Pedal Pontoon FAQs

  • …it’s like a Pedal Tavern, but on the water! Our Pedal Pontoon is a custom built, 16-passenger pontoon boat with a fun twist. (No, you don’t HAVE to pedal!)

    While it has a standard motor which can (and often does) solely power the boat, the Pedal Pontoon features 10 bike-style cycle stations which turn the paddle wheel in the back of the boat, making it totally human-powered. The cycle stations are built around a custom teak bar top which includes cupholders at each station and a built-in cooler in the center. This party boat is made for you to eat, drink, and socialize with your group while taking in the breathtaking views of the famous Nashville skyline!

    If bike seats aren’t your thing, no problem. We also have some stool seating, benches on the bow, and you are totally welcome to move about the deck and switch places throughout the cruise.

    Every tour is driven by one of our USCG-certified Master Captains and assisted by a Deckhand to facilitate your unforgettable adventure.

    Need visuals? Check out our instagram.

  • Yes! We take reservations 24 hours a day at our website riverqueenvoyages.com. We suggest booking in advance as time slots are limited but can make same-day reservations! We suggest booking as far in advance as possible, especially for weekend time slots. See below for our weather and cancelation policies.

    Click here to book your trip now

  • * 10 Cycle Stations and space for 6 additional seated passengers

    * 1.5 Hours of Pedal Pontoon fun on the water

    * A Master Captain and a Deckhand to navigate the river and cater to your needs (ask us for fun river facts!)

    * A double in-bar cooler for your beverages and plenty of ice

    * A top-notch Bluetooth stereo system so you can request your favorite songs

    * Emergency marine toilet

    * FREE River Queen Voyages famous mermaid souvenir sticker

    * Gorgeous views and an unforgettable experience!

  • Each Pedal Pontoon cruise is 1.5 hours long. This does not include the check-in, orientation, and disembarking. Plan to arrive at our dock check-in location (sent to you upon booking) at least 20 minutes prior to your cruise start time. We have a tight dock schedule with specific pickup and drop-off times. If you are late to check in we will not be able to board your party and will not issue a refund. Each cruise is on a very strict timeline and cannot be extended. If you are interested in something different than our standard cruise, please text 615-933-9778 or email booking@rqvoyages.com to discuss custom options -- we’re happy to help create an unforgettable experience for you and your group!

  • We definitely encourage tipping our stellar crew! For your convenience, an 18% gratuity will be automatically added to parties of 6 or more, as well as our private cruises. Our crew works hard to give you a safe, incredible experience on the water and appreciates any gratuity for a job well done. At the end of your journey, if you wish to tip additionally, we also accept cash or venmo tips.

LOGISTICS

  • Please arrive at the dock location 20 mins prior to your designated cruise time. Details for the dock location will be sent in your booking confirmation email. Downtown Nashville is BUSY and sometimes roads are blocked so we highly encourage ride share. If you're wondering where to go, your confirmation email has the correct information. Most often the address is The Bridge Building (right by Nissan stadium) but if events prevent us from accessing downtown roads, you will be sent the marina location in your confirmation email. Please text 615-933-9778 if you have any questions about the dock location.

  • Downtown Nashville is BUSY so we highly recommend rideshare to 2 Victory Ave Nashville TN 37213 or to the marina location if the downtown roads are closed (always check your confirmation email and day-of communications for the right address).

    If you're staying in/near downtown, the docks are located next to the Ghost Ballet sculpture (red roller coaster looking thing) next to Nissan Stadium. It is also a gorgeous and easy walk over the John Seigenthaler Bridge to get to the docks.

    If you have a car, there is often paid parking and sometimes free street parking around Nissan stadium.

  • Plan to arrive at our dock check-in location at least 20 minutes prior to your cruise start time. We have a tight dock schedule with specific pickup and drop-off times. If you are late to check in we will not be able to board your party or issue a refund. Downtown Nashville is busy and roadclosures / traffic happen. Please plan ahead!

  • We run rain or shine. However, safety is our top priority, and some severe weather conditions could prevent us from operating. Our USCG Master Captain monitors the weather— both radar and onsite conditions— and ultimately decides if it is safe to operate, or if a cruise should be canceled, delayed, or cut short. We do our best to give you time to prepare or
    make alternate arrangements, but TN weather can change quickly and sometimes it is not possible.

    Do not assume your cruise is canceled due to weather unless you have been contacted by the RQV crew. We do not refund no-shows. Your cruise may be delayed or end early if severe weather is in the area. We will communicate as diligently as possible.

    The boat has a canopy that covers 3/4 of it. However, you’re on the water and Tennessee can have unpredictable pop-up storms throughout the season so you may get wet on your cruise. If you choose not to join us due to rainy weather we will not issue a refund.

  • We get it, plans change. That's why we now offer FlexTicket! Upgrade your ticket(s) to FlexTicket at check out to make them fully adjustable/refundable (less the FlexTicket fee) for any reason up to 24hrs in advance of the event.

    Without FlexTicket, all sales are FINAL. (That means absolutely no refunds, reschedules, or store credits unless your trip is canceled on our end due to unforeseen events/severe weather.)

    Please be sure to select the number of tickets you would like to upgrade to FlexTickets.

    Didn’t get a FlexTicket and can’t make your reservation? Don’t worry, your ticket won’t go to waste. We “bank” those funds and put them toward our community engagement efforts, providing free or low-cost river fun to students, nonprofits, etc.

    DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE IS BUSY! We try our best to make sure all our activities run on time but in the event that we need to cancel your journey due to road closures, inclement weather, or any other unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to reschedule your trip or find a commensurate accommodation.

    *Routes and start times subject to change due to road closures, special events, construction etc. We will notify you as soon as the information becomes available.*

ABOUT THE PEDAL PONTOON

  • The Master Captain and Deckhand will take your group from the downtown docks upriver about 5 miles depending on weather/wind conditions. From there you can decide whether to keep going upriver to Shelby Park or stay around downtown! Some great sights are the Omohundro Lighthouse (built 1889), Demonbreun's Cave (cira 1700s), the Metro Nashville goats (if your cruise goes downriver), and of course breaktaking views of the famous Nashville Skyline! The cruise ends back at the downtown docks (or the marina if downtown roads are closed) at the end of your 1.5 hours.

    The more you pedal on the boat, the farther your group will travel--so make sure to bring your A-game!

  • The Pedal Pontoon can accommodate groups from 6 to 16 passengers. We require a minimum 6 people because the Pedal Pontoon is powered by you! Don’t worry, we also have a motor on the boat. There are 10 cycle stations and 6 additional bow and boat seats so you can rotate out based on whether you’d prefer to pedal or just enjoy the scenery. Didn't get a pedal seat right away? Don't worry! Every shares and it's a blast!

  • We have an emergency marine toilet on board. It is open aired but we have a pop-up tent if you’re shy! Please allow ample time for using the restrooms at the docks prior to boarding. All boarding locations will have adjacent bathroom facilities available and we highly recommend using the Bridge Building facilities prior to getting on the Pedal Pontoon. We are not responsible if your friends take a picture of you using the emergency marine toilet ;)

  • Our crew drives the boat for you! Included in every reservation is a USCG licensed Master Captain and Deckhand. The RQV crew will ensure your group is safe and has a great time.

  • Our pontoon capacity is 16 guests but no problem; we are happy to book your group on multiple trips. Please call 615-933-9778 or email booking@rqvoyages.com to make large group arrangements. We also partner with other party boats (non-pedal) in the area with larger capacities.

WHAT TO BRING ON THE PEDAL PONTOON

  • Pedal Pontoon trips are currently BYOB. ABSOLUTELY NO GLASS ALLOWED. You can bring water, soda, sports drinks, beer, wine, etc. We provide plenty of cooler space for your beverages and plenty of ice so no outside coolers please. You are welcome to bring snacks, sandwiches, or other small food items aboard but again NO GLASS.

  • Yes! However, we have limited storage aboard the Pedal Pontoon so only bring what you need. No large backpacks or other bulky items allowed. No drones allowed but other recording and recreational cameras welcome. We are not responsible for items getting wet, lost, damaged, or stolen so please take necessary precautions. Waterproof phone dry bags are available for purchase at check in along with RQV t-shirts, koozies, fanny packs, sunscreen, etc. Please call in advance if we can help provide anything else to accommodate your trip.

    We do allow decorations on the boat if you booked a private cruise. You are responsible for setup and cleanup or a $100 cleaning fee may be charged. Please call in advance to make arrangements 615-933-9778.

  • We recommend comfortable, loose-fitting outdoor attire and shoes that you can pedal in. Please check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. We recommend bringing sun protection (sunscreen, hat, etc) as well.

  • Adults do not have to wear a life jacket if they don’t want to. There are enough life jackets available for everyone on board the Pedal Pontoon. All children 12 years or younger must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. We have 2 youth size life jackets but you must provide infant or child life jackets if you have more than 2 children and/or if anyone under 4 is in your party. Anyone under 21 must be booked on a private cruise (see the FAQ about kids).

  • Yes! This is Music City after all! Our Bluetooth sound system is ready for your party mix, or our Captain and Deckhand would love to be your on-board DJ for your cruise. Our Pedal Pontoon is equipped with lots of LED party lights, so sit back, relax, and get ready to party!

OTHER QUESTIONS

  • All PUBLIC cruises are 21+. Anyone under 21 must be booked on a PRIVATE cruise and you must be 21+ to drink. All passengers will receive a wristband to denote if they are of legal drinking age after showing proper identification (drivers license or passport).

    If you are under 21 and on a private Pedal Pontoon cruise, you are not allowed to drink. Our crew has extensive knowledge and bar experience so don’t try any funny business. If you or anyone in your party is caught breaking the rules, the cruise will be terminated and you will not receive a refund. Please be cool.

  • We recommend a Private Cruise or our Downtown Sightseeing Cruise for families.

  • There is inherent risk in all water activities. We provide a USCG licensed Master Captain, Deckhand, and on-board policies to ensure the safety of all our guests. All of our crew members are CPR/First Aid certified and there is a First Aid kit available on board.

    Safety is our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns please text us at 615-933-9778 and we will be happy to talk through our safety guidelines.

  • Nope. We love our furry friends but due to space restrictions we aren’t able to accommodate pets on the Pedal Pontoon.

DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE IS BUSY! We try our best to make sure all our routes run on time but in the event that we need to cancel your journey due to road closures, inclement weather, or any other unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to reschedule your trip or find a commensurate accommodation.

*Routes and start times subject to change due to road closures, special events, construction etc. We will notify you as soon as the information becomes available.*

Other Questions? Special Circumstances?

No problem! Please give us a call at 615-933-9RQV (9778) or email us at booking@rqvoyages.com or book right now here.