Cruises Onboard Solaris--our solar-powered boat!
Our peaceful, 100% solar-powered cruise boat, Solaris, allows you to enjoy the area's wildlife, historic Hudson River lighthouses and unique views of the Rondout Creek and Hudson River as you glide silently through the water.
Solaris operates from mid-May through the end of October. Cruises leaving from our home port on the Kingston Waterfront operate Thursday through Sunday at 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 7:30pm, with an additional cruise on Sundays at 10am. All boat cruise tickets include free admission to the Hudson River Maritime Museum (our summer hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 11am to 5 pm).
Calendar
2025 Solaris cruising calendar will be announced in March.
If you have questions about Solaris tours, the boat or accessibility, you can read more here or reach out to us directly at [email protected].
Cruise Descriptions
Rondout Lighthouse Tour
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Hop aboard Solaris for a unique opportunity to sail out to one of only seven remaining lighthouses on the Hudson River that stands proudly at the entrance to Rondout Creek! Our knowledgeable guides will share captivating tales about Kingston's Rondout Lighthouse’s rich history and the individuals who lived there. Once we arrive, you'll get to explore the lighthouse's fascinating interior and uncover what life was like for the keepers and their families. Feeling daring? Climb up to the observation deck for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Hudson, the iconic Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, and, if the skies are clear, the distant Esopus Meadows Lighthouse.
Book your tour today and step into a piece of history! Dual Lighthouse CruiseJoin us for a delightful two-hour cruise aboard Solaris and soak in breathtaking views on the Hudson, as you sail by two of the river’s most majestic landmarks, the Esopus Meadows and Rondout Lighthouses!
The Rondout Lighthouse, a charming yellow brick beauty, marks the entrance to Rondout Creek in Kingston, NY. Built in 1915, this lighthouse still shines as a working navigation light, guiding mariners safely home. Over in the Town of Esopus, you'll find the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, a picturesque wooden structure that dates back to 1871. This little gem, located by Black Creek, once warned sailors to steer clear of the shallow marshy area it’s named after. It’s the only wooden lighthouse left on the Hudson and a true piece of maritime history! Together, these two lighthouses are among the last seven on the Hudson River, each with its unique story of guiding ships and being home to lighthouse keepers and their families. Please note: On this sightseeing cruise, Solaris does not stop at either lighthouse. To visit the interior of the Rondout Lighthouse, please register for the Rondout Lighthouse Tour. |
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“We took a lighthouse tour on the Solaris that was so brilliant we booked another one! The first trip took us out to the Rondout Lighthouse. The boat trip itself was beautiful, and our guides were friendly, funny and knowledgeable about the river's history. Their love of the region & for the environment was palpable... |
Industrial Rondout Tour
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Ready to uncover the secrets of Rondout Creek and its industrial past? Join us aboard Solaris as we cruise along the creek, where the echoes of the 19th and early 20th centuries still resonate. Picture this: bustling with barges, lively passenger steamboats, and hardworking tugboats, Rondout was once a booming hub of shipbuilding and industry!
Enjoy a unique perspective of some of the waterfront’s iconic landmarks like Island Dock, the breathtaking Wurts Street suspension bridge, and the Wilbur Train Bridge, plus remnants of the once-thriving cement and bluestone industries that shaped this region. Learn about the sunken and abandoned vessels below the water’s surface, like the legendary steamboat Mary Powell. You'll even get a glimpse of the eerie ribs of sunken ships surfacing at low tide. It's like a treasure hunt right in front of your eyes! A fascinating journey into the Rondout’s rich history, with a bit of nautical mystery. Don't forget to bring your camera for some incredible shots! |
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Hudson River Sunset Cruise
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Unwind aboard Solaris as you peacefully cruise on the Hudson River. Soak in the breathtaking views of the majestic Catskill Mountains as the water licks the shores of Kingston and Sojourner Truth State Park. Sit back and reconnect with nature as you enjoy a picture-perfect moment of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge framed by the glowing sunset as the sun dips below the horizon.
Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or planning a romantic evening, this cruise is the ideal way to wrap up your day. So, grab your crew, bring your drink of choice, and get ready for a night filled with magical vibes and unforgettable scenery! |
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Live Music Cruise
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This summer, join us aboard one of the Hudson Valley’s most unique and intimate music venues for unforgettable Thursday evenings filled with live performances from some of the region’s most talented artists. Powered by renewable energy, the electric motor of Solaris is extraordinarily quiet, allowing the music to take center stage as you glide along the river. The intimate environment of Solaris also provides the opportunity to chat with local musicians between songs and experience a truly one-of-a-kind performance. From indie rock and sea shanties, to folk, soul, and more, we’ve a range of music to match all tastes and vibes. So, grab your friends, your favorite drinks (yes, that includes wine & beer!), and let’s make some amazing memories together!
***2025 Music Schedule TBD*** |
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Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise
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Enjoy the sights of the Hudson River on a cruise that departs from the Rondout Creek, skims past Port Ewen Bay, and brings passengers to Sturgeon Point, where Vanderburgh Cove extends to the southeast. This tour cruises south on the Hudson River, including views of the Rondout Lighthouse, the Rhinecliff waterfront, and a glimpse of Esopus Meadows Lighthouse in the distance
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D&H Canal History—A Conversation with Bill Merchant
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Join D&H Canal Historical Society Historian and Curator Bill Merchant for an engaging conversation about the history of the Delaware & Hudson Canal and the industrial port of Rondout. Bill will bring a different historical artifact from the D&H Canal Historical Society collections for discussion on each trip. Quiet and comfortable Solaris will take you up Rondout Creek to Lock No. 1 at Eddyville - the first lock and weigh lock on the D&H Canal.
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