettes, and group outings.

    • Retro Boats (Small-Group Vibes): Seats 2–4, super cute and compact, 100% electric, perfect for couples, double dates, or smaller crews.

    • Launch Points: Both boat types available from Aloft Hotel docks; Duffy Boats also launch from Boone & Crockett.

  • Rental Length: Duffy rentals are 2–2.5 hours; Retro Boats are 90 minutes.

  • Weather & Cancellation: Boats are covered and weather-flexible with zip-up windows; easy rescheduling on bad-weather days.

  • All boats are fully electric, zero-emission, and ultra-quiet on the water.

Book This Experience

Visit the experience booking site to check availability and book your experience.

Location

Milwaukee, WI

1230 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212, USA

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many People can fit on a duffy boat?

The boats fit up to 12, but are also great for smaller groups. Which is why we offer the per-person pricing deal so it's a good deal for all group sizes

Do I need a Boaters License?

If you were born in 1988 or earlier, you do not need a Boater's License, just a valid Driver's License. If you were born in 1989 or earlier, (under 33) you need to complete your boater safety course online

Where do we launch, and where do we go on the boat?

Boats launch from the Cooperage Building Docks, 818 S. Water Street, (Boone and Crockett Cocktail Lounge). Most groups will head north and do the Milwaukee River Loop up to Lakefront Brewery and back.

Are they easy to drive?

The manufactures tag line is "as easy to drive as a golf cart". We have found this to be true. Your don't have to be a seasoned skipper to enjoy our Duffy Boats.

What's the food, drink & music situation?

BYOB and food allowed, we have a big Yeti cooler and provide ice for you. Boats have a sound system that can be connected via Bluetooth, so bring a good playlist.

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How long are the rentals? Can we add time?

Most Groups do the 2 or 2.5 hour time rental. It takes about 90 minutes to do the Milwaukee River Loop. So 2-2.5 hours is perfect if you want to double loop the sweet spot or stop at a bar along the way for a quick drink and bathroom break. You cand add time if the schedule allows

What is the weather/cancellation policy?

We are very flexible, we want your group to have a good time. The boats have roofs, and the window can be zipped up and down quickly. So light rain isn't a problem. Please cancel at least 3 days in advance. On bad weather days we will connect the morning of to give the renter their choice of refund, rain check, or delay the start time.

Can we stop at bars along the way?

Yes, the Milwaukee River has great options. We even have dock space reserved at the Harp for our other boats, the Paddle taverns, so our staff will help land you, and it's in the midpoint of the Milwaukee River Lap.

Is this kid friendly?

Yes, we take our kids out on the Duffy's all the time, we have kids' life jackets in all sizes, and kids have a good time.

I heard there are really good tacos nearby, how close?

The Taco Moto Food Truck is on site, just 50 feet from the boat house. If you want to bring tacos on the boat, arrive extra early in case they are super busy, which is often especially on Saturdays. Thrillist Magazine says they are the best tacos in Wisconsin, and we agree