Rivershore Charters

I bought the livingsocial voucher to take the cruise to Tim’s Rivershore.
I was able to schedule a mutually beneficial day, which I can understand you need a certain amount of people to make the boat trip break even.
We were scheduled to leave on Sunday at 10:15 am. We were at Madigan’s by 10:10 am. Not super early, but not late. No boat in sight. My wife and I wait in the cold for ten minutes assuming it is them who are running behind. I call Captain Mark. He had the nerve to tell me they left at 10:15 am as scheduled. Not only did he not leave at the scheduled time, he left so early that we didn’t even see him down the river when we got there; it’s not exactly a speed boat. It’s ok though, he said he was real sorry after he lied through his teeth, but that he couldn’t come back, because he was already 20 minutes out. Hmmm… how are you 20 min away if you left at 10:15?
I admit that we were not there as early as other people, but there were so many better ways to handle the situation. He had my contact information, he could have called or emailed me and asked for my ETA. I would even be fine if he had called or emailed ahead of time and said, «It’s cold and windy, and all the other people are here 20 minutes early, so I’m going to leave now, I’m sorry». Instead he was willing to lie about it, gambling on us getting there later than 10:15.
I usually enjoy supporting small businesses, but I have zero desire to support someone like this. Luckily, Livingsocial processed our refund and I don’t have to interact with him again.
Show up early, or you might be left standing on the dock!

Captain Mark and his wife Susan are amazing! I have gone twice now for work events and had a blast both times. Susan was bartending and makes a great bloody mary and pours well; did not disappoint. I would def. recommend renting a boat for a private group party or event!

There are some patterns of businesses that seem pretty clear, when you don’t have much competition. Complacency, apathy towards your clientele, and a lack of attention to detail. That really describes what has happened with Rivershore Charters. I actually had an opportunity to get a voucher on Specialious. I figured it would be great to take my wife and kids on a boat ride, but there are a few issues here.
1. The voucher went on during a time period that I was unable to use it. Apparently after a certain point in the year, the only way you can use the charter is by reserving 10 people, which was not what my voucher was for so I could not use it. The time period in which the boat didn’t do regular daily charter is not available on the website, or in the voucher. The time period started on December 1^st and their regular charters do not start again until March 1^st (again not on the website or on the voucher), yet my voucher which was for only two people and expired in February. What is the point of offering a voucher that I am not eligible to use for part of the time that it is valid? Why not disclose this information on the voucher at least?
2. No communication. So given this issue, I called the business number and asked if there was a way to extend the voucher’s expiration date or to receive a refund. No answer when I called so I left a voice message. It’s been 3 weeks and no return phone call. Some business right?
So what has become clear is the gentleman running this business simply does not care about his clientele. My story is not really unique. Others have experienced similar issues. Businesses like this do not will not last. If another business offer better service then this business does and does all the same things, people will not waste their time with someone who clearly does not care. Do yourself a favor, save your money, go to DC and take a charter boat up there. It will be more scenic and it will have better service.

Recently attended a surprise bday party on Miss Rivershore. Not impressed at all. They were late to show up and out of certain adult beverages. They said the party before drank it all… Poor planning. The head was broken and filthy. Could not flush and the floor was disgusting. I would have been extremely upset if I was paying the bill!!!

Found this on Groupon. Was hoping for more history, but it was fine except for Tim’s Rivershore. Horrible. But the boat ride was great. Captain Mark was terrific and very nice… I wouldn’t pay full price for this, but it was fine at the Groupon rate. We were in the little boat.

Get me off this boat!!! Not only was the boat over 30 minutes late picking us up at Tims and it has been totally usurped by a loud obnoxious party group. Do NOT go on this if you are expecting a nice ride down the Potomac. Do not be fooled. It is a lame party bus. Not even a good one. They let some crazy lady channel surf the radio and now we’re listening to some bad cr*p on the radio. This is not even worth the groupon use. Save yourself — find another way to get to Tim’s. Extremely disappointed.
Updating my review a few days later, after emailing Captain Mark for a refund. He obliged to give me the money back, but did not seem at all concerned about dangerous behaviors of the others — I stand by my review.

Wish I could give a review of taking a cruise, but I could never get them to return my call. I bought a Groupon for a cruise down to Tim’s and back, and when I called for a reservation there was a recording saying their phone wasn’t working and to call another number. I called and left a message several times at the other number to make the reservation, but never got a return call. After three or so attempts, I gave up and asked for a refund.

Had a private outing with Captains Mark and Steve (pause). Friendly dudes. Super friendly and funny.
Thanks to them I learned the history of how Woodbridge got it’s name.
I will definitely be going back. Not that far from the city.

This was a deal I found on groupon and stupidly paid 30 dollars for. The boat left 15 minutes early and we ended up having to call the captain to come back and get us. He also got a major attitude about it even though he didn’t warn us that the area was having a huge craft fair.
The boat was cramped and uncomfortable. The bartender seemed like she was drinking along side the passengers and while at Tim’s Rivershore restaurant, half the boat got wasted and made the trip back miserable. I would never suggest this trip to anyone. My boyfriend and I couldn’t get off that boat fast enough.

My three young boys and I went on a half-​day fishing charter with Captain Mark. He provided all the equipment and bait, and the boys each caught a number of good-​sized catfish, including what were then their biggest fish to date. They really enjoyed it! We’ve been on his 1-​hour river tours, too. The trips are relaxing, and we’ve always found Captain Mark to be polite, helpful, and informative. He also runs longer trips to Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant, which I’ve heard are fun, and we hope to try one of those sometime in the near future.