Finger Lakes Boat Tour Guide
Nothing beats a summer vacation in the Finger Lakes region! There’s plenty to see and do while you’re here, but what could be better than touring the water by boat? Set off on one of the best boat cruises in the Finger Lakes, and you’ll enjoy the water from a whole new perspective.
Why Take a Boat Cruise?
Boat cruises are available on several regional waterways, including Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Skaneateles Lake, and the Erie Canal. These family-friendly outings are an affordable way to get on the water and see your surroundings from a different point of view.
Many boat cruises offer narrated tours to teach you more about the Finger Lakes region as you take in the surroundings. Lunch and dinner cruises are another option available on many tours. Enjoy a great selection of delicious food and drinks while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the water. You can even book a private charter for your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, or other special group event. The possibilities are endless!
Best Boat Cruises in the Finger Lakes
Check out your options for taking a boat cruise or renting water equipment on the Finger Lakes. You’re sure to find the perfect option for your next visit.
Colonial Belle
The Colonial Belle has been providing picturesque cruises on the tranquil Erie Canal since 1989. A variety of two- to three-hour cruises are available, so you can customize your experience. Unique offerings include murder mystery dinners, Jimmy Buffett nights, and more. A full bar and catering from local restaurants ensure plenty of quality food and beverages.
Location – Erie Canal – 400 Packett’s Landing, Fairport, New York 14450
Cruise dates – Mid-May through October
Narrated tours? – Yes
Food and beverage service? – Yes
Stivers Seneca Marine
Seneca Lake Reel Tours at Stivers Seneca Marine accommodate up to 49 people. You can also visit this full-service marina to rent a boat, repair or fuel up your vessel, shop at the Ship Store, or enjoy a dockside drink at the Tiki Bar North. Stop by for a Finger Lakes water adventure today!
Location – Seneca Lake – 401 Boodys Hill Road, Waterloo, New York 13165
Cruise dates – Thursday through Sunday all summer long
Narrated tours? – No
Food and beverage service? – Beverage service
Discover Cayuga Lake Boat Tours
Climb aboard the MV Teal for a personalized, informative tour. Discover Cayuga Lake Boat Tours provides near-daily sunset and midday eco-cruises, along with special onboard events, including Independence Day fireworks cruises, DJ cruises, fall leaf-peeping, and more.
Location – Cayuga Lake – 805 Taughannock Blvd, Allan H. Treman Marina State Park, Ithaca, New York 14850
Cruise dates – May through October
Narrated tours? – Yes
Food and beverage service? – Yes
Ithaca Boat Tours
Cruise the clear waters aboard Ithaca Boat Tours’ research vessel, the MV Haendel. Marvel at the sunset, learn the region’s rich history, or enjoy a glass of wine with friends during a special event cruise.
Location – Cayuga Lake – 435 Old Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, New York 14850
Cruise dates – April through November
Narrated tours? – Yes
Food and beverage service? – Yes
Erie Canal Adventures
Erie Canal Adventures allows you to rent a fully outfitted canal boat and be your own captain! Novice and experienced boaters alike can pilot the live-aboard vessel. Kayak rentals and marina services are also available.
Location – Erie Canal – 1125 Marina Parkway, Macedon, New York 14502
Cruise dates – May through October
Narrated tours? – No
Food and beverage service? – No
Water to Wine Tours
Experience the Finger Lakes like never before with Water to Wine Tours. First, depart from Interlaken or Aurora. Then, take in the lakefront views on a leisurely, five- to six-hour cruise featuring visits to three wineries along the shore.
Location – Cayuga Lake – 7398 Wyers Point Road, Ovid, New York 14521
Cruise dates – All summer long
Narrated tours? – No
Food and beverage service? – Soft drinks served on board
Sam Patch Tour Boat
Take a trip into history aboard the Sam Patch, a replica 1800s packet boat that navigates the Erie Canal daily. Book a public cruise, student cruise, or private charter and learn the history, science, and culture of the region.
Location – Erie Canal – 12 Schoen Place, Pittsford, New York 14534
Cruise dates – May through October
Narrated tours? – Yes
Food and beverage service? – Yes
Seneca Lake Resorts
Formerly known as SamSen, Seneca Lake Resorts provides scenic cruises and boat rentals for an experience you won’t soon forget. Drop anchor at one of two world-class locations—Sampson Park or Seneca Park.
Location – Seneca Lake – Romulus, New York
Cruise dates – April through October
Narrated tours? – No
Food and beverage service? – No
Mid-Lakes Navigation Lake Cruises
Go sightseeing, enjoy lunch or dinner, or host a special event aboard a unique US Mailboat. One-hour Mid-Lakes Navigation cruises come in various themes to suit your party’s needs.
Location – Skaneateles Lake – 11 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, New York 13152
Cruise dates – May through October
Narrated tours? – Yes
Food and beverage service? – Yes
Captain Bill’s Lake Cruises
Captain Bill’s offers 10-mile scenic cruises at the southern end of Seneca Lake. Take a dining or sightseeing cruise aboard a 270-passenger vessel, the Seneca Legacy, for an unforgettable experience with family and friends.
Location – Seneca Lake – 1 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, New York 14891
Cruise dates – May through October
Narrated tours? – Yes
Food and beverage service? – Yes
Seneca Lake Kayak
Find quality kayak and paddleboard equipment from Seneca Lake Kayak. Whether you take a guided tour or strike out on your own, services are fully mobile, so you can select a special patch of open water or calm marshes to enjoy the day.
Location – Seneca Lake – 155 S Clute Park Kayak Launch, Watkins Glen, New York 14891
Tour and rental dates – All summer long
Narrated tours? – No
Food and beverage service? – No
Morgan Marine
Meet all your boating needs at Morgan Marine, a full-service marina that also offers boat rentals on Keuka Lake. Rental options include powerboats, pontoon boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and more.
Location – Keuka Lake – 2 State Rt. 54 East Lake Road, Penn Yan, New York 14527
Rental dates – All summer long (service department and dealership open year-round)
Narrated tours? – No
Food and beverage service? – No
Shoreline Rentals
Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or bikes from Shoreline Rentals to maximize your vacation in the Finger Lakes region. Economical and hassle-free, these rental options are a great way to enjoy your time on and around the water.
Location – 136 Water Street, Penn Yan, New York 14527
Rental dates – Rentals available starting in mid-May
Narrated tours? – No
Food and beverage service? – No
Plan Your Trip to the Finger Lakes
There’s so much to see and do around the Finger Lakes this summer. Help make your trip a fun and memorable one by requesting your free Finger Lakes Travel Guide. Learn about all the best restaurants, attractions, events, and shopping in the area, plus save with special discounts and promotions. Hard copies and online versions are available for your convenience.
See you soon!
