
Spirit of Ethan Allen Cruises Burlington VT
Experience the beauty of Lake Champlain aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen, a three-story paddle wheeler offering scenic cruises, dining, and breathtaki...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Incredible fall foliage

Spirit of Ethan Allen Cruises Burlington VT
Best Time
Incredible fall foliage

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the beauty of Lake Champlain aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen, a three-story paddle wheeler offering scenic cruises, dining, and breathtaking views.
"A worthwhile activity with stunning views and surprisingly good food quality."

🌅 Sunset Cruise Magic
The sunset cruise offers stunning views and a romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples. Bring a jacket!
🍽️ Picnic Basket Delight
Try the 'picnic basket' option for a fantastic charcuterie board experience. Great for sharing!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Dinner Cruise
Lake Champlain
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the Adirondacks while enjoying a delicious meal. A truly romantic and scenic evening.

Lake Champlain Scenic Views
Lake Champlain
Marvel at the stunning vistas of the lake, islands, and surrounding mountains. Especially beautiful during fall foliage.

Buffet Dining Experience
Onboard Spirit of Ethan Allen
Enjoy a plentiful buffet with diverse options, including desserts served at your window seat for an enhanced experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Dress for Lake Champlain Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Spirit of ethan allen
🌅 Sunset Cruise Magic
The sunset cruise offers stunning views and a romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples. Bring a jacket!
🍽️ Picnic Basket Delight
Try the 'picnic basket' option for a fantastic charcuterie board experience. Great for sharing!
Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise changes?
🧥 Dress in Layers
Lake Champlain gets chilly, especially after sunset. A jacket is a must for deck enjoyment.
♿ Excellent Accessibility
The boat is very handicap accessible, with easy boarding and an accessible bathroom on the main floor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Cruise Magic
The sunset cruise offers stunning views and a romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples. Bring a jacket!
🍽️ Picnic Basket Delight
Try the 'picnic basket' option for a fantastic charcuterie board experience. Great for sharing!
🧥 Dress in Layers
Lake Champlain gets chilly, especially after sunset. A jacket is a must for deck enjoyment.
♿ Excellent Accessibility
The boat is very handicap accessible, with easy boarding and an accessible bathroom on the main floor.
🎶 Evening Entertainment
Some evening cruises feature DJs and dancing, adding a fun element to the night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Spirit of Ethan Allen for its stunning Lake Champlain views, especially during sunset and fall foliage. The boat's comfort, accessibility, and surprisingly good food quality are frequently highlighted. While some note it can feel like a 'senior citizen event,' most find it a relaxing and worthwhile experience for appreciating Vermont's natural beauty.
"We were visiting from California. This was a nice Lunch on a nice tour ship. We loved all the details of Lake Champlain. It was a perfect sunny day although chilly outside, to we were glad to be warm inside. The lunch was plentiful and served buffet style. Dessert was served at our window seat which was worth the extra cost. Drinks are separate from the cost and paid for at end of tour . We definitely feel this was a worthwhile activity to do while in Burlington."
Gail Seminara
"Very calm fall experience, the entire harbor is a fantastic wok, in the summer we watched people relaxing in the grass areas.
Stunning views, if you can be there in the fall the leaves are incredible.
The sunset dinner cruise itself was a lot of fun, the food was great. Bring a jacket if you want to sit outside, it gets chilly pretty quick after sundown.
Definitely felt like a senior citizen event, but even with a moderately large crowd the ship loaded quickly and efficiently.
We did the picnic basket which is a charcuterie board, with big pieces of bread. It was fantastic."
Thomas Tyler
"We had such a lovely time on a sunset cruise! The boat is spacious and serves great food and drinks. We were surprised at the quality of the offerings and of the boat itself; it was much nicer than other tourist boats we have been on. It wasn’t crowded the night we went so it was a very chill experience, which we appreciated. We were lucky to have a practically perfect night (after some squalls early on, which the captain did his best to avoid!), with gorgeous views and light almost the entire time. Such a laid back and fun experience and a great way to experience the beauty of Vermont from another angle! We hope to come back for a narrated cruise to learn more about the history of the area."
Sarah M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Spirit of Ethan Allen departs from Perkins Pier in Burlington, VT. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point in Burlington.
Yes, there is parking available near Perkins Pier where the Spirit of Ethan Allen docks. It's advisable to arrive a bit early to secure a spot, especially during peak season.
Absolutely! There's a convenient drop-off circle available if you need to be brought directly to the boarding area, which is particularly helpful for those with mobility challenges.
Perkins Pier is a short walk or a quick taxi/rideshare from downtown Burlington. Enjoy the scenic stroll along the waterfront if time permits.
Check local Burlington transit schedules, as bus routes may service the waterfront area. It's always best to confirm current routes and times directly with the transit authority.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Spirit of Ethan Allen website or by calling their reservation line. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular dinner and sunset cruises.
Operating hours vary by season and the specific cruise offered. Cruises typically run throughout the day and into the evening, with multiple departure times. Always check the schedule for your desired date.
Prices vary depending on the type of cruise (scenic, lunch, dinner, sunset) and any special packages. Drinks are typically an additional cost, paid at the end of the tour.
While same-day bookings might be possible if there's availability, it's strongly advised to book in advance to guarantee your spot, especially for the popular dinner and sunset cruises.
Cancellation policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions on their website or contact customer service directly for the most accurate information regarding cancellations and rescheduling.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is generally relaxed and scenic. Dinner cruises can be romantic, while other cruises offer a calm, enjoyable experience. It's not a party boat, making it ideal for a peaceful outing.
Expect stunning panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, the Green Mountains, and the Burlington waterfront. Fall foliage cruises offer particularly spectacular scenery.
Yes, the boat is exceptionally handicap accessible, featuring easy boarding, an accessible bathroom on the main floor, and air conditioning on that level.
Comfortable, casual attire is recommended. Layers are essential, as it can get cooler on the lake, especially in the evenings. Comfortable shoes are also a good idea.
Yes, there are restrooms available on board for passengers' convenience. An accessible restroom is located on the main floor.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Spirit of Ethan Allen offers various dining options, including buffet-style meals and a unique 'picnic basket' charcuterie board. Dessert is often served at your seat.
No, drinks are typically not included in the cruise ticket price. They are an additional cost and are usually paid for at the end of the tour.
Reviews generally praise the food quality, with many finding the buffet plentiful and delicious. The picnic basket option is also highly rated.
It's best to contact the Spirit of Ethan Allen directly in advance to inquire about accommodating dietary restrictions or special meal requests.
Yes, there is a bar on board where you can purchase a variety of beverages to enjoy during your cruise.
📸 📸 Photography
The outer decks offer unobstructed views for photography. The bow and stern provide great vantage points, and the large windows inside also offer scenic backdrops.
Yes, the main cabin features large windows that provide excellent views and opportunities for photography, especially if the weather is less than ideal outside.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos. Sunset cruises are particularly popular for their photographic potential.
Generally, personal camera equipment is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to check their specific policies regarding professional equipment or tripods if you plan to bring extensive gear.
There are typically no major restrictions on personal photography or videography for your own memories. However, commercial use might require permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks for picky eaters, although the buffet options are generally well-received. The accessibility of the boat is a huge plus for families with strollers or very young children, making boarding and navigating the main deck easy. It's a great way to introduce children to the beauty of Vermont from a different perspective without the intensity of a theme park.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Booking a table with a window seat for dessert can add an extra touch of romance. Even a standard scenic cruise during the day can be a lovely shared experience, allowing you to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Champlain together. Remember to bring a jacket for cooler evening breezes to ensure maximum comfort during your romantic escape.
♿ Travelers with Mobility Concerns
This focus on accessibility ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can fully enjoy the scenic cruise experience without worry. The main deck is spacious and well-equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, allowing everyone to partake in the beauty of Lake Champlain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Lake Champlain: The Spirit of Ethan Allen Experience
Travelers often highlight the calmness of the lake, especially during fall, describing it as a 'fantastic work' of nature. The stunning views are a consistent theme in reviews, with particular praise for the fall foliage, which transforms the landscape into a vibrant spectacle. Whether you opt for a lunch, dinner, or scenic cruise, the ever-changing panorama of the lake, islands, and distant mountains is a constant companion. The handicap accessibility of the boat is also frequently commended, making it an inclusive option for all visitors.
Beyond the scenery, the Spirit of Ethan Allen offers various cruise types to suit different preferences. From narrated scenic tours that delve into the region's history to sunset dinner cruises that combine breathtaking views with fine dining, there's an option for everyone. Some evening cruises even feature live music and dancing, adding a lively element to the experience. The quality of food and service is often noted as being surprisingly good, exceeding expectations for a typical tourist boat.
Dining and Drinks Aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen
For those seeking a more curated culinary adventure, the 'picnic basket' option has garnered significant positive attention. This offering, often described as a charcuterie board, features substantial portions of bread and other accompaniments, making it a fantastic and shareable meal. While the food is a highlight, it's important to note that drinks are an additional cost and are typically settled at the end of the tour. The onboard bar offers a selection of beverages to complement your meal or simply to enjoy while taking in the lake views.
Reviews suggest that the quality of the food and drinks often surpasses expectations for a tourist vessel, contributing to an overall enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Whether you're looking for a full dinner or a lighter fare like the picnic basket, the dining on the Spirit of Ethan Allen aims to enhance your journey across Lake Champlain.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit