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Buttercup Cruises is now part of the Whistling Man Schooner Company family!

Lake Cruise in Burlington

Facilities

We do have a toilet (or "head" as we call them on boats) aboard Buttercup. It's located below deck so please be aware that it's down a couple steps.

Supplies

Buttercup has all the supplies you need for a pleasant and safe cruise. We have lifejackets for people of all ages, and have all the eatware you may need for any snacks or drinks you'd like to bring along. (Plates, silverware, cups, cutting board, corkscrew, etc.)

Services

The crew of the Buttercup is very familiar with all that Burlington has to offer, and we'd be happy to provide recommendations for your visit on local shops, restaurants, and attractions. 

  • Step aboard Buttercup, a one-of-a-kind picnic cruiser designed for social outings on Lake Champlain. At 29 feet long, she offers plenty of space while keeping the experience cozy, perfect for groups of up to six.

    • Hand-built details like a fold-out table with custom wine glass rack, finished wooden floor grate, and traditional wooden mast from the Netherlands, flying the International Flag of Planet Earth create an atmosphere of charm and comfort. 

    • A covered and heated design offers extra protection from the elements, so you can enjoy the lake across weather conditions. 

    • Buttercup has a character all her own: a mixture of Italian gondola and gilded age, Adirondack, double-ended launch and tea boat. 

    • She's the perfect option for guests who may be more nervous about sailing but still want to feel the grounding effect of being on the water. 

  • Whistling Man Schooner Company has been sharing the beauty of Lake Champlain with thousands of guests each season aboard our traditional friendship sloops Friend Ship and Wild Rose. Buttercup expands that experience, giving guests another way to enjoy the lake in comfort and style!

    • While our Whistling Man sailing tours highlight the thrill of wind and water, Buttercup Cruises creates space for picnics, conversation, and connection.

    • Our friendly and experienced crew rotates between Buttercup and Whistling Man, ensuring the same five-star hospitality across every vessel.

    • Together, Whistling Man and Buttercup Cruises offer a premium Lake Champlain boating experience for everyone, whether you seek adventure under sail or a cozy lakeside gathering afloat.

  • Buttercup Cruises was founded by Captain Mathias, a beloved mariner who has called Lake Champlain home for more than 50 years.

    • His life on the water has spanned from working on Maine Windjammers to crewing boats up and down the Atlantic, from Puerto Rico to Maine.

    • Known for his rich storytelling and deep connection to the lake, he created Buttercup Cruises to share the grounding, restorative power of being on the water.

    • Today, he has proudly passed the helm to Whistling Man Schooner Company, ensuring his legacy of hospitality, connection, and love for the lake continues for years to come.

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