The Wharf gets new boats for group cruises — no captain required

Anna Spiegel

A white boat with a beige canopy carries kids in life jackets and adults on calm water; distant shoreline and a green marker with the number 9 appear in the background. — You don't need to know port from starboard to rent the new Duffy boats. Photo: Courtesy Sea Suit Cruises

There's a new way to get out on the water this summer — no captain needed.

Why it matters: Sea Suite Cruises, the local boat company behind D.C.'s tiki boats, taco floats and more, has expanded its fleet with 10 electric Duffy boats that individuals can rent at the Wharf and captain themselves (no license necessary).

State of sail: The slow-cruising electric boats seat up to 10 people and can be rented between one ($200), two ($350), and three ($500) hours.

Riders steer themselves around the Washington Channel while bringing their own picnics, beer, wine or hard seltzer.
The 21-foot boats — larger than other self-captaining cruisers here— are outfitted for groups with plush seating, a spacious console table, cooler, bluetooth speaker and bimini for weather protection.

Zoom out: D.C.'s boating scene has cast off in recent years, with everything from chartered yachts to budget-friendly picnic boats.

Earlier this month, the Potomac Water Taxi launched new service between The Wharf, National Harbor and George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, which recently wrapped up a $40 million revitalization.

The bottom line: If you've ever wanted to play captain without actually knowing how to captain, Duffies might be your chance. Book online.

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The Wharf gets new boats for group cruises — no captain required

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