Singapore River Cruise at Clarke Quay offers an exceptional sightseeing experience that showcases Singapore's transformation from a historic trading port to a modern cosmopolitan city. Operating from the vibrant Clarke Quay area, this popular tourist attraction provides visitors with unique perspectives of Singapore's most iconic landmarks and architectural marvels. The approximately 40-minute cruise journey takes passengers along the Singapore River, offering stunning views of the Raffles Landing Site, the iconic Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge, and the Esplanade. As one of Singapore's most established river cruise operators, the service combines historical narration with modern comfort, making it an ideal activity for tourists seeking to understand Singapore's rich heritage while enjoying scenic waterway views. The cruise experience appeals to visitors of all ages, providing both educational value and photographic opportunities in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
The cruise experience is enhanced by live audio-visual commentary that informs passengers about the historical significance and cultural importance of landmarks along the route. The journey covers key points including Clarke Quay, Read Bridge, Boat Quay, Fullerton, Merlion Park, Bayfront South, and the Esplanade, providing comprehensive coverage of Singapore's central waterfront areas. Passengers can choose between covered seating with large panoramic windows for unobstructed views, or open-air seating for direct exposure to Singapore's tropical climate and unfiltered photography opportunities. The service operates with frequent departures every 15 to 20 minutes, providing flexibility for visitors with varying schedules. Pricing remains accessible at SGD 28 for adults and SGD 18 for children aged 3-12, with children under 3 traveling free when accompanied by adults, making it an affordable family activity.
The cruise operates daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Clarke Quay, providing extensive operating hours that accommodate both daytime sightseeing and evening cruises with illuminated city views. The departure point at Clarke Quay is easily accessible via Clarke Quay MRT station and is surrounded by numerous dining and entertainment options, making it convenient to combine the cruise with other activities. Due to the popularity of this attraction, advance booking is strongly recommended as tickets often sell out, particularly during peak tourist seasons and weekends. The central location allows visitors to seamlessly integrate the cruise experience into broader exploration of Singapore's historic and cultural districts, with walking access to major attractions, museums, and shopping areas.
Recommended! This cruise will take you to see all around the river, the Merlion, and Marina Bay Sands, and you'll feel comfortable with the river view.
The price is not too expensive, and the service is good.
There are many restaurants at the port, with a variety of food and beverages.
The location is on Clarke Quay and is easy to get to by taxi.
Janice Brodbeck
Nice cruise on the Singapore River, with great views and storytelling along the way.
Jessica Ho
What an incredible way to conclude our vacation! This sunset cruise along the Singapore River was absolutely spectacular and left us wishing we could stay longer.
The vessel was immaculately maintained and well-equipped with informative displays and screens that provided fascinating historical context throughout the journey. The crew's knowledge of Singapore's rich history really enhanced the experience and gave us a deeper appreciation for the city's transformation from a colonial trading port to a modern metropolis.
The evening views were simply breathtaking - watching the sun set over Singapore's iconic skyline while learning about the region's maritime heritage and cultural landmarks created an unforgettable combination of beauty and education. Gliding past the historic shophouses, modern skyscrapers, and bustling quays offered a unique perspective of the city.
This river cruise is an absolute must-do activity when visiting Singapore. Whether you're a history buff or simply someone who appreciates stunning urban scenery, you won't be disappointed. We're already planning to book again on our next visit to the Lion City!
Prisha Reddy Kesevan
Second time coming. Love, love, love! It's just quiet time, just some alone time between me and Singapore City. I love the boat; it's very antique and calm. Stunning night views! We did the night cruise. I could repeat this multiple times and never get bored of it.
sgfamousaj1
Great boat trip, with plenty of seats both outside and inside in case it rains. Good views and some audio to help with landmarks; however, the audio was only a recording.
Skyla
Loved it.
Breezy. Affordable. Nice views. Insightful verbal and visual stories about how Clarke Quay evolved over time.
The wait can be a little long, but it’s worth it.
Zaki Wardana
Excellent experience and felt very safe during the whole trip. Highlight for me was the light and water show in front of Marina Bay Sands.
It is recommended to take the trip at night to avoid Singapore's harsh heat.
Kiran D
Spectacular Experience – A Must-Do in Singapore!
The Singapore River Cruise was absolutely spectacular. Gliding along the river with stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion, Clarke Quay, and the city skyline was unforgettable, especially at sunset when everything lit up.
It’s a relaxing and scenic way to take in the city’s history and modern beauty. The commentary was informative without being overwhelming, and the whole ride felt smooth and well-organised.
Highly recommended for first-time visitors and even repeat travellers – it’s a different way to see Singapore come to life!
Ilyas Hart
The Singapore Clarke Quay River Cruise was surprisingly peaceful and quiet, a relaxing escape from the city buzz, offering calm waters, beautiful views, and a smooth ride—perfect for enjoying the skyline in serenity. Highly recommended for a tranquil experience.
Tyler Denny
Highly recommend. I walked to the booth around 20 minutes before departure and got a ticket for the 21:30 Singapore River Experience. I was second in line to board and got a nice seat on the outside deck. I recommend going early, as those who were last in line had to sit inside. You can still see the views, but it is better to sit outside. I boarded at Clarke Quay Jetty. The cruise departs punctually and returns to the original starting point 40 minutes later. If you can, book in advance or online. I may have been lucky, as the boat was full. Staff were pleasant. It was a really nice and relaxing cruise. There is audio commentary so you can learn more about Singapore and the historical landmarks you will see on the cruise. The light breeze was appreciated in the heat! I visited in June 2025 and paid 28 SGD for an adult ticket. You can just walk around the river, but the cruise gives you a different perspective of the city.
Anthony Sim
A must-do while in Singapore 🇸🇬. You'll hear about a little history and see the architecture along the river. You'll also see the laser show up close and on the water, with views of Marina Bay Sands, the Apple Store 🍎, Louis Vuitton, and so much more! It had been 6 years since my last visit, and I'll do the river cruise again in 6 more years. Enjoy 👍🤩 …
Karim Shah
I had the pleasure of experiencing the Singapore River Cruise during my trip back in 2009, and even after all these years, it still stands out as one of the highlights of my visit to Singapore.
The cruise offered a truly unique and relaxing perspective of the city. Gliding along the river in a traditional-style bumboat, I got to see both the modern skyline and the colonial charm of the historic quays — Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay — all lit up beautifully at night. The reflections on the water and the gentle breeze made it a peaceful escape from the busy streets.
Back in 2009, the commentary was informative and easy to follow, giving historical background and interesting facts about the landmarks we passed, including the Merlion, the Fullerton Hotel, and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. It was a great way to learn more about the city without feeling rushed.
I remember the staff being friendly and the boats clean and comfortable. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, the cruise was — and still is, I imagine — a wonderful way to explore Singapore from the water.
Even after all these years, I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. A relaxing, scenic, and memorable experience!
Jian Seah
Excellent river cruise on a classic bumboat. They currently offer great discounts for Singaporeans. 2 adults + one child were only $45 for the 8 pm cruise, between the 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm light show sessions. Friendly and helpful staff from the ticket booth to the boat itself; the captain pointed out the light show on a building to my toddlers. Plenty of room inside the boat, several empty seats despite the long queue to get aboard. There were 3 boats leaving at a time, some with tour groups. Informative video about the history of various landmarks. Prams are kept outside the ticket booth until your return.
Mark Kwek
Memorable photo opportunity to capture Singapore's river area and financial district by night. Try to get on the boat by 6:45-7 PM for the best photos: the light is the best at that time.
Navin Ghani
Taking a Singapore River Cruise at sunset is an experience that blends city sophistication with a touch of magic. As the sky shifts from golden hues to deep twilight, the boat glides gently past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks—each one transforming in the changing light.
Starting from Clarke Quay, the brightly lit, pastel-colored waterfront immediately sets a festive tone. The quayside is buzzing with life, and from the water, the canopy-covered restaurants and historic warehouses now transformed into nightlife spots offer a lively contrast to the serenity of the river itself. Booking a cruise just before sunset allows you to catch the golden reflections on Marina Bay Sands’ towers—a shimmering display that photos can only partly capture.
Drifting along, the route unfolds like a curated tour of Singapore’s architectural diversity. The statuesque Fullerton Hotel, with its neoclassical grandeur, commands attention as it lights up in the evening glow. Nearby, the Merlion fountain delivers its signature spray, backed by a skyline that gradually illuminates with office lights and high-rise reflections. The scene becomes cinematic as the sun sets and the city skyline—towers bearing names like CapitaLand, Maybank, and OUE—takes on a crisp silhouette against the warm sky.
Passing under historic bridges and alongside Boat Quay and Marina Bay, the cruise offers a layered narrative of Singapore’s past and present. Skyscrapers rise behind rows of preserved shophouses, and modern art venues like the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum mark the city’s cultural ambition.
The boats themselves, modeled after traditional bumboats, feel sturdy and nostalgic, with open sides that invite the breeze. The commentary provides a light touch of historical context, but it’s the visual journey that really captivates.
If there’s one tip, it’s this: time your ride to start about 20–30 minutes before sunset. That way, you catch both the golden hour and the city’s shift into night mode, with reflections dancing in the river and the lights gradually coming alive. It’s not just a touristy boat ride—it’s a scenic immersion into Singapore’s identity, told through water, architecture, and light.