Yes—this is a BYO food and drink cruise; the boat provides glassware, ice, and water but check local open-container rules and drink responsibly.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes, Buttercup has a comfortable onboard head for guest use during the cruise.

How many people can join?

The boat accommodates up to six guests per booking for a private cruise.

Is the boat accessible?

Buttercup is described as extremely accessible and easy-to-board following a full refit; contact the operator ahead of your trip to discuss specific mobility needs.

What happens in bad weather?

The captain monitors conditions and may reschedule or adjust the route; check cancellation and weather policies when booking.

Can I request a custom route or highlights?

Yes—the itinerary is flexible and the captain will tailor the cruise to show geological features, shipwreck markers, islands, or sunset aspects based on conditions.

Private Sunset Picnic Cruise on Lake Champlain — Buttercup BYO Boat from Burlington

Slide aboard Buttercup for a two-hour sunset picnic cruise on Lake Champlain, launching from 1 College St. Burlington, VT 05401 | Burlington Community Boathouse. This compact, traditionally outfitted picnic boat is a simple, sociable way to experience Burlington’s waterfront: cushioned benches beneath a full canopy, varnished wood accents, custom tables, a convenient head, and an attentive captain who pilots while you pour a glass. The route is flexible—no two cruises are alike—but Buttercup swings out past the Burlington Harbor to show off geological and human history in tidy vignettes. You’ll pass the Champlain Thrust Fault, a dramatic exposed bedrock where ancient tectonic plates meet; sweep past more than seventy named islands; round marked 19th-century shipwrecks that bob under the surface; and nod toward the first lighthouse on the lake, built in 1825. Across the water the Adirondacks make a serrated silhouette while the Greens sit closer and softer; on summer nights cliffs at Lone Rock Point and Red Rocks host cliff-jumpers lit by late light. This BYO picnic format is what makes Buttercup different. The boat supplies glassware, cutlery, cutting boards, napkins, ice and water, plus small luxuries such as a Champagne tower and wine keys—bring the rest and tailor a menu that travels well. Finger foods, charcuterie, cold salads and cans or bottles are easiest at sea, though the crew will happily share local lore about shipwrecks, island names, and the occasional Champ sighting. Buttercup launched in 2018 and underwent a full refit in 2023; she’s accessible and easy to board, designed for sociable groups of up to six guests. Practicalities are friendly: the cruise lasts roughly two hours, is suitable for all ages, and the captain handles navigation and safety. It’s an approachable choice for first-time boaters, couples seeking a private sunset, small celebrations, or anyone who wants a quiet way to see Burlington’s waterfront without crowds. The business is a local touchpoint: small-boat operators like this one keep the harbor active, share practical stewardship messages, and point out conservation concerns—zebra mussels, shoreline erosion, and responsible anchoring—while giving visitors a direct connection to Lake Champlain’s geology and history. Bring a warm layer and a camera, prepare a compact picnic, and expect a relaxed pace punctuated by short narrative stops. Whether you come to watch the mountains change color, scope out old wrecks, or toast over glassware under a folding canopy, Buttercup delivers a compact, memorable slice of Burlington waters. Reservations are private and limited to groups of six, so book early for weekend sunsets; arrival at the Burlington Community Boathouse meeting point is recommended fifteen minutes before departure to stow gear and review safety briefing with the captain who will suggest best routing for current wind and light.

About Whistling Man

Whistling Man is a Burlington, Vermont based sailing operator offering guided and private cruises on Lake Champlain. The company runs historic Friendship Sloops, the classic Goldenrod sloop, the sleek Edgewater, and a picnic boat named Buttercup. Experiences include private sunset sailing cruises, private and public daytime sailing cruises, private and public picnic boat cruises, a learn-to-sail program with a licensed captain, fireworks cruises, and customizable Lake Champlain adventure tours.

Each trip emphasizes scenic mountain views, island exploration, and local maritime history. Private sunset sailing cruises provide relaxed evening voyages aboard a Friendship Sloop. The learn-to-sail experience focuses on hands-on instruction in knots, navigation, docking, and safety to prepare participants to rent and handle classic sloops. Fireworks cruises offer seasonal celebrations with waterfront views of Burlington Harbor. Adventure tours on the Edgewater allow for swimming, island stops, and flexible itineraries while the Buttercup picnic boat is designed for BYO food and relaxed social outings.

Whistling Man bases operations in Burlington and sails on Lake Champlain, drawing on local knowledge of islands, shipwreck sites, and scenic landmarks. Licensed captains lead trips and provide narration, navigation, and safety oversight. The combination of historic vessels, varied trip formats, and licensed instruction supports guest confidence and enjoyment. Advance booking is available for private and specialty cruises. Visitors should consult trip descriptions for specifics on capacity, duration, and seasonal availability.

Standard safety equipment is carried on each vessel, and captains review safety procedures before departure; guests should confirm schedules, capacity, and booking details in advance online.