Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour Mansions & Fort Adams Views

See Newport's mansions and Fort Adams from the water instead of fighting for parking on shore.

A fully narrated sightseeing cruise around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay aboard the classic Rum Runner II, with views of historic mansions, Fort Adams State Park and the private yachts that anchor in the bay. The tour runs 75 minutes and includes a live guide in English. Arrive 20 minutes before departure to check in. Parking in Newport is tight, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Newport waterfront sightseeing tour

• Board the Rum Runner II boat
• See Fort Adams from the water
• Pass by historic Newport sites
• View Newport mansions and yachts

The experience

What do you actually see from the water that you'd miss from the street? The boat leaves the dock and the shoreline opens up: Fort Adams State Park comes into view from the water side, and the line of Newport mansions that face the bay reveals itself in a way no land tour can match. You're passing the largest private yachts that summer in Newport, anchored close enough to see the detail. The narration ties it together, naming what you're looking at and the history behind it, so you're not just watching the scenery roll past.

The Rum Runner II is a classic boat, and the ride takes 75 minutes. There's a marine bathroom onboard. It's cooler on the water than it is on land. Bring a layer even if the day looks warm, and dress for the weather. Drinks are available for purchase at check-in. You're welcome to bring your own light snack aboard, but no outside alcohol. Service animals are permitted. Pets and emotional support animals are not.

Parking in Newport is genuinely difficult, especially on weekends and holidays: the operator recommends allowing at least 60 minutes just to find a spot, and there are no refunds if you miss the boat. Plan to arrive at the ticket booth 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The boat leaves promptly, so the math matters: if you're driving, add parking time to your travel time and leave earlier than you think you need to.

What’s included

• A 75-minute cruise around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay aboard Rum Runner II.
• fully narrated tour with a live guide in English.
• views of Newport mansions, Fort Adams State Park and private yachts.
• marine bathroom onboard.
• beverages available for purchase at check-in.

Options for this experience

6 options

Seasonal Sightseeing TourGuide in English · Available from 25 Oct 2027Prices vary by season

Seasonal Cocktail CruiseGuide in English · Available from 25 Oct 2027Prices vary by season

Standard Sightseeing TourGuide in English · Available from 7 May 2027Regular rates are in effect

See 3 more options

Standard Cocktail CruiseGuide in English · Available from 21 May 2027Standard fares are charged

Premium Sightseeing TourGuide in English · Available from 25 Oct 2027Premium rates are charged

Premium Cocktail CruiseGuide in English · Available from 25 Oct 2027Choose this option for a lightly narrated cruise that takes in Newport's main sights from the water. Length: 1 hour 15 minutes. Drinks: beverages can be bought in advance at our booth during check-in and enjoyed on board. Relaxing evening cruise: Sail past Newport's mansions and former speakeasies, lighthouses, islands and more! Rum Runner II: Experience the speed and excitement of the chase of Prohibition-era smuggler boats. Rum Runner II was built in the 1930s. Premium pricing applies.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 7 May 2027

Book up to1h before

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

GroupUp to 48 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Newport Classic Cruises

Is this one for you?Book the Standard Sightseeing Tour if you want the classic overview without the add-ons, or choose a Cocktail Cruise option if you'd like a drink included and want to combine the sightseeing with that experience. The fixed 75-minute route means you see the main sites in one pass without deciding where to go next. The boat handles the route, the guide handles the narration, and you handle the viewing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

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

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What exactly will I see from the boat in Newport Harbor?

The tour passes Newport's historic mansions along the shoreline, Fort Adams State Park from the water, and the large private yachts anchored in Narragansett Bay. A live guide narrates the sites as you pass them, explaining what you're looking at and its history.

How long is the Newport sightseeing cruise?

The tour runs 75 minutes total, fully narrated, covering Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay aboard Rum Runner II.

What should I bring or wear for the boat tour?

Bring a layer. It's cooler on the water than on land. Dress for the weather. You can bring your own light snack aboard. Drinks are available for purchase at check-in, but outside alcohol is not permitted.

How early do I need to arrive for the tour?

Arrive at the ticket booth 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in. The boat leaves promptly at the scheduled time. If you're driving, plan an extra 60 minutes for parking, especially on weekends and holidays, since no refunds are given for missing the boat.

Are service animals allowed on the Rum Runner II?

Service animals are permitted aboard. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on the tour.