burlington vermont boat tours

Spirit of Ethan Allen

Come Cruise With Us!

Daily Cruises

Private deck, 2024 season begins may 4, for an unforgettable experience, just add water.

Book Online Now Gift Cards

Bike & Boat Package

• Enjoy Burlington Blog

• Program Sign Up
• Reserve a Campsite
• Reserve a Space
• Conservation
• Parks & Beaches
• Paths & Trails

Charter Boats & Cruises

No boat? No Problem! We offer the following charter boats to get you out on the water today. All boats are docked at the Community Boathouse Marina unless indicated:

• Spirit of Ethan Allen III , (802)862-8300 Cruise along Lake Champlain on any one of their excursion packages, or charter your special event.
• Whistling Man Schooner , (802)-825-7245 Sailing cruises on Lake Champlain aboard two beautiful, wooden-rigged sloops: the Friend Ship and Wild Rose. The sailing experience is enriched by breathtaking mountain views and by knowledgeable crew members who create a safe, relaxed, and entertaining atmosphere. Cruises are two hours and are BYO food and drink. Sunset and daytime options available for public or private charter.
• Let’s Go Sailing , (802)735-4165 Charter a sailboat with Captain Gideon Bavly. Sit back & relax or learn to sail hands-on.

The Community Sailing Center also offers a wide array of sailing and paddling rentals, lessons and programs. They’re located just north of Waterfront Park near the new A_Dog Skatepark.

Healing Winds  is a local non-profit that provides a sailing reprieve for those affected by cancer and all who love them. If you or someone you love is in treatment for cancer and would enjoy time together sailing on Lake Champlain, nominate them for a Healing Winds sail!

Please call these companies for information and book your boat ride today!

4 Brothers Charter Co.

We offer private cruise experiences. Your party will have the tug to yourself. Contact us if you cannot find a convenient cruise time and we will do our best to accommodate your party.

The finest charter experience on lake champlain..

4 Brothers Charter Company  offers the finest private charters in the area with a safe and hearty USCG inspected vessel and well-seasoned captains at the helm. 

Welcome Aboard!

4 Brothers Charter offers something that other charters do not; the privacy of a smaller vessel with the big heart of a Tug. Our Captains ensure that everyone on board has the chance to enjoy their experience while laughing, learning, and making lasting memories. TUGLIFE!

Do you have a question? Are you ready to go? We are here to help!

Thanks for submitting!

Burlington Vermont Boat Tours Location

Buttercup is located at 1 College St. Burlington, VT 05401. This address is a bit of a catch all for several businesses down by the waterfront, so we've included a little diagram below for how to find us once you're by the Echo Museum. 

Burlington has many options for public parking near the waterfront, but it does tend to fill up quickly in the summertime! We recommend giving yourself ample time to find parking and get to the boat before your departure.

The City of Burlington has an interactive map resource that can help you figure out where to park! Find that map here 

It looks like you're viewing this on a mobile device.

Our designs are not mobile responsive yet, that will come later.

Please view this page on your computer.

Daily Cruise Schedule

• Captain's Choice: Specialty Cruises
• Bike & Boat Excursion
• Explore Our Menus
• Weddings & Receptions
• Rehearsal Dinners
• Gallery & Testimonials
• Private Events
• Parties of 20+
• Corporate Team Escapes
• Proms & Grad Night Galas
• School Field Trips
• Education on the Lake
• Explorer's Toolkit (FAQ)
• Boat Accessibility
• Vermont Tourism
• Photo Gallery
• Spirit News
• Captains & Crew
• Lake Champlain Waterfront
• Book Your Adventure
• Get A Quote

Book Your Adventure!

Fluxus dapibus morbi risus bibendum commodo. Ipsum suspendisse vestibulum accumsan vestibulum varius elit. Curabitur consectetur placerat quam, dignissim porttitor turpis blandit a. Nullam tempor varius mauris, dictum blandit nunc. Euismod congue quisque nam, facilisi congue.

What better way to see the Solar Eclipse than to see it unobstructed from on Lake Champlain itself! Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise on Lake Champlain to see this historic event!

This special events cruise is $149.99 per person. All sales for this cruise are FINAL: tickets are non-cancelable and non-refundable. Ticket price includes the 4-hour cruise, high-end hors d’oeuvres, complimentary soft drinks, and eclipse glasses!

The cruise will depart from 1 College Street, behind the ECHO Leahy Center at 1:00 PM and return to the same location at 5:00 PM. Boarding will begin at 12:00 PM.

Please note that the streets leading to Downtown Burlington and the Waterfront will close at 11:00 AM, so please plan accordingly! There are no refunds or credits if you miss the boat and the boat will not wait for late passengers.

Please click here for more information

CELEBRATIONS

What Passengers are Saying

10 Things You Can Fit Into One Weekend In Burlington, Vermont

• Explore Church Street Marketplace, Burlington's vibrant downtown district with boutique shops, restaurants, and a lively arts scene.
• Take a walk or bike ride along the Burlington waterfront for breathtaking views and recreational opportunities.
• Visit the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center to explore exhibits on the Champlain Basin and Adirondacks, and enjoy hands-on activities for kids.

Wondering how to spend a weekend in Burlington, Vermont? Burlington is the largest city in Vermont and offers plenty of activities for travelers looking to make the most out of a weekend getaway. Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain and surrounded by scenic mountains, Burlington provides a perfect blend of urban attractions and outdoor adventures.

From exploring historic sites and appreciating local arts and culture to hiking, biking, and water activities, travelers have many options to fill their weekend itinerary. Burlington's vibrant downtown district features boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and a lively arts scene. The city also serves as a gateway to the nearby Green Mountains, providing easy access to outdoor pursuits, like skiing, as well as camping. For those who prefer a little more luxury, there are even some amazing glamping options in the Green Mountains .

So, with its stunning natural scenery, refreshing small-town charm, and many things to see and do, travelers can fit many memorable experiences into just one weekend in Burlington.

Explore Church Street Marketplace

Exploring the vibrant Church Street Marketplace is one of the top things to do in Burlington . The pedestrian-only Church Street Marketplace should be at the top of any traveler's Burlington weekend itinerary.

This bustling outdoor mall stretching for four blocks is Burlington's epicenter of retail and dining. Visitors can browse the boutique shops featuring Vermont-made products, pop into a café, enjoy street entertainment, or sample cuisine from the many excellent restaurants. On weekends, there's a lively farmer's market where one can pick up local produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. It's a great place to soak up Burlington's youthful, creative vibe.

• Location: Church Street between Main Street and Pearl Street, downtown Burlington
• Hours: Shops open daily 10 am-7 pm; restaurants/cafes open earlier and close later
• Best Times: Weekends for farmer's market, evenings for street performers

Related: A Journey Through Church Street Marketplace: Vermont's Unique Winter Charm

Take A Walk Or Bike Ride Along The Burlington Waterfront

Burlington's scenic waterfront along Lake Champlain offers breathtaking views and many recreational opportunities. Travelers can take a relaxing stroll or an invigorating bike ride along the 7.5-mile biking and walking path parallel to the shoreline. One will pass sandy beaches, lakeside parks, marinas, and other attractions.

Stop at Waterfront Park , where one can dip their toes in the lake, have a picnic, and enjoy free live music and events during summer. Travelers should take advantage of the Burlington Bike Path extending north, offering more scenic riding with views of the lake and the iconic Adirondack Mountains beyond.

• Location: Along Lake Champlain, access from downtown Burlington
• Length: 7.5 mile path one-way
• Attractions: Beaches, parks, marinas, splashing fountain

Visit The ECHO Lake Aquarium

The ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center makes a fun educational outing in Burlington. This interactive museum overlooking Lake Champlain offers exhibits exploring the ecology, history, and culture of the Champlain Basin and Adirondacks. Highlights include a giant wraparound tank housing native aquatic life, turtle terrariums, touch pools, and multi-sensory displays.

There are also special hands-on activities for kids, like exploring a shipwreck. Before leaving, visit the observation deck for stellar lake and mountain views. ECHO provides an enriching look at the natural wonders of Vermont's landscape.

• Hours: Open daily 10 am-5 pm
• Highlights: Lake exhibit, turtle terrariums, outdoor deck

Go Hiking Or Skiing In The Green Mountains Near Burlington

Visitors who are nature lovers will want to take advantage of the chance to explore the Green Mountains, just a short drive from Burlington. Camel's Hump State Park offers excellent hiking trails with panoramic alpine views leading to the distinctive Camel's Hump summit.

For a winter adventure, travelers can hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort, featuring Vermont's highest peak and varied terrain, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Bolton Valley is another great option located just 30 minutes from Burlington, with plenty of family-friendly trails. Enjoy the area's natural splendor on scenic mountain trails or alpine ski runs.

• Camel's Hump Hiking: 5 miles round trip, moderate difficulty, incredible summit views
• Stowe Mountain Resort Skiing: 116 trails, 485 skiable acres, terrain for all levels
• Bolton Valley Skiing: 71 trails, 300 skiable acres, great for families

Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Burlington Vermont During The Fall

Enjoy A Boat Tour On Lake Champlain

A boat tour on Lake Champlain is one of the best ways for travelers to admire Burlington's stunning surroundings and learn about the area's history and landmarks. Several operators, like Lake Champlain Cruises, offer narrated tours to visitors showcasing highlights like remote islands, historic lighthouses, the Adirondack coastline, and the region's wildlife.

Multi-hour tours include perks like onboard meals and live entertainment. Travelers can rent a kayak or charter a sailboat for a more active adventure. However one chooses to explore Lake Champlain, they'll gain new perspectives and appreciation for this magnificent body of water at the region's heart. Interestingly, Lake Champlain is also home to many diveable shipwrecks in some parts.

• Tour Length: Options from 1 hour to full-day
• Attractions: Lighthouses, islands, Adirondack views
• Operators: Lake Champlain Cruises, Spirit of Ethan Allen

Visit The Shelburne Museum

Travelers can also tour this unique museum, which showcases an impressive collection of American art spanning centuries. Housed in 39 historic structures relocated to the grounds, the Shelburne Museum's diverse exhibits feature folk art, quilts, decoys, furniture, and more. Highlights include the landmark steamboat Ticonderoga, a vintage carousel, and paintings by American impressionists.

The museum grounds also contain historic gardens and picturesque walking trails beside Shelburne Pond. An adventure tour in the Shelburne Museum transports one back through centuries of American history and culture. It's an ideal indoor activity for a rainy or relaxing weekend afternoon.

• Location: 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne
• Top Attractions: Steamboat Ticonderoga, carousel, gardens

Tuck Into A Picnic In Oakledge Park

Oakledge Park is perfect for a relaxing picnic for travelers, as it offers phenomenal lake and mountain views. This waterfront park contains sprawling green lawns, ornamental gardens, and walking paths winding among majestic oak trees. Visitors can spread a blanket and picnic anywhere they like or use one of the park's picnic tables.

After eating, they can walk down to the beach to swim, stroll along the shore, and admire the views across Lake Champlain. Enjoy free summer concerts at the covered bandstand. With its gorgeous scenery and amenities, Oakledge Park invites visitors to slow down and savor the joys of a Vermont summer afternoon.

• Amenities: Green lawns, gardens, trails, beach access
• Best Times: Summer evenings for sunset views

Related: 10 Holiday Happenings To Find In Burlington, Vermont This Season

See A Show At The Flynn Center For The Performing Arts

Visitors can catch a show at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Burlington for an evening of culture and entertainment. This premier performing arts venue presents an acclaimed lineup of music, dance, comedy, Broadway musicals, and more in its multiple theaters.

Nationally touring productions share the marquee with local performing arts groups. High-caliber performances in an elegant theater setting make for a sophisticated night out. Before or after the show, Travelers can enjoy drinks and dining at one of the many nearby award-winning restaurants. Experiencing the Flynn Center's outstanding programming is a highlight for many visitors.

• Location: 153 Main St, Burlington
• Shows: Music, dance, comedy, Broadway musicals

Go Shopping At The University Of Vermont Farmer's Market

Burlington’s restaurant scene is one of the reasons why Burlington should be on everyone’s travel radar . But the shopping is also worth it. Take advantage of the buzzing University of Vermont Farmers Market for fresh local fare and artisanal products. Every Saturday from May to October, over 90 vendors sell organic produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, maple products, and crafts.

The market celebrates Vermont's abundant agriculture and culinary excellence. It's the perfect place to grab fixings for a farm-to-table picnic, chat with friendly farmers, and sample the best of Vermont's harvest. Many vendors also offer tasty, prepared foods and snacks for enjoying on-site. With its festive atmosphere and bounty of local goods, the farmers market is a highlight for many Burlington weekenders.

• Hours: Saturdays 9 am-2 pm, May to October
• Things to Do: Listen to music, eat prepared foods

Devour Some Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

There's no better way to celebrate a weekend spent in Burlington than trying Vermont's famous Ben & Jerry's ice cream! Satisfy one's sweet tooth at the original Burlington Scoop Shop, which opened in 1978. Step up to the counter and sample inventive flavors like Cherry Garcia or Phish Food. One can also join a factory tour to learn about Ben & Jerry's history, wacky company culture, and ice cream manufacturing process.

Visitors can cap off their delicious tour with a serving of their favorite flavor. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this iconic Vermont brand. Indulging in Ben & Jerry's creamy, over-the-top ice cream creations tops off a memorable weekend in Burlington.

• Location: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury
• Hours: Daily 9 am-9 pm
• Top Attractions: Original shop, factory tour