Wooden Boat Tours on the Yellowstone River
Montana Classic Boat Tours is the scenic side of our river program. We run private wooden boat tours on the Yellowstone River near Livingston, Paradise Valley, and Bozeman, giving guests a chance to see Montana from the river’s point of view.
From a hand built wooden dory, you are low to the water, close to the light, and able to take in the valley without crowds or noise. These scenic floats are built for guests who want to be looked after and want a hosted river experience without having to pick up a fly rod.
Fall is especially hard to beat. Peak foliage, clear light, and cooler evenings make September and October sunset floats one of the best ways to see the Yellowstone.
A Winter Float Story
Rivers don’t follow calendars, and neither do good opportunities. Here’s a short story from a January wooden boat tour on the Yellowstone when conditions lined up in Paradise Valley.
Read the Blog PostWhat These Trips Are Built For
Scenic floats are ideal for couples, families, wedding groups, corporate guests, and mixed groups where not everyone wants a full fishing day. We build the float around your group, the light, and the kind of experience you want.
Private Scenic Floats
Every trip is private to your group. We choose a scenic section of the Yellowstone between Livingston and Paradise Valley and set the pace around your guests.
What’s Included
Wooden dories, Pendleton blankets, non alcoholic drinks, and on catered trips a light spread of local pastries or charcuterie. Safety gear and guide service are included on every trip.
When We Float
Sunrise, midday, and sunset from May through October. The exact stretch depends on water levels, clarity, wildlife, and where the light will be best for views and photos.
Comfort On Board
Bring sunglasses, a hat, layers, sunscreen, and a camera. Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages, including adult beverages where appropriate. We keep a cooler with ice on board.
Scenic Yellowstone River Boat Tours
The Early Riser
Calm water, soft light, and hot coffee with locally baked pastries. A quiet way to start the day and watch the Yellowstone wake up from the comfort of a wooden dory.
Trip length: 2 to 3 hours
Midday Scenic Float
A relaxed late morning or early afternoon float that works well for families, mixed groups, and guests arriving into town that day who want an easy introduction to the Yellowstone.
Trip length: 2 to 3 hours
Yellowstone Sunset Tour
Evening light on the river, cooler air, and a slow float home. A favorite for couples and small groups who want a quiet end to the day and some of the best views on the Yellowstone.
Trip length: 2 to 3 hours
Custom Scenic & Events
Weddings, rehearsal dinners, retreats, family reunions, and private events can all be built around a scenic float on the Yellowstone River.
Trip length: 2 to 3 hours or longer
Hybrid Float & Fish
Some guests float, others fish. While we do not fly fish from the wooden boats, we can run a fishing drift boat on the same section so everyone shares the day together on the river.
The Joy & The Cygnet
Our boats are 20 foot McKenzie style Ray’s River Dories. The Joy carries larger family groups and small events. The Cygnet is set up for smaller parties that want an intimate private float.
Standard Scenic Float Pricing
All sunrise, midday, and sunset scenic floats are 2 to 3 hours in length. Two price tiers are based on boat and group size.
4 to 6 Guests · The Joy
Catered: $1,100
Non catered: $900
A good fit for larger families, groups of friends, and wedding parties who want more room to spread out and enjoy the full Yellowstone scenic float experience together.
1 to 3 Guests · The Cygnet
Catered: $850
Non catered: $700
A quiet, private float that works well for couples and small groups who want a more intimate wooden boat tour with plenty of room to relax and take photos.
Catered trips include pastries or charcuterie based on time of day, plus non alcoholic drinks, blankets, and safety gear. Non catered trips include drinks, blankets, and safety equipment. Guests are welcome to bring additional food and beverages.
The Experience On Board
Ray’s River Dories has been a benchmark of wooden drift boat craftsmanship since the 1970s. Their McKenzie style hull is stable, quiet, and comfortable, and it fits the kind of moving water we row on the Yellowstone.
Boats & Build
Hand built wooden dories give these trips their quiet, distinctive feel and a classic Yellowstone River look that photographs exceptionally well.
Food & Comfort
Pendleton blankets, local pastries, and custom charcuterie boards from Ranchmade Charcuterie in Livingston give each trip a local Montana feel.
Where It Fits
Scenic floats pair well with Yellowstone National Park visits, Paradise Valley stays, family trips, wedding weekends, and Bozeman based itineraries.
What Guests Say About Boat Tours
“Highly recommend. A great afternoon on the river, delicious food, a charming captain, and lots of wildlife. We plan on going fishing with Matt next.”
Kathryn C.
“The absolute coolest thing we have experienced in Montana. Matt made the whole group feel at home on the river.”
Carley H.
“Great afternoon on the Yellowstone. Relaxing and exhilarating at the same time.”
Jeff M.
