BURLINGTON BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Picnic Aboard Buttercup — Two-Hour Private Daytime Cruise on Lake Champlain (Up to 6 Guests)
A two-hour private BYO picnic cruise from the Burlington Community Boathouse aboard Buttercup, offering waterfront mountain panoramas and views of historic shipwrecks.
Picnic Aboard Buttercup — Two-Hour Private Daytime Cruise on Lake Champlain (Up to 6 Guests).
Sail Lake Champlain on Buttercup, a traditionally outfitted picnic boat, and spend two hours relaxing with friends, your own food and drink, and sweeping views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains while the captain handles the boat. The cruise is built around a simple idea: BYOP—bring your own picnic—and let the waterfront spectacle and local stories fill the time.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Panoramas of the Adirondacks and Greens
The cruise delivers broad, uninterrupted views across Lake Champlain to the Adirondack and Green Mountain ranges—one of the trip’s steady visual rewards as Buttercup moves through Burlington Harbor.
Marked Shipwrecks and an 1825 Lighthouse
Guided passages point out marked shipwrecks dating to the 1800s and the first lighthouse built on Champlain in 1825, framing the lake’s natural scenery with pieces of maritime history.
Buttercup: A Purpose-Built Picnic Boat
Buttercup is outfitted for picnic cruising with a full canopy, cushioned seating, custom wooden tables, and onboard serveware—designed so guests can relax, dine, and enjoy the harbor in comfort.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Feels Like
For two hours the captain runs the boat while your party settles into Buttercup’s canopied, cushioned salon. Guests bring their own food and drinks, take in mountain and island vistas, listen to local stories, and stop to look at geological features, lighthouses, shipwrecks and popular cliff-jumping spots—an easy, social cruise built around a waterfront picnic.
THE VIEW
Panoramas of the Adirondacks and Greens
The cruise delivers broad, uninterrupted views across Lake Champlain to the Adirondack and Green Mountain ranges—one of the trip’s steady visual rewards as Buttercup moves through Burlington Harbor.
THE HISTORY
Marked Shipwrecks and an 1825 Lighthouse
Guided passages point out marked shipwrecks dating to the 1800s and the first lighthouse built on Champlain in 1825, framing the lake’s natural scenery with pieces of maritime history.
THE BOAT
Buttercup: A Purpose-Built Picnic Boat
Buttercup is outfitted for picnic cruising with a full canopy, cushioned seating, custom wooden tables, and onboard serveware—designed so guests can relax, dine, and enjoy the harbor in comfort.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise runs for two hours as a private daytime outing.
Departure is from 1 College St., Burlington Community Boathouse in Burlington, VT.
Bring your own food and drinks for a BYOP picnic; finger-food is encouraged as availability of certain items can depend on sailing conditions.
Buttercup provides canopied, cushioned seating, custom tables, serveware and glassware, a Champagne Tower and wine keys, and a comfortable bathroom.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Private Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise?
The cruise lasts two hours.
How many guests fit on Buttercup?
The boat accommodates up to six guests.
Can children join the cruise?
Yes—the cruise is listed as appropriate for all ages.
Do I need to bring food and drink?
Yes—this is a BYO picnic cruise; bring your own food and drinks (finger-food is encouraged).
Where do we meet for departure?
Meet at the Burlington Community Boathouse at 1 College St., Burlington, VT.
Does Buttercup provide tableware or amenities?
Buttercup offers serveware, glassware, a Champagne Tower and wine keys, cushioned seating under a canopy, and a comfortable bathroom onboard.