There are new ways to explore Baltimore’s waterfront this spring and summer, thanks to Harbor Boating’s new app-based on-demand Water Taxi service, a new charter boat, and their updated seasonal trolley service.
NEW ON-DEMAND SERVICE
The new on-demand Baltimore Water Taxi is booked through the Transigo mobile app, and allows riders to request pick-ups and drop-offs when they need it. They travel directly between destinations without stops in between. The on-demand service operates Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fares are not fixed, but change based on things like season and demand. Prices are shown before riders confirm a trip, much like Uber or Lyft services. Also, like car-based services, riders can track their boat and trip through the app. The fleet operates from 10 docks located throughout the harbor, with more planned.
“People are used to booking transportation when they need it and going directly where they want to go,” said Michael McDaniel, president and CEO of Harbor Boating, Inc. “In a harbor city like Baltimore, traveling by water can often take five to 10 minutes compared to much longer by car. On-demand service allows riders to take advantage of that efficiency while enjoying an experience on the water.”
The Water Taxi’s new on-demand service does not impact the Baltimore Harbor Connector, the free commuter service that Harbor Boating operates in partnership with the City of Baltimore. The Harbor Connector will still operate year-round, Monday through Friday, from docks in Fell’s Point, Maritime Park, Locust Point, Canton Park, Pier 5/Aquarium and Federal Hill.
WATER TROLLEY RETURNS
The return of spring brings with it Harbor Boating’s seasonal Water Trolley scheduled service, but with a new name: the Baltimore Water Trolley. The trolley runs from April 1 through October 31, 2026, with departures beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing into the evening. The Baltimore Water Trolley is a hop-on, hop-off service running two circular routes: Inner Harbor and Outer Harbor. Riders can buy single-day tickets good for unlimited rides for that day, with fares starting at $20 for adults. There are also season passes which range in price from $90 to $150, depending on the purchase date.
CHARTER AND CRUISE SERVICE EXPANDS
Harbor Boating has expanded its charter and cruise operations by adding Lady Thames, a charter vessel accommodating up to 149 passengers that is available year-round. Designed for private events, Lady Thames can be reserved for corporate meetings and celebrations, nonprofit fundraisers, media events, weddings, family reunions, and other special events.
The vessel has two climate-controlled salons, flexible catering options and facilities, and AV systems, making it an adaptable venue for a variety of occasions. Its layout and windows provide panoramic harbor views. And because Lady Thames is part of Harbor Boating’s integrated fleet, events can also incorporate Water Taxi shuttles, allowing guests to arrive from multiple waterfront locations.
Charters are booked directly through Harbor Boating Inc.’s sales team.
SEASONAL PUBLIC HARBOR CRUISES RESUME
In April, seasonal public harbor cruises will resume, operating mostly on weekends. Themed cruises, including sunset cruises, are offered on smaller vessels, focusing on the experience of being on the water. Guests can often bring their own food and drinks. The Lady Thames, though, will offer some special event cruises like Mother’s Day Brunch, Kentucky Derby Watch, and Couple’s Champagne and Chocolate cruises, which will include food, drinks, and entertainment.
Harbor Boating began offering public cruises in June 2024, and by the end of the summer every sailing was fully booked. This showed heavy demand for accessible, experience-driven harbor outings on the water. Public cruises will be offered in connection with major citywide milestone events, including Sail 250.
