The latest addition to our region’s summer lineup? Gansett Cruises, offering harbor tours and charters out of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, now through October. This is a really unique way to get out on the water.  The Gansett can carry up to 40 people, but you can charter the boat for a small, intimate gathering and feel like you’re out on your own private yacht!

The Gansett has brunch, sunset and private cruises on their schedule right now, and their newest cruise to downtown Mystic is in the works. Right now, they also have a ferry service between Watch Hill and Stonington Borough three days each week, and the trip includes refreshments and a narrated tour of the area. This is an awesome way to see either place without dealing with any traffic! Sunset cruises are also offered three nights each week, and the Sunday brunch tour is a fabulous way to round out the weekend. All food is catered by the Watch Hill  Ocean House.

What I love: Being out on the water. Nothing feels like summer more than this. The effort to give passengers insight into the oldest Rhode Island traditions for the most authentic experience are great touches. Some of the items they serve include Autocrat coffee, Del’s Frozen Lemonade, Yacht Club Soda, stuffies (stuffed quahogs), and ice cream from St. Clair Annex, one of the oldest Rhode Island traditions around.

The boat itself is a treasure – it took owner Jeff O’Brien two years to restore. I’m so excited to have this service nearby that I’ve already prepped my out-of-town friends to be ready for a tour. If you get here soon, you can be one of the first to try it out!

Here’s a quick video of a ride onboard:

Still photos above: Courtesy of Onne Van der Wal.

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