The 12 Best Gondola Rides in the United States

1.Las Vegas Super Saver: Madame Tussauds with Gondola Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,697 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $54Our pick

Start at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas for 60 to 90 minutes of celebrity photo sets, Vegas legends, and superheroes. Collect your gondola voucher there, then reserve an outdoor Grand Canal ride in person. The 15-minute shared boat trip may include a singing gondolier, and you can use it within seven days.

“Just not worth the money. The ride itself was too short. But, we did have a gondola captain that sang in French and set the atmosphere.”

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2.Entry to Madame Tussauds with a Gondola Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,056 reviews · 1 day · from $54

Meet Marvel heroes, music stars, and Las Vegas icons at Madame Tussauds, then take your voucher across to the Venetian for an outdoor gondola ride. Gondoliers such as Patricia, Amelia, Valentino, and Inzo have added warm Italian singing and birthday serenades to the short cruise.

“Enjoyed the museum knew what to expect as had been to other ones in different countries. The Gondola ride was lovely, our Italian driver was fantastic singing and giving us lots of detailed information. Would highly recommend.”

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3.Gondola Cruise through the Coronado Cays

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 207 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $74Top rated

Take a private 50-minute gondola ride through the Coronado Cays, a residential canal district south of Hotel del Coronado. Your gondolier may play Italian music, sing, and take you into San Diego Bay for bridge and downtown views when weather allows. Wine, chocolates, and soft drinks are available.

“I loved the italian music, we were the only ones in the water, i felt that it was just for us, thank you Roberto for a nice tour.”

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4.Valentine’s Waikiki Gondola Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 45 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $250

Glide through Waikiki’s Ala Wai harbor and canal with a fun-loving gondolier such as Elliot or Shawn. Choose a daytime or sunset ride, with drinks, pastries, and Hawaiian leis included on 45-minute and one-hour cruises. Evening trips add city lights, sunset views, and a romantic setting.

“This was an incredible experience. My husband took me for my birthday. Even though we live on the canal and see it everyday, experiencing it from the gondola was fantastic. They were so nice and helpful and made the experience special. I remember seeing the gondola coming down the canal for the first time and thought what a brilliant idea!”

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5.Fireworks Waikiki Gondola Cruise -lots of fun-

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $128

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Waikiki Gondola Experiences takes up to four people through Waikiki’s harbor and calm-water canals. You’ll sip sparkling cider, enjoy a local pastry, wear a Hawaiian lei, and watch Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks from the water. A short laser show may appear under the bridge.

“I booked this experience to surprise my bf and I feel like they tricked me in spending more money in the end, they called to try to do add ons that didn't make since in the end. Total almost paid $400 for this experience and it was not worth that at all. Don't waste your money.”

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6.Luxury Gondola Cruise with Drinks and Pastries

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 42 reviews · 45 minutes - 1 hour · from $98

Glide through Waikiki and Honolulu Harbor in Hawaii’s only Venetian gondola tour. Your gondolier, possibly Elliott or Larry, sings traditional songs as you pass three bridges, Magic Island, and Diamond Head with pastries, drinks, and a lei included.

“You must ride the gondola! The guides are excellent, funny. and entertaining. They took us all the way down the canal, provided sweets, water and a parasol for us. We waved to lots of onlookers and saw a couple who regularly wave a white flag as the gondola passes their house daily. It was a great, unusual activity in Honolulu. We highly recommend!”

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7.Valentine’s Venetian Gondola Cruise in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $250

Share a one-hour sunset gondola cruise in Waikiki with Larry and Elliot, taking in Ala Wai Harbor, Diamond Head, the Honolulu skyline, and a short bridge light show when conditions allow. A lei, pastry, drinks, umbrellas, and blankets are included, with space for up to four people.

“My co-worker took this tour for his Anniversary and said it was great, so I decided to schedule a tour for Valentine’s Day. The staff was great and very well organized. Even had umbrellas and a blanket for us since it started drizzling. The ambiance and the tour guides were awesome! They were very knowledgeable about the island and very hospitable. I would definitely recommend this tour for a special date night as it is very romantic. They even had non-alcoholic champagne and various desserts for us. It can seat 2 couples, so it would even be nice to do it on a double date. I would definitely do it…”

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8.Valentine’s Private Gondola Cruise in Waikiki with Drinks, Pastry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 45 minutes to 1 hour (approx.)

Share a private gondola with up to four people as you cruise Waikiki’s Ala Wai harbor and canal. You’ll receive a Hawaiian lei, drinks, pastry, blankets, and umbrella use, with tiny bubbles and the Nick Puppy Georgio show adding a playful touch. Sunset cruises last one hour.

“My girlfriend and I had the most wonderful time. The conversation was amazing during the entire trip making for a perfect evening for Valentine’s Day. Kisses under the bridge, chocolate moose, soft Italian music….who could complain?”

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9.Beautiful Luxury Picnic on a Docked Gondola Boat in Coronado

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $90

Arrive at 503 Grand Caribe Causeway for a private picnic already arranged on a docked gondola in the Coronado Cays. You get shade, pillows, a decorated table, conversation cards, a speaker, one food selection, and lemonade or water. Add wine or chocolate strawberries for an extra charge.

“The view and atmosphere was amazing! What an incredible experience! Thank you for creating such a fun and memorable moment for us. This is something we certainly won’t forget!”

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10.Aloha Gondola Cruise with Drinks & Pastries

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $128

You’ll cruise Waikiki’s Grand Canal for about 45 minutes in a gondola limited to four people, with drinks, pastries, and a Hawaiian lei included. A US Coast Guard certified captain handles the boat, and you receive a Waikiki hop-on hop-off bus voucher afterward.

“This turned out better than I could have ever planned. They go above and beyond to make your experience be as great as it can be. Mines was a wedding proposal, and Elliot gave us all the bells and whistles. Small Family owned so they care about the details. 5 star, if you want a special memory and a beautiful evening with the city lights book this at night..glad I made that choice.”

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11.2-Hour Small-Group Gondola Excursion in Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $178

You’ll board a Venetian-style gondola at the Hawaii Yacht Club for a small-group cruise through Waikiki waters. Your personal gondolier, including guide Eilot on some departures, provides songs, stories, cider, desserts, blankets, and a Hawaiian lei. Evening rides offer sunset views and possible laser effects under the bridges.

“Relaxing trip through the harbor. Great snacks and music while taking in the scenic views. Enjoyed because it was just my party.”

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12.Private Valentine’s cruise on a Gondola in waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 1 hour (approx.)

Reserve a private gondola for up to four people and cruise Waikiki’s Ala Wai harbor with a serenading gondolier. Larry, Alex, and Sean help create the occasion with leis, dessert, drinks, bubbles, and city views. Sunset trips last about an hour and include Diamond Head, Honolulu lights, and possible bridge entertainment.

“It was fun for a “local” couple to see the Ala Wai from a different perspective in a gondola. Wish it was longer. Unique tourist type experience for someone who grew up in Honolulu and not Venice. Great Gondoleer and host’s with food and drink.”

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