KINGSTON SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Solaris and the Sunken Past: A Solar-Powered Cruise Through Kingston’s Rondout Creek
A 1 hour 15 minute cruise aboard Solaris that traces Rondout Creek’s industrial ruins, sunken vessels and waterfront landmarks—useful for planning an eco-conscious, camera-ready outing.
Solaris and the Sunken Past: A Solar-Powered Cruise Through Kingston’s Rondout Creek.
Board Solaris, the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s quiet, solar-powered passenger boat, and glide up and down Rondout Creek while a guide traces Kingston’s industrial past: shipyards, barges, bluestone and cement works, and the skeletal remains of vessels that rest at low tide. The outing pairs environmental technology with local maritime history, delivering close views of waterfront landmarks and submerged curiosities.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Solaris — the first solar passenger boat licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard
Solaris operates without fossil fuel: it is the first solar-powered boat licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers, a quiet platform for interpretation of Rondout Creek and Kingston’s waterfront.
Bridges, docks and the working waterfront
The cruise brings you alongside iconic waterfront features — Island Dock, the Wurts Street suspension bridge and the Wilbur Train Bridge — and the scars of the region’s cement and bluestone industries.
Sunken vessels and the ribs of the past
At low tide the remains of abandoned and sunken vessels surface: guides point out noted wrecks including the steamboat Mary Powell and other hulks that punctuate the creek’s history.
What the day feels like
The cruise, in motion
Over roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes you’ll ride Solaris up and down Rondout Creek, listening to the rise and fall of Kingston’s maritime industry as the boat offers close-in views of docks, bridges and submerged ship remains; the outing is equal parts history lesson and shoreline reconnaissance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Camera, sunscreen, water and/or a snack are recommended.
Do not bring large coolers, luggage, strollers or very large bags.
Dress for the weather; it can be up to 10 degrees cooler on the water so bring a light jacket or sweater on cooler days.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Is Solaris really solar-powered?
Yes. Solaris is the first solar-powered boat built and operated by the Hudson River Maritime Museum to be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers; it operates without fossil fuels.
Do tickets include museum admission?
All tickets include the boat ride and general admission to the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which is open 11 am to 5 pm.
What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, and water and/or a snack.
Are there items I cannot bring aboard?
You may not bring large coolers, luggage, strollers or very large bags on the cruise.