Providence WaterFire Boat Rides (Full Lightings)
Recommended by 92% of travellers
Providence, USA
- 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
WaterFire—an annual installation by artist Barnaby Evans, which sees lighted braziers and flickering flames reflected along the Providence River—is a much-loved Providence event, and this boat tour offers unparalleled access to the exhibition. Meet your captain at the basin of Waterplace Park, hop aboard your vessel, and set off along the full length of the installation after dark, to enjoy the best views of the fires.
- This boat tour offers a special, up-close way to discover WaterFire
- Multiple departure times are available to suit your sightseeing schedule
- Set off after dark for impeccable views of the flames reflected in the river
- Bring your own beverages along to accompany the journey
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Local guide
- Gratuities (optional). Our Captains and Crew appreciate your cash gratuities!
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 101 Dyer St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
We are located inside The Landing at 101 Dyer Street, Providence, RI 02903. The Landing is located at the corner of Dyer and Pine Streets in downtown Providence, next door to Capriccio Restaurant.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Providence River (Pass By)
Water Place Park (Pass By)
Memorial Park (Pass By)
WaterFire (Pass By)
Providence River Walk (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Infants must sit on laps
- Near public transportation
- Pushchair accessible
- Most travellers can participate
- Not wheelchair accessible
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travellers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveller Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 60 reviews
Linda_P, Oct 2025
That they shouldn’t miss out. Life is short take the ride 💫♥️
What a wonderful birthday or Christmas gift for someone you love.
Diane_P, Oct 2025
This was a nice experience. The staff was great! Captain Tim was awesome! The only downfall was that we were the last boat to go down the water and some of the fires were almost done so we did not get the full experience.
MELISSA_T, Oct 2025
It was nice, but half my party didn't make it. You need to give yourself like 30 mins or more from the mall to walk here because of all the people. I wish I knew this. It says its a 13 min walk, but it wasn’t.
Lana_M, Oct 2025
Absolutely mesmerizing experience. I could do this again and again!! The music, the ambiance and our guide was just wonderful.
Crissy_M, Oct 2025
WaterFire is one of the coolest city activities I have every been to! The boat ride was basic, the driver did not talk (you didn't need them to). He made sure that people on both sides of the boat got close ups. Being able to feel the warmth of the bonfires was incredible.
Jacquelyn_W, Oct 2025
All times are good don't worry about time choice. Efficient and organized. Load at the dock, check in at the store on the corner.
peggyculbert1977, Sept 2025
Definitely worth it! Very Romantic and beautiful. This is a must do while in RI. The landmarks scenery it’s a MUST
Cynthia_K, Aug 2025
Great experience! Definitely worth trying atleast once.
Thankful for the opportunity. Great weather too.
Luis_S, Sept 2024
I purchased an incorrect date and the boat company failed to help in any way. The people on the boat registration made absolutely no effort to clear out the issues while attempting to check-in. All I needed was respect so we could figure out options.
luz_M, Sept 2024
Espectacular. We had a good time with the rain day we thought it could be not good but it was the best experience. Beautiful town. Thank You to all employee who did this experience phenomenal
Toby_F, Sept 2024
The crew was nice, the boat was fine, and the fire experience was very good. I only wish there was some narration to explain what you were seeing and why as we saw other boats doing.
Jessica_C, Sept 2024
We’re happy that we went. We were a little sad that it was raining, but overall, it was a very nice experience. It was very calming. It really gave you a very relaxing mood. The ride was a little short for the price, but I would recommend people do it I would like to go back!
John_D, Sept 2024
Boat ride was short but was a nice time. I would go again, but next time i would bring some food/drinks with me and hang out by the river before the boat cruise
rkb25jfs9j, Aug 2024
We enjoyed the boat ride up the river, seeing all of the fire up close. Overall, a very fun experience.
Rhonda_L, Aug 2024
The boat ride was relaxing. The ceremony and lights were very pretty. I would definitely do this again.
Amber_B, Aug 2024
Such a fun experience! We went after the fires were lit and burning. So beautiful! I recommend this to any age.
Caroline_D, Oct 2023
Floating on the water and enjoying the fire. Also the young ladies preforming. It was cold and raining but I’m glad we came to behold this event that we had never seen before
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thank you so much for the great review of our WaterFire Rides! Last weekend was a bit rainy at the beginning, but then we lucked out with some dry weather for the majority of the night, luckily. We are so happy to read that you enjoyed your ride, and appreciate your business!
James_M, Oct 2023
We have tried to go to this for 10 years. Yesterday the stars were aligned, but it didn't seem that way two hours earlier when it rained. This is a wonderful celebration of humanity and our relation to the earth.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
WOW James, what a review! We are so happy to read that you enjoyed your WaterFire trip through the fires, and really appreciate your business! Thanks again.
Lynetta_S, Oct 2023
What a magical evening! Staff was awesome. This is a must see for anyone visiting Providence. We loved it!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thank you so much for the great review! We are so happy to read that you enjoyed your WaterFire trip through the fires, and so appreciate your business!
Michelle_D, Sept 2023
I was a little disappointed thinking I had rented the Gondolla, when I was redirected to this boat. That was a little heartbreaking as it was for my moms 83 birthday. But the woman who had us get on the boat was wonderful and it ended up being a great experience the people all sang to my mom and the night was magical. The music and fire all serene . Thanks for a wonderful night.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Oh no! I remember exactly who you are, and I'm so sorry that you were initially disappointed. Thank you so much for the great review, we are so happy to read that you enjoyed your WaterFire trip through the fires with the birthday girl, and we so appreciate your business!
ritika_s, Aug 2023
Very organized entry and everyone was so friendly and helpful getting off and on the boat with an ankle injury, the boat operator was so nice and offered a helping hand. This was such a beautiful experience highly recommend!
lindagrace42, Aug 2023
What a beautiful experience. Had a chance to make new friends too. Such a fun and wonderful evening at WaterFire
Tyler_D, Jul 2023
I just wished it was the small boat with only people we know but it’s was good experience and the driver needed to lighten up and be more fun
Aleksandr_R, Jul 2023
We enjoy this beautiful show with a spirit of magic! Kudos to hosts for organizing it so smoothly. Special thanks to Kristin!
David_P, Jul 2023
Beautiful experience watching the lighting of Waterfire Providence. Our comfortable small boat got us so close to the river biers being lighted, virtually making us a part of the experience. Highly recommend!
Letitia_R, Jun 2023
It was a treat for the senses: the smell of the burning wood, feeling the warmth of the fire contrasting with cool breezes coming off the water, the sight of towering modern buildings surrounding you while you float by, and best of all, the music. The use of various genres from opera to salsa energized, exhilarated, soothed and inspired us. The music made it a magical experience. In addition, the courteous and friendly service was exceptional. It was an awesome way to end the day.
Kiana_P, Jun 2023
The most awesome thing is that seeing the fire up close to take pictures! I would recommend this anyone that love taking a ride on boats !
Eric_P, Sept 2022
It was fun- but kinda steep. I thought I booked a gondola ride for 2- and for the $110 it cost, that seemed totally reasonable. But I was on a group tour on 16 other people and not on a gondola- definitely not a problem- but it wasn’t what I was expecting. Get there early!
Response from Host, Sept 2022
Sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy WaterFire this past weekend! We had a great time with all of our passengers, and had such positive vibes from everyone Saturday night, but to each their own, as they say.
The description of our WaterFire boat rides specifically states that it is not a private tour, and our capacity is (18), so I'm not sure why you thought you were booking a private gondola for (2), that's a completely different company from ours. We do recommend booking directly on our website, as opposed to third party sites such as this one, to avoid their extra fees. Our WaterFire rides are $40 on our site.
And lastly, I'm going to be honest with you, Eric...it's really unfortunate to receive this 3-star review from you today after you arrived late (missing your scheduled boat ride) and we graciously accommodated you and your guest when we were totally sold out for the evening. So yes, get there early, like your emails said.
Daphanie_W, Oct 2021
The boat ride was smooth. The captain was great. She greeted everyone with a big smile. All the people from being admitted onto the boat, from getting off the boat was very nice and accommodating. The view was fantastic. I feel special being looked upon in admiration from the spectacular. They wanted to be on that boat too! A few people yelled out, " how do you get on." I loved it!
Response from Host, Oct 2021
Thanks so much Daphanie! I remember who you are and I was SO happy that we could bump you up to an earlier time slot last Saturday night for WaterFire. Your smile getting off the boat said everything :) Thank you so much!
From US$59.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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