yacht by night

• How to sail at night

Captains are often asked if it's possible to sail at night. In the vast majority of cases, the answer is yes, unless you are just starting out. You just need to know the specifics of night sailing — the rules of boat lighting, beacon signals, have navigation and nautical charts handy, and most importantly, follow basic safety rules on board. So, do you know what night sailing entails?

You can't do it without the correct lights

While on land, lights are primarily there to help us see, at sea it's the other way around. All boats must be properly lit for other vessels to see. And, a boat doesn't work like a car either, where we shine our headlights on the road ahead to see what's in front of us. At sea we rely on navigation, nautical charts, lighthouses and the captain's knowledge.

Basic boat lights include running lights, steaming lights and anchor lights. There are clearly defined and standardized rules for lighting a ship  under sail at night . So the question of how to light a yacht at night has a very simple answer. Running lights, or side lights, show other vessels where your port and starboard sides are, with red indicating port and green starboard, and you must also have a white stern light on.

Lighting the yacht at night is very important because, unlike during the day, the helmsman cannot judge the distance and direction  of other boats by sight. Running lights make the position and direction of the surrounding vessels visible, as well as their approximate distance, and helps to avoid possible collisions. Radar is also highly practical in this respect, as it shows the size and distance of the vessel.

However, when sailing there can be situations where the sails need to be lowered, and with that, the lighting also needs to be changed. If travelling under motor power , a steaming light  (masthead light)  must be turned on , which shines at the same angle as the side lights. When a sailboat is not under sail, it has to abide by the rules set out for power boats by COLREG (The International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea).

Lighting regulations when at anchor are again different. When at anchor at sea , only the anchor light should be on . According to the regulations this could be either a 360-degree white light atop the mast, or a light suspended from the boom, above the foredeck or on a furled genoa. If the boat is moored in port, the light is not normally used.

Navigation, GPS and maps

Nowadays, GPS and navigation aids integrated into the boat or that work as mobile apps are commonly used to determine the position of the boat. Modern technology is very accurate and reliable, but it is still worth understanding, reading and checking your position on  paper nautical charts . After all, almost any skipper will tell you that their GPS or navigation system has at some point told them they were on land, even when tens or hundreds of metres from shore.

Thanks to nautical charts, you will not only know of possible danger spots, but also lighthouses , enabling you to easily and accurately determine your position with the help of a compass. Each lighthouse is different, being lit and flashing in a unique way. A nautical chart will tell you how to identify a lighthouse by the number of flashes, their frequency and the colour of the light. To determine your exact position, you’ll then need two lighthouses in sight that serve as reference points for each other.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Lighthouses are not only practical, but they are often buildings with impressive architecture that are well worth stopping off at. Take a look at  15 lighthouses you must visit .

Safety is paramount when sailing at night

Even during the day, there are clear rules regarding the movement of the crew on board. Basically, the crew should not stand unless they are engaged in manoeuvres. In all other cases, they should be sitting on benches, at the side of the boat when heeling, or in the cabin. Apart from the fact that a standing crew member could obstruct the helmsman's view, it also poses a greater risk of falling overboard . If you're interested in getting to know this subject in more detail, check out our article Sailing Etiquette A to Z .

At night, the rules are even stricter to ensure the crew remain as safe as possible and avoid damaging the yacht. If a crew member is on deck at night while sailing, they should wear a lifejacket  and ideally be attached to the boat with a lifebelt or harness.

Except for really experienced seafarers, the rule of thumb is that there should be at least  two people on board when sailing at night. And the captain should schedule shifts so that there are always two  rested crew members on board. After all, you need to be doubly vigilant when sailing at night, and staying awake all night is certainly not conducive to alertness — especially when manoeuvring  or entering port. For the same reasons alcohol is prohibited when night sailing. While during the day, crew members other than the helmsman can toast Neptune or have one glass of wine or beer, drinking alcohol is not permitted during a voyage at night. By all means celebrate a successful journey upon arrival in port at a local tavern, but it definitely pays to keep a clear head at sea.

Specifics of night sailing and boat handling

Steering and controlling the boat  is not particularly different during the day and at night. There are just a few nuances to make sailing that bit smoother. If you're on a vessel you know well, that’s one thing, but if you're on a charter boat , it's worth marking the sheets and other lines so that you know your way around in the dark.

Sailing at night, it is also important to assess  the weather conditions well. What you would normally do during the day can be significantly more challenging at night and requires a more careful assessment of weather conditions and weather patterns. It is always better to choose smaller sails and if you have even the slightest doubt about anything, postpone the trip. 

When  entering a harbour  or sailing close to shore, be doubly cautious. There are several risk factors. During the day, the surrounding boats, the rocks and the potential hazards on the surface and below are visible. At night you have to rely on navigation, charts and lighting. When entering the harbour, charts and GPS can provide you many clues but lights can cause issues. For example, you might get dazzled by the light from the shore, the anchor lights of other boats are easily confused with the lights on land, and, last but not least, you may encounter poorly lit fishing boats. However, if you keep in mind all of these potential risks, you will arrive safely in the harbour.

The magic of night sailing

When compared to sailing during the day, night sailing places more demands on the captain's experience and knowledge of sailing regulations. But it is also a truly romantic experience. Millions of stars glistening in the night sky and the waves sparkling in the moonlight. If you're lucky, sailing out of the mist from land on a clear night with a near full moon, it will seem almost like daylight.

If you're serious about sailing and steering your boat, there are other benefits to night sailing. Navigating at night sharpens the senses and enhances the sailing experience as well as your experience of the sea itself. It truly gives a whole new meaning to sailing. But if all you want is to just enjoy yourself, night sailing is one of the most romantic experiences you can have. Check out our article on how to enjoy romance on board a yacht charter .   

Are you new to the sea? We will recommend experienced captains who will take care of you on the ship. Give us a call.

Denisa Kliner Nguyenová

Faq how to manage a night sailing.

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• Sleeping on a Boat: The Ultimate Overnight Boating Guide
• Sailing Hub
• Sailing Tips

Have you ever been sleeping on a boat before? And we don't mean just a casual nap in the sun. When you charter a yacht for your holiday getaway, you can skip the overcrowded and overpriced hotels by spending the night aboard your very own home-at-sea. 

Not sure if spending the night on a boat is really your style? When you book a private yacht charter, there are enough different choices to suit everyone's unique style of travel—from elegant, five-star accommodations to casual, do-it-yourself adventure. 

Get ready for sleeping on a yacht rental overnight with our Ultimate Overnight Boating Guide: 

Why sleep aboard? 

How to sleep on a boat, what our overnight yacht rentals can offer you.

If it's your first time considering sleeping on a boat overnight, then you might be wary of getting started. We get it. But whether you're looking for a boat for camping or a boat for luxuriating between beach trips, the best overnight accommodations is your yacht. Here's why: 

Get an early start to your day

If you're spending the night in a hotel, then setting sail early in the morning means you have to hit the ground running. You've got to wake up early enough to assemble your gear at the hotel and spend time physically getting to the docks—all before the rest of the crowds do. 

But when you spend the night aboard your boat, you're ready to go from the moment you get out of bed. This spells less time wasted trying to get to your destination and more time on the open water enjoying your holiday. 

Enjoy more amenities at a cheaper price

Sleeping on a boat overnight doesn’t just save you time—it also saves you money! After all, you're already chartering a boat for your holiday, so why add additional hotel (and travel) fees to the mix? 

And while spending the night aboard your yacht is cheaper than staying in a hotel, it can actually be more luxurious. Why shell out the cash for a hotel room with a waterfront view when you can enjoy your own on-the-water view from your private yacht charter? 

Settle in with all your luggage

With views that can't be beat and a nonexistent hotel bill, sleeping on a yacht rental overnight is one of the biggest insider tips from pro-travelers—and at the end of the day, it’s just more comfortable, too. 

As you sail from one hot locale to the next, why would you want to keep unpacking and packing your bags at every different hotel you have to check into? When you decide to sleep on your yacht overnight, you can fully settle in for your holiday. This means you won't have to worry about forgetting anything in hotels, and you won't have to waste time going back and forth between hotels and your yacht. Instead, you can truly get comfortable and make your cabin your cozy home-away-from-home for your holiday. 

Escape loud neighbors and street noise

Perhaps the number one reason for sleeping on a boat during your holiday is to skip out on the crowds, the loud neighbors, and the street noise.

When you charter your own yacht, you can truly enjoy a tranquil getaway, where the gentle sound of the waves can lull you to sleep at night—not your annoying neighbors in the hotel who won’t stop partying. For a relaxing holiday that's peaceful and calm, sleeping aboard your boat can't be beat. 

Sold on spending the night sleeping on your yacht rental? Get ready for a good night's sleep with our boat camping tips:

Make sure you're well anchored

It might go without saying, but if you're going to be sleeping on a boat overnight, make sure that you're well anchored before you're ready to get under the covers, so you don't drift during the night. (No matter how adventurous you are, no one wants to wake up the next morning somewhere unknown out at sea!)

Don't forget extra layers

Even if you're sailing in a warm climate, like the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, it's a good idea to bring some extra layers with you. At night, your body temperature will naturally drop, which can make you feel cold while sleeping, so make sure you pack an extra sweater and socks to stay cozy at night. 

If it's your first time sleeping on a boat, you may be feeling a little uneasy, as it's a new and unusual experience. Try to remember that sleeping on a boat is just like sleeping anywhere else. It also helps to maintain your normal pre-sleep routine (like having a cup of tea, reading, etc.), so your body knows it's time to get to sleep. 

We also recommend bringing earplugs in case the splashing water or creakings from the boat distract you at night.

At Yacht4less, we know not everyone's idea of a dream holiday is the same, which is why we offer a host of different yachts for charter, so you can find the perfect match for your tip. Here's what some of our yacht rentals can offer you:

Fully-crewed yacht

Looking for five-star luxury? We deliver with a fully-crewed yacht . 

This kind of charter comes staffed with a captain, hostess, and private chef. Imagine waking up after spending the night on your boat with a gourmet breakfast prepared to your liking by a private chef. No need to go to a restaurant—instead, enjoy your custom meal on the deck of your private boat with the view of the sunrise.

By the cabin

Want the feel of that five-star luxury with a smaller price tag? We have options. Charter a yacht by the cabin . 

With a by-the-cabin yacht charter, you're booking a cabin aboard a yacht, much like booking a room in a hotel or on a cruise ship. You'll still enjoy a private room and bathroom, and you'll have free range of the common spaces, such as the kitchen, living room, and deck. This is also a great choice for those who like the more social atmosphere of a hotel. 

Are you really looking for a boat for camping? It's time to go bareboat ! 

Bareboat is for those who want to be the captain of their own vessel, chartering a fully-equipped yacht to sail without the assistance of a skipper. If you're an experienced sailor, this is a great way to enjoy maximum freedom and privacy while you spend the night aboard a private yacht. 

Need something a little more stripped down, but don't know how to sail? Choose a skippered yacht charter . 

With a skippered yacht, you can enjoy sailing and sleeping aboard a boat stress-free with a private skipper who's at the helm to take care of the legwork. An added bonus is that you can stay at unique anchorages and bays that you wouldn't have access to on a bareboat, as they're only open to a crew with expertise. 

Sleeping on a yacht rental overnight takes a sailing holiday to the next level. 

Want to learn more about your options for booking for your next trip? Get in touch with a consultant at Yacht4less for all the details and a free quote. 

Get a free & non-binding quote

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Night sailing – the essential guide for offshore cruisers

• April 19, 2017

Chris Tibbs on how to prepare for and enjoy offshore night watches

With a full moon and following wind, night sailing can be one of the great pleasures to be had when passagemaking; but on a dark night in a gale it can be very stressful and leave you longing for dawn.

Whether you are crossing the Channel or crossing an ocean, sailing in the dark is something that everyone experiences at some stage in their sailing career and with some simple preparations you can make it easier and safer.

Have you ever been asked by a non-sailor: “What do you do out on the ocean at night?” It often comes as a surprise to find that sailing has always been a 24-hour pastime.

Traditionally, passages were made at night and planned so that landfall was at dawn to assist with identifying the lights and confirming the yacht’s position. Then the skipper could enter port safely during daylight.

With GPS we now rather underestimate the usefulness of lights for position fixing and, as more yachts are fitted with AIS, crossing shipping lanes has become less difficult now that you are not solely reliant on identifying each ship’s navigation lights.

Of course, not all vessels have AIS!

How to prepare for long passages

Generally night sailing falls into one of two categories: the first is a one-off night sail, such as the start of a summer cruise to get the boat to your cruising ground, or perhaps a RORC or JOG cross-Channel race. The second is a long passage where there will be a number of days between the start and finish with consecutive night sails.

For me there should be little difference when setting up the boat although there will be a difference in watchkeeping.

Whether cruising or racing, the crew spending consecutive nights at sea requires a more rigid watch system – covering the full 24 hours – than the one-night crew. But the principles of watch-keeping do also apply to single nights at sea.

One of my pet hates used to be the Friday night cross-Channel races. Crews would arrive all enthusiastic after a hard week at work, but by 0200 tiredness had set in and we would see ourselves slowly working our way to the back of the fleet with only one or two awake enough to be competitive.

Most boats are logical in their layout and it is always a pleasure when a new but experienced crew comes on board as they will rarely need telling twice which rope is which.

Yes it is good to label clutches but soon after joining everyone should know by feel and position which rope is which.

Close your eyes and feel – size becomes very apparent and the covers will feel different. Hold the spinnaker halyard in one hand and the topping lift in the other; feel the different sizes and textures.

It is always good to keep the same ropes in the same position so at night in the dark, when the label is obscured anyway, it is easy to pick up the right one.

Humans are not particularly good at seeing at night and it takes a long time to get full night vision.

The eyes are incredible complex and there are three phases in adapting to the dark.

Initially our pupils dilate to allow as much light in as possible; this may take from a few seconds to a minute to happen.

The next phase takes place in the cone cells of the eye. In the absence of light we get chemical changes in the cell and it can take ten minutes for the cone cells to adapt to the dark.

Lastly we have rod cells which are responsible for black and white vision and these contain rhodopsin which is reactivated in the absence of light. This will take several hours to fully adapt to the dark.

Although we are all different, as a rough guide it takes about ten minutes to get most of our night vision, which gets slowly better over the following few hours. This can be put back to zero very quickly by the use of bright lights.

How to use lights on board at night

All crew members should have a flashlight and it’s worth keeping a powerful spotlight on deck for rig checks and emergencies.

When sail trimming try and use as weak a flashlight as possible and also warn the helmsman and lookouts before using it.

We have had great success in painting the lenses of flashlights with red nail varnish: the red light is much kinder on the eyes and nail varnish is more readily available than red flashlights.

Red lights are also crucial below. Some yachts will have split lights with red to be used at night. In the past, I have used stick-on red film from a photographic shop.

Generally we cover half of the lights red when cruising, but for long offshore passages we will cover all the lights with red film to avoid the wrong switch being used.

It would be nice to have two complete circuits to turn off the white lights completely, however ten minutes with a pair of scissors and all lights are covered.

Head torches leave both hands free, but I actually hate them on deck when sailing. If spoken to it is the natural reaction to turn and look at the person speaking, instantly ruining their night vision. Some head torches will have red bulbs but any bulb shining straight into your eye is damaging for your night vision.

Use light sparingly as the less you use, the less you tend to need. With the latest instruments and multifunction displays you can control the brightness of the image: keeping it to a minimum helps night vision and also consumes less power.

I am told that in training, some Mini Transat and Figaro sailors will practice sailing blindfold.

Night sailing tips for cruisers

I have been involved with the ARC for many years and it seems that most crews will routinely drop spinnakers and reduce sail for the night. All very prudent but nights are long in the tropics – approaching 12 hours of darkness.

I am not one for fixed rules, so I would rather see a boat set up for simple sail handling and allow conditions to dictate the sail plan. This also depends on the number of crew on board and the watch-keeping regime.

It makes sense to mark halyards and control ropes. I like to sew in a whipping of a contrasting colour onto the line marking the correct position just out of the clutch. This can be felt as well as seen and is particularly useful when reefing.

I also like to mark halyards at the maximum hoist to avoid anyone getting too enthusiastic and winding the splice or knot into the sheave. This is something racing boats have done for years and for cruisers would be useful for both day and night sailing.

Luminous draft stripes can be added to sails to help with sail shape and small amounts of reflective tape can also be stuck around the boat to help see and identify equipment.

On my boat the wheel is marked with a turk’s head knot to feel the centre point, to which we have also added some reflective tape to make it visible in low light.

If you make sail changing and trimming simple you can usually do it with just the ambient light and a small flashlight. The decklight knocks out any visibility forward. A tricolour light should light up the windex and if conditions are marginal, a steaming light can be used to check spinnaker trim, although any lights forward spoil night vision and, of course, a steaming light indicates to others that you are motoring not sailing.

When planning a voyage, make life easier and safer by maximising your moonlight hours: sailing under a full moon and clear sky is as easy as sailing during the day.

Crew preparation

Sailing is no fun when tired and hungry. There seems to be a tendency on cruising yachts to run short-handed with single-person watches. Of course, single-handed sailors circle the globe in ever faster yachts, but the average cruising yacht is not really very well set up for single-handed sailing.

Hot drinks and snacks at night are essential.

The typical cruising yacht has a number of roles to perform, so the ideal deck layout in terms of sailing efficiency will be compromised by the requirements of the cabin space below.

This tends to encourage slow sailing: if it is hard to single-handedly reduce sail, it makes sense to automatically reef at night so you do not have to call anyone to help.

Two or three hours is long enough to be up on your own and with shorter watch times, there is the opportunity to change sail during a change of watch when there are two people on deck.

When my wife and I are double-handed passagemaking, we stick to three-hour watches, as this is as long as I can keep concentration. But it is tiring. For ocean crossings we tend to have an extra person to help.

Night raids and the importance of the midnight snack

When racing you have to push 24 hours a day to be competitive, although you can be a bit more conservative at night to help preserve the boat and crew.

When I skippered Concert in the BT Global Challenge, we would occasionally do a ‘night raid’. This involved handing out a few extra treats for dinner then, putting the best drivers on the helm, we would really push through the hours of darkness. This usually paid off with a few miles gained.

I would be happy to cross an ocean on freeze-dried food but I think I am in a minority! Food and drink is important for fuel and also for enjoyment.

Food at night is particularly important for energy and well-being. Sealed personal drink flasks stay hot for a couple of hours, the biggest danger being burning your mouth in the first hour. Snacks are also good on night watches: our bodies are used to sleeping at night and a snack helps to keep us going.

One trick that I like is a Cup-a-Soup in a wide-mouthed flask with a few teaspoons of couscous added. Put the lid on and leave it five minutes and you have a tasty and filling savoury snack!

How to be a watchkeeper

Watchkeepers should not take the responsibility lightly. You need an experienced watchkeeper crossing the Channel due to the level of shipping and navigation required on the passage. Further offshore a less experienced watchkeeper has more time to call the skipper.

Why longer passages are easier

Everyone on board has to get enough sleep. It may be possible, physically, to go 24 hours without sleep, but decision-making suffers and it is easy to make mistakes.

I prefer, if possible, to have at least two people on a watch, this avoids having to call extra crew for small sail changes or manoeuvres. It does also mean that when you are off watch, your sleep is not disturbed. With two on watch, three or four-hour watches pass quickly, split between steering, lookout, and navigation.

Racing is a bit different as there is generally a bigger crew. I am not a fan of everyone on the rail all night, and rotating the crew so everyone gets some sleep is important.

For longer races like the Fastnet I would have a rigid watch system so everyone gets some good sleep. If anything goes wrong then it always seems to happen at about 0400 when people are at their lowest ebb.

I would also get into the watch system early, probably before Portland, to get into a rhythm. Our bodies are very complex and need time to adjust; a short passage of two or three nights can be more tiring than a transatlantic.

Personally I find it takes about three days to get settled. I then get one really good deep sleep and I am fine for the rest of the voyage. I tend to find short passages – anything less than three days – more tiring, which is why I prefer a bigger crew for sailing a few hundred miles than I do for sailing longer passages.

7 Top tips for Safety at  night

• Prepare your boat: mark all halyards and brief crew on cockpit layout • Be patient with night vision: it takes three hours to fully adapt and moments to ruin • Red lights: either use red see-through film, red light bulbs or even nail polish • Get into watches early on the voyage: the body needs time to adjust to a new rhythm • Good food is especially important at night when the body is conditioned to be sleeping • Think safety and preparation: don’t run a one-person watch if the boat’s not easy to sail solo • Avoid getting overtired: concentration and decision making is essential at sea

Chris Tibbs is a meteorologist and weather router, professional sailor and navigator, as well as an ARC safety inspector. He is currently doing a circumnavigation with his wife, Helen, on their own boat, Taistealai.

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Night sailing tips for first timers

• Toby Heppell
• September 4, 2020

Cruising after dark doesn't need to be stressful. Toby Heppell shares his tops tips for night sailing

Sailing at night can be a magical experience. Credit: Paul Wyeth

Do you find night sailing stressful? It needn’t be if you follow a few basic rules and plan ahead.

Stay on deck while night sailing

As always with pilotage, the right place to be is on deck, not least to avoid uncharted objects such as other craft, mooring buoys and fishing pot markers.

Most pilotage errors occur at night rather than in the day so a thorough pilotage plan is essential.

Even with a navigation station filled with electronic aids it is still possible to become disorientated while trying to reconcile the view on deck with that on the chart.

Where possible, the right place to be is on deck. Credit: Paul Wyeth

You need a pilotage plan.

The most important principle is this: if you know the position of the yacht and you are armed with a chart (electronic or paper) and a compass, you know the range and bearing to the next mark.

This means that when you reach a known position, such as a navigation buoy, you know where to head to find the next one.

Simple, except that a surprising number of navigators waste time scanning the lights ahead with no plan to find the one they want.

Fishing pots

Unpredictable and unlit, these are the biggest danger at night.

Avoiding them is largely a matter of common sense.

Sometimes they are laid in deep water, but mostly they lurk in less than 50m.

Fishing pots, hard enough to spot in the daylight, become all but invisible at night

Avoid shallows if you can, especially near fishing harbours, and inside passages around headlands, even if you are confident of your position thanks to radar and plotter.

Even if you know where you are, there’s still the same risk of the engine stopping with a crunch, or finding yourself moored by the rudder or prop in a strong tide.

Light pollution

Light pollution is a well-known source of navigation stress, particularly when looking to enter an unfamiliar harbour after dark.

If it has been a while since you have done this, it is well worth returning to your own harbour after dark and noting the different complexion the various landmarks take on when not visible to the naked eye.

A large, unlit buoy may be sited just in front of a particularly well-lit hotel rendering it difficult to spot.

Another feature of light pollution (but of sailing at night more generally too) is the reduction in our ability to judge distances.

This is particularly acute when coming into harbour.

A navigation buoy’s light may well get lost in the background of a sea of lights when, during the day it would be clear and obvious the nav buoy was some way offshore.

Night vision

The sensitivity of our eyes increases the longer they are in the dark and it can take many minutes for maximum sensitivity to be acquired, and the improvement is dramatic.

Unfortunately it can be lost in a few seconds of exposure to bright lights.

Eyes have cones that are used for colour vision in daylight, and more sensitive rods that come into their own at night.

The rods are not sensitive to red light and this means that if you switch to red illumination your eyes can continue to adapt while you move around the boat.

The bad news for those of pensionable age is that your eyes will only be about a third as sensitive to low light as in your youth.

Is red light at night always best?

Binoculars will boost illumination by about 50 times and go a long way to redressing the balance.

However, it still pays to have your youngest crew on lookout.

It is worth noting too, that in this high-tech age, our cockpits are often filled with screens all giving off light.

Most of these screens can be dimmed or put into night mode, but sailing in the dark can be such a calm experience that the harsh light of screens can detract.

Keep your electronics on and functioning and use as appropriate.

If they are on and lit up in the cockpit they tend to draw the eye and can have the effect of making you less aware of that which is going on around you.

Poorly lit craft

Inshore, yachts can be hard to spot.

Coming into places like Southampton, Portsmouth or any other significant port with strong background lighting and a tight channel for leisure craft you are likely to be up against a significant confusion of lights.

Yachts are especially awkward if they opt for a tricolour at the masthead instead of proper running lights in close quarters.

You are looking ahead for trouble, not up in the sky!

Tricolours are great on passage though, increasing the likelihood of being spotted and minimising power drain – remember, do not use your tricolour when under power.

Fishing boats’ navigation lights are often made hard to see thanks to a bright deck light to enable the crew to work on deck.

Many larger ships are well lit up at night making them easier to spot. Credit: Colin Work

Watch them closely and expect erratic course changes.

Try to give them plenty of space to stay safe.

Around the UK other than the decklights making it hard to discern their heading from a distance, fishing craft should not cause too much worry.

But, you will want to avoid ending up astern of them in case they are trawling, so do take plenty of time to discern their direction of travel.

In some parts of the world fishing craft of various sizes do sometimes operate without proper lighting, so if you are entering a busy seaport always take it slowly.

Cruise ships and ferries are invariably lit up like Christmas trees.

It can be hard to pick out the red and green amongst the plethora of other lights onboard, so take time to work out what they’re up to and consult AIS if you have it.

Given their size, if you are close to shore even without seeing their nav lights it is usually fairly easy to make a decent guess at their bearing relative to you by glancing at your chart to get a sense of the main nav channels.

Safety on deck while night sailing

For the most part you will have your own rules about when lifejackets go on, whether that be worn the whole time, when the windstrength is above ‘x’ knots etc.

The strong recommendation is to always wear a lifejacket when on deck after nightfall, and this is sensible.

Some choose not to in calm weather and if they are in the cockpit.

As ever, what you decide will be between you and your crew.

Wearing a lifejacket when sailing after dark is advisable

For my part I would strongly recommend a lifejacket at all times after dark.

Clipping on via your harness is also strongly recommended.

If you are sailing a long passage at night then do be aware of your harness clip scraping along the deck if you are moving around – it’s a very irritating noise for those trying to get some kip below.

It’s not always easy to force discipline on yourself, but it really does make sense to call on your crew if you need to go up on deck for any sort of sail adjustment.

Safety is not about buying things.

It is about an attitude of mind.

We must constantly be on the lookout for trouble at night so that we can forestall it, just as we do in the daytime.

If you are setting out on a passage that may well extend into the night, it is worth considering what food you intend to take.

There is a lot to be said for preparing an evening meal before set off.

Something like a pre-made stew can be easily heated and give you a boost to cover the last miles.

It can also help you warm up on deck or make for a hearty meal once you are tied up.

Have snacks and hot drinks easily to hand

Whatever you choose, make plenty of it, that way you have enough to get you through the night, or you can have a bit to keep you going but still have a meal left when you arrive at your destination.

Hot drinks are axiomatic.

Boiling a kettle and having somewhere safe to place a mug while you make an instant coffee has to be easy.

If it isn’t and you are reduced to pre-heating thermos flasks, there is something wrong with your boat or your arrangements.

Keep the drinks coming.

They maintain morale and give people something to do.

Effect on weather

All air usually cools at night, even over the sea.

This will be more obvious when it has been a sunny day not far from land.

The result is that there are fewer gusts and a decrease in the average wind strength as the thermally enhanced breeze disappears.

On a night with low-lying cloud or hill fog, some lighthouses will not be visible.

Note the height of the lantern from the chart and be ready for the occasional disappointment.

Continues below…

Is red light at night best?

Dag Pike considers the age-old adage that using red light preserves your night vision

How to tackle a night passage short-handed

Worried about ‘things that go bump in the night’? Tom Cunliffe says night sailing is easier than you think –…

Night pilotage: How to enter unfamiliar harbours

James Stevens looks at how best to prepare for arriving at an unfamiliar harbour after dark and what to be…

Halos around the moon can be really obvious at night.

A big one is often a sign of an approaching front.

If the wind is light, think about starting the engine and keeping up boat speed.

In conditions when the air is moist, a degree or so of cooling after dark might be just enough to shut down poor-to- moderate visibility into mist or even fog.

Distant lightning is more easily seen at night, so don’t be too alarmed if you see it flashing around the horizon.

Sailing and sail handling while night sailing

Once darkness falls, moving around on deck should be reduced and so it makes sense to have out sails that are well within the conditions at the time.

Many skippers like to shorten sail before dark, regardless of conditions, so as to minimise the chance of having to handle sails at night.

However, you should still be willing and able to change sails, or take in or let out reefs, if necessary, particularly if you are on a long passage.

It is a very good idea to mark your halyards so that you can roughly get them in the right place for reefs etc.

Some skippers like to shorten sails as night falls to minimise the chance of sail handling. Credit: Graham Snook/YM

You should also have a working set of deck lights, so you can illuminate everything when doing big jobs.

If you are not far from your final destination and daylight is disappearing, it might be worth switching the engine on and getting sails down and tidy before the dark really takes hold.

But if you’re confident in your passage plan then this is far, far from crucial.

Reducing sail, however, helps with your own ability to see and be seen.

In busy areas many sailors like to have quite a bit of the headsail rolled away as this improves visibility looking forward – a good idea for busy ports in daylight too.

At the beginning of the night, the skipper should make sure everyone understands what adjustments can be made unsupervised by those on deck and when more crew should be called up to assist.

This may vary, depending on the crew’s experience.

Intuitive sailing

There are additional strips you can get added to sails that glow at night to allow you to properly set them at night, but this is really only necessary for racers and those looking to make very long night passages.

In truth, there is usually enough light to get some decent sense of how your sails are set, and if you have reduced sail before night falls, then the consequences of getting things wrong is just a slowing of pace.

Having a torch handy to check trim and telltales is a real help.

Toby Heppell got his first boat aged four and grew up sailing on the East Coast. He has been a sailing journalist for over 15 years. Credit: Richard Langdon

Though some are tempted to switch on the motor once dark falls, sailing in the dark is a really fun and tranquil experience and can improve your sailing skills during the day.

Without the ability to see gusts approaching on the water, your sail trim is going to be far more reactive than it might otherwise be.

Feel becomes key when sailing at night.

Sailing by feel is something of a specialism for blind sailors.

Lucy Hodges, Blind Sailing World Champion, once offered me this advice: ‘A key area for me when sailing are the hairs on the back of my neck. I always make sure that my neck is exposed. With a bit of practice you may be surprised how quickly you can lean to feel changes in wind pressure and direction.’

The key to sailing by feel, is using all of your senses.

Feeling the roll of a boat is essential, if you feel the boat is starting to heel, and if the hairs on your neck have not changed, the wind might not have altered and you probably want to adjust course slightly.

If the boat begins to heel and the hairs on your neck feel different, the wind may have increased so you might adjust trim.

Of course with visual inputs too, we do not need to sail entirely on feel when night falls, but it does stand as a great example of how different and rewarding sailing at night can be.

It can really help you feel more in tune with your boat.

For all the latest from the sailing world, follow our social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram .

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Night Boating: 10 Tips for Staying Out after Dark

Table of Contents

Last Updated on May 20, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

Boating at night can be a fascinating and memorable experience, but it doesn’t come without some challenges. Visibility is reduced, it’s hard to judge distances, and it gets colder at night, which may increase disorientation and seasickness.

Preparation for your nighttime boat trip is essential to provide a safe and memorable cruising. Luckily we’ll help you prepare. Here are 10 tips for a safe night boating.

• Prepare your safety gear
• Prepare the boat
• Prepare your crew
• Create a float plan
• Cruise slow and stay on the lookout
• Brush up on the rules of the waterways and light configurations
• Use all your information available to you
• Prepare for cold and wet conditions
• Know how to stay the night
• Have an emergency plan

Earn an average of $20K renting out your boat

1. Prepare your safety gear

Make sure you have enough life jackets for everyone aboard and that you can access them quickly. Consider adding a waterproof strobe light or glow stick to each coat so you can see people if they fall overboard. Have multiple flashlights with fresh batteries.

Also, verify your running lights are functioning. Check the condition of your distress flares. Do a VHF radio check. Charge your cellphone and check for coverage where you’ll be boating. Test your electronics, including the chart plotter and the radar, if the boat has them.

2. Prepare the boat

Check your engine and make sure you have plenty of fuel. Charge your onboard batteries because you’ll need them to run lights, instruments, and more. Have fenders and dock lines accessible.

3. Prepare your crew

Do a safety briefing for your guests, including showing them where safety gear is kept, how to use the head , and how to help if you need assistance docking.

4. Create a float plan

Create a float plan . This is a written document detailing where you’re going, with whom and when you plan to return or arrive at your final destination.

These will be the ones to alert the authorities should you fail to check in. So, make sure you choose people you trust. Float plans are always a good idea and may be especially helpful when night boating.

5. Slow down and keep an extra lookout

As we mentioned before, the darkness limits your visibility. Other boats, obstacles, and navigation markers become harder to see, and your ability to judge distance becomes impaired.

The best thing is to cruise slowly and stay on the lookout. Ask a guest to become your second set of eyes. Scan the horizon frequently, including what’s happening behind you. Keep all lights other than electronics and running lights to a minimum to preserve your night vision.

Use flashlights with a red filter to help. Even if your boat is equipped with a searchlight or headlights, don’t use them until you approach the dock.

6. Brush up on the rules of the road & light configurations

Boats must show specific running lights and light configurations indicating what they’re doing. It’s your responsibility to know what each light combination signifies.

A handy list of the basics is available from the Weems & Plath compact slide rule . It covers all about light configurations in boating.

7. Use all information available to you

Know how to use your navigation instruments, including the chart plotter and radar. Listen for bells, boat engines, fog horns, surf, and noise from the land, such as traffic.

You can get information from your senses too! Use your eyes, ears, and nose, then make the best decisions possible. When in doubt, just slow down.

8. Prepare for cold and wet conditions

Although it may be a humid Florida evening, windchills on a moving boat can get uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous. So ask your guests to bring extra clothes, especially if you’ll be boating from daytime to night.

Bring towels to wipe down wet surfaces or to cover someone who is underdressed. Bring hot non-alcoholic drinks in a thermos. Watch for signs of hypothermia or seasickness because guests won’t necessarily tell you when they’re not well.

9. Know how to stay the night

If you plan to sail through the night or anchor in a cove, prepare warm and dry bedding even if you plan to sleep on deck . Ensure the anchor is set securely, especially in a cove where the wind or current may shift. Oh, and bring bug spray!

When in doubt, post an anchor watch where people take turns sitting up while others sleep. Take bearings on nearby landmarks (not on other boat lights) to check your position periodically as your boat swings. Secure loose gear on deck and below before going to sleep.

10. Have an emergency plan

Make an emergency plan if you’re heading home from a waterfront restaurant or are anchored for the night. Someone could fall ill or have an accident, and there’s always a chance of fire or water ingress, so think through how you’ll contact a towing company or the Coast Guard to ask for help.

Know who to call and how to reach them via the VHF radio or phone if there’s coverage. Rushing back to the dock with a medical emergency aboard is an excellent way to make a mistake and compound the problem.

Nighttime boating can be a blast. It requires preparation and experience to get it right. After considering our advice and a few outings, you’ll find it’s a beautiful way to enjoy your boat day and create new memories.

About us 

Boatsetter is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app ( App Store | Google Play ) and follow us on Instagram .

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Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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7 Tips for Night Sailing

By: Pat Reynolds Cruising Tips , Learn To Sail , Safety

Now that we’re into the summer months, lots of you might want to stretch your skill set and do a bit of night sailing. It’s a bit of a different animal so we’ve cobbled together seven things to keep in mind as you head off into the wild black yonder.

• Dress accordingly It may be obvious for some, but don’t forget the big ball of yellow heat will be replaced by a cold little white ball that will not help the warmth cause at all. Your ability to enjoy the pleasure that a gorgeous night on the water can provide is directly proportionate to you being dressed for the environment. Don layers, with a spray jacket on top and life should be good.
• Carry a decent searchlight Night boating involves becoming accustomed to the available light and acclimating to it. It’s actually one of the cool things to experience during a sail in the dark, so constantly shining a spotlight like you were hand-holding your car’s headlights is not where it’s at. That said, there are instances where having a high-powered light on board can make things considerably safer. Coming into a harbor, verifying a navigational aid or identifying something foreign in the water are all common situations that benefit from a good light.
• Stand a watch Of course someone should always be keeping an astute lookout whenever the boat is underway, but this is hyper-important during the restricted visibility that night sailing involves. If you’re lucky enough to have a bright full moon than things are a bit easier but short of that, it’s dark out there folks! Someone needs to keep a mandated watch. By the way, if that person is you, be prepared to have one of the most quality “alone-times” you’ve ever had. People are known to find the meanings of their lives on night watches. You might well return from your nice sail and promptly quit your job, dump that angry spouse and finally get in shape!
• Don’t push Many old salts attach a different attitude and mentality for night sails. During the day the fun might be to vigilantly trim and adjust, catch lifts, shift weight and monitor that knot-meter for that rewarding uptick – 3/10s of a knot – Yes! “ Herman are you secretly racing that little boy in the sabot? ” “ No, of course not. ” But Herman is racing that little boy in the sabot! Anyway, at night it’s good to downshift and run the boat at a lower percentage. Enjoy the serenity this time of day has to offer and understand that downsizing the operation a little will make for a safer and more fulfilling experience.
• Make sure Waypoints are Clear & Safe Most sailors rely on electronic aids to see them around the waterways and at night they become even more important. They can also, in certain situations, make things less safe. A few years ago, the famous Newport to Ensenada race reported their first deadly accident when a group of sailors ran into a small island off the coast of San Diego. After an investigation, it was determined that the sailors, in all likelihood, didn’t account for the land-mass (island) when they entered in their waypoints. They might have been sleeping or just not paying attention when their cruising boat tragically ran up on the rocks. This would never have happened during the day, but sailing at night brings with it these kinds of considerations.
• Know the Light Patterns Fortunately charts and boats are all set up for sailing at night so it’s absolutely essential that the skipper and at least some of the crew know what the language of lights is saying out there. Boats are equipped with lights situated in such a way that other boats can tell what’s going on and charts are filled with light-related information that will clue mariners in on where they are. It can be confusing to look into a harbor located outside of a city and try to understand what is going on. “ Why is that harbor entrance light switching from green to red like that? Oh, that’s Washington blvd… ” Know what to look for and how the lights behave and the confusion will be greatly reduced.
• Wear a PFD We understand that not everyone wears their pfd for whatever reason – it’s not comfortable, it’s filthy from lying on the floor for the past month, it sucks away at your already limited sex appeal – we get it. We don’t agree with the decision, but okay. For night boating, swallow your reasoning and put that thing on. Things can get slick on the boat at night and God forbid you end up in the drink, that little pea head of yours is very hard to see in the night. If you’re floating around for a while screaming “over here!” things are vastly better. Attach a battery powered personal beacon/light to it while you’re at it. Follow our advice and should you end up overboard you’ll be back in the boat in no time!

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&Beyond Yacht Charters. All-Inclusive Crewed Yachts Charters

STARRY NIGHTS

Yacht details.

Welcome to the 2022 Lagoon 46 catamaran Starry Night, the gold standard of the midsize luxury sailing vessels.

Spacious beyond her size, Starry Night features day beds, couches, bow beds, a flybridge, and enough exterior places to relax to accommodate every guest as you enjoy your boutique sailing charter experience.

Soak up the sun from the comfort of the large comfortable flybridge couch or just take in a beautiful evening under the stars while enjoying the top-quality service experience provided by your knowledgeable and professional crew.

Enjoy the customized dining experiences as you and your loved ones are treated to three first class meals onboard each day. Take advantage of daily trips to stunning beaches, new islands, water-sports activities, and on-land experiences, all guided and facilitated by your expert crew.

In addition to the world class sailing grounds of the Virgin islands, the water sports experience offered by Starry Night includes two sea scooters, two battery powered Nomad Snuba devices, two stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear for each guest, oversized noodles, floating dock, and trolling fishing equipment. For the adrenaline partial guests, Starry Night also features tow-sports including tubing.

A charter with Starry Night in the Virgin Islands also offers the possibility of a variety of incredible off-vessel water sports experience possibilities including: rendezvous dives, kite boarding, guiding fishing tours, parasailing, and so much more.

Starry Night hosts up to 6 guests in three queen-sized, air-conditioned cabins. Each cabin features its own, private ensuite bathroom with a separate shower. Each room is equipped with outlets, USB charging, ocean views, and daily cabin service.

Don’t wait to book this fabulous Caribbean experience on Starry Night.

Comfortably Sleeps

Number of cabins.

3 ensuite bathrooms

Low Rate: USD 19000

High rate: usd 21000.

MEET YOUR CREW: CAPTAIN: Murray Hiscock CHEF: Antigua (Tiggie) Steward

A dynamic duo Murray, born and bred in South Africa and hailing from a family of sailors who represented South Africa at multiple world championships, he has saltwater in his veins. He discovered his passion for racing and commanding keelboats and Hobie cats, boat building, and yacht rigging alongside his father, embracing the ocean’s challenges from a young age. He brings extensive experience to the team as a qualified RYA Yacht Master, with two Atlantic crossings and multiple Southern Ocean races under his belt, a testament to his dedication and love for the sea. His love for the outdoors also extends to motocross, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking.

Antigua, with roots in both South Africa and Annapolis, Maryland inherited her love for sailing from her father, a renowned professional sailor who holds a world record for a solo circumnavigation in an open-top 19 ft keelboat. From racing dinghies in her youth to commanding her own keelboat by the age of 14, Antigua brings a wealth of experience and a taste for adventure as the team’s chef and first mate. Antigua developed a passion for cooking early on, inspired by her love for flavors and creativity in the kitchen. Growing up in Annapolis, she honed her culinary skills alongside her sailing adventures, blending her expertise as a chef with her prowess as a sailor. From experimenting with fresh catches aboard her family’s boats to crafting delicious meals for her sailing crew, Antigua’s culinary creations are as adventurous and seasoned as her seafaring spirit. Her dedication to both the art of cooking and the thrill of the open water defines her as an integral part of the team, bringing enthusiasm and enjoyment to every charter.

Together, Murray and Antigua embody a blend of skill, passion, and a sense of adventure. They look forward to welcoming you aboard for a memorable island vacation.

Onboard Wifi

Two Crew Members

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Smoking allowed on the aft transom

Family Friendly

Water Sports

Snorkel Gear

Floating Mats

Boarding Ladder

SU Paddle Boards

Fishing Gear

Sea Scooters

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CHICAGO BY NIGHT! Cruise

See Chicago's skyline sparkle and glow as you glide along the Chicago River and Lakefront under the dazzling glow of the city by night. 

2024 CRUISING SEASON MAY 24 - NOVEMBER 2

Tickets on sale now!

See Chicago Twinkle and Glow

Glide along the Chicago River and Lakefront as you're dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night. Hear lively commentary as you feel the night breezes and see Chicago’s dramatic skyline transformed into a glittering jewel. Family-friendly boat tours are our specialty!

Priority boarding now available!

• Includes exclusive early boarding period • Skip the queue during general boarding

Ticket Price

• Adults (Priority Boarding) $47
• Adults (General Boarding) $42
• Kids 5-15 (Priority Boarding) $24
• Kids 5-15 (General Boarding) $19
• Under 5 Free

Call us for group reservations at 312-332-1368 or contact us at [email protected] (group rates available Sunday - Friday).

Ticket Pricing

Full schedule.

May 24 - October 14 Departing Monday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday at 8:15pm

Located on Chicago’s Riverwalk

On the Chicago Riverwalk just off The Magnificent Mile

We love groups!

A fun, relaxing, informative boat tour along Chicago's beautiful waterways is the ultimate way to experience the city and leave a lasting impression on your group.

“The city lit up at night was beautiful, and our guide was both entertaining and informative. We highly recommend this tour.”

Julie G., Facebook

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Reservations are not necessary for daytime tours, though you are welcome to purchase tickets in advance online . We also encourage advance purchase online or dockside if you desire to cruise a particular date and time and want to guarantee your seats aboard.

We do advise that you buy CHICAGO BY NIGHT! and 3D Fireworks Cruise tickets in advance – online or at the box office – as these tickets are extremely popular.

Online we accept Visa and MasterCard. At our dockside ticket office, we accept cash, Visa and MasterCard.

Beverages – including water, soda, canned cocktails, beer, and wine – are available for purchase on board. Please note, no outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Snacks - including small items such as chips, cookies, and nuts - are also available for purchase.

Please note that all ticket sales are final.

All of our Urban Adventure Cruise, Chicago By Night! and 3D Fireworks tours pass through the Chicago River Lock System. Our guide/narrator gives a full explanation of the operation of the lock. You’ll feel the boat rise as you enter Lake Michigan and lower as you return to the River.

Yes. Our cruises depart rain or shine. We have open and covered seating on board.

Yes, of course! There are "Heads" located on board as well as one lined with newspapers for your dog(s) during the Canine Cruises.

The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority. After more than 80 years providing memorable cruises of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for millions of guests, we are proud to say we have a perfect safety record.

All of our vessels are regulated, licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) every year, and have undergone stability testing to ensure our guests are safe on their waterway experience. Our captains and deckhands go through an extensive training and drilling program that goes above and beyond the standards set by the USCG. Because we are committed to continuing education, we provide extra training every day to our crew.

If you have any questions about our safety training protocols or other concerns, please contact our Company Security Office Captain Tom Hacker at [email protected].

No. Luggage is not allowed aboard the Mercury vessels. Please leave your luggage at your hotel or check your bags in at a hotel near the dock (be sure to confirm in advance the ability for the hotel to accommodate you). Also, please be aware that all bags (purses, backpacks, etc.) are checked before boarding.

Yes, strollers may be brought aboard and will be folded and stored in the indoor salon for the duration of the cruise. They are not allowed on the deck. Please note, children must be removed from strollers before boarding.

In accordance with ADA guidelines, we welcome service dogs onboard. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices. Emotional support animals, pets and other animals not covered by the ADA are not permitted. All dogs are welcome on  Mercury's Canine Cruise ! Please visit the ADA's FAQ on service animals for further details. 

We love groups and would be happy to offer you a group discount if you would wish to reserve in advance! Please call 312-332-1368 or [email protected] for more information! 

Please note that we do not offer group discounts for our 3D Fireworks Cruise, but are happy to make a group reservation for full price! 

Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Choose any seat - all offer a great view!

Children under 5 are always welcome free of charge, but do still require a ticket. Folded strollers may be brought on board. Children’s rates available for kids 5-15 years old.

At this time the Riverwalk does not offer any elevators. For those who need ADA ramps, you may access the Riverwalk via the ADA ramp at State Street and Wacker Drive within the Vietnam Memorial Park. Then just follow the Riverwalk to the East under the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Our Ticket Office is marked with a blue awning. Our stairway offers handrails, and shade from the sun. For guests needing special vehicle drop-off assistance, click here for Mobility Assistance directions.

For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated aboard the ship. Guests who can transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair, based upon availability. Please note guests using manual wheelchairs must be accompanied by individuals who are capable of assisting/lifting the wheelchair over the boat’s threshold. Under Federal law and due to special marine safety construction guidelines, USCG-regulated small vessels are not subject to land-based architectural configuration requirements. Although we do our best to accommodate passengers with limited mobility consistent with our vessel capabilities, staffing and the docking space which is publicly owned and controlled, we can do a better job with advance notice .

LAZ Parking Garage at 111 E. Wacker Drive. This garage is across the street from our street-level dock entrance. Make a self-parking reservation online .

Discount rates available for Mercury customers with validation: $14 for 1-3 hours or $15 for 3-4 hours of parking. After 4 hours, standard rates apply. IMPORTANT: You must have your parking ticket stamped at our ticket window or on your boat in order to receive the discounted rate. Stamped tickets must be further validated at the parking garage office before departing the garage. Note: LAZ Parking Services at 111 E. Wacker is not owned or affiliated with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. The parking information posted here is merely for the convenience of our guests and is not to be construed as a recommendation or endorsement.

We are located on Michigan Avenue just 3 blocks north of Millennium Park. Visit TheMagnificentMile.com or MillenniumPark.org for activities, events and special offers.

15 Best Night Tours In NYC (From A Local!)

This post contains affiliate links to trusted partners. If you purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

By Dale P & Jessie Festa. This guide to NYC night tours contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Are you looking for the best night tours in NYC ?

Then you’re in the right place!

As a local New Yorker, I can vouch that New York’s nickname of “The City That Never Sleeps” is very appropriate. This doesn’t just go for nightlife, but also the many great tours you can do after dark.

Exploring NYC by night is one of the best ways to see the city, and it offers a totally different perspective compared to sightseeing during the day. Not only that, but some of the best tours in NYC happen after the sun has gone down.

You can admire the glittering lights of the NYC skyline at night on these tours, which allow you to explore the city on foot, by bus, by boat, by helicopter, and more.

You can also experience different sides of the city in the evening, from nightlife tours that take you to NYC’s best bars and clubs to ghost tours that explore the city’s haunted history.

On that note, keep reading for some of the best NYC night tours that will show you all that New York has to offer after dark!

Want beautiful photos taken of you in iconic New York locations? Book a Private Photo Journey , a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot . Experiences are hosted by Jessie on a Journey’s sister company, NYC Photo Journeys. Email [email protected] with inquiries.

Table of Contents

How To Choose The Best NYC Night Tour

How do you choose the best New York night tour? There are a few important factors to consider when booking a night tour in NYC.

First, decide how active you want to be. If you’ve been walking around all day and want to get off your feet and rest, exploring by comfortable tour bus or boat tour is the best option; however, if you want to be more active, consider a nighttime walking tour or an NYC nightlife tour.

Similarly, don’t forget about the weather. If you’re visiting NYC in the winter , an outdoor tour at night may not be the best idea; but in the summer, nighttime can be the most pleasant time of day to be outside.

Finally, consider what you want to see. As a local New Yorker, some of my favorite sites to see after dark include the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building.

Additionally, if you can get a view of the entire skyline lit up, such as from an evening boat tour or helicopter tour, that can be truly special.

Best Night Tours In NYC

On that note, let’s go over some highly-rated New York night tours to add to your itinerary. These are some of the best tours in NYC and can help make your trip truly memorable.

Best Night Bus Tours In NYC

1. New York City at Night Bus Tour

One of the best night tours in New York City is this excursion that combines sightseeing by bus with short stops for walking around some of NYC’s most famous landmarks.

On this four-hour evening outing, which is possibly the best night bus tour in NYC, you’ll drive through some of the most iconic neighborhoods of Midtown—home to iconic places like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building—and Lower Manhattan, where you’ll find Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center, and other important landmarks.

You’ll get to enjoy the sights from the comfort of your coach as you listen to narration from your guide.

You’ll also have the chance to get out and stretch your legs, exploring fascinating attractions like Grand Central Terminal, the High Line, and Little Island on foot with your guide.

➡️ Click here for full details and to book!

2. Brooklyn Dyker Heights Christmas Wonderland Bus Tour

If you’re visiting New York in December, you cannot miss this Dyker Heights Christmas lights excursion. It’s one of the best NYC evening tours that will get you into the holiday spirit.

Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its over-the-top Christmas light displays. This convenient bus tour will pick you up and drop you off at centrally located points in Manhattan.

In addition to visiting Dyker Heights, you’ll also make a stop in DUMBO, where you’ll have a chance to hop out and snap some incredible photos of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline at night.

Pro tip: If doing this NYC night bus tour, just make sure to pack appropriately for winter , as it can get cold. Consider wearing thermals for extra protection and bringing HotHands Warmers to put in your gloves.

3. New York NYC Private Tour By Stretch Limo

Want to splurge on an unforgettable evening in NYC? Book this private limo tour! Rather than sharing a tour bus with dozens of other travelers, you’ll have a stretch limousine just for yourself and your travel companions (up to six people total).

You’ll spend three hours cruising around the city in style, passing by NYC’s most famous landmarks and stopping for photos whenever you’d like. You’ll also enjoy free bottled water and soft drinks, with Champagne service available for an additional fee.

While you can book NYC limo tours for any time of day, doing it at night is a special experience because you’ll get to see the glamorous lights of the city.

This NYC night tour is also a great option if you’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary .

Best Night Boat Tours In NYC

4. New York City Lights and Skyline Cruise on Yacht

If you’re looking for one of the best night boat tours in NYC, check out this city lights and skyline cruise on a luxurious 1920s-style yacht.

Over an hour and 15 minutes, you’ll sail around Lower Manhattan, taking in views of the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and other iconic NYC buildings at night.

This is a great tour for couples looking for a romantic nighttime activity in NYC thanks to the glamorous ambiance, though solo travelers in New York will also enjoy it.

Included in the tour is one complimentary drink, with other drinks available for purchase. There is both indoor and outdoor seating on the boat, so you’ll be comfortable regardless of the weather.

5. New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

One of the best New York evening tours by boat is this two-hour sightseeing cruise around the New York Harbor. It kicks off at sunset, so you’ll get to see the twinkling lights of the NYC skyline flicker on as dusk settles over the city.

As twilight fades into darkness, the lights of the city will be at their most beautiful, and you’ll sail past landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the iconic Manhattan skyline.

You’ll also hear live narration from a guide who will point out the most important landmarks and share more about New York City’s history with you.

Best Night Helicopter Tours In NYC

6. New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience

One of the most unique ways to experience New York City at night is on a helicopter tour. And one of the best NYC helicopter tours at night is this 30-minute flight over the skyline and city lights.

After you take off, you’ll soar above NYC, getting a bird’s eye view of famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square.

It’s incredible to see these places lit up at night, and even more special to see them from high above the city. If you’re looking for New York tours focused on architecture , this will give you a very unique perspective of the cityscape.

You’ll also fly over the George Washington Bridge, before returning to land.

Best Night Ghost Tours In NYC

7. Greenwich Village Haunted Tour

If you’re looking for spooky haunted tours in NYC, check out this nighttime tour of Greenwich Village.

Known for being one of New York’s most haunted places, this evening walking tour will fill you in on the dark history and creepy legends of the neighborhood.

Beginning in Washington Square Park, you’ll spend 1.5 hours exploring with a local guide. Some stops include the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, home to the deadliest fire in NYC history, and a townhouse allegedly haunted by the spirit of Mark Twain.

Altogether, you’ll make 13 stops on this haunted Greenwich Village tour.

8. Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in NYC

Another one of the best ghost tours in NYC is this eerie walking tour focused on gangsters and ghosts of New York City’s past.

You’ll stroll through several neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Little Italy, and the West Village , hearing about history and ghost stories as you go.

As the name of this tour suggests, you’ll spend a lot of time focused on the dark and bloody history of New York’s gangs, from Chinatown crime rings to the Italian mob.

You’ll learn a lot of true New York City history on this two-hour tour, but you’ll also hear spooky stories about local paranormal legends.

Local tip: These neighborhoods are home to some of the best restaurants in NYC, so you’ll be in the perfect place for some late-night eats after your night tour. Personally, I’d go for some paella and sangria at Sevilla Restaurant.

9. Five Points Haunted Tour

Explore New York City by night and learn about the city’s spooky history on this haunted walking tour. You’ll begin the tour by learning the dark history of NYC’s City Hall, including the ghosts that are said to haunt the building.

You’ll also learn about iconic NYC landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, which has a darker history than many tourists realize.

Additionally, this tour takes you through the Five Points neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, known for its history of bloody gang battles and organized crime.

Best Nightlife Tours In NYC

10. Ultimate Rooftop Bar & Lounge Night Tour NYC

If you’re looking for fun things to do in NYC at night , check out this awesome nightlife tour! There’s a lot to do in New York City after midnight —obviously, that’s why it’s called “The City That Never Sleeps.”

For all the night owls out there, this tour is a great way to get a taste of NYC nightlife and meet new friends.

You’ll head out for a night on the town with a local guide, and you may end up visiting a bar, speakeasy, live music hall, rooftop lounge, or dance club depending on the evening.

The excursion includes three different stops, giving you a chance to check out some of the coolest nightlife venues in Manhattan with skip-the-line access.

11. The Bar Crawl and History Experience

Explore NYC by night on this fun Prohibition-themed bar crawl and history tour. During the 1920s when alcohol was banned in the United States, underground speakeasies popped up all over NYC.

On this tour, you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time as you have a drink at some of the best historic cocktail bars in New York City. You’ll also visit landmarks like Times Square and Grand Central Terminal accompanied by your local guide and host.

In total, you’ll hit up three different cocktail bars around Midtown Manhattan on this fun nightlife tour. You’ll also learn more about NYC’s fascinating history during the Prohibition era.

12. Fall in Love with Brooklyn Nightlife

Have a big night in New York City on this exciting Brooklyn nightlife tour. Some of NYC’s coolest bars and clubs can be found beyond Manhattan, and this Brooklyn walking tour specifically focuses on the hip Williamsburg neighborhood .

On this nightlife tour, you’ll check out some of the best bars and clubs in Williamsburg with newfound friends and your local guide. You won’t pay a cover charge at any of the venues, and you’ll also enjoy special discounts on drinks.

Finish off the night with spectacular views of Manhattan as you walk right under the Williamsburg Bridge and look across the East River toward the glittering lights of the city.

Other Top-Rated Night Tours In NYC

13. NYC Central Park Night Time Photography Tour

If you’re a photography enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this unique nighttime photography tour in Central Park. It’s one of the best NYC skyline tours by night.

Accompanied by an experienced local guide who’s also a professional photographer, you will explore various photogenic corners of Central Park. While many tourists only see Central Park during the day, it’s equally as beautiful after dark.

You can learn the ins and outs of nighttime photography from your guide and will come away with some incredible snaps of the skyline and the park at night that make the perfect New York souvenirs .

14. New York City Skyline Tour by Night

One of the best NYC tours at night is actually located in…New Jersey! Many visitors don’t realize that the best views of the NYC skyline at night can be seen from across the Hudson River in New Jersey.

This four-hour tour will show you the full beauty of New York City at night as you take in skyline views from various vantage points in Jersey City and Hoboken (Frank Sinatra’s hometown!).

Travel by bus from Manhattan across the river to New Jersey, where you’ll visit several destinations including Liberty State Park in Jersey City and the Hoboken Waterfront Walkway.

Don’t forget your camera for this nighttime skyline tour, as you’ll take in some of the best views of NYC possible!

15. Empire State Building By Night

One of the best places to go in New York City at night is the Empire State Building. With this self-guided Empire State Building tour, you’ll be able to visit the building’s immersive museum and learn about the history of this iconic skyscraper.

Make your way up to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, where you can take in sweeping 360-degree views of Manhattan.

There’s nothing quite like seeing the skyline of New York City by night. For a really special experience, book your Empire State Building time slot for just before sunset so you can watch as twilight sets over the city and the lights of the skyline flicker on.

NYC Night Tours: FAQ

Now that we’ve gone over some of the best New York City night tours, let’s answer some frequently asked questions:

Q) What is a night tour?

A night tour is a guided excursion or sightseeing experience that takes place after dusk, allowing participants to explore and discover landmarks, attractions, and the city’s ambiance illuminated by night lights.

Q) Are there tour guides in New York?

Yes. It’s recommended to go with a licensed NYC sightseeing guide , as getting licensed is a requirement, though not everyone abides by it.

Q) How many days do you need in New York?

A minimum of 4 days in NYC is recommended, though staying longer will allow you to explore beyond Manhattan to also sightsee around the other boroughs of Brooklyn , Queens , The Bronx , and Staten Island .

Q) Are food tours in NYC worth it?

Yes, a New York City food tour offers the chance to try a variety of different dishes for one price while also learning about the neighborhoods you’re exploring. You can find many of the best food tours in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Q) Is a guided night tour in NYC worth it?

Yes, a guided night tour can be worth it as it often provides insightful commentary, exclusive access, and a curated experience, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of NYC’s attractions after dark.

Q) Is there a hop-on hop-off night tour in NYC?

Big Bus New York, the most popular provider of hop-on, hop-off bus tours, does not run at night. You can book a pass for their daytime tours here .

Best Hotels In New York

Looking to stay overnight in NYC? There are so many hotels offering epic skyline views at night, like 1 Hotel Brooklyn (DUMBO), The William Vale Hotel (Williamsburg), citizenM New York Bowery Hotel (Lower East Side), and The Langham (Midtown).

🏨 Click here for a full list of New York City hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

🔑 Click here to check out unique local rentals!  

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

New York City Travel Insurance

When visiting New York City — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Final Thoughts On Booking NYC Sightseeing Tours At Night

While it’s fun to explore New York during the day, no itinerary would be complete without taking in the city’s most fascinating attractions at night.

After dark, the entire cityscape is lit up in a truly dazzling array of lights that reflect off of the East River and Hudson River and blanket New York in an energetic glow.

Many of the city’s most beloved sites look completely different after dark thanks to their own light displays, like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Chrysler Building. These attractions are arguably even more beautiful at night than they are during the day.

This beauty is enhanced through interesting stories and historical accounts told to you by a local tour guide.

In short, don’t miss your chance to see NYC’s most beautiful structures and places in a new light on an evening tour of New York City.

What best night tours in NYC would you add to this list?

Enjoyed this night tours NYC guide? Pin it for later!

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About Dale P.

Dale is a native New Yorker and an NYC-based travel writer and blogger. She loves sharing insider tips about New York City travel and other destinations with others.

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Boston's Premiere Yacht Charter Specialists

Our luxurious yacht charter specializes in all types of day and evening events including weddings, sightseeing tours, holidays, parties, celebrations, meetings and much more!

Boston's Premiere Yacht

Charter specialists.

Our luxurious yacht charters  specializes in all types of day and evening event  including weddings, sightseeing tours, holidays, parties, celebrations, meetings and much more!

Welcome to Night Rider Charters

Immerse yourself in a world where luxury meets the open waters. At Night Rider Charters, we transform ordinary events into unforgettable experiences. Imagine celebrating a special occasion, or simply reveling in the beauty of the sea, aboard a private yacht! With Night Rider or Timeless, this isn’t just a daydream – it’s an attainable reality.

Why Choose Us?

Exclusive Boston Harbor Experience: Nestled in the historic Boston Harbor, Night Rider Charters is more than just a boat rental service. We offer an immersive experience with the city's iconic landmarks serving as your backdrop. Cruise past Boston's breathtaking skyline, glide by its verdant islands and witness the majestic landings of planes at Logan Airport. It’s a view of Boston like no other!

Top-Notch Service: We pride ourselves on the level of service we provide. When you charter with us, you aren’t just renting a boat; you’re securing an entire crew dedicated to making your voyage exceptional. With a seasoned captain at the helm and a trained crew on board, your comfort, safety, and entertainment are assured.

Smooth Sailing: Our routes are meticulously planned within protected waters ensuring that, even on the most breezy days, your ride remains smooth and pleasant.

Flexible Durations: While our private charters start at a minimum of three hours, the memories you make will last a lifetime. Whether it’s a vibrant sunset party or a serene evening under the stars, your time with us is sure to be memorable.

Capture the Moment! Boston Harbor isn't just known for its historical significance; it’s also revered for its picturesque views. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, you'll understand why. So, don't forget to bring a fully charged phone or camera! With the city lights shimmering on the water and the laughter of loved ones filling the air, you’ll want to freeze these moments in time.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, hosting a corporate event, or simply seeking a unique way to enjoy Boston's scenic beauty, Night Rider Charters has got you covered. Come aboard and let us set the scene for an unforgettable adventure on the waters.

Why Choose Us? Exclusive Boston Harbor Experience: Nestled in the historic Boston Harbor, Night Rider Charters is more than just a boat rental service. We offer an immersive experience with the city's iconic landmarks serving as your backdrop. Cruise past Boston's breathtaking skyline, glide by its verdant islands and witness the majestic landings of planes at Logan Airport. It’s a view of Boston like no other!

Smooth Sailing: Our routes are meticulously planned within protected waters ensuring that, your ride remains smooth and pleasant.

Night Rider

55 FT. OCEAN YACHT SPORT SEDAN

Our 55 foot Ocean Sport Sedan includes Captain and crew for smaller group; 

64 FT. BURGER MOTOR YACHT

Timeless includes Captain and Crew for up to 44 guests.

Night Rider Charters Featured Events Include:

Celebrations

Plan a customized private party for friends and family to celebrate any occasion: birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, graduation parties – any event that calls for spectacular views of the Boston Harbor and memories that will last a lifetime!

The New England area is an incredible area for chartering a yacht! There are many things that you can do here and Night Rider Charters will be there for your every need.

If you’re getting married and considering a unique and luxurious venue for your wedding, then look no further.

4th of July

What better way to enjoy the Fourth of July than cruising on your own private, luxurious yacht?

Want to add some fun to your meetings and build team rapport at the same time? Come join us and help grow your business!

Memorials At Sea

If you are searching for unique and memorable wedding proposal ideas, our private yacht charter is an experience that your loved one will never forget!

Whale Watching

Massachusetts is one of the top 10 whale-watching spots in the world. Our charter guests will catch a front-row, glimpse of these magnificent creatures. The best part of all, it’s your private yacht for the day – no sharing with other people!

Amazing Other Events Include:

• Anniversaries
• Awards Banquets
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
• Business Meetings
• Brunch Cruises
• Church Events
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Testimonials

Amazing Captain and Crew

"Night Rider Charters has the most amazing Captain and Crew! We had the best time on our company outing!! And, Don knew how to get the good weather for us!!"

Magical Experience

"Had our company summer outing on the Timeless. Everyone had a great time. I highly recommend booking with Night Rider Charters for your next company event."

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"Have enjoyed 3 incredible work outings with Captain Don over the last few summers. Awesome time with a great crew. Highly recommended."

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Strangers in the Night

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STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT yacht NOT for charter*

37.5m  /  123' | cek-lift | 2004.

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Special Features:

• 2,000nm range
• RINA (Registro Italiano Navale) classification
• Sleeps 8 overnight

The 37.5m/123' sail yacht 'Strangers in the Night' (ex. Bushido) was built by Cek-Lift at their Bodrum shipyard. Her interior is styled by design house Alexandra Schoenburg and she was completed in 2004. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Paolo Scanu.

Guest Accommodation

Strangers in the Night has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 5 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Range & Performance

Strangers in the Night is built with a steel hull and teak superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by 1 x diesel MAN (D2866LXE) 347hp engines, she comfortably cruises at 9 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 10 knots with a range of up to 2,000 nautical miles from her 12,000 litre fuel tanks at 9 knots. Her water tanks store around 6,000 Litres of fresh water. She was built to RINA (Registro Italiano Navale) classification society rules, and is MCA Compliant.

*Charter Strangers in the Night Sail Yacht

Sail yacht Strangers in the Night is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

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