KINGSTON BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Birdwatching Aboard Solaris: Quiet, Solar-Powered Viewing on the Hudson
A 1 hour 15 minute guided boat outing from Kingston led by local birder Kyle Bardwell; useful for planning what to bring and understanding boarding requirements.
Birdwatching Aboard Solaris: Quiet, Solar-Powered Viewing on the Hudson.
Grab your binoculars and camera and step aboard Solaris, a museum-operated, solar‑powered vessel that threads a quiet course on the Hudson while a local birder points out shoreline species and scenic vantage points.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Solaris — the Hudson's only solar-powered boat
Built and operated by the Hudson River Maritime Museum, Solaris runs entirely on solar power; its quiet electric motor allows up-close, non‑intrusive viewing of wildlife without fossil fuels.
Local expertise on the rail
The trip is led by local birder Kyle Bardwell, who guides guests to scenic vantage points and helps identify the local birds visible from the water.
Up‑close birding from the water
The outing focuses on spotting local birds and enjoying shoreline scenery from Solaris' low, quiet profile — a different perspective than land-based watching.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Boarding with binoculars in hand, you glide from the museum dock aboard a hushed, solar‑powered craft; the guide points out species as the boat moves slowly along the river, then returns to dock after roughly seventy‑five minutes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Bring binoculars and a camera for birding and scenic photography; tickets include the boat ride and general admission to the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
To access Solaris you must navigate a gravel path, elevated gangways (which may sway or be wet) and climb three steps; for accessibility details contact the Hudson River Maritime Museum at 845-338-0071 or [email protected].
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the birdwatching cruise?
The trip duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What is included with my ticket?
All tickets include the boat ride and general admission to the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Who leads the birdwatching aboard Solaris?
The outing is led by local birder Kyle Bardwell.
Is Solaris truly solar-powered?
Yes — Solaris is the only solar-powered boat in operation on the Hudson River and runs without fossil fuels.
Are there any physical requirements to board Solaris?
Yes — participants must be able to navigate a gravel path to the docks, use elevated gangways that may sway or be wet, and climb three steps to board; contact the Hudson River Maritime Museum for more information.
How do I get more information about accessibility?
Contact the Hudson River Maritime Museum at 845-338-0071 or [email protected] to speak with staff about accessibility.