Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise: Burlington Lake Champlain

Sunset, water, and a picnic you packed yourself

A two-hour picnic boat cruise on Lake Champlain from Burlington where you bring your own food and drinks, sit on cushioned deck seating under a canopy, and watch the sunset over the Adirondack and Green Mountains while the captain shares local stories. Groups of up to six; children welcome from age five; water, glassware, plates, cutlery and napkins provided.

The experience

What makes this different from a restaurant dinner is the boat itself. You're aboard the Buttercup, a small motor vessel with custom wood tables, cushioned seating, and a fully canopied deck that keeps you comfortable as the light changes. The captain handles navigation through Burlington Harbor and out onto Lake Champlain while you unpack whatever you brought: cheese, sandwiches, wine, whatever fits your mood. The boat holds up to six people, so it stays intimate. You're not competing for deck space or the captain's attention.

The route shifts based on conditions and what the captain thinks will give you the best light and views that evening. You'll pass the Champlain Thrust Fault, the first lighthouse built on the lake, shipwrecks, and islands, with the Adirondack and Green Mountains rising behind everything. The captain shares stories and local knowledge as you go, but the real point is the time itself: two hours that sit outside the usual day, with good food, water views, and whoever you brought along. Glassware, plates, cutlery, napkins and bottled water are all on board. You just need to bring the food and drinks you want to share.

What’s included

• Two-hour guided cruise on Lake Champlain.
• experienced captain.
• bottled water.
• glassware and champagne tower.
• plates, cutlery, cutting boards, and napkins.
• fully canopied deck with cushioned seating and restroom on board.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 5

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Whistling Man Schooner Co.

Is this one for you?Two hours is short enough to fit into an afternoon without blocking the rest of your day, but long enough to watch the light actually change over the water. If you want a full sunset experience without committing to a long evening out, this cruise is built for that window.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they 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.

How much time does the two-hour cruise actually leave for the rest of my day in Burlington?

Two hours on the water means you can fit this into a late afternoon or early evening without it taking over your whole day. It works as a standalone activity or as part of a longer itinerary. Book it for the hour before sunset and you're back on shore with the evening still ahead.

What exactly do I need to bring, and what's already on the boat?

You bring all the food and drinks you want to enjoy. The Buttercup provides bottled water, glassware, a champagne tower, plates, cutlery, cutting boards, and napkins. Everything you need to serve and eat what you've brought.

Does the boat follow the same route every time?

No. The captain navigates based on conditions and what will give you the best sunset and views that evening, so every cruise is different. You'll see landmarks like the Champlain Thrust Fault, the first lighthouse on the lake, and shipwrecks, but the exact path changes.

What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?

The boat operates in a range of conditions, and the canopied deck provides protection. The captain will make the call based on safety and what's best for your experience that evening.