Sunset Cruises – Newport Rhode Island
Sunset Cruises in Newport RI, are a terrific way to wrap up your day and start your evening! Sunset cruises are available on all three of our sailboats- Aquidneck, Sightsailer and Starlight.
There is no better place in Newport to view the sunset than from the deck of one of our boats, sipping your favorite beverage while watching the sun go down!
On sunset cruises, Newport’s sky often turns from a bright, sunny blue, to orange and violet, laced with red. Sailing back into the harbor, the entire waterfront is bathed in a warm, golden light and waterfront windows are ablaze with reflections of the sun.
As the sun sets and dusk settles in, the Pell Newport Bridge’s necklace lighting starts to twinkle, outlining the structure of the bridge. Read a great story about the bridge here.
On sunset sails, Newport’s southwesterly breeze often starts to moderate, so if you’re looking for a calmer and more leisurely cruise, a sunset sail should fit the bill.
Every sail is different, and although we can’t guarantee you a fiery, red ball and green flash as the sun sinks beneath the horizon, Newport sunset cruises can be spectacular!
Sunset Cruise – Where you’ll Sail? What you’ll See?
Sunset cruises also offer magnificent sightseeing! On sunset sails, you’ll depart Bowen’s Wharf and motor until we’re just clear of the Newport mooring field.
As you’re leaving the dock, you’ll usually get a bird’s-eye view of mega-yachts docked at Bannister’s Wharf as well as vintage 12 Meter America’s Cup boats docked nearby. Your crew will raise sails (if you’re on Aquidneck we often ask for help raising sails which is a great picture taking opportunity as well as a mini-workout!), and then sail past Goat Island and into Narragansett Bay.
You’ll sail right past Fort Adams, which is the largest coastal fortification in the U.S. and home of the legendary Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals, get great views of the Pell Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in New England, view Hammersmith Farm, the former Summer Whitehouse of President Kennedy and see Clingstone one of the coolest houses on a rock you’ll ever see.
Depending on the wind and tide we may make it past the lawn at Castle Hill and it’s iconic lighthouse and poke our nose into Rhode Island Sound. Along the way, your friendly captain and crew will point out the sights and provide light, informative commentary.
Sunset Cruise – What’s Included? What to bring?
Ticketed Sunset Sails on Aquidneck and Sightsailer include champagne, beer, and water in the ticket price.* Private charters on Sightsailer and Starlight are BYOB.
Starting this summer, an assortment of flavored, low calorie, gluten-free High Noon Hard Seltzers, voted “Best in Show”, will be available for purchase on Aquidneck sunset sails. Trust us, we sat around one winter’s day and taste-tested them. They’re good!
*Although complimentary champagne and beer are included in your ticket price, our sails are not “booze cruises”. We will serve a couple of rounds, however, we aim to create a peaceful, relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere for all guests to enjoy.
Sunset sails, even in the Summer, can be cooler on the water. We recommend bringing a sweatshirt or light jacket.
In the Spring and Fall, long pants are recommended. We have fleece blankets on board for guests to use. And of course, don’t forget your camera and sunglasses!
The length of our sunset cruise varies, depending on the time of the year. At the height of the summer, from late June through late July, when days are the longest, they can be around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
In late season, they’re sometimes closer to 1 hour and 35 minutes. Keep this in mind if you’re making dinner reservations.
We recommend buying tickets in advance as sunset sails are one of our most popular cruises and frequently sell out.
Read more about sunset cruises on our blog.