Contrary to popular belief, boats are actually much safer than cars, which inexplicably sink every time you drive them on water. Take a proper water road ride with today’s Groupon: for $21, you get one ticket to a boat-borne eco-tour into the Tennessee River Gorge and a barbecue buffet-style meal from Blue Moon Cruises (up to a $42 value). Daytime tours run through November 27, evening tours run through September 25, and both tours depart from the City Pier near Ross's Landing in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Blue Moon Cruises tag-teams tour takers with picturesque scenery and brain-tickling information within the comfortable confines of a 70-foot SkipperLiner cruise boat. Whether your eco-dream is spotting a nesting great blue heron or learning about bald eagle toupee-grooming habits, the company's daytime eco-tours into the Tennessee River Gorge will hold you rapt throughout the 2.5-hour ride. Witty and informative tour guides point out fun facts about everyone's favorite winged animals and recount the Native American history of the Chattanooga area.

Evening cruises are also available for history seekers who want to absorb their knowledge at dusk. Full-comfort, climate-controlled cruising is offered on the lower deck, though open-air decks allow for the greatest views. Bring a pair of binoculars and a high-zoom camera to maximize your observational powers and preserve memories too awe-inspiring to be captured by a Play-Doh sculpture.