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New England > All New England > On the Water > Charters & Cruises

Charters and Cruises in New England

Fishing, Sailing, & Sightseeing Excursions

Sail the ocean blue! Aboard New England’s cruise or charter ships, groups enjoy fishing, sightseeing, and boat-loads of seals and sea birds. Ahoy! Enjoy fine dining rooms on a sunset cruise, or take a family trip on a fishing charter and catch your own dinner. Get your sea legs aboard a historic windjammer, schooner or sailboat and discover hidden scenery along the coast; discover fall foliage on themed cruises, lighthouse-seeking party boats and whale watches.

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Windjammer Cruises on Maine's Coast - Charters & Cruises in New England
Cruising off Mouse - Argia Mystic Cruises - Mystic, CT
Argia Mystic Cruises

75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416

Sail Away!

Discover islands, lighthouses and the beauty of sailing as you bask in the sun and salt air aboard the traditional schooner, Argia. This unique trip aboard one of the last sailing ships in New England offers you an ideal way to see the quaint maritime village of Mystic CT and its beautiful shoreline. Step aboard for a journey into the past. Depart from Mystic's historic Bascule Bridge, a national historic landmark, and sail down the Mystic River. Morgan Point Lighthouse and the quaint fishing village of Noank greet you at the river’s mouth, followed by islands and peaceful sailing. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine (or order snacks from us when you book) to make this excursion truly memorable.

Departures Daily (May thru mid-October) at ARGIA!
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Sailing Cruise - Maine Windjammers - Camden, ME
Maine Windjammer Association

Sailing from Ports in Rockland and Camden, ME, 04843 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-807-9463

Windjammer association offers a variety of themed and non-themed cruises

When it comes to cruises, it’s all about variety with the nine members of the Maine Windjammer Association fleet. With accommodations for 16 to 31 guests, the vessels are ideal for private charters. And scheduled cruises include everything from grandparents/grandkids cruises to those for painters, photographers, lighthouse-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Join a cruise with an eye toward watching the Perseid meteor showers, or fall foliage; sign on to a yoga cruise or one celebrating craft beers or one where you’ll be part of the Great Schooner Race. Or, prepare to sit back and relax on a cruise with no itinerary except that dictated by the wind. Cruises feature fabulous home-cooked meals (including an on-shore lobster bake), and evening entertainment from music to games to storytelling.
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Sailing Past a Lighthouse - Lighthouse Cruises - New London, CT
Cross Sound Cruises

2 Ferry Street New London, CT, 06320 Phone: 860-444-4620

Cruise in a comfortable catamaran past several lighthouses, historic forts

If lighthouses beckon to you, book a lighthouse cruise from Cross Sound Cruises. The two-hour cruises out of New London, CT and Orient Point, NY feature experienced guides ready to regale you with the history of each lighthouse, as well as tales of seafaring legends. Cruise in comfort on the sun-soaked decks of a catamaran or while enjoying an ice-cold cocktail in an air-conditioned lounge. The Classic Lighthouse Tour out of New London passes two Revolutionary-Era forts, North Dumpling Light, haunted Race Rock Light and New London Harbor Light, among others. The Lights & Sights Cruise heads east to Rhode Island, passing Latimer Reef Light and Watch Hill Light, authorized by Thomas Jefferson. The Long Island Lights Tour out of Orient Point goes by Little Gull, Race Rock and many others.
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Lighthouse Cruise Save The Bay Narragansett Bay Rhode Island
Save The Bay

Multiple Centers & Dock Locations Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI and Fall River, MA Phone: 401-272-3540

Get your camera ready: Save The Bay offers tours of lighthouses and harbor seals

Is there anything more photogenic than a New England lighthouse, seen from the deck of a boat? Perhaps a group of harbor seals resting off Rose Island, you say? Luckily, the environmental nonprofit Save The Bay offers both lighthouse and seal tours. From June through October, you can climb on board a full-day Lighthouse Tour out of Providence, RI to spot up to 20 historic Rhode Island lighthouses. During the cooler months, Seal Tours and Nature Cruises are offered out of Westerly, RI October through December (extra points for the fall foliage) and out of Newport, RI from November through April.
Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.
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America's Hometown welcomes You - Visit our Destination Plymouth page!
Harbor View - Block Island Express - New London, CT
Block Island Express

2 Ferry Street New London, CT, 06320 Phone:

Ferry service ready to get you to your getaway on beautiful Block Island

With its beautiful beaches, scenic lighthouses, al fresco dining and picturesque hikes, Block Island, RI is the perfect getaway, and the Block Island Express is the perfect way to get you there. Trips from New London, CT or Orient Point, NY, take about an hour and a half and feature ferries with comfortable seating, a great deli and bar and decks for you to soak up the sun and sea. On the island, take a self-guided bike tour, hike its many trails or launch your kayak from the shore. The island boasts some of New England’s finest beaches, fun dining and night life. Speaking of dining, check out the half-price Block Island Express Thursday Night Dinner Run from New London to the island.
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Sunset Cruise 500x250 - Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - Essex, CT
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987

Why settle for ordinary when you can charter a dinner train or a classic riverboat?

You want an extraordinary experience for your next celebration or group outing? How about chartering a riverboat? Or a train? Or both? At Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, you can charter the glamorous Essex Clipper Dinner Train, which holds up to 100 passengers, serving a four-course dinner while traveling through the lovely Connecticut River Valley. Or, charter the Becky Thatcher, a Mississippi-style riverboat, for up to 150 passengers, and take a cruise along the Connecticut River. The boat is ideal for cocktail receptions or sit-down dinners and can accommodate DJs and small bands. Or, for a smaller gathering, charter the Adventure, a beautifully restored classic riverboat that sails from Eagle Landing State Park with 360-degree views, festive lighting, a full bar and a chef-created catering menu. Please check our website for current train & riverboat schedules.
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Departing - Cross Sound Ferry - New London, CT
Cross Sound Ferry

2 Ferry Street New London, CT, 06320 Phone: 860-443-5281

Cruise the picturesque waters from Long Island to New London in style and comfort

Take to the sea in style with a cruise aboard the vessels of the Cross Sound Ferry. For nearly 50 years, the ferry service has been transporting passengers, with and without their vehicles, from Long Island, NY to New London, CT. With comfortable seating on decks with stunning views of the sound, lighthouses and passing boats, the ferries are a great way to relax en route to the quaint villages, wineries and other attractions of Long Island or the Coast Guard and Maritime museums and beaches and boardwalks of New London. From New London, take a coach to the Foxwoods Resort Casino, or rent a car for the short drive to Mystic. The auto ferry takes about an hour and 20 minutes; the high-speed passenger-only ferry takes 45 minutes. Each has a deli and bar.
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Rafting Trip - Crab Apple Whitewater - West Dover, VT
Crab Apple Whitewater (VT)

289 Handle Road West Dover, VT, 05356 Phone: 800-553-7238

Perfect for beginners and experienced rafters

Crab Apple Whitewater in Vermont offers unforgettable rafting adventures on the scenic West River, a true Green Mountain State gem. The 8-mile run features a thrilling mix of Class II to IV rapids, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced rafters. Trips run in spring and fall, with a minimum age of 11, and each raft—self-bailing and built for six to seven paddlers—is led by expert guides. With all gear provided and jaw-dropping Vermont scenery as your backdrop, it’s easy to see why rafters return year after year for this exhilarating and memorable experience.

Crab Apple has been operating since 1983, and also has locations in Maine and Massachusetts.
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Whitewater Splash 500x250 - Crab Apple Whitewater - Charlemont, MA
Crab Apple Whitewater (MA)

2056 Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-553-7238

Rafting company known for their river knowledge & personalized attention

At Crab Apple Whitewater, the dedicated, experienced staff provides each individual, family and group the most unforgettable New England whitewater rafting adventure. In Massachusetts, those experienced guides will be right there with you as you conquer the rapids in the Deerfield and Millers Rivers. On the Deerfield River, they’ll talk about local history and let you marvel at the scenery in the calm sections between rapids. Crab Apple’s equipment is as reliable as its experienced guides: top-of-the-line self-bailing rafts and inflatable kayaks (for Funyak fun on a quieter section of the river), helmets and lifejackets. The base camp, between the river and the Mohawk Trail, has a patio overlooking the river, changing rooms and a snack bar.

Crab Apple has been operating since 1983, and also has locations in Maine and Vermont.
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Whitewater Trip 500x250 - Crab Apple Whitewater - The Forks, ME
Crab Apple Whitewater (ME)

3 Lake Moxie Road The Forks, ME, 04985 Phone: 800-553-7238

Guided rafting trips down Maine’s rivers will create memories to last a lifetime

Make unforgettable memories with a whitewater rafting adventure from Crab Apple Whitewater, a third-generation, family-owned and operated business. Expert guides will take you down the thrilling Kennebec or Dead Rivers, where you’ll ride towering waves, experience heart-pounding drops, and even hop out for a relaxing float alongside your raft on gentler stretches. Base camp in Maine includes standard and premium lodging options, a pub and restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, paintball fields and other activities. All rafting and lodging packages include breakfast to fuel your day’s adventures.

Crab Apple has been operating since 1983, and also has locations in Massachusetts and Vermont.
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Tails of the Sea - Captain John Boats - Sailing from Plymouth and Provincetown, MA
Captain John Boats

10 Town Wharf Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-746-2643

Paddleboat out of Plymouth Harbor an unforgettable venue for special cruises, private charters

Sunset and harbor cruises, deep-sea fishing charters, cruises featuring movie screenings, brewery offerings and craft-making: At Captain John Boats, you have your pick from a variety of special voyages aboard the Pilgrim Belle, a 90-passenger paddlewheel boat that leaves out of scenic Plymouth Harbor. From fireworks cruises to Margaritaville celebrations, the Pilgrim Belle hosts a fun assortment of cruises for families and for the over-21 crowd. The boat is also an unforgettable venue for private charters. They’ll be talking about the cruise forever when you host your wedding, birthday party, reunion, corporate outing or club gathering at sea! An experienced staff will work with you on catering, decorating and entertainment needs for your big event. The Pilgrim Belle has galley service snacks and a full bar.
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Cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee - Lakes Region NH Tourism Association
Lakes Region Tourism Association

61 Laconia Road Tilton, NH, 03276 Phone: 603-286-8008 Toll-Free: 800-605-2537

The best way to see the Lakes Region? From the deck of a cruise ship, of course!

Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and have a great time doing it, on board one of many cruise and charter boats that ply the area’s pristine lakes. Tour Lake Sunapee on a dinner cruise, or explore Squam Lake from a pontoon boat on a guided nature center cruise. You can glide through Lake Winnipesaukee in a number of fun ways: daytime scenic cruises with historical highlights, buffet dinner cruises with cocktails and live entertainment, and cruises that feature local brews. Take a 90-minute cruise on a tiki hut boat, a “Thirsty Thursday” cruise on a 65-foot replica paddle boat, or enjoy a lobster fest or Sunday brunch on a ship that his plied the lake for over a century.
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Repainted Boat 500x250 - Black Hawk Party Boat - Niantic, CT
Blackhawk Sport Fishing

Sailing from the Niantic Bay Marina Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824

You’ll find yourself catching the thrill of being out on the water when you book these cruises

Catch the spirit of the seas, or perhaps a fish or two, when you book a cruise or fishing excursion with Blackhawk Sport Fishing. This local, trusted sport-fishing charter service finds something for everyone out on the water, whether it’s reeling in porgies and bluefish, spotting a bald eagle or a seal on a nature or wildlife cruise, marveling at the lit-up sky on a fireworks cruise or relaxing on deck on a sunset cruise. Private charters are available for groups of at least 15 people. There’s a galley serving hot dogs, burgers, snacks and beverages, and canned beer is OK to bring on board. Check the website for last-minute specialty trips, including night trips, seal watches and sunset cruises.
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Family Sail - Whistling Man Schooner Co. - Burlington, VT
Whistling Man Schooner Co.

1 College Street Burlington, VT, 05401 Phone: 802-825-7245

With public and private cruises, these historic sloops offer unforgettable experiences on Lake Champlain

The two historic sloops of the Whistling Man Schooner Co. are ready to host your next seagoing adventure. Take a two-hour public cruise of picture-perfect Lake Champlain, out of Burlington, VT, or arrange for an unforgettable private charter. The sloops — the Friend Ship and the Wild Rose — are ideal for wedding proposals (the company can arrange for flowers and champagne), elopements (catering and decorations can be arranged), bachelor and bachelorette parties (bring your own food and drinks — check the website for suggested purveyors) and romantic sunset cruises for two. Planning a larger reunion, company gathering or family get-together? Book both boats for a fun tandem cruise. The classic sailing sloops, originally designed in 1904, feature bronze hardware, intricate rigging and rich woodwork. The Friend Ship holds 12 people, the Wild Rose, six.
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View from Breakwater Drone - A Morning in Maine - Rockland, ME
A Morning in Maine

3 Park Drive Rockland, ME, 04841 Phone: 207-691-7245

Discover the beauty of Penobscot Bay with a cruise or charter aboard a 55-foot ketch

Daily sailing cruises and private charters aboard the 55-foot ketch Morning in Maine are a great way to see the natural and historic features that make Penobscot Bay so special. Take a two-hour cruise, a sunset cruise, a science cruise with a science educator or a six-hour trip out to Monroe Island, ME to go beachcombing or hiking and then back to the boat for a lobster picnic lunch. The boat accommodates 21 passengers, who’ll see everything from seabirds and porpoises to historic schooners and lighthouses. Monday morning day sails out of Rockland, ME are especially picturesque, as the schooners sail out of the harbor for their weeklong cruises. Looking for a fun idea for your party or family gathering? Reserve the boat for a two-hour, sunset, half-day, six-hour or full-day charter.
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Onrust at the Dock - Connecticut River Museum - Essex, CT
Connecticut River Museum

67 Main Street, Steamboat Dock Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-8269

Serene sunsets, bald eagles, and fall foliage: Museum cruises highlight the best of the Connecticut River

The Connecticut River Museum floats a full slate of exciting cruises on two unique vessels so guests can explore and enjoy the river. Take an afternoon or evening cruise aboard the Onrust, a re-creation of the vessel Adriaen Block built in 1614. The vessel was built using traditional plans and methods. River cruises — sunset sails, sunset tree swallow sails and other themed trips — are offered most Wednesdays through Sundays. For a different type of voyage, board the RiverQuest, a 64-foot eco-tour boat that glides along the lower Connecticut River. Special cruises for kids and their families are offered throughout the season. See osprey, lighthouses and serene sunsets. Winter wildlife eagle cruises, spring and fall foliage cruises, full moon cruises, and others are also offered. Private charters on both vessels are available for weddings, reunions, company outings and other special occasions.
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