Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This excursion provides passengers a first hand view of the historic shoreline from the decks of the Rip Van Winkle II. From a starting location in the heart of the Hudson River Valley in Kingston NY, the cruise provides a delightfully unique opportunity to explore this scenic shoreline.
As you relax on the cool shaded deck of the Rip Van Winkle, visit our beverage & snack bars for tasty refreshments. Your experienced guide will point out millionaires' sumptuous estates, picturesque Hudson river lighthouses and quaint sleepy villages surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards, orchards and scenic preservation sites.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The boat has a lower enclosed deck, a middle deck which is a shaded but otherwise open are, and an open air upper deck with bench seating.
A fully stocked bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a snack bar with light fare such as hot dogs & fresh popped popcorn is available on the lower main deck at your own expense.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed on board the boat
There is plenty of seating on the boat, both inside and on the upper deck, which consists mainly of bench-style seating; the main lower deck has chairs; seating is on a first-come first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early if you’d like to sit in a particular area of the boat
If you or someone in your group is in a wheelchair or has limited mobility, contact the tour operator to discuss accessibility
What To Expect
Hudson River Cruises
Enjoy a relaxing, 90 minute cruise on the Historic Hudson River. Enjoy the breeze on the top deck or the a/c on the lower deck as you take in the sights, wildlife and beautiful homes and scenery.
Options
HudsonRiver Sightseeing Cruise
Hudson River Sightseeing Cruis: Enjoy a narrated sightseeing cruise on the Hudson River.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Food and drinks, full bar service, available for purchase
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
816 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dull ride
Amy R,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The route on the river was very picturesque. The recorded narration was very dull. It would have been nice to have a live, in real time narration with some local stories and jokes. The staff didn’t really engage with the guests.
A beautiful scenic tour along the Hudson River
Charles F,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing trip along the Hudson River with a history lesson thrown in. Staff was super-friendly and helpful. There was a bar with drinks and snacks for purchase. We sat at the very front of the ship and had a great view of everything. Just wished I had thought to bring a hat and sunblock. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip!
Sightseeing Cruise Kingston
W2680ZNjacquelinee,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very comfortable and informative tour. The ship staff was very friendly and ship was clean.
Informative and relaxing cruise
V6471JAjaneb,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great cruise on a humid day! The tour was informative (revolutionary history, lighthouses, mansions) and the guides (both recorded and live) were very good. An enjoyable way to see the river from a different perspective!
A beautiful afternoon on the water
Bonnie L,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We enjoyed the Rip CanWinkle on a sunny Sunday afternoon in early June. The scenery is lovely. It was great to see the Rondout and Esopus Meadows lighthouses from the water. There was a wide variety of boat traffic….,from fisherman in Jon boats to a loaded barge. We positioned ourselves on the upper deck in the open for the best view but it was easy to move around to see something interesting or get an unobstructed photo. The boat has a small service area where snacks and drinks could be purchased. The dock was easy to find and parking is plentiful. The only negative of the trip was the recorded narration. It was difficult to hear over the noise of the engine. All in all it was a good experience. I would recommend it to anyone exploring the Hudson Valley.
Great Day Trop.
Nancy Z,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were looking for something fun to do before a friend's wedding, and this was the perfect choice. The captain and staff were friendly, professional, and made the experience enjoyable. Afterward, we enjoyed the nearby shops and restaurants. Definitely recommend!
Cruise on the Rip
pjsag54yahoocom,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A nice relaxing Cruise with info on the river and a nice adult beverage made for a nice trip the crew were very attentive
Great trip
Michael K,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip, crew is very nice. Learned things I never knew about New York and I'm a lifelong resident.
Spectacular, though expensive, like everything in N.Y.
Piterco5,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Criticism for the price ($130 per person for a dinner just enough, just water, if you want beer or wine.. help!!) would deserve max. two or three bullets, but the beauty of the cruise recommends the maximum rating. In fact, even on a cold evening almost zero thermal, the show that offers the navigation route between the Brooklyn bridges and Verrazzano and, in the middle, the Statue of Liberty is breathtaking. So, patience, hand to wallet and forward!
Great trip along the Hudson!
muszekfan,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip on the Rip van Winkle II. It was in October, but the weather was like summer and shade from the sun was at a premium. The guides were great, the scenery was amazing, and we loved it. So great to see the lighthouses too. Highly recommended for all ages.
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Operated by Hudson River Cruises