By Juliana Morello, Pittsburgh Latino Magazine

Pittsburgh is well-known for its three rivers — the Ohio River, the Allegheny River, and the Monongahela River. But how can someone wishing to take advantage of these great rivers spend some time on the water?

Here are three ways you can enjoy the three rivers, without needing to have a boat of your own.

1. Go on a Gateway Clipper Cruise

The Gateway Clipper has been Pittsburgh’s official sightseeing boat since 1958. The fleet includes five boats, and it offers holiday cruises, dining cruises, kids cruises, music and dance cruises, daily sightseeing cruises, and more. Additionally, the Gateway Clipper offers shuttle service to every home game and concert at both Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park.

The tour cruises showcase bridges, buildings, and well-known sites that are visible as the boat travels along all three rivers. A full-service bar is available during the tours as well. Without a doubt, the Gateway Clipper is a great way to enjoy the summer weather while also learning about the city’s history.

2. Rent a tiki boat for you and your closest friends

Another great sightseeing option is renting a tiki boat through Cruisin’ Tikis Pittsburgh.

These boats can be rented for a two-hour cruise, and they fit up to six people. The tiki boat cruises offer photo opportunities of the city, including iconic Pittsburgh landmarks. Guests are encouraged to pack their own snacks and drinks to bring on board, as there is no food or drink service available.

This is a great option for a birthday party, bachelor or bachelorette party, team-building event, sunset cruise, and more.

3. Rent a boat

Another option to enjoy the three rivers is renting a boat for an afternoon, or even just a few hours. Various boat rentals are available, from a simple kayak to a large pontoon.

Kayak rentals are available from a variety of concessions across the city. Venture Outdoors offers single and tandem kayak rentals, in addition to a group experience, which can be for up to 15 people. A season pass for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, catamarans, and pedal boats is also available, which includes unlimited one-hour rentals. 3 Rivers Outdoor Co offers single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and inflatable stand-up paddleboards at increments of one hour, two hours, three hours, four hours, and all day.

Furthermore, private boat rentals are available through Pittsburgh Boat Rentals. Renters can choose from a variety of boat options, depending on how many guests they’d like to bring and for how long they’d like to rent the boat. Options include pontoons, Sea-Doos, a party barge, and more.

The boats are available for rent for a half day (four hours) and a full day (eight hours). There is also a four-hour early bird special available. In order to operate the boats available, renters are required to have a boating safety education certification. The certificate needs to be completed prior to the time of their rental, and can be done entirely online.

There are plenty of options for someone wanting to explore the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela rivers. Whether you decide to take a kayak, a pontoon, a tiki boat, or the Gateway Clipper out for an afternoon, you’re sure to have a good time on the three rivers.

Juliana Morello is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns. Juliana is interning with Pittsburgh Latino Magazine.