Lighthouse tour of Narragansett Bay from Newport

Five lighthouses and a harbor full of history, all from one boat.

A narrated lighthouse tour of Narragansett Bay departing from Bowen's Wharf in Newport covers Goat Island, Rose Island, Castle Hill, Lime Rock and Fort Adams, with live guide commentary on the lighthouses and neighboring sites including harbor mansions, churches and historic landmarks. The boat has a spacious, weatherproof main deck and a covered top deck with roll-down side curtains. Cruises run about 75 minutes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Narrated cruise of Narragansett Bay

• Depart from Bowen's Wharf, Newport
• See and learn about Goat Island Lighthouse
• Enjoy sights of Harbor and East Passage lighthouses
• View Castle Hill Lighthouse and Castle Hill Inn
• Pass by Fort Adams and hear its history

The experience

The tour leaves from Bowen's Wharf and heads into Narragansett Bay, where a guide walks you through the lighthouses and the history behind them. You'll see Goat Island and its lighthouse first, then move through the East Passage to Castle Hill Lighthouse, which sits next to the Castle Hill Inn. The boat passes Fort Adams from the water. A perspective that lets the guide explain the fort's role without you having to walk the grounds. Along the way, the narration covers the harbor mansions, churches, the Pell Newport Bridge, Clingstone and Hammersmith Farm, so the bay itself becomes the story.

The boat's main deck is open and weatherproof, with a covered top deck that has clear, roll-down side curtains so you can stay comfortable in any weather while still seeing everything. If you want a drink during the cruise, you can order from the onboard bar. The whole tour runs about 75 minutes, which is long enough to visit multiple lighthouses without the day becoming a full commitment.

Seals sometimes appear in the water, though they're not guaranteed. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are allowed but need to be collapsed before boarding. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving to Bowen's Wharf.

What’s included

• Live narration from an English-speaking guide.
• access to the spacious, weatherproof main deck and covered top deck with roll-down side curtains.
• views of five lighthouses and neighboring historic sites including Fort Adams, harbor mansions and churches.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to SundayDepartures at 11:00 and 11:30

Book up to1h before

GroupUp to 75

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 effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Conanicut Marine Services Inc.

Is this one for you?The 75-minute pace keeps the tour focused on the lighthouses and the bay itself without a full-day commitment, and the boat's covered decks mean you stay comfortable whether the weather turns or the sun is bright.

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Top questions

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.

What lighthouses will I actually see on this tour?

The tour visits Goat Island Lighthouse, Rose Island Lighthouse, Castle Hill Lighthouse, and Lime Rock, plus a pass by Fort Adams. The guide narrates the history and significance of each as the boat moves through Narragansett Bay.

How long is the lighthouse cruise?

The tour runs about 75 minutes from departure at Bowen's Wharf through the bay and back.

What's included in the ticket?

Live narration from a guide in English is included. The boat's weatherproof decks and covered top area are part of the experience. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the onboard bar if you want them.

Where does the boat leave from?

Cruises depart from Bowen's Wharf in Newport, which has public transportation options nearby.

Can I bring a stroller or take an infant on the cruise?

Yes, strollers are allowed but must be collapsed when you board. Infants sit on an adult's lap during the tour. The boat is wheelchair accessible.

Will we see wildlife on the tour?

Local seals sometimes appear in Narragansett Bay during the cruise, though sightings are not guaranteed.