"Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made."
- Robert N. Rose
Our wondrous valley is so fortunate to have the majestic Hudson River as our water playground. When it’s too hot for shore tours it’s time to get your sea legs at myriad boating escapades that will keep the entire family on an even keel—from sailing and yachting tours to kayaking and learning to travel by trimaran. And while you’re peacefully adrift cruising the waters you’ll get a seagull’s view of mansions, historic lighthouses, pleasurable pastoral scenes, and so much more.
Tivoli
Tivoli Sailing Company
Explores the Mid-Hudson River between Kingston and Germantown. Offers guided boat tours, Historic Mansion Tours, and bird-watching tours. 845-901-2697; tivolisailing.com
Saugerties
Black Swan Sailing
USCG-licensed Captain Robert Henderson and crew sail the Black Swan, a 36’ Catalina sailboat, on the Hudson River. Departs from Saugerties. If you would like food while on board they offer a selection from local merchants they can bring for you. 845-542-SAIL (7245); blackswansailing.com
Kingston
Hudson River Cruises
Enjoy a delicious lunch and refreshing beverage as you relax on the cool, shaded deck. Your experienced guide will point out millionaires’ estates, picturesque lighthouses, and quaint sleepy villages surrounded by scenic views of farms and preservation sites. 845-340-4700; hudsonrivercruises.com
Hudson River Water Taxi
River Taxi service from Kingston to Rhinecliff with a free shuttle to the village of Rhinebeck. Lighthouse tours on the Hudson River, and provides an opportunity for visitors to dine, shop and explore Kingston’s Waterfront. 845-340-4700
North River Charters
The Crew of the United States Coast Guard inspected vessel the Teal insures a memorable, safe and friendly voyage aboard their motor yacht. 845-750-6025; theteal.com
Hudson Sailing
Excursions and instruction aboard Cirrus, a 28-foot trimaran. Cirrus is fast, comfortable and safe. All excursions are captained by Dan Feldman, a USCG-licensed captain. 845-687-2440; hudsonsailing.com
Blue Dolphin Charters
Private cruises on the Hudson River aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 34-foot Hatteras Sport Cruiser. Catering and beverage service available. Reservations required. 845-399-1531; bluedolphincharter.com
Hyde Park
Norrie Point Paddlesport Center
Largest kayak outfitter in the New York tri-state area, specializing on the Hudson River Valley, offering over 75 different kayak tours and instructional programs. 845-889-8461; atlantickayaktours.com
Poughkeepsie
Empire Cruise Lines
Climb aboard the 60-foot double-decked M/V Mystere to enjoy a sightseeing or lunch cruise, or a dinner cruise. Walking distance from Walkway Over The Hudson and Metro-North Railroad. 315-934-4157; empirecruiselines.com
For Sail Parasailing
Offering parasail flights and crusises on the beautiful Hudson River between Kingston and Peekskill. Leaving the dock at Shadows on the Hudson, Poughkeepsie. 845-897-7245; forsailparasailing.com
Newburgh
River Rose Cruises
Tour the Hudson on the beautiful, authentic New Orleans paddleboat, The River Rose. Cruises include sightseeing, brunch, dinner, holiday cruises and dance parties. 845-563-1067; riverrosecruises.com
Hudson River Adventures
Relax in the climate-controlled main salon or enjoy the passing scenery from the spacious sun deck. The Pride Of The Hudson specializes in weddings, receptions, schools, corporate functions or any other occasion. 845-220-2120; prideofthehudson.com
Beacon
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
The Clearwater, America's Environmental Flagship, sails the Hudson River hosting public sails and innovative onboard educational programs. 845-265-8080; clearwater.org
