Singapore river cruise: the short version
The Singapore river cruise is a boat ride of about 40 minutes along the river and out to Marina Bay. The ride passes Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Marina Bay. You can walk up and buy a ticket at the counter before departure.
A second operator runs its own 40-minute circuit from different piers, including one in front of the ArtScience Museum. The two are separate products, so a ticket from one does not work on the other.
Our picks: river cruises
Our take: the evening tour from One Fullerton is the low-priced choice with both shows; the night cruise picks you up at your hotel; the night tour adds the SkyPark.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Night tour with river cruise, SkyPark and Spectra
- SkyPark entry
- River cruise ticket
- Hotel pick-up and return
A local guide, hotel pick-up and air-conditioned transport, with the SkyPark deck, a river cruise ticket and the Spectra show.
Check availability →
Night cruise with Garden Rhapsody and Spectra
- Hotel pick-up and return
- Licensed guide
- River cruise and two shows
Hotel pick-up, a licensed guide, the Merlion, a river cruise, the light show in the Supertree Grove and the Spectra show.
Check availability →
River cruise, Garden Rhapsody and Spectra
- River cruise
- Garden Rhapsody and Spectra
- Transfers between stops
An evening with the Merlion, a river cruise and both light shows, Spectra seen from land, with transfers between the stops.
Check availability →Singapore river cruises and boat tours
Bumboat rides on the Singapore River and around Marina Bay, with live prices and availability.
Two river cruise operators compared
Prices and times for 2026.
| River cruise from Clarke Quay | Bay circuit | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride | River ride, about 40 minutes | A circuit of about 40 minutes |
| Adult price | SGD 28 | Check at booking |
| Child price | SGD 18 (ages 3 to 11) | Check at booking |
| Piers | Clarke Quay, Bayfront South, Clifford Pier, Read Bridge | Fort Canning, Merlion Park, Bayfront North (in front of the ArtScience Museum) |
| Times | Bayfront South daily 10:00–20:00, hourly; other piers run later, up to 21:00 or 22:00 | Daily 14:00–21:00, about every 30 minutes |
| Tickets | Walk-ins welcome, tickets at the counters before departure | First come, first served; boarding pass from the kiosk |
For most visitors, the 40-minute river cruise from Clarke Quay or Bayfront South is the simplest choice, because the price is fixed and walk-in sales are possible. Take the bay circuit if you are already at the bay in the afternoon and want to board in front of the ArtScience Museum.
Which pier to choose
Piers differ more than the boats do. Pick the one that matches your plan for the day, and check the timetable at the pier, because departure windows are not the same everywhere.
Clarke Quay
The pier for the evening laser show cruise, which leaves from Clarke Quay Jetty only. It suits an evening start.
Bayfront South
The pier at the resort. Departures run daily from 10:00 to 20:00, one per hour.
Clifford Pier and Read Bridge
Two more stops for the river cruise. Check the board at the pier for the next departure.
Merlion Park, Fort Canning and Bayfront North
The piers of the bay circuit. Merlion Park is free and open 24 hours at 1 Fullerton Road.
Things to do nearby →
River cruise by night
Lights, water and the Spectra show.
Laser show cruise
A laser show cruise leaves from Clarke Quay Jetty only. Tickets are sold at that jetty. Ask for the current departure times there.
Spectra on land
The free Spectra show plays at Event Plaza for 15 minutes. It runs at 20:00 and 21:00 from Sunday to Thursday, with an extra 22:00 show on Friday and Saturday. A boat does not guarantee a better view.
Light show guide →Evening light on the quays
The river looks different after sunset, when the quays and the skyline switch on their lights. A late departure suits photos, and the bay circuit runs until 21:00.
Weather and practical tips
Before you board.
Rain
Singapore gets rain all year, with more from November to January. February is the driest month on average. The bay circuit may delay or move a departure in poor weather before the ride starts.
Best time to visit →Boarding
The bay circuit gives a physical boarding pass that you collect at its kiosk, and seats go by arrival. Arrive early if you want a particular departure.
Getting to the piers
For Bayfront South and Bayfront North, take the MRT to Bayfront on the Circle or Downtown Line. Clarke Quay and Clifford Pier are separate piers, so check which one your ticket names.
Getting there →Combine it
A river cruise fits well with a SkyPark visit on the same day. The deck is open until 22:00 in the peak slot.
SkyPark tickets →Plan the rest of your trip
More ideas around the bay.
Singapore river cruise: frequently asked questions
Is this the official site of a river cruise operator?
No. This is an independent guide and has no link to any boat operator. Prices and times can change, so check them at the pier or on the booking page.
How much is a Singapore river cruise?
The river cruise from Clarke Quay costs SGD 28 for adults and SGD 18 for children aged 3 to 11 in 2026.
Do I need to book in advance?
For the river cruise from Clarke Quay, walk-ins are welcome and you can buy a ticket at the counter before departure. The bay circuit boards first come, first served. Allow extra time on busy evenings.
Where does the boat start?
The river cruise starts from Clarke Quay, Bayfront South, Clifford Pier and Read Bridge. The bay circuit uses Fort Canning, Merlion Park and Bayfront North in front of the ArtScience Museum.
Can I see the Spectra show from the boat?
The show plays at Event Plaza, and a boat ride does not guarantee a view. The laser show cruise leaves from Clarke Quay Jetty only; ask there for the times.
Does the ride go to the Merlion?
The bay circuit stops at Merlion Park. The river cruise from Clarke Quay passes Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Marina Bay.