What a great summer it has been for the Diamond Jack family, and it’s all thanks to you! We are looking forward to finishing the summer strong and offering Detroit River Tours into September, welcoming guests aboard to come experience the beauty of the Detroit Riverfront in the late summer.
Diamond Jack river cruise on the Detroit River in front of the Renaissance Center
While we offer exciting public sightseeing tours, 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, on a clean and spacious boat.
Diamond Jack’s River Tours continues to be in the spotlight when it comes to the best things to do in Detroit. Diamond Jack’s River Tours was featured in MLive’s The Big Kahuna and 9 more water activities you may not know about in Metro Detroit. Don’t miss out, check-out Diamond Jack’s River Tours and make the determination for yourself.
September Sightseeing Tours
Diamond Jack river cruise on the Detroit River
Our public sightseeing tour schedule is changing. Starting September 11th, our public sightseeing tours will be held on Saturdays and Sundays only. Times of departure will remain the same: 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM, 5:30 PM.
Diamond Jack’s highly recommended Detroit River Tours offers guests a chance to learn about the history of some of the most historical landmarks that helped shape Detroit, from the comfort of the deck of the Diamond Belle and Diamond Queen.
Tickets for our tours cost:
$18 for adults, $13 for seniors 60+, $10 for children 6-12, $5 for children 5 and under.
We are happy to announce we are continuing our great special this month! Adults can get $3 off a public sightseeing tour on Saturdays and Sundays only, from 9/11/2021-9/26/2021.
Diamond Jack’s River Tours public sightseeing tours depart from the Cullen (Rivard) Plaza at 1340 Atwater Street, Detroit, MI.
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
Diamond Jack River Tours offer private charters that allow you to experience the beauty of the riverwalk. This calm setting provides our guests a perfect option for small group luncheons and dinners. The experience of cruising the Detroit River is unmatched, being nestled between the US and Canada, you truly get to soak up the beauty that both countries offer.
We have over 25 years experience hosting private and group gatherings. Our catering options are great for large gatherings, including luncheons. Diamond Jack River Tours offers a special on luncheons known as the “42 for $42,” where, 42 guests can enjoy an awesome 2-hour boat ride, a delicious chicken buffet meal with sodas and sides, for $42 per person.
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.
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: Ambassador Bridge
The Ambassador Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in the world that connects two countries and is one of the few privately owned international bridges.
On a normal weekday, over 10,000 commercial vehicles cross the bridge, making the Ambassador Bridge the busiest international border crossing in North America in terms of trade volume, carrying more than 25% of all merchandise trade between the United States and Canada. The bridge was originally constructed in 1929 and has undergone structural enhancements over the years. Today, you can observe the towering teal structure blend between Windsor and Detroit.
At the moment, the Ambassador Bridge is the only international border crossing within Detroit city limits. However, land development plans were approved, and construction has started on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, estimated to be completed by 2024. Experts believe the addition of another international bridge will increase trade between the US and Canada while also reducing the stress placed on the Ambassador bridge (which is quickly approaching 100 years old).
From the water’s surface to the roadway above is measured at 152 ft, allowing cargo ships and other vessels are able to comfortably pass underneath the Ambassador Bridge. There has only been one major unfortunate boating incident near the Ambassador Bridge. Back on July 31, 1962, the British freighter M.V Montrose ran into a barge overnight while being tugged. After taking on water, the vessel eventually ended up on its side. Thankfully, all 44 crew members were rescued, and nobody was injured.
Removing the wrecked ship was a difficult task and wasn’t able to be completed until October 1962. The M.V Montrose had been recently built and put into service before running into the barge, the cost of building the 122-metre ship was roughly $8 million. The cost of the removal was estimated to be $750,000. After the M.V Montrose wreck, port authorities designed proper tug boating procedure and have not had any similar incidents since.
Ask the Captain a Question
Question: What do your pre-trip inspections look like?
Answer: Each day, we arrive hours before the first tour to begin our inspection process. That’s because we value the safety of our guests and staff. As an experienced captain, I have developed a great routine inspecting all major safety points and I’ve made sure our crew understands those procedures. We’re grateful to have you aboard and making sure every aspect of the boat is safe is our top priority.
Question: How much do you love your job?
Answer: Coming to work every day is very rewarding. I get to spend the day with hundreds of wonderful Metro Detroiters and tourists from all over the country. I enjoy guiding them through one of the most beautiful areas in Detroit, the Riverwalk. I have committed my life to sharing my love of the Great Lakes and the Detroit River, and I am beyond excited that people are coming back post COVID-19 and filling both the Diamond Belle and Diamond Queen.
Question: What’s the best part about being captain?
Answer: I’d say the best part about being the captain is the feedback I get from people who have never been on the tour. My job is to make sure everyone taking a ride on my vessel has a great time and maybe learns something along the way. It’s very satisfying when people come up to me after the tour and mention something they didn’t know before about Detroit, or mention they had such a relaxing time on the water. I’ve spent my whole life on the water and want others to share my passion.
It’s true when they say, “you’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do.” The more I think about it, the more joy I feel knowing I’ve been able to spend my life doing what I love, which is being on the water.
Have a question for the Captain? Submit it here!
Jack’s Happenings
We’d like you to keep in mind that starting September 11th, our public sightseeing tours will now be held on Saturdays and Sundays. The tour times will remain the same: 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM, and 5:30 PM
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!