Montana Classic Boat Tours
Montana Classic Boat Tours is the scenic side of our river program. We run private wooden boat trips on the Yellowstone River near Livingston, Paradise Valley, and Bozeman, with mountain views, wildlife, and room to relax with family and friends.
These trips are built for guests who want to be looked after. Think vintage wooden dories, Pendleton blankets, local food, and an easy pace on the river. It is a natural fit for visitors staying in Bozeman or Paradise Valley who want a hosted experience without having to pick up a fly rod.
Fall is especially hard to beat. Peak foliage along the river, clear light, and cooler evenings make September and October sunset floats a can’t-miss part of the season.
Who, What, When, Where & What to Bring
Who It’s For
Families, couples, small groups, and guests in Bozeman or Paradise Valley who want a relaxed, hosted float. A great fit for non-anglers, multigenerational trips, wedding parties, and guests who want to see the river without worrying about fishing.
What We Do
Every trip is private to your group. We float a scenic stretch of the Yellowstone, set the pace around your guests, and build the day around light, season, and conditions. Some groups want a quiet sunrise with coffee, others want a golden-hour float with charcuterie and a bottle of wine.
When It Runs
Standard scenic floats run from late May through early fall, with peak season June–September. Sunrise and sunset trips are most popular in midsummer. Fall foliage floats are especially good in September and October.
Where We Float
We focus on scenic sections of the Yellowstone River near Livingston and Paradise Valley, with views of the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges. Exact stretches vary with flows, weather, and the needs of your group.
What to Bring
Dress in layers, including a light jacket or sweater, sunglasses, hat, and comfortable footwear. We keep Pendleton blankets on board during cooler mornings and evenings. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite beverages; we provide coolers, ice, and all safety equipment.
Sunrise, Midday, Sunset & Custom Scenic Trips
The Early Riser
Quiet, early light and the calmest water of the day. We bring coffee, locally baked pastries, and warm Pendleton blankets while we drift through a peaceful stretch of the river.
Trip length: 2–3 hours
When it runs: Early mornings May–October
Rates: Standard scenic rates (see “Pricing” below).
Book an Early Riser floatMidday Scenic Float
A late-morning or mid-afternoon float that works well for families, mixed groups, and guests arriving into town. We keep the pace easy with plenty of time for photos, wildlife, and taking in the views.
Trip length: 2–3 hours
When it runs: Late morning and early afternoon, as water and weather allow
Rates: Standard scenic rates (see “Pricing” below).
Request a midday scenic floatYellowstone Sunset Tour
As the sun drops behind the Absarokas, the river settles into a soft, golden evening. This trip is a favorite for couples and small groups who want more solitude, warm light, and a slow float home.
Trip length: 2–3 hours
When it runs: Late afternoon and evening through the main season and into fall
Rates: Standard scenic rates (see “Pricing” below).
Book a sunset tourCustom Scenic & Events
For weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate retreats, family reunions, or photo and film projects, we can build a custom scenic float around your group, timing, and catering needs.
Trip length: 2–3 hours or longer by request
Rates: Based on group size, food, and start time. Custom trips are priced individually.
Contact us about a custom tripStandard Scenic Float Pricing
All standard scenic trips (sunrise, midday, and sunset) are 2–3 hours in length. Rates are the same for each time of day.
4–6 Guests · The Joy
Catered: $1,000
Non-catered: $900
A good fit for larger families, groups of friends, and wedding party events. Plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the river together.
1–3 Guests · The Cygnet
Catered: $800
Non-catered: $700
Ideal for couples, small families, or quiet floats with just a few people. A smaller group in the same full-size 20-foot dory, set up for an intimate, high-touch experience.
Catered trips include coffee or non-alcoholic drinks appropriate for the time of day and a charcuterie board or pastry spread with local ingredients. Non-catered trips include the boat, guide, non-alcoholic beverages, use of blankets, and all safety equipment; guests are welcome to bring their own snacks.
The Joy & The Cygnet
Our boats are 20-foot McKenzie-style wooden dories built by Ray’s River Dories in Portland, Oregon, one of the classic names in drift boats since the 1970s. The McKenzie hull was originally designed for running whitewater in Oregon, which means it feels smooth, stable, and predictable when we are drifting the Yellowstone with your family.
The Joy is named after my daughter and is set up for larger family groups and celebrations. The Cygnet (a baby swan) carries smaller parties who want the same high level of comfort in a more intimate boat.
The Experience on Board
Morning floats include coffee and locally made pastries and jams. Afternoon and evening trips feature a custom charcuterie board from Ranchmade Charcuterie with local meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, and seasonal additions. Kid-friendly boards are always available if you are bringing little ones along.
We keep Pendleton blankets on board for chilly starts and shoulder seasons, and there is space for cameras and personal items. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite adult beverages; we provide coolers, ice, and all required safety gear.
Scenic Floats and Fishing Under One Roof
Swan’s Fly Fishing and Montana Classic Boat Tours share the same waters, guides, and booking system. It’s easy to use BrindleShoot to build a plan that mixes scenic floats and guided fishing so everyone in your group can be on the river together, even if they want different kinds of days.
A good fit when some guests want to fish and others would rather relax. We cannot fly fish out of the wooden boats, but we can run a fishing drift boat on the same section, at the same time, so everyone shares the day together on the river.
Hybrid days are booked through Swan’s Fly Fishing using the same BrindleShoot system. In some cases we are able to offer package pricing when scenic floats and fishing days are booked together.
See Yellowstone River fishing optionsWhat Guests Say About Boat Tours
“Highly recommend! A great afternoon on the river, delicious food, a charming captain, and lots of wildlife. It’s
a special experience. We plan on going fishing with Matt next.”
Kathryn C.
“The absolute coolest thing we have experienced in Montana. Matt was knowledgeable, relaxed, and made the whole
group feel at home on the river. We would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Carley H.
“Great afternoon on the Yellowstone. We saw eagles and two otters. Relaxing and exhilarating at the same time.
Matt knows the river like the back of his hand.”
Jeff M.
Before & After Your Float
Where to Stay & Eat
From Sage Lodge and Chico to the Murray in Livingston and spots in Bozeman, these are places I trust and recommend for guests who are here to enjoy the river.
See lodging & diningFishing During Your Visit
If part of your group wants to fish on a different day, it is easy to add a guided Yellowstone River or spring creek trip through Swan’s Fly Fishing.
View fly fishing trip optionsFollow our journey.
