About Gansett Cruises
Gansett Cruises runs narrated harbor tours and sunset cruises from 2 Bowen's Wharf aboard the M/V Gansett, a classic 1960s-style motor vessel that suits Newport's old-money waterfront perfectly. The boat's open layout and relaxed pace make it one of the easiest ways to see the harbor for visitors who want the views without working a sail.
Tours run sixty to seventy-five minutes and loop through Newport Harbor and out toward Narragansett Bay, passing lighthouses, Fort Adams, grand waterfront estates, and the constant parade of sailboats and superyachts that fill the moorings all summer. The crew narrates throughout, mixing local history with stories about the harbor's landmark homes and vessels. Daytime harbor tours, evening sunset cruises, and private bookings for groups and celebrations are all available during the season.
The draw here is the vessel itself and the location. Departing straight from Bowen's Wharf means guests step off the cobblestones and onto the boat in the middle of downtown, and the Gansett's vintage character makes the cruise feel like part of Newport's Gilded Age scenery rather than a generic tour boat. It's a favorite first stop for visitors sizing up the City by the Sea from the water.
