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 (Winter hours are Thursday-Monday, 11am to 5pm).
If you have questions about Solaris boat tours, the boat or accessibility, you can read more here or reach out to us directly at [email protected].
Calendar
Solaris Tours are Now Closed for the Season....See You May 2026!
2025 Solaris Cruise Calendar
Solaris Cruise Gift Cards - Good for all Solaris Tours
Cruise Descriptions
Rondout Lighthouse Tour
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Tuesday - Sunday 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM
Adults (13-61): $35 / Seniors (62+): $30 / Children (3-12): $25 Hop aboard Solaris for a unique opportunity to take a boat tour 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 Hudson Valley boat ride today and step into a piece of history! |
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Dual Lighthouse Cruise
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Every other Sunday 10:00 AM
Adults (13-61): $35 / Seniors (62+): $30/ Children (3-12): $25 Join 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! 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... |
Hudson River Sunset Cruise
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Wednesdays - Sundays 7:30 PM
Adults (13-61): $35 / Seniors (62+): $30 /Children (3-12): $25 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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Thursdays 6:00 PM - Check calendar above for full schedule
Adults (13-61): $35 / Seniors (62+): $30 / Children (3-12): $25 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! |
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Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise
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Wednesdays - Sundays 4:00 PM
Adults (13-61): $35 / Seniors (62+): $30 /Children (3-12): $25 Enjoy the sights of a Hudson Valley river cruise departing from the Rondout Creek. The boat 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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Wine Tasting on the Hudson
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Fridays 6:00 PM / June - September Adults (21-61): $45 / Seniors (62+): $40 Enjoy sampling, sunsets, and history aboard Solaris. Led by Kingston Wine Co.'s knowledgeable staff, these cruises cover Hudson Valley-produced wine, cider, and other beverages - complete with tasty samples! |
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Lenape on the Hudson River: Daily Life on the Mahicannituck
with Harv Hilowitz
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Once monthly - check calendar for schedule
Adults (13-61): $35 / Seniors (62+): $30 /Children (3-12): $25 Did you know? The Hudson Valley has been inhabited for over twelve thousand years by Native Peoples. While on the Mahicannituck (Hudson River), passengers will learn about the Indigenous Lenape people, their ancestors and history, and how they interacted with the landscape and with other tribes. Scholar Harv Hilowitz leads guests through the history of what happened after first contact with the Europeans, the journey of the Lenape diaspora, and their presence here now. Questions and conversation are encouraged. Harv Hilowitz is a historian of Indigenous and Hudson Valley history and a Contributing Scholar to the Hudson River Maritime Museum. |
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The River People: Historic Lenape Lifeways
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Check calendar for schedule
Adults (13-61): $35 / Seniors (62+): $30 / Children (3-12): $25 For countless generations, the Lenape Peoples were intimately connected to the tidal Hudson River and its tributaries. Drift with us into the past aboard the Solaris, Hudson River Maritime Museum's 100% solar operated vessel, and explore Native life and culture on the Hudson River over the last thousand years. Depending on season, tide and weather, visitors will learn about daily life, folklore, history, and all about the Munsee language. Tours are guided by ethnoecologist Justin Wexler of Wild Hudson Valley, who has studied Hudson Valley indigenous culture, language, and history for over two decades, regularly working with members of their displaced federally-recognized communities and helping to connect the past with the present. |
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D&H Canal History—A Conversation with Bill Merchant
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Evert first Sunday of the month 4:oo PM
Adults (13-61): $35 / Seniors (62+): $30 / Children (3-12): $25 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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River Gong Meditation Cruise
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May - September, check calendar for dates
Adults (13-61): $35 / Seniors (62+): $30 / Children (3-12): $25 Bliss out aboard Solaris as you immerse yourself in the healing sound vibrations of the Gong. Led by Hudson-based Kundalin Yoga, Mediation and Gong Sound Healing teacher and guide, Hariprakaash, you are invited to participate in a short mediation as you float along the river at sunset No experience required. Children welcome. |
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