There is a moment on every sunset sail when Newport stops looking like a postcard and starts feeling like something else entirely. The sky shifts from bright afternoon blue to orange and violet, laced at the edges with red. The harbor catches the color and holds it. Sailing back toward Bowen’s Wharf, the entire waterfront is bathed in warm golden light and the storefront windows along the docks glow with reflections of the sun. We have been running sunset sails for over 30 years and that part still gets our guests every time.
The Champagne Sunset Cruise is our most popular sail, and the most frequently sold out. Every guest on a public sunset sail on Aquidneck is welcomed with a complimentary prosecco toast as the sun goes down. Soft drinks and water are included throughout and tickets for small selection of canned cocktails are available for purchase before departure.
Newport’s sea breeze tends to moderate toward the evening, so conditions on the water are calmer at this hour than during the afternoon. It is a leisurely, scenic sail first and a celebration second, though it works well for both.
Sunset cruises sell out regularly throughout the season. We recommend booking as soon as your dates are set.
Every guest on a public sunset sail on Aquidneck is is welcomed with a prosecco toast as the sun meets the horizon. Soft drinks and bottled water are included throughout the cruise.
Sail past Fort Adams, Hammersmith Farm, Clingstone, the Newport Pell Bridge, and the mega-yachts and vintage America's Cup boats docked along the harbor. The crew points out the highlights along the way.
Temperatures on the water drop once the sun goes down, especially in spring and fall. Blankets are available on board for every guest.
Newport's sunsets vary every night, and that is part of the appeal. Some evenings the horizon goes deep red and the water turns to copper. Others are soft and gradual, all lavender and fading gold. Every so often, conditions are right for a green flash as the sun drops below the horizon. We cannot promise any particular sky, but we can promise you will be in the right place to see whatever Newport decides to do. The sail follows the same route through Newport Harbor and out toward Narragansett Bay, past landmarks the crew knows well enough to bring to life. It is laid back, scenic, and unhurried from start to finish.
Sunset Cruises run aboard Aquidneck, Sightsailer and Starlight. Read more about each boat in the Our Fleet section. Public ticketed sunset sails run primarily aboard the Aquidneck. Sightsailer and Starlight sunset availability is shown in our booking calendar. Pro Tip: If you are booking for a special occasion and want the boat to yourselves, the Starlight can be reserved as a private charter directly online.
Even during summer, the temperature on the water drops noticeably once the sun is down. We recommend bringing a light sweatshirt or jacket for the evening, and during spring and fall, long pants and an extra layer are worth having. Blankets are available on board, but guests who run cold tend to appreciate having their own.
Comfortable, flat-soled shoes are a good idea on any boat. Sunscreen is less critical for a sunset sail but still worth having for the first half of the cruise. Cameras and phones are very much encouraged.
Outside food and alcohol are not permitted on public ticketed sails. For private charters, guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages.
Every guest receives a complimentary prosecco toast at sunset, soft drinks, and bottled water throughout the cruise. A small selection of canned alcoholic beverages is available for purchase at the dock before departure.
Yes. Children over the age of 6 are welcome on all public sunset sail departures. They count toward the total boat capacity, so be sure to include them when booking. Children under 6 are not permitted on public sails.
Not at all. Every sail is led by an experienced captain and crew who handle all aspects of sailing. Guests are invited to participate as much or as little as they like.
Temperatures on the water drop after sunset, so a light jacket or sweatshirt is a good idea even in summer. In spring and fall, long pants and an extra layer are recommended. Flat-soled shoes are best on any boat. Blankets are available on board for guests who need them.
Yes. Sunset Sails sell out regularly during peak season, especially on weekends. We recommend booking as soon as your dates are confirmed.
This is a scenic, laid-back sailing experience. Prosecco is part of the evening, but the sunset cruise is designed for sightseeing and relaxation rather than a high-energy celebration. Guests looking for a private, fully customizable experience are better suited to a private charter.
There is no single way to see Newport, 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.
