Sunset Sailing on Lake Champlain: Burlington Cruise

Sail into the sunset and hear the stories the crew knows

A two-hour public sailing cruise on Lake Champlain departing from Burlington, aboard a classic wooden Friendship Sloop with a licensed captain and deckhand. You bring your own food and drinks, relax on deck as the boat follows the wind to different highlights each time, and learn about local history, shipwrecks and geological features from the crew. Maximum 10 guests keeps the atmosphere intimate.

The experience

The boat leaves Burlington and heads out onto Lake Champlain with no fixed route: the captain and deckhand read the wind and choose where to sail, so no two cruises are the same. You're aboard either Friend Ship or Wild Rose, both wooden sloops built in the style of early 20th-century Maine fishing vessels, restored and rigged to move under sail alone. The Adirondack and Green Mountains frame the water as the light changes, and the crew points out landmarks, islands, and the geological oddities that make this lake distinct: the Champlain Thrust Fault, 19th-century shipwreck sites, and the local legend of Champ.

Bring whatever food and drinks you want to share or enjoy privately: the boat supplies glassware, cutlery, cutting boards, napkins, ice and bottled water. There's an onboard bathroom accessible by a small ladder. With a maximum of 10 guests, the deck doesn't feel crowded, and you can choose to socialize with other passengers or simply sit with the water and the mountains. The two-hour window means you're back on solid ground before evening plans need to start.

What’s included

• Two-hour sailing cruise on Lake Champlain.
• licensed captain and deckhand.
• glassware, cutlery, cutting boards, napkins, ice and bottled water.
• onboard bathroom access.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

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. 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 fits neatly into an afternoon or evening in Burlington without consuming your whole day, leaving time to explore the waterfront or downtown before or after you sail.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 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. No refund if you cancel.

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

Yes. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to create a personalized experience. The boat provides glassware, cutlery, cutting boards, napkins, ice and bottled water.

What will I see on the Lake Champlain cruise?

Sunset views over the Adirondack and Green Mountains, scenic islands and historic landmarks, and unique geological features like the Champlain Thrust Fault and 19th-century shipwreck sites. The crew shares stories about local history, legends and maritime heritage as you sail.

How many people sail on each cruise?

A maximum of 10 guests per cruise, which keeps the experience intimate and the deck comfortable.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, there is an onboard marine bathroom accessible via a small ladder.