Amarillo Cruises: Top Sailing Tours & Boat Trips Reviewed

When people think about Amarillo, what usually comes to mind might be the Big Texan Steak Ranch, or possibly Cadillac Ranch, or maybe even Palo Duro Canyon, which is often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of Texas’. Still, what about a relaxing boat outing? Is that even doable near Amarillo? Believe it or not, absolutely! You’ll find quite a few spots offering lovely cruises and sailing tours nearby, which is what makes it quite a different way to experience the Texas Panhandle. Get ready to set sail (or powerboat, more likely!) because we’re taking a gander at some of the top options for Amarillo cruises and sailing tours. What’s available? Where should one go? Let’s find out.

1. Lake Meredith Adventures: A Hub for Water Activities

About an hour north of Amarillo is Lake Meredith, and it’s pretty much where many of the aquatic expeditions tend to get going. Though you might not exactly find big cruise ships, there actually is a range of boat tours and rental places to fill what your seafaring heart may be yearning. Options often include things like pontoon boats for an extremely chill day with family, speed boats if you have a desire for somewhat more excitement, and of course, the supremely reliable fishing boats. Lake Meredith very commonly hosts guided fishing tours, which may be pretty good for landing that trophy catch. very, very nice.

One spot folks check out is the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. You know, it’s managed by the National Park Service, and too it’s free to access most of the park areas, though that said, there actually is a fee for launching a boat. That said, there are plenty of places near the lake where one could hire a boat or a guide. So keep that in mind.

2. Buffalo Jump Boat Tours: History with a Splash

Yeah, near Lake Meredith, there is a spot referred to as Buffalo Jump, and actually, it comes with its own dose of regional history mixed with the water activity, right. Long ago, this area that could be thought of as once a hunting ground for Native American tribes, and also too it tells stories of old traditions. very old. Now, some tour companies sometimes offer boat tours that very nearly swing by these historical spots, mixing a bit of what happened way back when with your laid-back boating day. How much cooler could it be, anyway? That said, you may need to do a little poking around to find a company giving specifically this kinda tour, because what the tour focuses on tends to vary from season to season, very much.

Anyway, being on a boat while hearing a lot about the Native American history around the lake sounds like one for the books, and it also sort of might give you something very interesting to chew on while taking in the landscape.

Read our full review: Buffalo Jump Boat Tours Full Review and Details

3. Private Sailing Charters: A Personalized Experience

So, if standard tours seem like kind of the thing everybody gets, that could be the appeal of considering a private sailing charter for an exceptionally, noticeably tailored experience, really. Actually, a few outfits operate on Lake Meredith and nearby spots that let you and your group just kind of chart your own path—literally. You’d agree. This type of setup tends to make special occasions even more memorable. This could be like a birthday or any old type of anniversary, because it actually comes with total privacy. What I’d suggest is that it probably does mean calling a bit ahead to suss out what’s available because actually, such custom arrangements usually work around a predetermined schedule that you might just happen to coordinate, potentially.

4. Sunset Cruises: Amarillo’s Golden Hour on Water

And speaking of ‘picturesque’, don’t forget that taking an early evening cruise to witness an Amarillo sunset on the water is quite memorable. So think about it; as the sky pretty much transitions into every shade from gold to a flaming orange, and of course, the waters just begin reflecting everything. Wow. Quite a few tour operators even roll out uniquely timed cruises in an attempt to capture just these very magic times, which actually tend to be extremely popular for people craving beautiful moments.

Because these events draw crowds, it’s basically prudent to solidify your reservations in advance. But getting to just see the sun sink below the skyline while floating could very much become the definitive high point during any sojourn to Amarillo. Well said.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lake Meredith Sunset Cruise)

5. Special Events & Holiday Cruises: Unique Celebrations

You understand that lots of cruise outfits will often hold boat outings coinciding with things like local celebrations and festivals. It’s just about that type of unique adventure. It isn’t so bad, actually. You may find boat parades taking place over holidays, that too it sometimes includes live music on deck. Special cruises usually revolve around big events and give that extra, noticeably special element that could even turn an easygoing getaway into something notably spectacular, like firework shows viewed straight from the waterway. To discover options, stay clued-up via Amarillo regional magazines to get word about coming events, very coming.

So what about planning to catch one? All considered, getting some wind and seeing the twinkling skies from out around the lake could probably just make your memories of Amarillo shine that much brighter!