Cruises, Boat Charters & Boat Rentals
With 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island is dubbed "The Ocean State" for good reason. Getting out on the water while you're here is a must, whether it's a chartered boat, gondola or riverboat tour. Browse through the options for water-based fun in Providence and beyond.
All Cruises, Boat Charters & Boat Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kinds of boat experiences are available near Providence, RI?
Providence-area boat partners offer guided sightseeing tours, gondola rides, lighthouse cruises, and private charters and rentals on Narragansett Bay and the Providence River. Options range from a 30-minute gondola ride downtown to a 100-minute lighthouse cruise from North Kingstown or a fully private charter from Barrington.
- Do I need a reservation for a Providence-area boat tour, cruise, or charter?
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended for all of these operators, and required for private charters. Walk-up availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak season or WaterFire nights, and advance online booking is often discounted compared to walk-in pricing.
- Which boat tours can operate on the Providence River during WaterFire?
Providence River Boat Company is one of two PUC-licensed operators permitted to run boat tours on the Providence River during WaterFire lighting events, when the river is otherwise closed to boat traffic. La Gondola also offers WaterFire-specific gondola rides timed to the lighting.
- Are these boat tours weather-dependent?
Yes. Boat tours, cruises, and charters in the Providence area are subject to weather conditions and may be canceled or rescheduled, particularly private charters through operators like East Bay Boat Tour.
- What does East Bay Boat Tours offer, and where is it located?
East Bay Boat Tours is a private charter company based in Barrington, RI, offering customizable trips such as lighthouse tours, sunset cruises, and excursions to Battleship Cove and Prudence Island.
Address: 101 Narragansett Avenue, Barrington, RI 02806
Phone: (401) 222-0277
Format: Private charter, 1-6 guests per boat
Price: $250 per hour
Reservations: Required, by phone or online- What is La Gondola, and where does it depart from in Providence?
La Gondola offers authentic Venetian gondola rides on the Providence River, including standard rides, a themed haunted-tour option, and rides timed to WaterFire lightings.
Departure address: 1 Citizens Plaza, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 421-8877
Standard ride: about 40 minutes
Full WaterFire ride: about 30 minutesReservations: Strongly recommended; walk-up availability is not guaranteed
- What is Providence River Boat Company, and where is it located?
Providence River Boat Company offers narrated sightseeing tours of the Providence River, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park, and Providence Harbor aboard open-air 18-passenger vessels, plus themed tours and WaterFire rides.
Address: 101 Dyer Street, Providence, RI 02903 (inside The Landing)
Phone: (401) 580-BOAT
Tour types: narrated historic tours, twilight river cruises, haunted boat tours, vineyard voyages, architecture tours, wine & brine cruises, and WaterFire rides
Track record: 35 seasons operating, GoProvidence "Member of the Year," TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
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