Step aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat to experience Chattanooga from its most captivating angle—the gentle sweep of the Tennessee River. A cherished local tradition, the Belle carries more than 100,000 guests a year on narrated...
Step aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat to experience Chattanooga from its most captivating angle—the gentle sweep of the Tennessee River. A cherished local tradition, the Belle carries more than 100,000 guests a year on narrated...
The Southern Belle offers a pleasant cruise down the Tennessee River with friendly staff and live entertainment that guests consistently appreciate. The onboard gift shop is a hit, stocked with Chattanooga memorabilia and the famous moon pies invented locally. Most visitors enjoy the gentle pace and scenic views, finding it a relaxing way to spend a few hours. Live music adds to the atmosphere, and the bar area gets particularly good marks for its welcoming vibe. The boat itself shows its age with dated decor and worn carpet that some guests notice. Outdoor seating fills up quickly, so arriving early is smart if you want to snag a spot on deck. Dinner cruise experiences are mixed, with some praising the food and festive atmosphere during holiday events, while others found the buffet underwhelming and felt the overall experience didn't quite match expectations. Note that dinner cruises may no longer be regularly offered. The wheelhouse visits are a nice touch, though crew interaction there can be hit or miss. Overall, it's an enjoyable local experience for around $40 that showcases the city from a different perspective.
I was a little sad when I thought we would be on the big river boat but in fact we sailed on the smaller one anchored right behind it🤣. Just a little duped! We had a great time on the cruise though and the live music really set it off. We were sad when the boat turned to come back to port and the adventure was over. Tips: They board the boat at 5:30. If you want a seat on the top deck in the shade get in line early!!!!
Erica Kenny
April 13, 2026
I was a little sad when I thought we would be on the big river boat but in fact we sailed on the smaller one anchored right behind it🤣. Just a little duped! We had a great time on the cruise though and the live music really set it off. We were sad when the boat turned to come back to port and the adventure was over. Tips: They board the boat at 5:30. If you want a seat on the top deck in the shade get in line early!!!!
Erica Kenny
April 13, 2026