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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

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.

Sailing Cruise - Maine Windjammers - Camden, ME

Maine Windjammer Association

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

Sail on a Maine windjammer and experience a small-ship getaway like no other

Windjammer vacations off uniquely transformative, all-inclusive vacation experiences aboard traditional and historic sailing vessels. Spend three-to six days cruising the coast of Maine, some of the best sailing waters in the world. Visit uninhabited islands or remote island towns, connect with fellow guests, help sail the vessel or just sit back and relax. Let the professional chef handle all the meal-planning and cooking and enjoy an island-beach lobster bake. With less than 40 guests aboard each trip, you’ll be treated to honest, heartfelt hospitality. With advance notice, the ships are also available for private charter and make an ideal setting for weddings or family and college reunions!

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

Take a sport-fishing cruise, or head out on a seal watch, aboard popular party boat

See why repeat customers and referrals make up such a high percentage of Blackhawk Sport Fishing’s business when you book a charter or cruise. Go fishing for stripers, sea bass, bluefish and more or head out on a sunset or nature cruise. Blackhawk also offers seal and eagle watch cruises and fireworks cruises. Private charters are available for groups of 15 or more. A galley serves up burgers, hot dogs, snacks and beverages, or you can bring your own cooler. If you go on a fishing cruise, you can bring your own gear or rent a rod and reel on-site, and for a small fee, the crew will clean and fillet your catch so you can take it home or donate it to a local food bank.

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, 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 to spot up to 20 historic Rhode Island lighthouses. During the cooler months, Seal Tours and Nature Cruises are offered out of Westerly October through December (extra points for the fall foliage) and out of Newport from November through April.
Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.

See You in Plymouth this Summer! Visit our Destination Plymouth page!

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, 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.

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.

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!