Hudson River cruise from Kingston: 90-minute sightseeing tour

Watch the Hudson shoreline unfold from the water without planning a full day

A 90-minute sightseeing cruise on the Hudson River departing from Kingston, New York, with a professional guide who narrates the historic shoreline, estates, lighthouses and villages visible from the water. The boat has three decks (an open upper level with bench seating, a shaded middle deck, and an enclosed lower deck with a bar and snack counter), so you choose sun or shade as the tour moves along the scenic valley.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise

• Board Rip Van Winkle II in Kingston
• Relax on shaded or air-conditioned deck
• Visit beverage and snack bars
• View historic shoreline and estates
• Spot lighthouses and quaint villages
• Enjoy natural scenery and wildlife
• Disembark after 90-minute cruise

The experience

The boat leaves from the heart of Kingston in the Hudson River Valley and spends 90 minutes moving upriver and back. You can stay on the open upper deck to feel the breeze, move to the shaded middle section if you want to avoid direct sun, or head down to the enclosed lower deck where the air conditioning runs and the bar sits. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early gives you a pick of where to settle. The upper deck has bench-style seating while the main lower deck has chairs.

Your guide points out the millionaires' estates, Hudson River lighthouses and small villages that line the shore, along with vineyards, orchards and preserved natural areas that frame the valley. The bar and snack counter on the lower deck sell soft drinks, beer, wine and light food like hot dogs and popcorn if you want refreshments during the cruise. Outside food and beverages are not allowed on board. The boat accommodates strollers and service animals, and if you have mobility concerns, contact the operator before booking to discuss what the decks and seating can offer.

What’s included

• Professional guide narration.
• access to three decks (open upper, shaded middle, enclosed lower with air conditioning).
• bar and snack counter with soft drinks, beer, wine, hot dogs and popcorn available for purchase.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 11:00, 13:30, 14:30 and 16:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 200

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Hudson River Cruises

Is this one for you?The 90-minute length fits a free afternoon or a break between other plans without consuming a full day. Seating on a first-come basis means you'll want to arrive early if you prefer a particular spot, whether that's the open upper deck for sun or the shaded middle section for comfort.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the Hudson River cruise?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board. The lower deck has a full bar and snack counter where you can buy soft drinks, beer, wine, hot dogs and popcorn during the cruise.

What are the three decks on the Rip Van Winkle II like?

The upper deck is open air with bench seating and lets you feel the breeze; the middle deck is shaded but otherwise open; the lower deck is fully enclosed with air conditioning, chairs, and the bar and snack counter. Seating is first-come, first-served.

How long is the Hudson River cruise from Kingston?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes and departs from Kingston in the heart of the Hudson River Valley.

What will the guide point out during the cruise?

The live guide narrates the historic shoreline and highlights millionaires' estates, picturesque Hudson River lighthouses, quaint villages, vineyards, orchards and scenic preservation sites as the boat moves along the water.