
Public Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Public Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain worth booking?
Public Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain is a 2-hour experience in Burlington, United States, from $95 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $95 per person
Set sail on Lake Champlain aboard the charming Buttercup for a two-hour sunset picnic cruise. This unique experience invites you to bring your own food and drinks, all while enjoying stunning waterfront views and the com
What you get
About this experience
Set sail on Lake Champlain aboard the charming Buttercup for a two-hour sunset picnic cruise. This unique experience invites you to bring your own food and drinks, all while enjoying stunning waterfront views and the company of up to five friends. The friendly Captain will navigate the waters, allowing you to relax and savor the moments. As you glide across the lake, take in sights like the Champlain Thrust Fault and the first lighthouse built on the lake. This is the perfect chance to unwind after a long day with good food, great views, and memorable conversations. - Two-hour BYO food and drink cruise on Lake Champlain - Comfortable seating with canopied protection and restroom on board - Explore notable sights including shipwrecks and breathtaking mountain views - Suitable for ages 13 and up, accommodating groups of up to 6 guests
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Glassware and Champagne tower
- Experienced captain
- Two-hour picnic boat cruise
- Cutlery, plates, cutting boards, and Napkins
Not included
- Gratuities
- Transportation to/from Meeting point
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Burlington
In front of the ECHO Center building, you will see a lakeside pavilion overlooking the marina. Directly in front of the ECHO's pavilion, you will see a ramp leading down to the docks. There is signage pointing toward ‘A-Dock’. Our ships are the first two that you'll see walking down this ramp.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
In front of the ECHO Center building, you will see a lakeside pavilion overlooking the marina. Directly in front of the ECHO's pavilion, you will see a ramp leading down to the docks. There is signage pointing toward ‘A-Dock’. Our ships are the first two that you'll see walking down this ramp.
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 5 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Public Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfection
Perfect way to finish or start a trip to Vermont. Crew was great, lake is beautiful.
via Tripadvisor
A Magical Evening on Lake Champlain
A Magical Afternoon on Lake Champlain It’s hard to put into words just how special this experience was. Sailing on Lake Champlain Friday night aboard the Goldenrod with Captain Laszlo was truly one of the highlights of my life…not simply because of the beautiful setting and perfect weather, but because of the people and the memories we created there. After 43 years apart, a group of high school friends came back together for a private cruise, and we had a lot of catching up to do! Somehow, the Goldenrod provided the perfect setting for old friendships, new reflections, laughter, and some wonderfully deep philosophical conversations. Our Captain, Laszlo, was completely unfazed by our meandering discussions, and we were delighted to discover that he had actually majored in philosophy in college! Our conversation flowed so effortlessly that, in hindsight, it felt as though he had seamlessly become part of our group. He never lost his focus on safely navigating the boat, yet he also had a remarkable ability to listen, contribute, and even help facilitate some of the reflections that emerged from our conversations. And then there was the food! I had arranged for a charcuterie box from The Brazen Board, and we spent the evening enjoying an amazing assortment of tastes while taking in the beauty of Lake Champlain. There are some experiences that are simply more than the sum of their parts. Old friends, 43 years of stories to share, a beautiful lake, a wonderful boat, an extraordinary captain, delicious food, and hours of uninterrupted conversation all came together in a way that felt almost magical. It wasn't just a boat ride; it was a reunion, a reflection, and a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life.
via Tripadvisor
Picnic Dinner Cruise
It felt like taking a casual tour on the Boat with family. Small group just six if us, along with our captain Travis. Wonderful weather gave us a perfect sunset! Travis invited us to jump in the water and try a cliff dive but no one took him up on that. This is the cruise to book if you want a smaller more personal lake tour. Bring a picnic supper or snack to make it a dinner cruise.
via Viator
Phenomenal time on the water!
We had such a wonderful time!!! More than worth it. Crew were so friendly and knowledgeable. Very relaxing, comfortable, educational. Love!!!!
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
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Public Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Burlington.
How much does Public Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain cost?
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Prices start at $95 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 Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain take?
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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 Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 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 Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain?
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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 Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain suitable for kids and families?
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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 Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain?
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Around 1 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?
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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 Burlington and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Public Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain 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?
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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, Small Group 5-Day Tour Vacation Package in Vermont. 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?
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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?
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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.
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