fb-p Frequently Asked Questions | Diamond Jack's Detroit River Tours
2026 Season opens May 2  ·  Tours Sat & Sun only, Sept 5–27  ·  Departs 1:00, 2:30, 4:00 & 5:30pm  ·  Adult $27  · Docks at Cullen Plaza, 1340 Atwater, Detroit 48207

Tours & Charters

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit’s Original River Tour — Since 1991

Diamond Jack’s River Tours has welcomed guests aboard the Detroit River for over three decades. 2026 marks our 35th year of narrated sightseeing cruises from Cullen Plaza in Detroit. Our story begins with Captain Bill Hoey of Grosse Ile, a lifelong Great Lakes mariner who founded Diamond Jack’s after running the Gaelic Tugboat Company — a fleet of 14 tugs that assisted the giant freighters of the Great Lakes.

In 1991, Captain Hoey converted a 65-foot former Arnold Line Mackinac Island ferry into a sightseeing vessel and launched Detroit’s first public narrated river tour. His daughter, Patricia Hoey-Carrothers, now serves as President, with her husband Steve serving as Captain and Operations Coordinator — carrying on Captain Hoey’s commitment to sharing the history and beauty of the Detroit River with families, visitors, and lifelong Detroiters.

Our tours are operated by U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains with deep experience on the Great Lakes waterways. Read our full company history →

Last updated: February 2026 — current 2026 season information.

What is Diamond Jack's Detroit River sightseeing tour?

Our tours are one-hour, narrated Detroit River cruises open to the public, departing from Cullen Plaza at 1340 East Atwater St, Detroit. The tour showcases the Detroit and Windsor, Ontario skylines, historic river landmarks, and the working waterway — including the occasional Great Lakes freighter passing alongside the boat. Diamond Jack’s has been running tours on the Detroit River since 1991.

How much do Diamond Jack's Detroit River tour tickets cost?

2026 ticket prices:

  • Adults: $27 per person
  • Seniors (60+): $20 per person
  • Children ages 6–12: $15 per person
  • Children ages 5 and under: $5 per person

Tickets are purchased as you board at the dock — no advance reservations are accepted. Cash is recommended; credit cards are accepted when a wireless signal is available at the dock.

How long is a Diamond Jack Detroit River boat tour?

Each public sightseeing tour is approximately one hour in length.

When does boarding begin for Diamond Jack's river tours?

Boarding opens 20–30 minutes before departure on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to secure your place in line, especially on busy summer weekends and holidays.

What is Diamond Jack's 2026 Detroit River tour schedule?

Diamond Jack Riverboat 2026 Schedule:

  • May 2–24 — Saturdays & Sundays only
  • June 4–August 30 — Thursday through Sunday
  • September 5–27 — Saturdays & Sundays only

No schedule changes are anticipated for the 2026 season. Call us at (313) 843-9376 if you have questions about a specific date.

Does Diamond Jack's tour schedule ever change?

There are no schedule changes anticipated for 2026. In rare cases, tours may be affected by weather or special events on the riverfront. Call (313) 843-9376 if you need to confirm a specific departure.

Where do I board the Diamond Jack riverboat in Detroit?

All public sightseeing tours depart from Cullen Plaza, located at 1340 East Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207, along the Detroit Riverfront. See our dock directions and map for detailed guidance.

Where do I park for Diamond Jack's Detroit River tours?

The closest public parking is at Cullen Plaza, 1340 East Atwater St. Additional paid parking is available nearby at Beaubien Place Garage and Port Atwater Garage, both within easy walking distance of the dock.

How do I buy a ticket for Diamond Jack's Detroit River tour?

Tickets are purchased as you board at Cullen Plaza. We accept cash and all major credit cards. Credit card processing depends on wireless signal availability at the dock — we suggest bringing cash as a backup.

Can I make a reservation for Diamond Jack's Detroit River tour?

Reservations are not accepted for public sightseeing tours. All boarding is first-come, first-served, with tickets purchased at the dock as you board. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure. For groups of 20 or more, please call our office at (313) 843-9376 to discuss group tour and private charter options.

Is there WiFi on the Diamond Jack riverboat?

There is no dedicated ship WiFi network. Cellular 5G is available along most of the Detroit Riverfront, and personal mobile hotspots work well on the water. International visitors should be aware that data roaming rates may apply.

Does Diamond Jack offer group tours or private charters?

Diamond Jack’s offers group tours and private charters for corporate events, wedding receptions, fundraisers, family reunions, school field trips, and more. The Diamond Belle and Diamond Queen are available for exclusive charters. Please call our office at (313) 843-9376 for group rates, availability, and charter details.

Does Diamond Jack accept credit cards at the dock?

We have credit card machines, but wireless signal can be unreliable at our docking areas, making card processing impossible at times. We strongly suggest bringing cash as a backup to avoid any issues at boarding.

Are children allowed on Diamond Jack's Detroit River tours?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome on board when accompanied by an adult. Children ages 6–12 are $15 per person; children age 5 and under are $5 per person. We ask that children remain supervised at all times — running and climbing are not permitted on board.

Can I bring a stroller on the Diamond Jack riverboat?

Yes, strollers are welcome on board and can be stored near your seating area during the cruise.

Are dogs or pets allowed on Diamond Jack's river tours?

Trained service dogs are welcome on board. Personal pets are not permitted on public sightseeing tours.

Is food available on board the Diamond Jack riverboat?

Yes — our on-board snack bar offers chips, candy, cookies, beer, wine, and soft drinks for purchase.

Can I bring my own food on a Diamond Jack sightseeing tour?

Outside food, beverages, picnic baskets, and cake are not permitted on public sightseeing tours. Our on-board snack bar is stocked for your enjoyment.

Have a question not answered here? Diamond Jack’s River Tours1340 East Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207(313) 843-9376.

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Diamond Jack's River Tours