Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston in The Catskills, United States
The Catskills, United States

Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston

Outty Ranking 78 4.5 · 907 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $43
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Outty Ranking

78/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 907 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston worth booking?

Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston is a 1.5-hour experience in The Catskills, United States, from $43 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 907 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
78 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (907)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$43 per person

This excursion provides passengers a first hand view of the historic shoreline from the decks of the Rip Van Winkle II. From a starting location in the heart of the Hudson River Valley in Kingston NY, the cruise provides a delightfully unique opportunity to explore this scenic shoreline. As you relax on the cool shaded deck of the Rip Van Winkle, visit our beverage & snack bars for tasty refreshments. Your experienced guide will point out millionaires' sumptuous estates, picturesque Hudson river lighthouses and quaint sleepy villages surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards, orchards and scenic preservation sites.

What you get

    About this experience

    This excursion provides passengers a first hand view of the historic shoreline from the decks of the Rip Van Winkle II. From a starting location in the heart of the Hudson River Valley in Kingston NY, the cruise provides a delightfully unique opportunity to explore this scenic shoreline. As you relax on the cool shaded deck of the Rip Van Winkle, visit our beverage & snack bars for tasty refreshments. Your experienced guide will point out millionaires' sumptuous estates, picturesque Hudson river lighthouses and quaint sleepy villages surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards, orchards and scenic preservation sites.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide

    Not included

    • Food and drinks, full bar service, available for purchase
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hudson River Cruises

      Enjoy a relaxing, 90 minute cruise on the Historic Hudson River. Enjoy the breeze on the top deck or the a/c on the lower deck as you take in the sights, wildlife and beautiful homes and scenery.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    The Catskills

    Departure Point: Kingston, New York (approx. two hours from NYC by car) Address: Dock: 40 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401 Dates: Seasonal May-October. Tuesday-Sunday June-October. Weekends in May/ Return point: Returns to original departure point

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Departure Point: Kingston, New York (approx. two hours from NYC by car) Address: Dock: 40 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401 Dates: Seasonal May-October. Tuesday-Sunday June-October. Weekends in May/ Return point: Returns to original departure point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Hudson River Cruises

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The boat has a lower enclosed deck, a middle deck which is a shaded but otherwise open are, and an open air upper deck with bench seating.
    • A fully stocked bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a snack bar with light fare such as hot dogs & fresh popped popcorn is available on the lower main deck at your own expense.
    • Outside food and beverages are not allowed on board the boat
    • There is plenty of seating on the boat, both inside and on the upper deck, which consists mainly of bench-style seating; the main lower deck has chairs; seating is on a first-come first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early if you’d like to sit in a particular area of the boat
    • If you or someone in your group is in a wheelchair or has limited mobility, contact the tour operator to discuss accessibility

    Photos

    Rip van Winkle II passing the Rondout Lighthouse, Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston in The CatskillsHudson River Sightseeing Cruise, Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston in The CatskillsGroup on the Rip van Winkle II, Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston in The CatskillsPassengers enjoying the Promenade deck, Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston in The CatskillsEsopus Meadows Lighthouse, Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston in The CatskillsRip van Winkle II cruising the Hudson, Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston in The Catskills

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 898 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    898 verified traveler reviews for Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    603
    4 star
    186
    3 star
    58
    2 star
    21
    1 star
    30
    Sort
    Eileen_B · October 2026

    Wonderful!

    We had a very pleasant boat ride down the Hudson River. Lots of interesting facts and stories were provided.

    via Viator

    432peterlg · October 2026

    Hudson River Cruise

    Nice cruise approx 1 hr on the water Drinks and snacks only.

    via Tripadvisor

    robertwI3304FG · September 2026

    Disappointing!

    Arrived at boarding site on time; no one around. sign said "Trip moved to next day at same time" Called cruise office; confirmed change. Said they sent email to my home previous day: I was not home. Trip itierary did not allow for change of plans; could not go. Got refund. Disappointed!!

    via Tripadvisor

    Daniel_S · September 2026

    Nice early fall boat tour

    A recording narrated tour that provides good information about the section of the Hudson river that the boat travels.

    via Viator

    Noreen_D · September 2026

    Beautiful!!!!!

    It's a beautiful ride on the Hudson River. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was amazing! I would recommend!!!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    317
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 78

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)64
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)56
    Listing quality (10% weight)79
    Local standing (8% weight)45
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for The Catskills.

    How much does Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston cost?

    +

    Prices start at $43 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in The Catskills usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston take?

    +

    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in The Catskills is not rushed.

    Is Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 907 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in The Catskills, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston?

    +

    Around 317 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in The Catskills can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in The Catskills and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central The Catskills within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in The Catskills?

    +

    The Catskills draws visitors for its landscapes, wildlife and guided outdoor experiences. Outty tracks every bookable tour here, scores it with the Outty Ranking, and shows what is worth your time, from full-day guided trips to short scenic outings. On Outty we rank every The Catskills experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Woodstock NY Rock and Roll Tour, Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour, Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit The Catskills?

    +

    Late spring through early fall for full access and the widest tour availability, with quieter trails in the shoulder weeks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in The Catskills?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston?

    +

    Included: Professional guide. Not included: Food and drinks, full bar service, available for purchase; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston?

    +

    Departure Point: Kingston, New York (approx. two hours from NYC by car) Address: Dock: 40 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401 Dates: Seasonal May-October. Tuesday-Sunday June-October. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and If you or someone in your group is in a wheelchair or has limited mobility, contact the to. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston?

    +

    Across 907 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, organization. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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