Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The Admiral deck (bottom level) is wheelchair accessible and includes an accessible restroom; call ahead so staff can assist with boarding if needed.

Can my pets come with me?

No; because the vessel operates as a licensed restaurant, pets are not allowed except certified service animals.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onboard?

No. Outside food and beverages are not permitted due to the ship’s restaurant licensing and food safety policies.

What payment methods are accepted onboard?

The Spirit of Ethan Allen is cashless and accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover for purchases from the Ethan Allen Café.

When do cruises depart?

Daily departures are at 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.; check the operator’s booking link for current schedules and availability.

Is there a dress code for evening cruises?

There’s no required dress code, but evening events tend to be dressier—bring an extra layer for cool waterfront breezes.

Scenic Narrated Cruise on Lake Champlain: 90-Minute Food & Sightseeing Tour from Burlington

Set out from the Spirit of Ethan Allen 1 College Street in Burlington, Vermont, and let the city fall away as the ship pushes into the broad reach of Lake Champlain. The 90-minute Scenic Narrated Cruise threads north past the jagged shoals of Lone Rock Point, loops around tree-topped Juniper Island, skirts the moss-stained outcrop of Rock Dunder and eases into the marshy sweep of Shelburne Bay before returning through Burlington’s South End. Guides layer local history and navigation lore over panoramic lake views while the Ethan Allen Café serves easy plates and refreshing drinks aboard. What distinguishes this cruise is how quickly it moves from open water to sheltered inlets, exposing rocky ledges, cattail marshes, and the small-island geography that defines this shore. Bird life is immediate: watch for loons calling offshore, herons in the shallows, and the occasional bald eagle riding a thermal above the islands. Narration highlights human stories too—the lake’s role in regional trade, seasonal regattas, and the marks left by ice and glacial movement—so passengers leave with both a map in mind and new ways to read the shoreline. Practical comforts make it a good fit for families, older visitors, and anyone who prefers low-impact sightseeing; the Admiral deck (bottom level) is wheelchair accessible and includes a restroom, and the ship operates as a cashless business. With departures at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., the cruise pairs easily with a visit to Church Street, the waterfront trail, or a picnic at Battery Park. Why book it? For travelers short on time but eager to sample Lake Champlain’s variety, this outing condenses scenic islands, wetlands, local storytelling, and a café into a simple, comfortable sail. It’s an orientation cruise that turns postcard views into lived detail and points you toward other local adventures: biking the Burlington Bike Path, exploring ECHO Aquarium, or picking a lakeside restaurant in the South End. Bring a jacket and a camera; the lake rewards close attention.