Private wooden boat tours on the Yellowstone River
Two unhurried hours in a hand-built wooden dory, with the Absaroka Range on one side, open ranchland on the other, and nothing on the schedule but the river. Private to your group. No fishing required.
Morning, midday, or evening on the Yellowstone
One scenic float, three times of day. Same boats, same guide, same price. Pick the light you want to be on the water in.
Most popular with couples
Morning Float
Soft light, cool air, coffee in hand, and the best odds for wildlife along the banks.
Book morning →
Easy for families
Midday Float
A simple fit for travel days and guests driving in from Bozeman, Livingston, or Yellowstone-area lodging.
Book midday →
Best summer light
Evening Float
Cooler air, long golden light on the Absarokas, and a float that lands you right at dinner time.
Book evening →Start times flex inside each window to fit your group, the weather, and river flows. Leave your preferred time in the booking notes.
One boat, one price, no surprises
The whole boat is yours. The base rate covers up to three guests; add guests four through six per person. Food is optional and added during booking.
Then $185 per additional guest, up to six per boat.
- Classic wooden dory and licensed guide
- About two hours on the water
- Blankets, cooler, ice, bottled water and soft drinks
- Safety gear and room for a small bag and camera
- BYOB welcome: bring your own beer or wine
Boat price by group size
| Group size | Boat price |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 guests | $595 |
| 4 guests | $780 |
| 5 guests | $965 |
| 6 guests | $1,150 |
Groups larger than six can often be arranged with a second boat. Text Matt with your dates and head count.
The Joy · 20 ft McKenzie dory
The Joy & The Cygnet
Both are 20-foot McKenzie-style wooden dories built for moving water. You sit low, the boat runs quiet, and the valley opens up at a pace you can actually take in.
You don't choose the boat when you book. Matt matches the boat to your group size and the day's water.
Meet Matt & KariKeep it simple, or make it an occasion
Bring your own snacks, beer, or wine, or let us set a board for the boat. Food orders are best placed at least 48 hours ahead.
Morning board
Breakfast-style, built for the morning float. Options vary with local availability.
Afternoon / evening board
Charcuterie-style and seasonal, for midday and evening floats.
Sandwich add-on
Available: afternoon and evening floats, Tuesday–Saturday.
Not available: morning floats, Sunday, or Monday.
See what a float actually feels like
No narration needed. Just the boat, the water, and Paradise Valley going by.
Half the group wants to fish. The other half wants to float.
Montana Classic Boat Tours is the scenic side of Swan's Fly Fishing. For mixed groups, we can often run a guided fishing boat and a scenic dory on the same stretch, the same part of the day, and meet up at the takeout.
What people remember
★★★★★Highly recommend. A great afternoon on the river, delicious food, a charming captain, and lots of wildlife. It's a special experience.
★★★★★The absolute coolest thing we have experienced in Montana. Matt was knowledgeable, relaxed, and made the whole group feel at home on the river.
★★★★★Great afternoon on the Yellowstone. We saw eagles and two otters. Relaxing and exhilarating at the same time.
Planning a Yellowstone River day
Coming from Bozeman
Livingston is a short drive east of Bozeman on I-90, which makes a midday or evening float an easy add to a Bozeman stay or a Yellowstone drive day.
Getting hereWhat to bring
Layers, a light jacket, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Bring the drinks you'd like on the boat. We handle the cooler, ice, and blankets.
Full packing listSeason & weather
Late May through early fall, with June to September as the core season. Montana weather moves fast; we watch flows and skies and will adjust timing with you.
Cancellation policyScenic float questions
How long is the float?
Most scenic floats are about two hours on the water, with exact timing adjusted for river conditions, weather, and your group.
Is the trip private?
Yes. Every scenic float is private to your group. You will never share a boat with another party.
How many guests can come?
The base trip covers up to three guests. One boat usually carries up to six, and larger groups can often be arranged with a second boat when available.
Can we add food or drinks?
Yes. Food boards can be requested when booking, ideally 48 hours ahead. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks, beer, wine, or preferred drinks.
Is this a fishing trip?
No. This is a scenic float. If part of your group wants to fish, book a guided day through Swan's Fly Fishing or ask about a mixed scenic and fishing day.
Where on the Yellowstone do you float?
Scenic sections between Livingston and Paradise Valley. The exact stretch is chosen for the day's flows, light, and wildlife, and you'll get the meeting spot with your confirmation.
Pick a date. We'll handle the river.
If you know your date, group size, and preferred float window, booking online takes about two minutes. Prefer to talk it through? Text Matt.