Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise in Burlington, United States
Burlington, United States

Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise

Outty Ranking 64 5.0 · 7 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $85
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Outty Ranking

64/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise worth booking?

Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise is a 2-hour experience in Burlington, United States, from $85 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
64 / 100
Rating
5/5 (7)
Duration
2 hours
From
$85 per person

Discover the beauty of Lake Champlain aboard Buttercup, where every cruise offers a blend of stunning views and captivating stories about the lake's rich history. Enjoy a leisurely outing on the water, perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in the scenic landscapes of Vermont. Choose from regular cruises or arrange a private charter for a more personalized experience. Departing from the Burlington Community Boathouse, this is a great way to relax and take in the sights of one of America’s most beautiful lakes. - Scenic cruises showcasing the stunning landscapes of Lake Champlain - Hear engaging stories about the lake's history and significance - Options for private charters or regular cruises available - Convenient departures from the Burlington Community Boathouse

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the beauty of Lake Champlain aboard Buttercup, where every cruise offers a blend of stunning views and captivating stories about the lake's rich history. Enjoy a leisurely outing on the water, perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in the scenic landscapes of Vermont. Choose from regular cruises or arrange a private charter for a more personalized experience. Departing from the Burlington Community Boathouse, this is a great way to relax and take in the sights of one of America’s most beautiful lakes. - Scenic cruises showcasing the stunning landscapes of Lake Champlain - Hear engaging stories about the lake's history and significance - Options for private charters or regular cruises available - Convenient departures from the Burlington Community Boathouse

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • BYO food and drinks. Finger-food is encouraged.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Lake Champlain

      No two cruises are alike, but we do love to go check out certain parts of Lake Champlain and share stories. Some of the highlights could include: • The world-famous geological feature 'Champlain Thrust Fault' • A few of the *over 70* named islands • Marked shipwrecks from the 1800's • The first lighthouse ever built on Champlain in 1825 • Breathtaking views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains • Cliff-jumpers at Lone Rock Point and Red Rocks • Champ!!!

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Burlington

    Please arrive to the waterfront with plenty of time to find our dock. Check out our cruise location page at https://www.whistlingman.com/cruise-location. If arriving by car we recommend 20 minutes to find parking.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please arrive to the waterfront with plenty of time to find our dock. Check out our cruise location page at https://www.whistlingman.com/cruise-location. If arriving by car we recommend 20 minutes to find parking.

    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 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Whistling Man Schooner Co.

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise in Burlington, photo 2Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise in Burlington, photo 3Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise in Burlington, photo 4Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise in Burlington, photo 5Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise in Burlington, photo 6Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise in Burlington, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
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    NoraS26 · October 2026

    Experience Lake Champlain

    We had a wonderful time. Waves were bumpy when we started but with the experience of our captain he took us over to calmer water and he told us history about the area and made it enjoyable.

    via Tripadvisor

    B7005OKellies · September 2026

    Goodbye TripAdvisor, hello to going straight to the compay

    Boat experience was GREAT. Dean is knowledgeable, helpful and gave us a fantastic experience. Sorry to say that we were told by TripAdvisor that the boat was full only to find out when we arrived for the cruise that we were the only people on the boat and there were 4-6 open seats available. TripAdvisor needs to be current on what is available! Next time I am going straight to the company and skipping Tripadvisor

    via Tripadvisor

    397alisonk · August 2026

    Relaxing afternoon sailing

    Relaxing two-hour boat ride with great boat captains. Friendly, informative, and accommodating. Perfect afternoon sail.

    via Tripadvisor

    Passenger522401 · August 2026

    Picnic boat cruise

    Great cruise and views. Corey was an excellent captain and the company was awesome too. Highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    TomKatVT · July 2026

    Buttercup on Lake Champlain = 2 hours of Fun!

    I wanted to do something fun for my sister who was visiting from the West Coast, so a cruise on beautiful Lake Champlain was the plan. So glad I chose Whistling Man Schooner Co! It was just my party of 3 and Captain Cory. “Buttercup” was our boat and she the perfect vessel for our excursion; comfortable, clean, quiet and just a good vibe. Besides the incredible natural beauty of Lake Champlain, it was Captain Cory who made the whole trip memorable! Versed with facts, trivia and jokes plus an obvious passion for what he does, Captain Cory made the whole adventure an amazing 2 hours! So bring some yourself some food, drinks, and whatever else you need, then kickback and enjoy!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 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
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Whistling Man Schooner Co., who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.2.

    See everything Whistling Man Schooner Co. runs

    Why this scores 64

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)39
    Booking momentum (14% weight)26
    Value for money (12% weight)60
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)61
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $85 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Burlington usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 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 Burlington is not rushed.

    Is Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Burlington, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise?

    +

    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 Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise?

    +

    Around 2 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 Burlington 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 Burlington and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise 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 Burlington 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 Burlington?

    +

    Burlington, VT packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Burlington by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Burlington experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour, Public Daytime Sailing Cruise, Public Sunset Sailing Cruise on Lake Champlain. 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 Burlington?

    +

    Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Burlington, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. 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 Burlington?

    +

    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 Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise?

    +

    Included: Bottled water; and BYO food and drinks. Finger-food is encouraged. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise?

    +

    Please arrive to the waterfront with plenty of time to find our dock. Check out our cruise location page at https://www.whistlingman.com/cruise-location. If arriving by car we recommend 20 minutes to find parking. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise 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 Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise?

    +

    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 Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise 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 Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise?

    +

    Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise.

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