Unsure of which river cruise to go for? Check out their differences here

The river cruises vary on the basis of departure point, boat type, timings, route, duration, pricing and commentary.



Explore the Port City in style with a Singapore River cruise

When it comes to experiencing Singapore, nothing beats experiencing the city from its waters. Want a touch of luxury? Hop on a yacht. Prefer speed? Speedboat rides are yours. For a laid-back vibe, bumboat cruises take you at a leisurely pace. Read on to discover your best cruise options, prices, what to expect, and all you need to know to plan the smoothest Singapore cruise experience.

Compare your Singapore river cruise options

FeatureSingapore River CruiseSingapore River Cruise by WaterBDuck ToursRoyal Albatross Sunset SailMarina Bay Yacht CruiseSingapore Speedboat Adventure (Royal Albatross)

Departure Point

Clarke Quay Jetty

Choose from 4 boarding points - Bayfront North Jetty (Marina Bay), Fort Canning Jetty, Eu Tong Sen Jetty, Merlion Park Jetty

Suntec City (Tower 5)

Resorts World Sentosa

ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove

Resorts World Sentosa (8 Sentosa Gateway)

Boat Style

Traditional bumboats with partial open-air view

Modern boats with open-air seating

Amphibious WWII-style vehicle.

Luxury tall ship schooner

Luxury catamaran/motor yacht

Speedboat

Timing

10am – 9pm daily

2pm – 9pm daily

10am - 6pm

5pm - 7:30pm

6:30pm to 8:15pm

11am - 3pm

Route

Full loop that covers the same main landmarks. The difference is in the sequence and starting perspective. Singapore River Cruise starts at Clarke Quay and flows toward the bay

Full loop that covers the same main landmarks WaterB starts at Bayfront and flows upriver toward Clarke Quay

Suntec → Civic District (land) → Marina Bay (sea)

Sentosa coastline & southern waters

Marina Bay lagoon + Southern Islands

Resorts World Sentosa → Labrador Park → Fort Siloso → Lazarus, St John’s, Kusu, Sisters Islands (view-by water) → city skyline

Duration

~40 minutes

~40 minutes

~60 min

2–3 hrs

~1.5–3 hrs

~60-min

Pricing

Adult: S$28, Child: S$18

Same pricing

From S$49

From S$269.76

From S$89

From S$39.90

Commentary

Audio-video English commentary

Audio-video English commentary

Live guide

Live English commentary

None

None

Choosing the perfect Singapore River Cruise for you

Standard boat tours

Why take this cruise?

You'll ride on a classic bumboat or a modern open-air boat with a pre-recorded audio commentary to keep you engaged. Soak in the city views, marvel at architecture, and historic narration of the city landmarks.

Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, thrifty travelers

Price range: Starts from SGD 25

Average duration: 40 minutes

Recommended experience:

Singapore River Cruise by WaterB

Singapore River Cruises

Speedboat tours

Why take this cruise?

Sail around Singapore’s Southern Islands on a speedboat tour. At an additional cost, add a dockside lunch voucher and a complimentary mocktail to wrap up your speedboat ride. With a live commentary onboard, get to know about the port city!

Perfect for: Budget travelers, couples, families

Price range: Starts from SGD 60

Average duration: 1 hour

Recommended experience:

Singapore Speedboat Adventure Tickets

Know before you go on a Singapore River cruise

singapore yacht evening
  • Average duration

Duration varies depending on the specific cruise experience you choose.

  • Boat ride: 40 minutes to 1 hour

  • Yacht ride: 1-4 hours 

  • Ferry ride: 45 minutes to 1 hour 

  • Speedboat ride: 45 minutes to 1 hour 

  • Best time to visit

  • For shorter ride, the best time to take the cruise would be in the evening. This would ensure a cooler climate and great sunset views. Not to mention, Singapore at night is a treat for the eyes.

  • If you are going for an island-hopping ferry or luxury yacht, morning cruises offer a calm, serene start to the day and more time for exploration.

By Bus: Take buses 32, 54, 195, or 195A and alight at Clarke Quay Bus Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the jetty.

By MRT:

  • Northeast Line: Alight at Clarke Quay Station.
  • Downtown Line: Alight at Fort Canning Station.

Both stations are within walking distance of Clarke Quay Jetty cruise boarding point.

By Bus: Take Bus #400, which stops directly at Marina Coastal Drive – Marina South Pier, right in front of the pier.

By Bus: Take the Sentosa Shuttle Bus from HarbourFront Bus Interchange. Alight at Sentosa Cove Arrival Plaza and take a 5-mins to ONE°15 lobby.

By Bus: The closest bus stop is Sembawang Camp. It is a quick 12-minute walk to the boarding point. Board buses 169, 169A, 856, 856B or 981 to get you there.

Tourists yachting with friends in life jackets, enjoying a scenic tour.
  • Pack a towel: A small towel can be handy to dry off from a splash or unexpected drizzle.
  • Pre-book your time slot: Choose your time slot carefully based on the cruise option you prefer.
  • Boarding procedures: Follow the instructions provided by the crew members for boarding the cruise.
  • Limited storage space: Most cruises have limited storage space for luggage, so pack only essentials. Large suitcases or backpacks might not be allowed.
  • Respectful conduct: This includes avoiding loud noises, disruptive behavior, and any actions that could endanger yourself or others.
  • Age restrictions: For safety, speedboat and yacht experience isn’t available for children under 3 years.
  • No food or drinks: Pack light, as food, beverages, sharp objects, baby strollers, and weapons are prohibited onboard.
  • No smoking: Smoking is typically prohibited on decks and inside the boats. Look for designated smoking areas if you need to smoke.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchairs, prams, and strollers are not permitted on speedboat tours. 
  • Health restrictions: Pregnant visitors, those with cardiac conditions, and individuals over 130 kg (287 lbs) are not allowed for a speedboat experience.
Singapore River cruise boat passing under a bridge with city skyline in the background.
  • Arrive early: Most cruises require passengers to arrive at the pier at least 1 hour before departure to allow for check-in.
  • Smart casual attire: While there is usually no strict dress code, opting for smart casual attire is generally recommended.
  • Capture the golden hour: For stunning worthy for the ‘gram photos, go for sunset cruises, when the sky explodes with vibrant colors.
  • Embrace reflections: Utilize the water's surface for unique mirror images of the skyscrapers.
  • Try local specialties: Sample unique Singaporean dishes near the pier points for the best views and food. Try Hainanese chicken rice, Chilli crab, Wanton mee, Fried carrot cake, Satay for an authentic culinary experience.
  • Medication: If you tend to get seasick, bring along your motion sickness medication to be able to enjoy the tour without a worry.

Frequently asked questions about Singapore River Cruises

The Singapore ferry to Lazarus Island, St. John’s Island, and Kusu Island is a budget-friendly option, offering a round-trip ticket with flexible departure times to fit your schedule.