KINGSTON SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Solaris at Sundown: A Two-Hour Passage Past Kingston’s Twin Beacons
A two-hour solar-powered cruise from Rondout Landing that brings you alongside the Rondout and Esopus Meadows lighthouses, offering water-level views of two of the Hudson’s historic beacons.
Solaris at Sundown: A Two-Hour Passage Past Kingston’s Twin Beacons.
Board Solaris, the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s solar-powered passenger boat, and spend two hours skimming the Hudson past the Rondout and Esopus Meadows Lighthouses—two of the river’s remaining historic beacons—while the shoreline drifts by and the soft thrum of electric drive replaces the diesel clatter of conventional tours.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Solaris — the quiet solar passenger boat
Built and operated by the Hudson River Maritime Museum, Solaris is the first solar-powered passenger boat licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers; its quiet, fuel-free operation is central to the experience of viewing the river and its landmarks.
Rondout and Esopus Meadows — two different faces of Hudson history
Sail past Rondout Lighthouse, a yellow-brick 1915 light marking the entrance to Rondout Creek, and Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, the 1871 wooden structure by Black Creek—one of the Hudson’s last wooden lights—each a working piece of maritime history visible only from the water on this cruise.
A compact, two-hour waterbound overview
This two-hour sightseeing cruise concentrates on water-level views rather than landings: Solaris keeps moving past the lighthouses so passengers can enjoy uninterrupted perspective and photography without disembarking.
What the day feels like
What the cruise feels like
The outing unfolds as a relaxed, two-hour loop from Rondout Landing: you board in Kingston, settle on the deck or cabin, and glide past the Rondout and Esopus Meadows lights while crew point out history and navigation notes—there are no landings at either lighthouse, so the emphasis is on seeing the structures from the water and soaking up the Hudson’s atmosphere aboard a silent, solar-driven vessel.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should plan accordingly.
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 aboard Solaris.
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.
A simple composting toilet is aboard, but passengers are encouraged to use shore restrooms before boarding.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Dual Lighthouse Cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours.
Where does the cruise depart?
The tour departs from 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY.
Does the boat stop at the lighthouses so passengers can disembark?
No. Solaris does not stop at either lighthouse on this sightseeing cruise; the lighthouses are viewed from the water.
Can I tour the interior of Rondout Lighthouse on this cruise?
No. To visit the interior of the Rondout Lighthouse, you must register separately for the Rondout Lighthouse Tour.
Is there a restroom on board?
There is a simple composting toilet aboard Solaris, but passengers are encouraged to use shore restrooms before boarding.
Are museum admissions included with the ticket?
Yes. All tickets include the boat ride and general admission to the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Is Solaris powered by fossil fuels?
No. Solaris is the first solar-powered passenger boat licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers and does not require fossil fuels to operate.