Welcome back Diamond Jack family! Thanks to you, our Detroit River tours have been filling up fast. We now cruise into August welcoming guests aboard to come experience exciting summer fun along the Detroit Riverfront.
Are you finding that the same old activities near your Detroit area home just aren’t cutting it anymore? Well, not only does Diamond Jack River Tours offer exciting public sightseeing tours, but we have also been host to hundreds of corporate parties, wedding receptions, fundraisers, family reunions, and senior citizen outings. Our river tour is designed to allow you to soak up the beautiful summer afternoon.
Diamond Jack’s River Tours continue to bring in notoriety, Diamond Jack’s River Tours was featured in 8 of the best water-related activities to jump into this summer. Make the determination for yourself and check us out sometime this August to see why our tours are so great.
August Sightseeing Tours
In August, we will continue to offer our 1-hour sightseeing tours on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, which is to remain in place through Labor Day!
Getting bang for your buck is important to people when looking for fun summer activities, come on down to The Rivard Dock in Detroit and depart for an adventure with Diamond Jack’s River Tours. Our relaxing tours offer a chance to learn about the history of some of the most historical landmarks that helped shape Detroit.
Tickets for our tours cost:
$18 for adults, $13 for seniors 60+, $10 for children 6-12, $5 for children 5 and under.
We have exciting news and are happy to announce we are continuing our great special this month! Adults can get $3 off a sightseeing tour on Thursdays and Fridays until August 27.
Our public sightseeing tours depart from the Cullen (Rivard) Plaza at 1340 Atwater Street, Detroit, MI, every Thursday through Sunday at 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM, and 5:30 PM
Remember, we don’t take reservations for our public sightseeing tours. Tickets can be purchased on the boat once you board. Boarding begins 30 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure time.
Give yourself plenty of time to find parking and make your way to the dock at least 15 minutes before the tour is scheduled to leave to get a place in line. Don’t worry! We rarely turn people away, and the next tour is in just 90 minutes.
Hosting Your Next Gathering
The Riverwalk setting provides our private charters a perfect option for small group luncheons or dinners. The experience of cruising the Detroit River is unmatched, being nestled between the US and Canada, you truly get to soak up the pride of both countries.
Whether it’s a social gathering, private dinner party, family reunion or office outing, our private boat tours are a fun and affordable way to keep everyone entertained. We offer flexible departure times to meet your party’s needs.
In addition, our catering options are great for large gatherings. We have a tremendous special for luncheons known as the “42 for $42,” where, you can enjoy an awesome 2-hour boat ride, a delicious chicken buffet meal with sodas and sides.
Our vast experience hosting events in the past has helped us optimize how we prepare and execute each outing. Family reunions, office parties or charity events are hassle-free when you choose Diamond Jack’s River Tours.
If you have any questions about the tour or booking, call us (313) 843-9376 or fill out our online form. We’re here to answer your questions as quickly as possible.
Featured Tour Site: MacArthur Bridge
Unique architecture gives the MacArthur Bridge so much charm (known to locals as Belle Isle Bridge). The bridge was originally constructed in 1923 and has undergone many name changes and structural enhancements over the years. Today, you can observe the 19 white arches that hold the entirety of the bridge. Only small boating vessels are advised to go underneath arches, however, for large cargo and shipping vessels luckily there’s an alternate route around Belle Isle along the east side of the island.
Because the MacArthur Bridge is only two years away from turning 100 years old, it’s considered a historical bridge. Though the bridge has seen much change, it has withstood the test of time much like other Detroit area icons: Woodward Avenue, Motown Museum, Eastern Market or Campus Martius Park.
Residents use the bridge to cross over into Belle Isle to explore upwards of 940 acres of natural resources (which requires annual pass to enter or purchase of a day pass- $10 per car). The area has endless open spaces and plenty of trails to ride a bike or take a walk, the choice is yours. Belle Isle is owned by the City of Detroit but in 2014 was leased and is now maintained and patrolled by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Keeping Belle Isle’s ecosystem healthy has been a priority because it is one of the last natural areas in Detroit.
When you finally cross the bridge and begin exploring, you’ll find the Belle Isle Nature Zoo which is home to various species of Michigan wildlife, from snakes to turtles, and much more or explore a conservatory which originally opened in 1904. The conservatory is broken down into 6 different areas: The Vestibule, the Palm House, the Tropical House, the Cactus House, the Fernery and the Show House, which includes an outdoor lily pond.
Belle Isle is also famous for Formula One Racing (open-wheel racing). The Detroit Grand Prix is an event that traditionally can bring upwards of 95,000 race fans across the MacArthur Bridge from Thursday through Sunday of race week. The Detroit Grand Prix first raced in 1982 and used to take place in the streets of downtown Detroit. Ultimately, the deterioration of roads forced race organizers to consider other options. The race was then moved to Belle Isle in 1991 and since then, organizers of the Detroit Grand Prix have donated over $13 million to help improve the grounds for those who utilize it.
After your Diamond Jack’s River Tour, drive yourself over the MacArthur bridge and check-out exactly how peaceful the area over on Belle Isle is.
Ask the Captain a Question
Question: How do you stow your large boats after the season is over?
Answer: Unfortunately, we don’t own the space nor the tools to dock our boats ourselves. That’s why we’ve developed great relationships over the years with local marinas who can handle our large vessels. We’re grateful because getting the boat out of the water can be stressful and they help make it easier.
Question: Would you say parking a boat is an art-form?
Answer: From my experience being a captain of many different types of boats, yes, parking your vessel takes delicate touch and precision. It’s smart to approach slowly and make sure the crew on the ground is prepared to tie in. Teamwork is key and it’s helpful we have procedures in place for crew members to know their responsibility.
Question: Are there ever times where choppy waters frighten you?
Answer: Of course. As captain, my job is to protect everyone taking a ride on my vessel. Luckily, we are equipped with state-of-the-art weather tracking systems to notify us when the outlook is not looking good.
I’d say that navigating choppy waters is very similar to driving a car in bad weather. The more experience you have in different conditions, the more prepared you will be when faced challenging conditions. It’s important to keep calm and not panic if things get choppy.
Have a question for the Captain? Submit it here!
Jack’s Happenings
REMINDER: We’d like you to keep in mind that after Labor Day, our public sightseeing tours will be held on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. The tour times will remain the same. 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM, and 5:30 PM
As we continue serving our guests during the 2021 summer season, we want you to know we are always hiring happy, smiling crew members to help deliver an excellent experience for tour riders.
If you or someone you know has a passion for being on the water, seeing beautiful sights or helping others, send them our way! When you join our team, you join the family of many who strive to make Diamond Jack’s River Tours a go to attraction along the Detroit Riverwalk.
If you have any questions about our tours, or to book a private charter, call us at (313) 843-9376 or fill out our online form.
All aboard Diamond Jack’s River Tours, we are ready to depart!