Embark DC – Leveraging private, captained cruises along Washington DC’s waterways

The Silicon Review

Founded in 2014, Embark DC’s concept was sparked by Captain Denny’s love for taking friends and family out on the Potomac. The passengers experienced the nation’s capital from a unique perspective and were fascinated by the history of the city, country and the founding fathers. The demand for cruises for friends quickly increased and it became clear this needed to be opened up to others. It’s not just a boat ride; it’s a local experience like no other.

Embark DC is the only private boat tour operator in the Washington DC area with legal permission to operate out of effectively every dock and marina in the Washington DC area (including nearby Maryland and Virginia), from Georgetown to Mount Vernon, 20 miles to the south. No other boat operator in DC has the ability to dock at all of these locations. The firm provides private, customized boat cruises for small groups (up to 6 guests per boat), with a full narration on the history and sights, if you’d like. City cruises along the Potomac River and its tributaries can be aboard an open sport boat or multi-level cruiser with climate control. It also has access rights to all 11 docks in the Washington DC area (including nearby Maryland and Virginia), from Georgetown to Mt. Vernon, 20 miles to the south.

Embark goes to any sites the guests would like to visit—the distinct advantage of the tours from the commercial boat operators is that it can change direction at any time and aim at a sight you would like to see. Its larger boats (example here), are designed to provide a “yacht tour” of the nation’s capital with expansive space and the amenities of a home, including salon (living room), galley (kitchen), dining area, stand-up head (bathroom), and forward, aft, and bridge seating areas.

Comparing Boat Types

All cruises are private, firstly. They have a six passenger maximum, per boat. All cruises include a USCG-licensed captain, who can provide a live tour narrative, unless you’d like to just enjoy the views in silence. Beyond that, the experience is up to you, and has a variety of options to choose from. Most guests choose a tour in Washington, DC to visit local attractions including historic monuments (Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, etc.), important buildings (Kennedy Center, Pentagon, The White House, and more) and the cherry blossoms (early spring); some head further south to George Washington’s Mt. Vernon or beyond; some relax on anchor for the sunset, propose to their best friend, and then disembark in time for a nice dinner in the city; some use it as a water taxi to travel to baseball or soccer games or concerts; some book sightseeing cruises to see historical Washington, DC landmarks from a unique perspective.

Embark DC currently offers two boat types.

Open-Bow Boats: Their open-bow boats are an ideal platform for seeing DC from the water. It is small enough to get everywhere; big enough to comfortably accommodate your whole group. The open bow, instead of a forward cabin, provides extra seating. They can idle quietly past the sights, or accelerate to thrill-ride speeds (they also call them “sport boats”). Versatile, comfortable, and fully open, they do have partial overhead shade. They are best suitable for sightseeing, outdoor experiences, escaping screens, marriage proposals, celebrations, light meal cruises, casual hanging out, fireworks shows, BBQ meals, fishing, and rides to special events or stadiums.

Fully open air with partial or full shade available depending on time of day. Offer windshield protection from wind. Temperatures are typically cooler on the water than in the city. Dress as you would for the outdoors. Layers, hats, and sunglasses are advised. You can book online or contact us by phone to make your booking. They can chat about what you would like to see, your schedule, your preferred meet-up location, any special needs, etc. The process is flexible, but it’s usually helpful to chat early on.

Sedan Bridge Cruiser: Their larger, multi-level yacht is a completely different experience. Typically, these cruises are slow and steady. The climate-controlled interior on the main level provides a much more home-like feel, with many of the amenities you’d expect, including a full, standing-height bathroom. But, the aft deck, bow, and upper level provide a fresh-air experience for those perfect weather days. They have indoor, weather-protected events, better options for less able-bodied guests, additional privacy from the public, private. It is fully weather-protected and climate-controlled indoor salon, dinette & bathroom. (You can be warm & cozy on a breezy, cold day or cool & dry on a hot, humid day.) Rear deck is outdoors with partial shade. Bridge is open air, and mostly shaded. Bow loungers are fully open. However, they still recommend layers, hats & sunglasses so you can choose where you prefer to be. Professional meetings or executive retreats (including computer charging and broadband Wi-Fi), guests with conditions requiring stable temperatures, bigger meals aboard, etc.

Many go for the classic sunset tour for a couple hours. To see the full impact of the city lights and monuments at night, Embark recommends planning your cruise to last 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. To minimize the probability of thunderstorms in the summer, mid-morning is usually a better time. Washington has a long, warm, boating season, so spring and autumn cruises are usually wonderful, and they have blankets on board if needed.

Captain Denny Clifford | President and Founder

He has an extensive experience in finance, accounting, sales, marketing, and operations in both Fortune 150 companies as well as entrepreneurial enterprises, including founder of own company. Denny has a strong background in both aviation and boating industries and additional expertise in government and Department of Defense contracting worldwide.