Private Riverboat Tours

Pittsburgh has a legacy of innovation! Discover how the region evolved to become the vibrant and tech-forward city it is today on a private PGH 101: An Intro to Innovation tour—90-minute riverboat excursion!

Known as a modern tech and robotics hub, the ‘Burgh has been in the vanguard of industrial reinvention for more than 250 years!

Discover how Pittsburgh’s landscape, its wealth of natural resources, and the character of its residents have helped to shape the dynamic city it is today. This 90-minute riverboat tour also shares many of the charming idiosyncrasies that make Pittsburgh truly unique, all the while showcasing the beauty of its skylines and riverbanks.

While public tours are currently suspended due to the pandemic, we are able to offer private tours for up to 18 people. Gather your family or quarantine pod and take a cruise together! Schedule your private tour at a time that works best for you and take comfort in knowing that our COVID-19 Policy is in place for your security and that of our staff. 

Couple takes a selfie from the riverboat with the skyline of Pittsburgh in the background.

On the Explorer Riverboat

Pricing & Scheduling

Private tours for up to 18 people are available through December. Tours can be schedule at times that are convenient for your group.  Admission is a flat rate of $600 and includes the 90-minute sightseeing tour. Pricing is valid for 2020 only.

Tours must be scheduled in advance. Email tours@riversofsteel.com to set one up for your family today.

Please include your preferred tour date and the best way to contact you to complete scheduling of the program.

Location & Directions

The Explorer riverboat docks on Pittsburgh’s North Shore near the headwaters of the Ohio River and adjacent to the Carnegie Science Center.

Get DirectionsGet Directions

What to Know Before You Go

Rivers of Steel maintains a family atmosphere on the Explorer. Please be advised of these tips and guidelines to ensure your best possible experience.

Food & Beverages: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, food and alcoholic beverages are currently not permitted during sightseeing tours. Water coolers are available on each deck.   Smoking / vaping is prohibited at all times.

Accessibility: The Explorer riverboat and its home dock are ADA accessible, which includes an ADA restroom onboard as well an elevator to navigate between the boat’s decks. Handicapped parking is available nearby at the Carnegie Science Center.

Photography: Photography is encouraged!  However, for safety reasons videography and drones are prohibited.

Admission: Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed. By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to be photographed.

Duration & Arrival:  Guests may board Explorer one-half hour before their tour is scheduled to depart. The PGH 101 cruise is scheduled to be 90 minutes. However, for planning purposes, we recommend blocking two hours in your schedule. Guests should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. Should we encounter river traffic, the tour could be extended by as much as 15 minutes on the back end.

Weather Policy: Tours are rain or shine. Rivers of Steel will cancel a tour if inclement weather poses a threat to our guests or our vessel. In the event of unsafe river conditions, severe weather conditions, or mechanical failure or as required by the U.S. Coast Guard, other regulatory or governmental agency, our captain reserves the right to stay at dock, or if the vessel is underway, to return to dock. In such instances, refunds or exchanges can be issued for tickets purchased in advance.

For more information, contact tours@riversofsteel.com.

Learn more about the events

such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.