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Narragansett Bay

Narragansett Bay: Our most recommended tours and activities

Newport, RI: Narrated Lighthouse Cruise

1. Newport, RI: Narrated Lighthouse Cruise

Sit back and relax on this leisurely boat tour around historic Newport Rhode Island. Once aboard, you will cross the lower part of Narragansett Bay as you sail into the famous Newport Harbor. Take in the breathtaking coastline, marvel at iconic lighthouses, and view magnificent harbor mansions along the way.   During the spring cruises, you'll witness Daffodil Days, where you can celebrate spring's arrival with fresh blooms and fresh air. In the fall, you can cozy up on the covered upper deck. The main salon is warm and features a grand central bar. Seasonal beverages will be served at the bar where cash and credit card are accepted.    On the tour, you will see and hear about the lighthouses of Goat Island, Rose Island, Castle Hill, and Lime Rock, and also learn about neighboring sites like the harbor mansions, churches, historic Fort Adams, Jamestown Village, the Newport Pell Bridge, and more. You may even see a local seal in the water.    Either before sailing or upon your arrival back to shore, take a moment on land to walk around and soak up the vibrancy of the port. Take a pause and enjoy a sweet or savory treat in one of the many cafes lining the port.    Feel free to pick up a drink, have a seat, and take in the sights. Coastal Queen is spacious which allows you to move about throughout the cruise. 

Newport, RI: Evening Cocktail Cruise of Narragansett Bay

2. Newport, RI: Evening Cocktail Cruise of Narragansett Bay

Experience Newport Harbor and Lower Narragansett Bay as the sun goes down while sipping a special complimentary drink. See mega yachts, lighthouses, historic church steeples, the Newport Pell Bridge, Rose Island, the Jamestown shoreline, historic forts, and so much more from aboard the Coastal Queen. Enjoy panoramic views from the warm and weatherproof main salon or from the open-air upper deck. Additional refreshments are available for purchase at the cash-only bar onboard. Coastal Queen staff follow the most current health guidelines to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. After the cruise, take a moment to walk around and soak up the vibrancy of this coastal town. Checkout out the shops or enjoy a sweet or savory treat in one of the many cafes lining the port.

Newport, RI: Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise

3. Newport, RI: Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise

Start your day in with style on a 75-minute, narrated lighthouse tour of scenic Newport Harbor. Take in some classic New England scenery aboard the boat, while sipping a morning drink. Listen as local guides share their knowledge of the four lighthouses surrounding Newport Harbor. Along the way, see historic church steeples, the Jamestown shoreline, the Newport Pell Bridge, Clingstone, Hammersmith Farm, the Newport Harbor mansions, mega yachts, offshore lobster and fishing vessels, and so much more. Kick back in the warm, covered, and virtually weatherproof main salon, or hit the open-air upper deck for catching the ocean breeze. Wherever you choose, enjoy sipping your drink while taking in the panoramic views in absolute comfort

Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Narragansett Bay Cruise

4. Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Narragansett Bay Cruise

Take in the classic New England fall scenery aboard the comfortable Coastal Queen on a city cruise from Newport, Rhode Island. Listen as local guides share their knowledge of the historic sites that surround the Newport Harbor and the Jamestown shoreline. See historic church steeples, Bowen’s and Banisters Wharves, lighthouses, forts, mega yachts, mansions, and more on the tour. You may even spot a seal or two. The Coastal Queen offers maximum comfort and has a weatherproof interior that can be heated on chilly days, a bar, panoramic views, and an open-air top-covered deck where the side curtains can roll up for catching the ocean breezes or rolled down for warmth.

From Providence: Day Trip around Rhode Island

5. From Providence: Day Trip around Rhode Island

Marveling at scenic views and learn about the history and culture of the Ocean State on this full-day bus tour. Uncover the things that make Rhode Island so attractive, including the quaint New England villages, scenic islands, magnificent beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and spectacular mansions. Start your day meeting up with your expert guide and hop aboard a climate-controlled tour bus as you embark on this full-day journey. Explore the smallest state in America, at 48 miles long and 37 miles wide. Begin in historic Providence and wind your way around the largest estuary in New England. Pass through charming Wickford, stunning Newport, Bristol (deemed America’s most patriotic town), and many other places. Along the way, there will be opportunities for you to get out, take pictures, and see things up close. After a full day of exploration, your tour will conclude where you first met.

Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour

6. Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour

Explore the history of Newport's mansions and the families that occupied them as you enjoy a scenic stroll along the Cliff Walk. Wander past Gilded Age palaces like the Breakers, Marble House, Belmont Estate, and many more, while listening to an informative audio guide on your phone. Head to the starting point, open your app, and set out on your tour of Newport's Cliff Walk. Discover how, at the turn of the 20th century, millionaires from New York and beyond competed for status by building palatial estates and throwing lavish galas in the ballrooms of their summer cottages. Wind your way along the coastal walkway, passing by mansions like the Breakers, Rosecliff, Belmont Estate, and Rough Point. Home by home, discover how these estates were built and why so many of them were simply abandoned or sold off for a fraction of what they cost to build. Hear about each impressive property and about the family behind it. Learn about Cornelius “The Commodore” Vanderbilt who built the most immense fortune in America at the time. And find out how his descendants squandered it. Navigate with ease using the app's GPS-enabled turn-by-turn directions as you walk, and move at your own pace, taking your time and pausing your tour whenever you need a break. Your audio-guided tour comes to an end at Bailey's Beach. From here, the app will guide you to the bus stop, where you can catch the bus back to Salve Regina University, just a short walk from the starting point (cost not included).

Other Sightseeing Options in Narragansett Bay

Want to discover all there is to do in Narragansett Bay? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Narragansett Bay

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 349 reviews

We had friends in from Ohio who never been to the ocean. The weather was perfect and our tour guide did an amazing job telling the history of the bay. We look forward to doing it again, this time for the sunset cruise!

It was so fun and informative. We had a beautiful sunny day so it was very enjoyable.

Great way to experience the beauty of the coast line. Relaxing and educational.

Relaxing and informative way to see part of Newport. Great commentary and boat.

We really enjoyed our trip to Newport RI and can’t wait to return.