Newport Harbor sail: Pell Bridge, Fort Adams & lighthouses

You can help raise the sails or simply watch the Pell Bridge and Fort Adams slip past.

A scenic sail through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay aboard Aquidneck, where you pass the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, Fort Adams, Goat Island Lighthouse, and Hammersmith Farm: the former Kennedy summer estate. No sailing experience is required. You can take an active role helping with the sails or relax and soak in the views. A knowledgeable captain provides light commentary throughout the afternoon journey on calm, protected waters.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic sail through Newport Harbor

• Board the Aquidneck sailboat
• Sail past Goat Island and lighthouse
• View Hammersmith Farm waterfront estate
• See Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge
• Sail by historic Fort Adams
• Spot Clingstone house on rocky island
• Enjoy captain's commentary throughout

The experience

The sail departs from Newport Harbor and moves through calm, protected waters where the winds favor an afternoon adventure. You'll pass Goat Island and its historic Newport Harbor Lighthouse, then sail by Hammersmith Farm, the waterfront estate where Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy held their wedding reception in 1953. The Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge (one of Rhode Island's most iconic landmarks with the longest suspension-bridge span in New England) creates a memorable backdrop as you cross beneath it, and Fort Adams, a 19th-century coastal fortress now home to the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals, anchors the harbor's entrance. Along the way, you'll spot Clingstone, a shingle-style home dramatically perched on a rocky island just offshore, often called the "House on the Rock."

The captain steers the route and offers light commentary, but the experience is yours to shape. Guests who want to participate can help raise the sails. Those who prefer to relax can take in the views from deck. Soda, bottled water and a restroom on board keep you comfortable during the afternoon. The boat accommodates all fitness levels, and children are welcome from age 6 onward.

What’s included

• Soda and bottled water.
• restroom access on board.
• knowledgeable captain with light commentary on the harbor, landmarks and maritime history.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except SaturdayDeparts at 13:45

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 61 years) · Senior (62 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 46 · 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 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sightsailing of Newport

Is this one for you?Small groups and families with children age 6 and up will find the calm, protected waters and flexible pace ideal. You can help sail or simply relax, and the afternoon timing fits easily into a Newport day without dominating it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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 help sail the boat if I've never done it before?

Yes. No sailing experience is required, and guests are welcome to take an active role by helping to raise the sails. The captain handles navigation and safety while you participate as much or as little as you'd like.

What landmarks will I see on the sail?

You'll pass the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, Fort Adams, Goat Island Lighthouse, Hammersmith Farm (the Kennedy estate), and Clingstone, a distinctive home perched on a rocky island in the bay. The captain provides light commentary on each.

How long is the sail?

The afternoon sail lasts approximately 100 minutes on calm, protected waters of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.

What's included and what should I bring?

Soda, bottled water and restroom access on board are included. You're welcome to bring your own snacks or food (anything lap-size is acceptable), and beer and hard seltzers are available for purchase at check-in.