WRIGHTSVILLE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
BYOB Sunset on the Susquehanna: An Intimate Evening Aboard the Historic Chief Uncas
A 1.5-hour, small-group (up to 16) sunset cruise operated by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and how to plan your outing.
BYOB Sunset on the Susquehanna: An Intimate Evening Aboard the Historic Chief Uncas.
Settle into the low-slung benches of the historic Chief Uncas and watch the Susquehanna darken as the boat glides in near-silence across the river. The 1.5-hour sunset cruise is a small-group experience that lets you bring your own food and drinks, listen to music on the boat’s Bluetooth speakers, and learn from a knowledgeable crew member who can answer questions about the river and its history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An intimate 1.5-hour sunset cruise
Sunset Cruises run for 1.5 hours and are tailored to small groups — the Chief Uncas carries up to 16 passengers — creating a relaxed, personal evening on the Susquehanna.
Bring your own food, drinks and music
Guests may bring aboard food and alcoholic beverages; the boat provides a vintage ice box for cold drinks and Bluetooth speakers so you can set the soundtrack for the evening.
A crew member on board to answer questions
A knowledgeable crew member accompanies each cruise to offer commentary and answer questions about the river as the Chief Uncas moves along its course at sunset.
What the day feels like
What the cruise feels like
The sunset cruise is deliberately unhurried: you and up to 15 other passengers board at the Zimmerman Center dock, settle in with your provisions, and spend 90 minutes drifting on the river while a crew member offers context and the boat’s sound system supplies your playlist. It’s a low-key, social outing that doubles as a short interpretive tour of the Susquehanna at dusk.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits best
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sunset Cruises run during SNHA’s Boat Tour Season on Fridays and Saturdays; departure times shift between summer and fall. Check the schedule for exact dates and times.
Bring your own food and drinks (including alcoholic beverages). Tableware is not provided. Consider hats, sunglasses and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Please wear rubber‑soled shoes (flip‑flops and heels are not recommended). Dress for the weather—conditions on the river can be cooler or rainy despite the boat’s partial cover.
Arrive up to 30 minutes before departure. Parking is available at the Zimmerman Center; use the walking paths to reach the waterfront pavilion where the crew will check you in.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where is available parking?
Parking is available at the Zimmerman Center.
Where should I go to check in?
Use the Zimmerman Center walking paths to reach the waterfront pavilion; your boat crew will meet you there and check you in for the sunset cruise.
When should I arrive before my cruise?
Please arrive up to 30 minutes before your tour departure time.
Can I bring food and alcoholic beverages?
Yes. Guests may bring aboard food and B.Y.O.B. alcoholic beverages; tableware is not provided. A vintage ice box is available to store cold drinks.
How can I contact the Susquehanna National Heritage Area with other questions?
Contact Susquehanna National Heritage Area Visitor Information at 717.252.0229, extension 101 for other questions.
How long is the sunset cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours.