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Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II

Recommended by 92% of travelers
Newport, USA
  • 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.7
·
· Karl_F ·
Sep 2025
I had a wonderful experience aboard the Rum Runner II. The cruise departed on time, the staff was courteous and friendly, and Narragansett Bay is very picturesque.
· Alma_Z ·
Sep 2025
My husband and I booked the cruise online for our 35th wedding anniversary trip to Newport. The cruise was such a fun experience, the right length of the trip, fun and knowledgeable staff who kept us entertained and informed about the things we’d seen around us during the trip. I would highly recommend it to everyone who is visiting Newport.

Overview

    What's Included

    • A cruise around Newport
    • Narration of the sites
    • Drinks are available for purchase
    • Food (guests are welcome to bring their own light snack aboard)
    • Gratuity

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Newport Classic Cruises Bannister's Wharf
      24 Bannister's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840, USA

      We're located at 24 Bannister's Wharf off America’s Cup Ave and south of the Newport Harbor Hotel. There's no need to print anything prior to check-in. Please bring a photo ID that matches the name listed on the reservation to the ticket booth and we will check you in.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Itinerary

    Fort Adams State Park (Pass By)

    Castle Hill Lighthouse (Pass By)

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Most travelers can participate
    • There is a marine bathroom onboard
    • It's always cooler on the water. Please dress for the weather
    • Please do not bring your own alcoholic beverages. Drinks are available for purchase onboard
    • Service animals are permitted; Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted
    • Groups of 10 or more, whether booked together or separately, will be contacted by the operator for a 15% gratuity. Multiple large group bookings are subject to added fees or cancellation by operator
    • All persons planning to attend need a ticket; We offer infant, child, adult and senior ticketing for this cruise
    • Please note parking is difficult in Newport, especially on weekends. Allow at least 60 minutes to park, especially on weekends and holidays as no refunds are given for missing the boat. Guests should plan to arrive at our ticket booth 20 minutes prior to your departure time to check-in. The boat will leave promptly at the scheduled departure time. Please plan accordingly and allow for ample time for parking. For questions about weather, cancelations or rescheduling please call.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers

    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.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Reviews

    4.7
    based on 65 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Great cruise. Enjoyed the...

    Pam_C, Oct 2025
    Great cruise. Enjoyed the sights from the water. Did get a little ocean spray but to be expected on a boat.

    I had a wonderful...

    Karl_F, Sep 2025
    I had a wonderful experience aboard the Rum Runner II. The cruise departed on time, the staff was courteous and friendly, and Narragansett Bay is very picturesque.

    Rum runner adventures;

    Alma_Z, Sep 2025
    My husband and I booked the cruise online for our 35th wedding anniversary trip to Newport. The cruise was such a fun experience, the right length of the trip, fun and knowledgeable staff who kept us entertained and informed about the things we’d seen around us during the trip. I would highly recommend it to everyone who is visiting Newport.

    Beautiful way to spend a few hours!

    Karen_S, Aug 2025
    The boat trip is a relaxing way to see so much beauty from the water. We learned interesting facts and history. Loved watching the captain navigate the boat. All in all, great cruise!

    Boat load of info and relaxation

    Martin_T, Aug 2025
    Relaxing - interesting -professional yet fun staff - comfortable seating - easy to find starting point

    Overcrowded

    Alexis_A, Aug 2025
    We were really looking forward to this sightseeing boat tour, but unfortunately, it missed the mark for our family. Despite arriving on time, the boat was overbooked and overcrowded. so much so that we couldn’t even sit together. The seating was also uncomfortable, which made it hard to relax and enjoy the ride. Having taken multiple sunset cruises in both New York and Los Angeles, we had a sense of what to expect, but this experience fell short. It felt more like being packed into a commuter ferry than enjoying a scenic, memorable tour. Hoping future sailings are better managed to ensure a more comfortable and organized experience

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re truly sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations and that overcrowding affected your ability to enjoy the tour. Guest comfort and a memorable experience are very important to us, and your comments will be shared with our team to help improve future sailings. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a more enjoyable experience in the future. -Newport Classic Cruises

    Failure To Launch.

    John_K, Jul 2025
    Didn't Have One,You Cancelled on Us.As I Stated ,You cancelled as we were on our way to Newport for My Wife's Birthday.So it was disappointing to say the Least.

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    We’re very sorry we had to cancel your Rum Runner II cruise—especially on such an important day. We completely understand how disappointing that must have been while you were already on your way to Newport to celebrate your wife’s birthday. Unfortunately, we didn’t reach the minimum number of passengers required to operate that trip and had to make the difficult decision to cancel about three hours before departure. We did have several other cruises running that day and are sorry it didn’t work out for you to join one of those instead. We truly hope you’ll consider cruising with us another time so we can give you the experience you were hoping for. -Newport Classic Cruises

    It was the perfect length...

    Lori_W, Jul 2025
    It was the perfect length of time! The captain and crew were amazing! The kids had a blast. :) plenty of room!

    Wonderful experience,...

    fred_f, Jul 2025
    Wonderful experience, guides were enthusiastic. Great way to see Newport coast. Seating on boat was easy to view all the sites

    Great time!

    Rick_C, Oct 2024
    Had company in from Kansas City. We have been to Newport many times and first time doing the cruise. A great way to see Newport mansions from water and hear a little history. Sunny and 70 with now chop in the water. Would do again!. Great time

    Beautiful Cruz and informative crew beautiful boat

    Alex_C, Oct 2024
    What a great experience we’ve been coming to Rhode Island for eight years never did a boat tour and we will definitely do it again. Great crew informative, beautiful boat just all around. Great time. Keep up the great work.

    Excellent adventure. Very informative, scenic and lovely.

    Melinda_B, Sep 2024
    Good time was had by all. Kerri & Jay (?) where excellent. We were given a history lesson while sailing through. The beautiful Newport Harbor. No better way to spend the afternoon

    Average experience

    Sandeep_P, Sep 2024
    It was good but bit boring as cruise was slow and places to see around was very limited. It was raining a bit and hence water was all round the seating and that was bad experience.

    Great day on the water

    Ana_M, Sep 2024
    Captain Jay was great, the tour around was amazing. Check in and boarding was easy. Would definitely recommend and we want to do the sunset tour next time.

    Exhilarating Excursion

    Marilyn_M, Aug 2024
    Our captain and crew were fabulous. We learned interesting facts along the way. He brought the boat up to speed and thrilled us with skillful manoeuvres.

    Great trip

    Robert_F, Aug 2024
    Great time on the boat! We got to see the whole harbor and out to castle hill. Captain gave great and insightful color throughout. One of the highlights of our trip and would definitely return!

    Memorable.

    Asma_N, Aug 2024
    Great experience. Captain and narrator were knowledgeable kind and helpful. We just had a little trouble finding the place and thought we may miss. But luckily made it.

    Great old speedboat

    Charles_I, Aug 2024
    I can't believe that boat is 100 years old. It ran like a charm and was safe and comfortable. The woman pilot is obviously a qualified Captain. Great informative cruise.

    Beautiful day on the water!

    Gwen_M, Aug 2024
    We were new to the area, there to attend the Newport Jazz Festival. We decided to check out other activities going on in the area, and we decided to book this boat 🚢 tour. We were running late and they called to make sure we going to make the tour. The weather was nice and it was a beautiful day to be out on the water touring the historic area and seeing all the yachts and boats. Captain and tour guide were great! Complimentary water served onboard.

    Shell-ya

    Maria_L, Jul 2024
    Tour guide was great! Comical and informative! The kids loved when the boat sped up and they were “sprayed” by the water.

    Enlightening

    Crystal_V, Jul 2024
    Taking the boat ride and hearing the history of the different homes such as John F. Kennedy spending his summers there and seeing his wife, Jackie’s gorgeous doll house.

    Highly recommend!!

    Jill_M, Jul 2024
    Nora and her crew were pleasant, friendly, respectful, knowledgeable and all around great! Would highly recommend this boat & crew! Thank you for an amazing experience!

    Great trip. Historical...

    Charles_W, Jun 2024
    Great trip. Historical boat and and a boat load of information. Got see mansions from the water side.

    Great adventure

    Lamar_C, Jun 2024
    It was awesome I was running lil late the staff called me n waited a couple xtra min drinks was cold on hot day on the water will come again with my mom

    Gabriella Babu

    Gabriella_B, May 2024
    Very nice. Great location. Very nice view. Boat was comfortable. They served alcohol which was a plus.

    Response from Host, May 2024

    Thanks for joining us aboard the Rum Runner II this season! We are glad you enjoyed an up-close exploration of Newport's coastal waterfront and a wonderful space for your group to savor the delights of Narragansett Bay. We look forward to having you come out on the water with us in the future! Warmly, Newport Classic Cruises
    Likely to Sell Out

    From $44.52

    per person

    -You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 5 days in advance.

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