Welcome to Newport, sailing capital of the worlds and home of the prettiest harbor in the US. Step aboard and experience Newport exactly as it was meant to be seen. From relaxing morning sails to breathtaking afternoon and sunset sails, Sightsailing offers a quintessential Newport experience for couples, families, friends, and special events. Buy your tickets for one of our daily sailing excursions or inquire about a private sail tailored specifically to you
Years Experience
FIVE STAR REVIEWS
Cruises Completed
Years Combined Experience
For over three decades, we have welcomed guests to the “Sailing Capital of the World” to experience the Classic Coast exactly as it should be seen from the water. As Newport’s oldest, locally-owned sailing company, we combine deep local history with a warm, elevated hospitality that makes every voyage unforgettable.
There is no single way to see Newport and discover sailing, so we offer them all. Step aboard for a sightseeing cruise, a hands-on sailing lesson, or a celebratory special event. Browse our daily departures below and secure your spot on the water.
Meet Aquidneck, Sightsailer, and Starlight. Three unique boats offering sailing experiences for every group size and occasion.
Have the whole boat to yourselves. Perfect for bachelorette parties, family celebrations, corporate outings, and proposals.
See what's happening at Bowen's Wharf right now. Check the weather, the water, and the vibe before you head down.
Everything you need to know before you come aboard, from parking and weather to what to wear and what's included.
For over 30 years, we have been the highlight of our guests’ vacations. Read why travelers and locals alike rate us as the definitive way to see the City by the Sea.
Such a fun boat trip! Friendly crew kept the champagne and drinks flowing. We were lucky to see a gorgeous Sun part of view are spectacular regardless. Highly recommend.
Spent a great evening on the Schooner Aquidneck sunset cruise. The crew was friendly and informative. They give light sightseeing descriptions and would answer any questions you had in between. The sunset cruise provided beer and champagne included in the cost. This ship is also very smooth and quiet with the sails out, I would not worry about sea sickness! You don’t see a ton of things on the trip but it’s a great way to spend an evening just relaxing on the boat and snag some great photos.
First time sailing in Newport? Don’t worry. We have compiled everything you need to know to ensure you are ready for a comfortable and memorable experience.
We’re located on Bowen’s Wharf, an 18th-century wharf and pedestrian thoroughfare. You cannot drive onto Bowen’s Wharf; you need to park and walk onto it.
Bowen’s Wharf is on America’s Cup Avenue. A good address to put into your GPS is 49 America’s Cup Ave which is the address for The Newport Hotel which is next to Bowen’s Wharf.
Once you’re at 49 America’s Cup Ave., you will see the Seamen Church Institute. Just past the Institute, look for the very tall flagpole with all sorts of colorful flags on it. Walk to that flagpole, follow the bricks onto the wharf, and at the foot of the small parking lot you will see our small house and big blue awning which says Sightsailing! Easy!
If you’re driving, there is a small parking lot at Bowen’s Wharf just past 49 America’s Cup Ave that holds about 20 cars. It’s first-come, first-served, and fills up fast.
The largest and least expensive parking garage in Newport is at the Discover Newport Visitor Bureau at 23 America’s Cup Ave. The lot is less than a 1/4 mile or about an 8-minute walk from Bowens Wharf.
The Mooring restaurant located at 1 Sayers Wharf, Newport RI has a large parking lot. There are many other lots and meters along Thames St and America’s Cup Ave. There are also parking meters. These have a three-hour limit which is strictly enforced.
Keep in mind that there are often major events occurring on weekends in Newport, traffic can be heavy, and it can take longer than expected to get into town and find a place to park. If you’re coming on a weekend, give yourself plenty of extra time.
See our Downtown Newport Parking Map or The Ultimate Guide to Parking in Newport.
Tickets for Public Sails on Aquidneck go on sale 21 days before departure.
Private Charters on any of the boats including Starlight may be booked at any time.
Once tickets for public sails go on sale for Aquidneck, the dates and times appear in the Book Online section. If you don’t see a boat’s schedule for the season in the Book Online section, look in the Schedules & Rates menu on the website.
Please refrain from wearing black-soled or shoes that leave black marks. They tend to leave marks on our decks and require extra cleaning by our crew. Soft-soled shoes, sneakers, or sandals are fine. If you wear high heels you may need to go barefoot. Bring appropriate gear for going out on the water. In the spring and fall, we recommend a lightweight jacket and a pair of pants. In the summer, unless it’s really hot, you’ll want a jacket or sweatshirt for sunset sails. If you’re sailing during the day, bring sunblock (not tanning oil which makes the decks slippery), and wear a hat. And if it looks like rain, bring a rain jacket! Lastly, don’t forget a camera, maybe binoculars and your sense of adventure!
In the summer, the prevailing wind in Newport is from the Southwest. It tends to be light in the morning, increase by late morning, build all afternoon, then moderate, and sometimes die close to sunset. Morning sails are generally gentle, afternoon sails exhilarating, and sunset sails relaxing.
If a cold front has just come through, the wind will be strongest in the morning. This is more typical in the fall. If you see a flag flying straight out there is plenty of wind to sail. Sightsailer and Starlight sail in the slightest of breezes. Aquidneck generally needs around 10 mph of wind to sail. Keep in mind that unfortunately, we cannot control the wind. While we strive to sail as much as possible, if the wind dies or is too light to sail, we’ll probably start and run the motor so you can at least see the sights!
Our sails run in light to moderately inclement weather. Don’t worry, we won’t send you out in heavy persistent rain, thick fog, high winds or if threatening weather appears imminent. Keep in mind that we will sail in cloudy, cool or overcast conditions, in light to medium fog and on and off sprinkles.
If we cancel your sail due to adverse weather conditions, you will receive a 100% refund, can elect to reschedule, or receive a gift certificate for a future trip.
The timing and path of thunderstorms is very hard to predict, therefore a decision to cancel a sail because of a thunderstorm watch is typically only made 30 minutes before departure.
The final decision to sail resides with us. If you’ve purchased a ticket and decide not to show up because of the weather and the boat sails, your ticket or charter will not be refundable.
Unfortunately we can’t guarantee you a postcard picture-perfect sunset and we won’t cancel a “sunset sail” just because it’s overcast.
If the weather looks questionable, we’ll check the radar before we leave and if it looks like it’s going to start pouring and rain for most of the sail, we will cancel. If it looks like there might be an occasional light sprinkle, we’ll go! Bring your sense of adventure! We have ponchos available in case of a pop-up shower.
There is an old saying in New England that “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute, it will change!” For instance, some days it may be pouring in the morning only to be beautiful in the afternoon, or pour all day only to stop just before our sunset sail. And there have been days where the chance of rain is 80% and it never rains in Newport! Therefore, we don’t call off our trips when we see a five day forecast that calls for “a chance of thundershowers.”
Over the years, we have had many enjoyable trips in less than spectacular conditions. We think this policy is fair and appreciate your cooperation. For the latest forecast, click on the Local Weather link in the footer of this page.
Cancelling Tickets & Charters:
Public Sails: Tickets aboard public sails are only valid for the date and time purchased. Tickets may be cancelled and a 100% refund issued, providing you cancel at least 5 days prior to departure. If you cancel less than 5 days before your departure you will receive no refund.
Private Charters: Charters are valid only for the date and time purchased. Charters may be cancelled and a 100% refund issued, if you cancel at least 10 days before your sail. If you cancel less than 10 days before departure, no refunds will be issued.
Weather: If we cancel your sail due to adverse weather conditions, you will receive a 100% refund, can choose to reschedule, or receive a gift certificate for a future trip. See our FAQ answer above about weather.
The final decision to sail resides with us. If you’ve purchased a ticket or booked a charter and decide not to show up because of the weather and the boat sails, your tickets or charter is non-refundable.
Browse available dates and times across all of our sailing cruises and private charters. Select your preferred boat, pick your sail, and reserve your spot in just a few clicks. Sails fill up quickly during peak season so we recommend booking online in advance.
