
Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 87 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II worth booking?
Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II is a 1.3-hour experience in Newport, United States, from $45 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 87 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (87)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $45 per person
Step aboard a classic boat and get a great overview of Newport’s historic waterfront, Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. This tour is fully narrated and includes passing by all the iconic sites Newport has to offer from the water. Sightsee along the shoreline, see some Newport mansions, see Fort Adams and some of the largest private yachts that summer in Newport.
What you get
About this experience
Step aboard a classic boat and get a great overview of Newport’s historic waterfront, Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. This tour is fully narrated and includes passing by all the iconic sites Newport has to offer from the water. Sightsee along the shoreline, see some Newport mansions, see Fort Adams and some of the largest private yachts that summer in Newport.
What's included
Included
- A cruise around Newport aboard Rum Runner II
- Narration of the sites
Not included
- Beverages (not included, but available for purchase at check-in)
- Food (guests are welcome to bring their own light snack aboard)
- Gratuity
What you'll see and do
Fort Adams State Park
See this historic fort from the water
Pass by without stopping
Castle Hill Lighthouse
See this beautiful historic site while passing by
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Newport
Rum Runner departs from 24 Bannister’s Wharf located next to the outdoor eating area of the Black Pearl & Clarke Cooke House. The booth is outdoors with a green awning that says “Newport Classic Cruises”. Take your first right before walking past the outdoor eating area of the Black Pearl.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Rum Runner departs from 24 Bannister’s Wharf located next to the outdoor eating area of the Black Pearl & Clarke Cooke House. The booth is outdoors with a green awning that says “Newport Classic Cruises”. Take your first right before walking past the outdoor eating area of the Black Pearl.
Options you can book
Seasonal Sightseeing Tour
Seasonal Pricing Applies
Seasonal Cocktail Cruise
Seasonal Pricing Applies
Premium Sightseeing Tour
Premium Pricing Applies
Premium Cocktail Cruise
Lightly Narrated Tour: Select this option if you're looking for a lightly narrated cruise around Newport of the main sights from the water. Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Drinks for purchase: Beverages are available for pre-purchase at our booth at check-in to enjoy on board. Relaxing evening time cruise: Cruise by Newport mansions and former speakeasies, lighthouses, islands and more! Rum Runner II: Relive the speed and thrill of the chase of the smuggler boats from Prohibition. Rum Runner II was built in 1930's. Premium Pricing Applies
Standard Cocktail Cruise
Standard Rates Apply
Standard Sightseeing Tour
Standard Pricing Applies
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Newport Classic Cruises
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 86 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
86 verified traveler reviews for Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Cruising.
Bring a jacket if you’re cold natured. Leave packages. Free water and sodas are provided on board. Tipping is encouraged. The narrator was entertaining.
via Viator
Fun Time on the Water
Terrific afternoon on the water with exemplary crew narrating and explaining the remarkable environment of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay! So enjoyed learning the history and lore of the lighthouses, bridge, and waterfront dwellings!
via Viator
part of the highlight reel
Rum Runner II, Newport RI The sky was Newport blue, the ocean was full of little sparkles and the drinks were ice cold on the Rum Runner, a sleek 58 Prohibition-era tour boat. We had chartered the craft for a two-hour harbor tour as part of a 50th Anniversary party. Would our guests enjoy the yacht-filled waters as much as we had over the years? Aye, Aye. Jay and Patrick, the captain and crew, offered limited harbor-history but let the shoreline, sloops and yawls speak for themselves. The day was calm so the shallow draft craft could pass close enough to the rocky shore to practically glimpse a lobster. Kids diving off the rocks at Beavertail State Park gave us a show. By the time we returned, our party-crew all agreed: the voyage would be part of the highlight reel.
via Tripadvisor
A fun and informative...
A fun and informative tour of Newport’s busy harbor. Staff were helpful and very nice. Great opportunity to see all different kinds of boats and amazing architecture!
via Viator
Great trip! Captain Nora...
Great trip! Captain Nora and co captain Alex were very knowledgeable, and funny. You can see she really loves what she does!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $45 to $61
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Newport Classic Cruises, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.0.
See everything Newport Classic Cruises runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Newport.
How much does Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II cost?
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Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Newport usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II take?
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Plan for about 1.3 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 Newport is not rushed.
Is Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 87 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Newport, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II?
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Around 30 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 Newport 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Newport and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Newport 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 Newport?
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Newport sells mansion tours along Bellevue Avenue, Cliff Walk history, schooner and sunset sails on Narragansett Bay, and food walks through the colonial waterfront. On Outty we rank every Newport experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Newport Gilded Age Trolley Tour w/ Breakers Mansion Incl.(Age 8+), Newport Trolley Tour with Breakers Mansion - Viking Tours, Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI. 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 Newport?
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May to October, with sailing at its best in July and August. 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 Newport?
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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?
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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 Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II?
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Included: A cruise around Newport aboard Rum Runner II; and Narration of the sites. Not included: Beverages (not included, but available for purchase at check-in); Food (guests are welcome to bring their own light snack aboard); and Gratuity. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II?
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Rum Runner departs from 24 Bannister’s Wharf located next to the outdoor eating area of the Black Pearl & Clarke Cooke House. The booth is outdoors with a green awning that says “Newport Classic Cruises”. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II offered in?
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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 Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II?
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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 Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: All persons planning to attend need a ticket; We offer infant, child, adult and senior tic. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II if the weather is bad?
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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 Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II?
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Across 87 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, organization, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Newport Sightseeing Boat Tour aboard Rum Runner II?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Seasonal Sightseeing Tour, Seasonal Cocktail Cruise, Premium Sightseeing Tour, Premium Cocktail Cruise. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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