Family, river life, and wooden boats
Montana Classic Boat Tours is a private scenic wooden boat program on the Yellowstone River near Livingston and Paradise Valley. It grew out of the same river life behind Swan's Fly Fishing: years of rowing, guiding, watching water, and helping people experience this valley from the boat.
These trips are built for guests who want the river without needing to fish. They are private to your group, run at a slower pace, and give people room to take in the valley, the light, the wildlife, and the shape of the day.
If you already know your date and group size, the fastest next step is to book your scenic float directly online or text Matt.
Why this program exists
Montana Classic Boat Tours is owned and operated by the Swans. Kari and Matt met while Kari was working as a biologist and interpretive ranger in Yellowstone National Park and Matt was guiding fly fishing and scenic trips in the area.
Their daughter Sophie Joy Swan came soon after. The two wooden boats carry her with them. The Joy comes from her middle name. The Cygnet is a young swan. The whole idea behind the program is simple: build something rooted in family, the river, and this valley.
That is what Montana Classic Boat Tours is meant to feel like on the water: personal, hosted, calm, and specific to this place.
Matt Swan
Matt is a Montana licensed outfitter, FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Trout Unlimited Business Member, Guiding for the Future graduate, and Montana Freshwater Partners Ambassador based in Livingston.
His guiding background includes Lees Ferry on the Colorado River, The Fly Shop in Redding, Northern California trout and steelhead, and summers in Montana. Today he splits time between scenic wooden boat floats and guided fly fishing through Swan's Fly Fishing.
Kari Swan
Kari brings a biologist's eye and an interpretive ranger's way of reading a landscape. Her Yellowstone National Park background adds another layer to the trip.
Wildlife, geology, hydrology, bird life, and the natural history of Paradise Valley all show up naturally on the water. That turns a scenic float into a better understanding of where you are and what you are seeing.
The Joy & The Cygnet
Both boats are 20 foot McKenzie style wooden dories built for moving water on the Yellowstone.
Guests do not need to choose the boat when booking. The right boat is assigned based on group size, river conditions, and the setup for the day. The Joy is best for larger family groups and celebrations. The Cygnet is often used for smaller private floats and quieter groups.
Private, hosted, built around your group
Private Trips Only
Every float is private to your group. No shared seats, no strangers, and no preset bus-tour pace.
Classic Wooden Dories
These boats are quiet on the water, stable in current, and feel right on the Yellowstone.
Food Add-Ons
Morning boards, afternoon or evening boards, and sandwich options can be added when available. Guests can also bring their own food and drinks.
Local River Knowledge
This is built around current conditions, local water, and years of guiding this river system instead of a canned scenic route.
Simple private float pricing
The current scenic float setup is $595 for up to 3 guests, with additional guests at $185 each and capacity usually capped at 6 per boat. [web:198][web:214]
Private Scenic Float
Base price for up to 3 guests.
Additional Guests
Per additional guest. Maximum capacity is usually 6 guests per boat.
Morning, midday, and evening scenic floats are available, and food can be requested as an add-on during booking. [web:195][web:214]
Scenic floats, guided fishing, and mixed groups
Montana Classic Boat Tours and Swan's Fly Fishing are connected by the same river background and local operation. Some guests want a scenic wooden boat float. Others want a guided fly fishing trip. Mixed groups can often split those interests and still share the same day on the Yellowstone. [web:191][web:198]
Main Scenic Float Page
Private scenic wooden boat floats with direct booking, current rates, morning through evening options, and food add-ons. [web:195]
View scenic float detailsHybrid Group Page
Planning a river day with anglers and non-anglers? This page explains how scenic guests and fishing guests can be coordinated together. [web:191]
View hybrid trip detailsKeep exploring
Main Scenic Float Page
See current scenic float pricing, timing, food options, and direct booking. [web:195]
Go to the main scenic pageQuestions & Contact
Use the contact page for availability questions, food add-ons, timing, or group details. [web:214]
Open contact pageMixed Scenic + Fishing
See how scenic guests and anglers can share the same day on the river. [web:191]
View fishing + scenic details