If you want to bring the energy and party to the seas, then Tiki Tours Halifax is a top contender. With Bluetooth speakers, karaoke, and LED disco lighting built into custom tiki boats, you and your guests can really enjoy more than just sights on the water.

That said, we noticed that it’s a real hit for birthdays, team outings, and social celebrations. Many of the groups we chatted with shared how much fun they had, and the tour was the highlight of their outings or day.

Their drink selection is another plus. They have a licensed bar that serves specialty cocktails, local wines, beers, and even non-alcoholic options, and sipping some refreshments throughout the journey is always a delight. 

To get a fuller experience, we like that they offer food options like lobster rolls, charcuterie boxes, and pizzas. Just note that it counts as an additional expense, which can be pricey if you’re in a big group.

Overall, we love how their regular 2-hour tours make the most out of the scenic views, landmarks, and entertainment without feeling rushed.

It was the highlight of our trip 

“This tour was great , it was the highlight of our trip . Owner Stephen and his staff member Amanda were top notch, Amazing service and a whole lot of laughs . We went on with a group of 6 and had a hell of a time , did not want the adventure to stop. Really recommend giving this a try!!”

Bill, Google Review

The staff are top notch 

“I attended a private event with Tiki Tours Halifax and can’t recommend it enough! The staff are top notch, the views are stunning, and the vibe is unbeatable. The music was on point, and as a non-drinker I was impressed by their amazing beverage choices. You can book a private event or join a public cruise, either way, it’s the perfect way to get out on the water and make unforgettable memories”

Rose Dalrymple, Google Review

Right off the bat, we like that Sea Halifax Boat Tours & Adventures has a decent selection of tour types, including speed tours, sightseeing cruises, and dedicated fishing tours. So, you have the option of whether you want thrills, views, or hands-on activity. 

They have a knack for organizing and hosting private tours; you can choose the route, duration, themes, and overall vibe. In other words, you can go for something laid-back, educational, or straight-up party energy. 

Here’s the thing, though: we noted some reports regarding booking issues, causing cancellations and delays. You’ll probably have to double-check after booking and at least a day before your tour date.

On the bright side, their 2-hour fishing tours come with all the gear you need, which is a huge win for beginners. They basically let you try Atlantic fishing without needing to bring your own equipment, making it more accessible.

Wonderful night tour

“Wonderful night tour of Halifax harbour with boat captain and tour guide Jake. All the staff were very professional and friendly. We had guest visiting with us from Ottawa and it made their trip!

Photo 1 in review by Angela MacKay”

Angela MacKay, Google Review

Very friendly and accommodating staff

“Two great experiences with Sea Halifax Tours! We did a Jetski Tour and a Jetboat Tour and had excellent service each time. Very friendly and accommodating staff. We highly recommend them!”

Kristie Sills, Google Review

The unique thing about Halifax Harbour Tours is that their tours run on The Violet Mac, a fully electric, zero-exhaust harbour launch, so it’s pretty much a silent vessel. This boat makes it easy for guests to hear the guide, each other, and fully enjoy the surroundings without having an engine ruin the vibe.

On that note, you can count on their tours to share insights on harbour history, local landmarks, and stories that give context to the sights you see from the water. 

We also love how you get more chances of spotting wildlife during their tours since their electric motors don’t shoo them away. You can expect to see many birds, mammals, and other aquatic life in the harbour. 

The hitch? There’s limited seating; with only 8 seats available on each cruise, they easily sell out. But hey, small group sizes make tours feel more intimate, allowing more engagement with the captain and guide.

What a fun trip 

“Katie and Glen were amazing. What a fun trip with off the charts personalities. The captain has a friend captain that runs the ferry and they have a fun ritual when they see each other. Highly recommend this tour so much fun and history with the boat.”

aga niemiec, Google Review

Wonderful, calm, and relaxed boat trip

“It was a wonderful, calm, and relaxed boat trip. The themed atmosphere and, most importantly, the excellent crew — Captain and our guide Nancy — made it unforgettable. Words cannot describe the experience. I truly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it. A must-have!”

Sergii Zhuravel, Google Review

City Harbour Cruises offers sightseeing tours, wherein you can truly take in all the scenic views, like Halifax’s waterfront, historic landmarks, and the integration of storytelling and local history. 

Beyond the usual sightseeing, we have to give them props for their private tours, as well. We like that they’re good at accommodating customized tours for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, and casual gatherings. 

For those who tend to get seasick, we think this one’s a reliable operator to avoid the worst-case scenario. We learned that they prioritize leisure cruising rather than fast travel, giving passengers time to take photos, enjoy harbour views, and not end up getting sick.

It’s just a bummer that they have fewer onboard amenities, such as entertainment features or extensive dining spaces.  

Nonetheless, we can’t deny that their tours are intentional and well-organized, so nothing feels out of place. Plus, their departure locations are positioned along the central waterfront, making the tours convenient for cruise and downtown visitors.

Very comfortable 

“Amazing tour! We where very comfortable as we sailed along the Halifax waterfront listening to the history and stories from

Our captain. Highly recommend”

Paula Landry, Google Review

Very knowledgeable about all things Halifax

“What a great time! Captain Carl was super. Very knowledgeable about all things Halifax! The boat was comfortable and you KNOW he cares about his business. The boat is immaculate and well cared for. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and highly recommend you try this out! Book online and note: these trips fill up early! Thanks so much!”

ARCY MCKAY, Google Review

What stands out the most with Harbour Hopper Tours is the amphibious experience they provide; the tour starts on city streets before literally driving into Halifax Harbour. It’s an impressive experience—you get cityscape and waterfront perspectives in a single itinerary.

We find the tour pretty fast-paced and playful, which we believe makes it ideal for families or first-time visitors. The guided narration blends Halifax history, local stories, and humour to add a little bit of fun and help maintain engagement.

Speaking of narration, their multilingual audio support is a thoughtful touch. This enhances the experience since it’s more inclusive for international travellers or non-English speakers. 

On the flipside, this might not be the best choice if you’re in the mood for something luxurious with premium dining, drinks, or upscale amenities.

The silver lining? They do offer private charter options for educational trips or special occasions. 

Amazing tour guides 

“Idina and Geoff were amazing tour guides. This was my first time in Halifax and I couldn’t recommend this tour enough to those who want to get a fun land/water tour of the city. Thank you to both of our guides for making the experience really fun!”

Michael Minello, Google Review

Extremely knowledgeable 

“Had a fantastic tour with Abigail and captain Geoff, Abigail was extremely knowledgeable about everything Halifax had to offer answered evrey question we had, she’s pretty funny too . They made the tour that much better, couldn’t recommend more.”

Summer Hodgins, Google Review