Boat Ride Experiences
Buttercup offers several types of cruises on Lake Champlain.
Click an image for details on each
Public Cruise
Private Charter
Elopements & Proposals
Memorials
How long are the tours?
We offer 1-hour, 1.5-hour, and
2-hour long cruises
How many people can fit on the boat?
We can accommodate up to 6 guests aboard our comfortable and canopied boat
How often are the tours?
The number of daily cruises and departure times vary throughout the season. Check Booking for the full schedule
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the weather is inclement, we will cancel the cruise and provide a full refund!
What can i bring?
Food and drinks! We are entirely BYO (food, drinks, alcohol). We have dinnerware aboard for your convenience
What should i bring?
An extra layer is a good idea because it's always cooler out on the lake. Even though Buttercup has a canopy, bring sunblock.
FAQ
Public & Private
Boat Rides
Public Cruises
Here's what you can expect:
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Depending on the day's route, see the lake's first lighthouse, a sacred Abenaki islet, or a rare geological fault!
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Hear about a lake monster, a mysterious whale fossil, and the U.S.'s first naval battle!
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Or simply relax and enjoy beautiful Lake Champlain!
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BYO food and drink, including alcohol
Sunset Cruise:
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Our most popular public cruise is the daily Sunset Cruise
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The most stunning sunsets in the world, set against a backdrop of the Adirondacks
Buttercup sets out several times a day. join us for one of these regular outings!
Duration
1, 1.5, or 2 hrs
Day Cruises Ages
5 and up
Sunset Cruises Ages
13 and up
Pets
No pets, Sorry
Private Charters
here's what you can expect:
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Enjoy a family picnic or anniversary outing
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Entertain corporate guests, or have a company team-building event
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BYO food and drink, including alcohol, or have meals delivered by a local restaurant!
Want to enjoy a cruise with just your family and friends? We're happy to host a private charter for your group.
Duration
1, 1.5, or 2 hrs
Ages
All ages
Pets
Pets welcome
Duration
1.5 or 2 hrs
Officiant Fee (optional)
$150
Ages
All Ages
Pets
Pets welcome
Elopements & Proposals
Looking for an intimate way to celebrate your special day? Buttercup would love to host your elopment or proposal
here's what you can expect:
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If you are planning a surprise proposal to your fiancée-to-be, call. We can keep it a surprise until the moment of your choosing. (We’re good at this.)
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If you’re planning a celebration, you are welcome to bring decorations and we’ll get you on Buttercup 20 minutes early to give you time to dress up Buttercup.
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You can self-organize your wedding, or you may choose to have a Buttercup captain officiate for $150 to cover the expenses of obtaining officiant permission and filing the paperwork
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Here is the State of Vermont’s FAQ page on getting married in Vermont.
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If the weather prevents an outing with Buttercup, you can reschedule, or get a full refund, or we can conduct the ceremony in the Waterfront Park under our 10x10 tent.
how to book:
Booking is similar to all other private charters:
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Call us to help you make the reservation, or:
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Click on “Book”
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Click on “Pick date” date.
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Choose cruise time and click on “Book.”
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Click on “Private event” and enter estimated number of passengers. (Since it is a private charter, exact number of passengers doesn’t matter.)
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Click Book, and on next page, “Choose Cruise Type” and opt for “Self-Organized Ceremony” or “Wedding by Captain.”
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Follow the prompts, read the Terms & Conditions, and click on “Pay now and confirm your booking!”
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We will call you to discuss how to make this your special day.
Duration
1.5 or 2 hrs
Additional Fee
$150
Ages
All
Pets
Pets Welcome
Memorials / Ashes at Sea
here's what you can expect:
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While still at the dock, the ashes of your loved one will be transferred to a wooden bowl.
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Buttercup will find a spot on the lake that is sheltered as much as possible from the wind.
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White roses are used to form a blanket over the ashes.
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You will have time to share memories, or say some words. If you desire, I will read something you have provided, or read from my variety of material for such services.
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The wooden bowl will be lowered into the lake and the ashes will be released.
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The floating roses will provide an opportunity for photographs to remember the release.
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You will receive a Memorial Certificate listing the time and location of the release, along with space for you and everyone on board to leave comments.
how to book:
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Go to Book Now, and pick the day and time you want.
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A Memorial Cruise requires 1.5 or 2 hours, depending on your choice. The morning cruise of one-hour does not provide enough time.
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During booking, you will see “Choose Cruise Type.” Choose Memorial Cruise.
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I will contact you to discuss how the Memorial Cruise can best suit you.
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There is a $150 fee to cover supplies and preparation.