Frequently Asked Questions
The tour is held at the Wharf Marina, 650 Wharf St SW, Washington DC. The next tour date is October 5, 2025. We generally do the tour every other year. Join our mailing list to be stay updated on the latest news!
Please do not attend the tour if you are experiencing COVID symptoms, have tested positive for COVID, or have been in close contact with someone who is COVID-positive within the 5 days preceding the Boat-Home Tour. Per DC protocols, masks are not required on the Marina docks. However, individual homeowners may request that tourgoers wear masks upon entering a private residence. Please respect the wishes of individual homeowners.
Tickets are $25. Our neighbors in the 20024 zip code are eligible for discounted $20 tickets. Tickets sales are capped due to space constraints, and previous tours have always sold out prior to the event. The 2025 tour is sold out. Proceeds (after costs) go to local charities in Southwest DC.
The 2025 tour will feature 30 vessels. Previous years' tours have included houseboats, housebarges, trawlers, cruisers, tugs, sailboats, and a "workaboard" office barge. Please note that the tour lineup is subject to change.
Some boats have been on previous tours, some are previous boats with new owners who have changed things around, and some are new additions entirely!
Public transportation is your best bet. The marina is only two short blocks from the Waterfont metro station (green line). The area is also served by buses: check the WMATA site for details. Parking is extremely limited due to area construction, so metro/taxi/bus/bikeshare is strongly encouraged. 650 Wharf St SW is our street address.
No, the tour will take place rain or shine. However, the tour may be canceled in the event of extreme weather.
No, but we recommend you wear comfortable, casual shoes for walking on the docks. Likewise, some boats may require you to remove your shoes before boarding, in order to protect their decks. Avoid black-soled shoes. You'll be walking outside among the boats, so dress appropriately for the weather.
We love kids! However parents should be very vigilant around the water and the often small, confined spaces of boats. Also, strollers can be difficult to manage on the docks. Some child-size personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be available for use at the front desk. Children under 12 are admitted free.
DC's southwest waterfront is a vibrant neighborhood with lots to see & do.