Cancel

Open app

Search

Napa Valley Gondola

4.7 (44 reviews)

Napa Valley Gondola Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Napa Valley Gondola

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Raheem A.

After doing some wine tasting at Housley Napa Valley (please reference my review if interested), our party made the 10 minute walk to the Napa Valley Gondola dock. Upon arriving, we were greeted by a friendly gentleman named Angelino. Angelino graciously helped everyone into the gondola and within five minutes we were heading out for a 45 minute ride along the Napa River (I would be lying if I said that I knew a river even existed in Napa)! Since we had a 5:30pm appointment, we were really excited to see the sunset as we cruised. During the ride Angelino used his beautiful voice to serenade us with his favorite romantic Italian rnb ballads. When he wasn't singing or taking a break to allow for us to absorb the beautiful backdrop of the nearby business's lighting casting onto the water, he provided us with Napa city fun facts. Unfortunately, we forgot to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy amongst our group...it would have definitely complimented the already relaxing vibe. However, it worked out for the best since not everyone on the gondola knew how to swim. I would highly recommend Napa Valley Gondola and suggest that you book your appointment to coincide with the sunsetting!

Up ...UP... AWAYY all the wine tasting experiences are up in the mountains
Terese S T.

Loved the Gondola!! Everyone will experience this ride, regardless of which package you choose... Every activity is UP...UP in the mountain... The scenery is Amazing, so get ready to take pictures...

November Napa River excursion for our Anniversary
Patricia Patti P W.

Life long Californian here who has been to Napa hundreds (literally don't start with me!) of times. My husband and I venture up from San Diego every year to celebrate our anniversary. I've never had a nice Gondola ride before and the week we were up on November 4-12 was perfect weather. The river is just beautiful at this time of year and we learned that the salmon were jumping and heading out on their run to start spawning. Our gondolier was very nice and helped us both get into the boat. My husband and I are great swimmers and sailors so I wasn't worried about drowning, I just didn't feel like falling into the "drink" since I just didn't want to get my freshly washed hair wet, you feel me? As I mentioned above this time of the year is the best for seeing wildlife such as seals, and salmon jumping, we saw a few of them and otters. Beautiful birds nesting under the Third Street bridge so we got a great view of those too. Gondolier serenaded us as we floated peacefully up the Napa River. We didn't bring any wine or snacks but you can do that if you wish to do so. I also want to share that in November before they close for the Winter, they run specials. I paid 128. 00 for the two of us but we could have had two more passengers. I highly recommend this service, it was so beautiful and I took a lot of pictures. I am just posting one, it's a pic of us getting ready to go under Soscol I believe. Enjoy!

Napa river
Annie L.

While researching unique things to do in Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Gondolas came up. I have been on the gondolas in the Venetian in Las Vegas but that doesn't count because it's motorized and it's not an authentic gondola. Well, these ones are! They are purchased from Italy so it's as authentic as it gets outside of Venice. Booking was easy online. I booked for 2 people in the morning at 10am. Early mornings are great because you get the whole Napa River to yourself! You get to see all the birds and ducks and the quiet and peacefulness of the valley overtakes you. Our gondolier was name Sean. He gently rowed the gondola out for several miles down the river and back for us. He entertained us with a few songs and told us a bit about gondola history. Where did the history of gondolas and singing come from? It derived from an old Opera "The Gondolier". Apparently gondoliers do not sing because they are considered "manly man" and will hire singers on their gondola to sing. Do gondoliers need to take a test to become gondoliers? They need to pass an exam and be licensed. How do gondoliers learn the art? They learn through another licensed gondolier and then take the exam to be licensed. Do gondolas need as much maintenance as a normal boat? Yes, if not more especially these ones where barnacles grow on the bottom and need to be scraped, the gondola needs maintenance and paint job, etc. I find the gondola history fascinating! We had an amazing, relaxed ride and makes me more excited than ever to do the gondolas in Venice. This is the next best thing to a Venice gondola ride and would recommend it!

Absolutely amazing ride .

100 % recommend nice soft ride . With songs under the bridge , they offer wine for the ride also

Monique V.

What an incredible experience! Angelino made the entire experience so amazing. He was so friendly and knowledgeable and sang beautifully! We went around sunset and it was so pretty. Great location by restaurants and shopping.

Boat views left side
Chantae' H.

This was an experience for sure! Maple was our boat captain, guess that is what you would classify as a title? It was so sweet of a trip, beautiful songs under the bridges and overall relaxing. If this review was just on Maple, five stars easily! However, much to my surprise the views isn't what I expected. Much of the ride was a low of muck due to low tide. We did a morning trip and even though the weather was nice, slowly creepy heat it does bear down on you during the trip. That I did not take into consideration. There's no food or drinks offered so make sure to pack your own. Across the way from the dock is a parking garage, so parking is a breeze but you need to pay. There are small general stores across the way from the parking garage. We stopped into the sweets shop and grabbed some snacks before heading out. The view and heat aside, this was a really wonderful and unique way to spend out day in Napa.

Joanna A.

I loved this gondola ride! It was the highlight of our trip to Napa ! Not to mention the romantic view of the lights once the sun set . It was such a great experience and our gondolier (Haven) was simply the best ! He made the experience that much more special with his beautiful songs and great conversations. My boyfriend and I had an unforgettable anniversary

A Z Flor H.

I was researching outdoor activities to do for a small Napa day trip in planning a small mini-celebration prior to my bestie's wedding. Sort of an alternative Bridal shower/bachelorette party since choices and capabilities to do anything are limited right now. I found Napa Valley Gondola in my search. I've visited Napa a few times but I had no idea there was a river in Napa. Well I booked in advanced and made reservations online. I booked for an afternoon ride, they have different level packages , but I reserved for a 45- minute boat ride and it was just fine / perfect. It was the first stop of our Napa day trip after we had breakfast at home. Our host/gondalier was very chill. We were running just a tad late and it was no issue. We docked off a pier somewhere in downtown . It was a very memorable experience as this day was literally the morning of all those thunderstorms and the whole time I was praying these lightning bolts better stop my noon. Which they did! Lol In spite of the unusual weather I thought it made it extra fun and added a little bit of interest to our small boat adventure. It was super humid and rainy and I brought my own umbrellas but they also provided umbrellas as well. Luckily the rain only lasted about 5 minutes for the beginning of our ride. The rose I ordered with our boat ride and was really nicely cold and refreshing and a nice touch to this special ride. I would definitely ride again with Napa Valley Gondola and will be bringing more of my family and friends! I loved our trip and my family and the bride loved it also! Thank you!

Melanie B.

Honestly, make the Napa Valley Gondola part of your Napa plans! My girlfriends and I planned a local weekend getaway in July (2021) and in trying to put an itinerary together, this Gondola cruise came up. Considering fancy activities we could do outdoors, this was perfect. For an hour you're taken around the Napa river and serenaded by your gondolier. We had Maple! So personable and wonderful singing voice. (Thank you for making our first time memorable). I chose the 10am reservation to avoid the afternoon sun. Despite this, it still was pretty hot. Luckily, we were provided with cute parasols! I also pre-purchased a bottle a wine for our group and it was honestly the best choice. Due to COVID, you're encouraged to bring your own glasses. The Napa River isn't super beautiful or anything, but the experience was 5 stars.

Gondola
Sandra C.

Booked a last minute gondola boat ride today. Went to their website and booked a boat ride for 4, and we added a bottle of wine, brought our own cups. Met Haven at the dock he was professional, knowledgeable and we had a great time. We were able to add a second bottle which was perfect. The ride was so nice, sipping wine and great conversation! I would def recommend it. Thanks for a fun time.

08/07/2010: Lots of ducks during our gondola ride
Sivilay T.

Review #145 - 2020 I never knew that there was a gondola ride on the Napa Riverfront so it never occurred to me to actually go on one. I remember seeing an ad on Facebook so I decided to check it out & ended up scheduling a ride on Friday, August 7th, at 7 PM. We showed up about half an hour early so we decided to walk around the riverfront & take a few pictures since my nieces could use some new pictures for their Instagram page. Sean saw us wandering around the dock & came to greet us, and we got ready to start our adventure. He gave both my 4-year old daughter and my 11-year old niece a life vest. We weren't required to keep our masks on for the duration of the ride, which was nice. I actually hate wearing masks as they are super uncomfortable and itchy after about five minutes. The ride was super fun & relaxing, even though I was kind of scared at first because the gondola kind of rocked a lot in the beginning, since our weights weren't balanced out correctly until we were all getting situated. The girls had an awesome time! Sean kept us entertained & helped us feel super comfortable during the entire 45-minute ride. The views from the river is pretty different compared to being on land. I can't wait to come back during Christmastime, as I'm sure it'll be beautifully decorated!

Took this ride with Sean on his gondola. It was very enjoyable ! Sean provided a bit of Napa history, information about his boat and an a leisurely trip on the river. He even sang a few Italian songs. Was a very relaxing way to spent an afternoon. Will love to go again.

See all

2 months ago

It was a great experience! If you want to see things don't go at night but the atmosphere was beautiful with the lights!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Erik N.
1
28
12

22 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 5
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Annie L.
323
1131
4823

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Monique V.
1
252
145

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 1

6 years ago

Helpful 15
Thanks 1
Love this 14
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 1

5 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 13
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

6 years ago

Helpful 16
Thanks 0
Love this 17
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Kim T.
91
609
4388

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Deb C.
11
25
0

5 years ago

Beautiful boat and Haven was wonderful! He played music and sang to us. We had such a lovely time. I highly recommend this trip!

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Erin M.
3
157
61

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Miguel M.
153
68
45

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sean O.

Sean O.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Elena T.
46
123
3

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chel A.
210
239
93

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Sean O.

Sean O.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of A C.
0
17
0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Ask the Community - Napa Valley Gondola

Is there a weight requirements?

330

View All 2 Questions

Review Highlights - Napa Valley Gondola

Our gondolier, Sean, gave us a lot of interesting facts about Napa and the river and even sang in Italian.

Mentioned in 14 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

Get access to customer & competitor insights.

Verify this business

Wombat Charters

Wombat Charters

5.0(28 reviews)
5.1 mi

Captain Bob is so great!! We live close and fish all the…read moretime on our boat but wanted to go check out the Napa river. Wombat Charters did not disappoint. It was like a fishing guide and tour guide all in one. I learned a few new casting techniques as well as how to read the fish finder. Captain Bob knew so much about the Napa river it was great to hear the history of some of the boats that were wrecked there. We also learned a few new boating law too! If your looking to go out fishing or even bird watching I highly recommend Wombat charters.

The temperature cooled in the last few days so fishing was tough. Bob did all he could to put us on…read morefish but the fish were not on the feed. Past the time we should have gone back, Bob took us into a shallow back bay as the sun dipped down and told me to cast into a side channel. Bam! I caught a healthy sized striper. He had hooked one for my girlfriend earlier. With Bob, it's not just the fishing. He gives tours and he weaves that into the guided trip. His great sense of humor and genuine desire to put his clients on fish really sets him apart from a lot of guides I've had. He took a lot of time to teach my girlfriend how to cast and she truly surprised me on how far she was casting- farther than me at times!

Photos
Wombat Charters
Wombat Charters - Bob spent 30 minutes teaching Danielle how to catch and retrieve while allowing me to fly fish with his rods

Bob spent 30 minutes teaching Danielle how to catch and retrieve while allowing me to fly fish with his rods

Wombat Charters - Bob coaching Danielle on how to properly reel in a fish

See all

Bob coaching Danielle on how to properly reel in a fish

Napa Valley Wine Train - Assorted tea sandwiches and finger food. All were delicious.

Napa Valley Wine Train

4.0(1.9k reviews)
0.4 mi
$$$$

What an amazing and truly great experience I had at the Napa Valley Wine Train. This was my first…read moretime and we decided on the gourmet lunch experience. Each cart is called by number and you get in a line before boarding. Before boarding they also take your picture which you can purchase at the end of the tour. Food options were delicious and they have extra options to add on such as appetizers and extra drinks. It was a 3 course meal with dessert. You are seated throughout the tour and have small breaks to get up and walk around. Truly a wonderful experience but be prepared to sit for long hours. Staff were beyond great and made the experience even better!

I purchased the Legacy Experience. Overall, 2.5/5 stars…read moreTrain 3/5, fun experience, but not a necessary way to enjoy all Napa has to offer. The rail follows alongside the highway so views were not necessarily 'outstanding' because I was on the train. I do not need to ride this train to see these views. I did not have to drive, that brings the rating up, but there are MANY ways to not drive in Napa. It was a little rickety, but acceptable. The food, 2/5 stars, substandard for the cost. Portions were small (half a piece of bacon, 1 small egg for a Benedict, etc.) and taste was middle of the road. The service/staff 4/5. Most everyone was very hospitable and did their job well. However, it did feel as if we were 'just another group'. Everything is very script and not especially personalized. For example, I'm on a wine train and no one asked my wine preference. Which brings me to the wine we tasted on the train 1/5. I expected a higher quality of tastings. In addition, offer a choice of flight, white or red or a mix of both. Or, hear me out...offer wine pairings for each course (included with my ticket, not for extra cost). Stopping at the sign and enjoying the tasting in the open car was a wonderful choice, wine selection is greatly lacking and to be honest, a great disappointment. Overall, I enjoyed my time, but this was not necessarily due to being on the Napa train specifically, it was because I was on vacation in Napa. I could see the business cutting costs in almost every aspect and that is unfair because I am paying a premium cost of approx. $100/h. And for some of that time, I'm at the winery and not even on the train. Which brings me to the end of my rating, for the stops 2.9/5. The stops felt rushed, especially our first stop. They are about an hour each, but this includes disembark and reembark times. I wanted a little more time at each winery to make a purchase or walk the grounds. I will not be recommending this particular experience, I believe many improvements can be made. Lastly, I booked this experience due to several social media content creators experience. These creators are getting their experiences paid for. Be sure to read ratings from those of us not being sponsored.

Photos
Napa Valley Wine Train - 3 tier savory tea sandwiches and bites

3 tier savory tea sandwiches and bites

Napa Valley Wine Train - Lava cake

Lava cake

Napa Valley Wine Train - Dome Seating

See all

Dome Seating

Marquis Charters - Luxury Private Yacht Charter, Date Night, Sunset, Dinner, Brunch, SF Bay, Proposal, Birthday, Anniversary, Fireworks, Airshow, New Years Eve

Marquis Charters

5.0(6 reviews)
36.9 mi
Luxury
Private events

Everything about Marquis Charters was first class. Captain Dave has EXCELLENT communication…read morethrough the planning, and the voyage. The crew were all friendly and real pros as well. When we charter again in the SF Bay, we will defintely use Captain Dave and Marquis Charters again!!

What an amazing silver soirée 40th birthday for my sister!!! Dave was very professional and detail…read moreoriented from the booking process, to the planning of the event, to the day of festivities, we were pampered and taken care of like Queens and Kings!!! Dave made this so easy, I give him a few ideas and he cultivated and crafted it to life. I couldn't believe how meticulous and beautiful the day was. My sister was truly brought to tears. There was a customized champagne flute, a customized birthday welcome sign on an easel, fresh flowers, balloons, the colors and decor were honestly all on point!!! We were even able to come up with a chef inspired menu to hit the notes of our food favorites and Dave even has menu customized and laminated for the event. The crewmembers were some of the nicest top-notch service personnel we've ever met. We were even able to come up with a drink menu and they were bartenders on deck too! Truly was white glove service all around. If you put your contract in with Marquis Charters, you will not be disappointed as every dollar will be worth it!!!

Photos
Marquis Charters - Luxury Private Yacht Charter, Date Night, Sunset, Dinner, Brunch, SF Bay, Proposal, Birthday, Anniversary, Fireworks, Airshow, New Years Eve

Luxury Private Yacht Charter, Date Night, Sunset, Dinner, Brunch, SF Bay, Proposal, Birthday, Anniversary, Fireworks, Airshow, New Years Eve

Marquis Charters - Luxury Private Yacht Charter, Date Night, Sunset, Dinner, Brunch, SF Bay, Proposal, Birthday, Anniversary, Fireworks, Airshow, New Years Eve

Luxury Private Yacht Charter, Date Night, Sunset, Dinner, Brunch, SF Bay, Proposal, Birthday, Anniversary, Fireworks, Airshow, New Years Eve

Marquis Charters - Luxury Private Yacht Charter, Date Night, Sunset, Dinner, Brunch, SF Bay, Proposal, Birthday, Anniversary, Fireworks, Airshow, New Years Eve

See all

Luxury Private Yacht Charter, Date Night, Sunset, Dinner, Brunch, SF Bay, Proposal, Birthday, Anniversary, Fireworks, Airshow, New Years Eve

Balloons Above the Valley

Balloons Above the Valley

4.4(516 reviews)
1.1 mi

This was a VERY FUN DAY !!! This balloon trip was an Anniversary Gift from our kids. Originally I…read morewas not too sure and something that I would not have planned to do !! However it turned out to be VERY FUN DAY !!!

I give it a 4.5. We had to arrive super early and wait for them to set up everything. It was cold…read moreoutside and they did provide coffee, hot chocolate and snacks. We the weather being so unpredictable we had to wait. I was fine with wait because i do value my life. I had the chance to cross off a major item from my bucket list. A hot air balloon ride and wow, what an experience! The views were absolutely breathtaking. Floating high above the landscape, seeing everything from a completely new perspective, was truly magical. The sunrise was especially beautiful as we drifted along, and the silence up there, broken only by the loud occasional burst of the burner, was unlike anything I've ever experienced. That said, there were a few things to consider. The heat from the burner can be overwhelming, especially if you're not prepared for it. I didn't wear a hat, and I really wish I had and i am short 5'2 those blasts of hot air can get pretty intense when they hit you directly! So, if you're planning this trip, definitely bring something to cover your head. The landing was a bit of a wild ride, too. The ground was much harder and more uneven than I expected, and we didn't quite know where we'd land until we were almost on top of it. Also getting in and out can be extremely challenging. It's hard climbing into and out of the basket and it's very tightly packed. Not a lot of space to move. I knew the risks going in but the whole experience was so worth it. Even with those little surprises, it was absolutely incredible. Would I do it again? Definitely not! Despite the heat and the bumpy landing, the beauty of the experience makes it all worthwhile and a one timer for me. I highly recommend it if you're looking for something unique and unforgettable to add to your list of adventures. Just don't forget your hat!

Photos
Balloons Above the Valley - After the flight you can take pics in front of the deflated balloon.

After the flight you can take pics in front of the deflated balloon.

Balloons Above the Valley - Captain Jake and the ground crew were amazing. Highly recommend!

Captain Jake and the ground crew were amazing. Highly recommend!

Balloons Above the Valley

See all

Napa Valley Gondola - boattours - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...