THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard Solaris, the Hudson River’s only solar-powered boat, for a 75-minute cruise featuring historian Bill Merchant’s captivating stories about the Delaware and Hudson Canal. This unique trip blends sustainable boating with immersive local history.
Step aboard Solaris, the Hudson River’s only solar-powered boat, for a 75-minute cruise featuring historian Bill Merchant’s captivating stories about the Delaware and Hudson Canal. This unique trip blends sustainable boating with immersive local history.
Book with Hudson River Maritime Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hudson River Maritime Museum · Kingston, New York
Set in Kingston, New York, where the Hudson River meets Rondout Creek, the Hudson River Maritime Museum offers a one-of-a-kind historical voyage aboard Solaris, the river’s only solar-powered vessel. This 75-minute cruise combines environmental innovation with rich storytelling, presenting a fresh way to engage with the area’s industrial past. Solaris glides quietly along the water, powered entirely by solar energy—an impressive nod to sustainability on a river whose history runs deep.
During the trip, Deputy Director and historian Bill Merchant unfolds the story of the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal, a remarkable 19th-century engineering feat that transformed Rondout Creek into a bustling maritime artery. Each voyage brings new artifacts onboard, sparking lively conversations that illuminate the canal’s role in shaping regional commerce and the industrialization of upstate New York. Passengers wind their way upstream to Lock No. 1 at Eddyville, a weigh lock once integral to canal barges’ journeys. Along this route, rugged limestone bluffs and patches of northern hardwood forests frame the waterway, offering a visual backdrop that enriches the historical experience.
What distinguishes this tour is its blend of quiet reflection on the water, direct interaction with tangible history, and a commitment to clean energy. The museum’s choice to build and operate Solaris locally reinforces Kingston’s ongoing connection to maritime heritage and stewardship of the Hudson. This journey isn’t just about looking back—it’s about witnessing how history and innovation intersect in the landscape, making it a standout experience for history buffs, environmentalists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Ideal for visitors yearning for a thoughtful, low-impact trip into one of New York’s most storied waterways, this cruise invites questions, contemplation, and an appreciation of both natural and human forces that shaped the region. Come aboard Solaris for a refreshing perspective on the historic D&H Canal corridor and its timeless influence.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels since the activity is seated and low impact.
The Solaris is accessible, but guests with specific needs should contact the museum in advance to ensure accommodations.
Small snacks and water are permitted; however, large coolers and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
Tours operate in light rain but may be canceled for storms or unsafe conditions, with refunds provided.
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
The boarding point is at the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s dock at 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY.
Yes, there is parking available nearby, but spaces may be limited during peak times.
The Delaware and Hudson Canal once linked the coal fields of Pennsylvania to the Hudson River, fueling 19th-century industrial growth.
Operating Solaris with solar power highlights the museum’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact on the Hudson River ecosystem.
Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston, New York presents public cruises and themed experiences aboard Solaris, a solar-powered passenger boat. The museum programs a variety of outings that combine live performance, regional history, and waterfront scenery. Solaris Live Music Cruise showcases local artists in an intimate, floating concert setting where guests may bring beverages and enjoy an evening on the river. Dual Lighthouse Cruise sails past the historic Rondout and Esopus Meadows Lighthouses aboard Solaris, noted as the first solar-powered passenger boat licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Wrecks & Industry explores Kingston and Rondout Creek's industrial past, identifying sunken vessels and waterfront landmarks during a narrated cruise. Wine Tasting on the Hudson features curated tastings led by Sam Hewitt from the Kingston Wine Company, pairing local wines with river views. D&H Canal History invites historian Bill Merchant to share stories and artifacts en route to Lock No. 1. The River People: Historic Lenape Lifeways brings Lenape lifeways into a river context with Justin Wexler. River Gong on Solaris with HariPrakaash offers a sound-based experience, and Family Friendly Halloween Classics provides seasonal programming for families. These offerings emphasize Solaris as a 100% solar-powered vessel and reference U.S. Coast Guard licensing for the passenger boat. Named presenters, themed programming, and the unique solar platform make the museum's cruises a focused way to experience Kingston's waterfront from the water.
Book with Hudson River Maritime Museum