View History Download Contact Operator Last updated: January 09, 2025
View History Contact Operator Last updated: January 09, 2025

Mt. Vernon Excursion from DC and Alexandria

Basic Information
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
  • Trip difficulty: Easy
  • API Providers: Anchor
  • Magpie ID: UIZXKL
  • Currency: USD
  • Language: English
  • Timezone: America/New_York
  • Booking Cutoff: 8 hours
Summary Description

Join us on our exciting  excursion cruise to the infamous Mount Vernon Estate. Your water taxi  tour starts off with a narrated ride up the scenic Potomac River taking you to George Washington’s plantation estate in Fairfax, Virginia. When you arrive at the former president’s historic home, you have free time to roam the grounds while soaking up its fascinating history.

Highlights
  • -Combine a Potomac River cruise with a day at Mount Vernon
  • -Listen to live narration on the river cruise from an onboard guide
  • -Explore Mount Vernon at your own pace
  • -Enjoy time to see the gardens, and estate, without being rushed 
  • -Spot other key landmarks from a different vantage point—the water
  • Description

    Whether you’re a lifetime resident of D.C., new to the Capital, or just visiting, this Water Taxi ride to MT. Vernon  is the perfect weekend outdoor activity.  Choose to depart from Southwest DC or Old Town Alexandria, then start your morning off by boarding an exciting water taxi ride down the Potomac River. 

    Delight in iconic Washington, D.C. sights from our open-air  water taxi. Bring the whole family aboard and take advantage of picture-perfect photo ops at every turn!  Potomac Riverboat Water Taxi  provides the only round-trip Mount Vernon cruise direct from Washington, DC and Alexandria- and  includes three hours to explore the estate and gardens. 

    Join us on select dates, May through September, for a truly American experience!

    Included / Excluded
    What's Included
    • -Potomac River Water Taxi ride
    • -Narrated riverfront cruise
    • -Self guided tour
    • -Dual pick up options from Southwest DC or Old Town Alexandria
    What's Not Included
    • -Food and drinks available for purchase
    • -Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • -Gratuities
    Start / End Locations

    Start Location: 950 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, Washington DC

    Start Location Direction: Self Parking We're excited for Phase 2 of the Wharf Development Project. Please be aware that parking options have changed. Parking is available a short two blocks away at 1100 4th Street SW (below the Safeway). Please check for additional information on parking at this location There is also metered street parking in the area (fees do apply and you park at your own risk). Bus drop-off and pick-up is located on Main Avenue SW.

    Accessibility
    • StrollerAccessible
    • ServiceAnimalsAllowed
    • EasyPublicTransport
    • InfantsRequiredOnLaps
    • Important Information
      Know Before You Book
      • - Depart from 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA at 9:00am
      • -Depart from Alexandria at 9:30am
      Cancellation

      Cancellation Policy: All sales are final, no cancellations allowed.

      Additional Information

      Departure Locations:

      Washington, DC  
      Transit Pier, 950 Wharf Street, Washington, DC 20024

      Old Town, Alexandria City Marina   
      105 North Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
      Located behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center

      Mount Vernon  
      3200 Mount Vernon Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121

      -Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      -Not wheelchair accessible
      -Stroller accessible
      -Near public transportation
      -Infants must sit on laps
      -Most travelers can participate

      FAQ

      Mount Vernon Excursions. Are there security restrictions at the Mount Vernon estate?

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      All bags/containers larger than 16x16x8 inches are strictly prohibited from the property.

      All bags/containers will be searched upon arrival.

      The following items are prohibited:

      Weapons/firearms, except qualified law enforcement

      Knives/blades longer than 3.5 inches

      Flammable liquids, gases and aerosols

      Fireworks and related materials

      Other items deemed dangerous or suspicious

      Food and beverages, except water

      Rescheduling Policy. What is your rescheduling policy?

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      All cruise tickets are non-refundable.

      Dietary Restrictions. Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

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      Please check our menu for our vegetarian options. While we offer gluten and allergy free products and gluten sensitive menu items, we openly handle several allergens throughout our galleys. While we take precautions to keep ingredients separate, we cannot guarantee a gluten free environment. We do not have separate prep surfaces, cook tops or equipment. Our chefs prepare and cook in common areas with shared equipment, therefore the items may come in contact with other food products.

      Tickets. Where can I pick up the cruise tickets?

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      Tickets can be conveniently picked up at the dock, up to one hour prior to boarding, on the day of the cruise. The credit card used for purchase and a photo ID will be required.

      Coast Guard Regulations. Is the vessel Coast Guard certified?

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      Yes. All our vessels are Coast Guard certified and maintained regularly to adhere to strict safety regulations.

      Weather. Do you sail in inclement weather?

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      Absolutely. Our ships are fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail rain or shine all year long.

      Children. Are there any age requirements?

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      Children are welcome on our lunch and dinner cruises. However, on midnight moonlight cruises all passengers must be 21 years or older with valid photo ID. Children under 3 are complimentary and a discount is offered for children between the ages of 3 and 12 on select Lunch Cruises.

      Seasickness. Will I get seasick?

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      It is highly unlikely. The Spirit of Washington is one of the largest and most stable cruise ships on the Potomac River.

      Seating Arrangements. How is seating arranged on board?

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      Our ships feature cruise style seating. The majority of our tables accommodate four to eight people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties. Review the enhancement packages available on your date for private seating upgrades.

      Boarding Procedures. What should I expect?

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      You will be asked to show your ticket. In accordance with US Coast Guard Regulation, all passengers and their belongings being brought on to our vessels are subject to search and screening. In order to expedite the boarding process we ask that you please do not bring any unnecessary bags on board and please make sure that all gifts are in gift bags or unwrapped for easy screening.

      Smoking. What is your smoking policy?

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      All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks.

      Boarding. What is "Boarding Time" and "Cruising Time"?

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      "Boarding Time" is the earliest our guests may board the ship. Typically we begin boarding 1/2 hour prior to the "Cruise Time.” Tickets may be picked up at our dockside kiosk up to one hour prior to the cruise.

      Refund Policy. Do you offer refunds?

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      We regret there are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise year-round, rain or shine. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.

      Accessibility. Is the Spirit Wheelchair Accessible?

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      While Spirit of Mount Vernon is wheelchair-accessible at our home dock, the disembarkation at Mount Vernon is not on-level with our wheelchair-accessible deck. Therefore, we do not recommend travel to Mount Vernon by way of this vessel to guests with mobility limitations, unless they are able to exit the ship without the use of their wheelchair. Please call 888-345-6660 to discuss any accessibility concerns and ensure that you are seated on an accessible deck.