Board at the IYRS Docks at 449 Thames Street, Newport, RI. Park in the IYRS lot and meet at the benches overlooking the harbor; arrive 10 minutes early.

Can we bring food and drinks?

Yes—BYOB and snacks are encouraged. The crew provides ice, a cooler, bottled water, cups, and a bottle opener.

Yes, when conditions permit and with a signed swim waiver; the captain has final authority on safety for swim stops.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refund 14+ days before; 50% or gift card 13 days–72 hours; no refund within 72 hours; weather cancellations receive a full refund.

Is Ladybird accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

No—due to dock and vessel layout Ladybird cannot accommodate wheelchairs or strollers and boarding requires stepping down into the cockpit.

Yes—well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard; notify the operator in advance if bringing a pet.

Sail Ladybird: Private 4-Hour Newport Harbor Cruise & Narragansett Bay Swim | Private | Boat Tour

Adventure Brief

Spend four private hours aboard a classic Friendship sloop, exploring Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay with swim stops, an onboard picnic, and a crew that customizes the route to wind and mood. BYOB, bring towels, and relax into a slower, celebratory way to know Newport from the water.

4 hours

easy

From $1,462.80

Step aboard Ladybird, a classic Friendship sloop, and spend four unhurried hours sailing out of Newport, Rhode Island, from the IYRS Docks at 449 Thames Street. This private charter threads Newport Harbor into the wider sweep of Narragansett Bay, where low granite headlands, colonial-era forts, and shuttered coastal estates trace a maritime story as old as New England’s seafaring life. On a calm afternoon the boat heels gently and the sea smells of salt and warm wood; on breezier days you feel the sloop pull through a steady, elegant heel while sails trim against a cobalt sky.

The route shifts with wind and tide but often includes close passages by Goat Island, views of Fort Adams’ stone ramparts, the stately New York Yacht Club, and iconic headlands like Castle Hill where a lighthouse marks the bay’s entrance. You may spot Clingstone, the little “castle” on a rock, and long rows of Victorian-era mansions that signal Newport’s yachting past. Narragansett Bay’s shoreline is largely a glacially scoured, rocky coast—expect crystalline tidal pools and textured granite outcrops that catch afternoon light and reward close-up attention.

What makes the four-hour Ladybird charter sing is time. With the boat to yourselves and a professional captain and crew on hand, you can stretch a swim stop when conditions allow, lay out an onboard picnic, curate a playlist through the provided Bluetooth system, and truly settle into the rhythms of sailing. The Friendship sloop’s traditional lines lend authenticity: this isn’t a high-speed tour but a measured, nautical conversation with the water. The captain tailors the route to wind, weather, and your group’s goals, so celebrations, proposals, or quiet afternoons feel bespoke.

Practical details are straightforward: check-in at IYRS, arrive early for harbor parking, bring sunscreen, towels, and your BYOB selection—the boat supplies ice, bottled water, cups, and a cooler. Ladybird is Coast Guard-inspected and comes with required safety gear; however, boarding requires stepping down into the cockpit and the vessel is not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible. Swim stops require a signed waiver and captain approval.

If you want an afternoon that pairs maritime history, sculpted coastal geology, and private time on the water, Ladybird offers a distinctive Newport experience. It’s an ideal choice for small groups who want an intimate, flexible sail that leans into the bay’s best light, the crew’s local knowledge, and a slower way to know Newport from the water.

Bring a camera for low-angle shots from the foredeck and golden-hour silhouettes near Castle Hill; the crew will take group photos. The boat includes a small marine head for comfort and floatation aids for non-swimmers. For special occasions the crew assists with décor, and the slower pace lets you savor Newport’s shoreline without rushing.