Vermont, United States
Sailing cruises from $85, brewery tours with tastings, and private group outings on Lake Champlain.
Most visitors in Burlington book sailing cruises on Lake Champlain, brewery tours, or trolley rides. Out of 21 experiences, more than half cost under $100, with 29% under $40 and 57% offering free cancellation. The best-reviewed tours are sailing cruises and brewery tours, both praised for knowledgeable guides and engaging experiences.
Only 10% of tours are rated below 4 stars, and the majority of 5-star reviews go to cruises and brewery outings. Private group options reach over $1,000, but most people spend $25–$100 for a memorable outing that includes either lake time or tastings.
Burlington’s catalog is compact, with 21 tours dominated by water-based experiences, brewery visits, and a handful of trolley and walking tours. Sailing cruises, both public and private, are the city’s standout, consistently earning perfect or near-perfect reviews. Brewery tours are also popular, combining tastings with local insights.
Most people pay $25–$100 per person for a cruise, trolley ride, or brewery tour. Private group options, such as exclusive boat charters or event trolleys, run $550–$1,350 and up. Only 2 tours (10%) are rated below 4 stars, so disappointment is rare.
The lowest-priced options are self-guided scavenger hunts, but the majority of bookings go to guided experiences on the water or with local experts.
If you want time on Lake Champlain, sailing cruises are the most consistently praised, with all public and private options rated 5 stars. Public cruises ($85–$95) offer a two-hour experience with knowledgeable crews and space to bring your own food. Private charters ($550–$800) suit groups and include amenities like glassware and blankets, but food is always BYO.
Brewery tours ($105) are the top choice for those interested in local beer, including up to 12 tastings, snacks, and round-trip transportation. These tours spend most of their time at breweries, with guides earning high marks for expertise and friendliness. Trolley tours ($37) are the most affordable way to get an overview of the city, with admission included and a full hour spent touring local sights.
For groups celebrating special events, private trolley transport ($1,350) is available for up to 15 people, while multi-day packages ($2,695 per person) include lodging, breakfast, and all admission fees for a deeper Vermont experience. Self-guided scavenger hunts ($12–$35) are the cheapest but lack a live guide and have mixed reviews.
The main disappointments come from self-guided scavenger hunts, where several reviewers report app failures and no refunds after technical issues. Some brewery tour guests felt the value did not meet expectations, especially when meals or certain tastings were not as described. Trolley tour reviews mention occasional confusion about meeting points, but overall ratings remain strong.
Most tours confirm instantly, with only 3 requiring manual confirmation. Sailing cruises and private charters are flagged as likely to sell out, especially in peak months, so booking ahead is advised for these.
Free cancellation is offered on 57% of tours, but some, including all private sailing charters and multi-day packages, are non-refundable. Check cancellation terms before booking, especially for higher-priced experiences.
The lowest price of any tour listed, for those wanting a budget option.
3.4 ★ · 5 reviews · 2 h
Includes Self-Guided Burlington Adventure Hunt · All taxes, fees and handling charges · Digital Copies of your adventure hunt photos
The shortest group sightseeing tour here, ideal for a quick overview.
4.3 ★ · 9 reviews · 1 h
Includes Admission fee
The only public cruise where you must bring your own food and drinks.
5.0 ★ · 30 reviews · 2 h
Includes Besides water, we do not provide food and drink! It is highly encouraged that you bring al
The only public boat cruise here that encourages you to bring your own picnic.
5.0 ★ · 4 reviews · 2 h
Includes Bottled water · BYO food and drinks. Finger-food is encouraged.
The only transport option priced per vehicle for large private groups.
5.0 ★ · 1 reviews · 1 h
Includes Private transportation
The only public sailing cruise at sunset, with extra amenities included.
5.0 ★ · 14 reviews · 2 h
Includes Onboard marine bathroom (accessible via small ladder) · Bottled water · We provide glassware, cutlery, cutting boards, napkins, ice, and water.
The only public sunset cruise that includes a Champagne tower and picnic setup.
5.0 ★ · 5 reviews · 2 h
Includes Bottled water · Glassware and Champagne tower · Experienced captain
The only tour here with over 100 reviews and multiple brewery stops.
4.8 ★ · 133 reviews · 3 h 30 min
Includes Up to 12 delicious craft beers to try! · Snacks · Round trip transportation
2 h 30 min at the stops, of 3 h 30 min in total
The lowest per-vehicle price for a private sailing cruise.
5.0 ★ · 10 reviews · 2 h
Includes Wine glasses, corkscrews, cups, plates, napkins, cutting boards, etc... · ice water included,
The lowest price for a private picnic boat cruise for small groups.
5.0 ★ · 2 reviews · 2 h
Includes Wine glasses, corkscrews, cups, plates, napkins, cutting boards, etc... · Ice water included
The only private sailing cruise for up to 12 guests, with extra comforts provided.
5.0 ★ · 4 reviews · 2 h
Includes Private 2-hour sailing cruise · Blankets, fleeces, and windbreakers (if needed) · Onboard marine restroom (accessible via small ladder)
The only multi-day package, with four nights’ lodging and all admissions included.
5.0 ★ · 12 reviews · 5 d
Includes Four nights lodging at Snowed Inn in Killington, VT · Customer pick-up and drop-off · Price based on double occupancy
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 10/09/2026.
Sailing cruises on Lake Champlain and brewery tours are the most booked and best-reviewed options, followed by trolley rides.
Most people spend $25–$100 per person for a sailing cruise, brewery tour, or trolley ride. Private group options cost more.
Yes, private sailing charters and trolley transport are available for groups, with prices starting at $550 for boats and $1,350 for trolleys.
Trolley tours and multi-day packages include admission. Brewery tours include tastings, but food may be extra. Sailing cruises do not include food.
Public sailing cruises, brewery tours, and trolley rides are all priced per person and suitable for solo travelers.
Sailing cruises and private charters are likely to sell out, so booking a week or more in advance is recommended.
Most tours are highly rated, but some self-guided scavenger hunts have technical issues and no refunds. A few brewery tour guests felt value was lacking.
57% of tours allow free cancellation. High-end private charters and multi-day packages are usually non-refundable.
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Booking is handled by Viator, part of TripAdvisor. Live prices, free cancellation on most.