Founding Waters: A Tour with Roger Williams
Overview
Step aboard for a one-of-a-kind river tour as we welcome Roger Williams back to Providence! Portrayed by historian and Roger Williams expert John McNiff, our founding father will guide you through his remarkable life, travels, and the legacy he built right here in Rhode Island.
This exclusive 75-minute cruise blends scenic views, immersive storytelling, and a touch of theatrical flair. From tales of exile and religious freedom to the founding of Providence itself, Roger brings history to life in a way that’s both entertaining and enlightening.
Don’t miss your chance to meet Roger…on the river! It’s history with heart, humor, and a front-row seat to our capital city.
We welcome passengers ages 12+ on this tour.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Local guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
✗ Not Included
- Gratuities (optional). Our Captains and Crew appreciate your cash gratuities!
- Price does not include parking fees. There is free and metered parking throughout our neighborhood.
- Soft drinks, coffee/tea, ice cream and water are available for purchase in our cafe or you may BYOB.
Itinerary
Meeting & End Point
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Good to Know
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- We do not operate in severe or unsafe weather conditions. In the case of cancellation due to weather, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Known For:
Special Instructions
You do not need tickets to check in. Simply check in with the last name on your reservation. Check-in is located INSIDE The Landing Café at 101 Dyer Street, Providence. (corner of Dyer & Pine)
Inside The Landing, you'll also find RI & coastal-themed gifts, ornaments, candles, magnets, jewelry, t-shirts/sweatshirts, local art, a full service coffee café & ice cream parlor. We also sell beer, wine and canned alcoholic beverages for you to bring aboard.
Providence offers metered street parking and private pay lots. We also recommend taking your hotel shuttle, Uber or walking from your hotel, if possible.
OUR TOURS LAUNCH EXACTLY AS SCHEDULED, SO YOU MUST ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES AHEAD FOR CHECK-IN. The boat will not wait for late passengers. If you are late for check-in, we will offer your seats to stand-by patrons & you will miss your tour & forfeit your paid reservation.
There are bathrooms inside The Landing Café where you check in. There are no bathrooms on the boats.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted while aboard. Certified service dogs are allowed aboard, pets are not.
For safety reasons, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers & car seats are not permitted aboard. These items may be left inside The Landing Café or on the docks (at your own risk) prior to boarding the vessel.
Our vessels are uncovered, so please dress appropriately. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and cold beverages are recommended during the warmer summer months. Sweaters and jackets are recommended for evening and late season tours.
The weather in New England changes often, and quickly. Because of this, we do not postpone or cancel boat tours until shortly before the scheduled time of departure. If we are experiencing light rain or a passing shower, we will still run the tour, so please dress appropriately.
Our Captains and Crew appreciate your cash or Venmo gratuities on site. Thank you, we're looking forward to welcoming you aboard!