boat tours alexandria bay ny

"More than just a boat ride...."

• PRIVATE SCENIC TOURS

315-727-1939

1000 Islands Scenic Boat Tours

Alexandria bay, n.y. private boat tours of the beautiful thousand islands.

Private Scenic Boat Tours

Welcome to 1000 Islands Scenic Tours. We provide boat tours of the 1000 Islands boarding from Alexandria Bay, New York. Leisure activities are important while visiting the beautiful 1000 Islands.... and experiencing the river  "ON THE RIVER" is our specialty. Make the most of your free time.  For those who are visiting the 1000 Islands without boat transportation...or are just unfamiliar with navigating the expansive St. Lawrence River, we provide your best option.  

Whether you desire a lengthy scenic tour or a shorter ride around Boldt Castle and the surrounding islands, you'll feel like you're on your own private vessel.  We have no signage or advertisements on our boats.  You will board either our 26' authentic wooden Lyman "APACHE" or a comfortable, easy on/easy off pontoon boat at a convenient Alexandria Bay location.  We will customize your cruise to your personal preferences and carry up to  six passengers of your own party. You're invited to bring your own refreshments and of course your camera and relax while you serenely drift down the river, get close to nature and wildlife, view the island mansions or cruise to your specific destination.  The options are limitless with your own private boat and captain.  Avoid the cruise boat crowds and structured tours.  This is YOUR TIME on the river and it should be SPECIAL.

Contact us to request how we can make your stay at the 1000 Islands most memorable. 

• to read about tours....click on Private Scenic Tours at top of page
• to read about your captain....click on About Us  at top of page
• to contact us....click on Contact US at top of page

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BOAT CRUISES AVAILABLE FROM MAY THRU SEPTEMBER

• [email protected]
• +1 917-207-2181

Small, Private Tours of the Thousand Islands

Custom tours made just for you.

See the many back waters and other lesser-known areas where only shallow-draft boats like ours can visit. Our tours are customized for you .

Wonderful Variety of Wildlife and Bird Species

Mammal species commonly seen include white-tailed deer, woodchucks, raccoons, red squirrels, beavers, otters, and mink.

Go for a snorkel and see if you can spot a bass, northern pike, or the famous muskie. Bird species commonly found in the Thousand Islands:

• Great Blue Heron
• American Black Duck (winters and breeds)
• Common Loon (breeds)
• Least Bittern (possible breeder)
• Osprey (breeds)
• Bald Eagle (winters)
• Northern Harrier (breeds)
• Red-shouldered Hawk (possible breeder)
• American Woodcock (probable breeder)
• Black Tern (historic breeder)
• Whip-poor-will (probable breeder)
• Red-headed Woodpecker (possible breeder)
• Willow Flycatcher (possible breeder)
• Wood Thrush (probable breeder)
• Cerulean Warbler (confirmed breeder, two nests observed on Thousand Islands Land Trust property)
• Vesper Sparrow (possible breeder)

Make Yourselves Comfortable

Based in Alexandria Bay, New York, a bustling tourist town with many nicknames (Alex Bay, A Bay, or just The Bay), 1000 Islands Water Tours has two 6-passenger boats, a 34-foot Parker and a 25-foot center console Olympia, which can can travel distances quickly if needed or just putter slowly to take in the scenery.

The charming village of Clayton, New York, is only 10 miles upstream from Alexandria Bay and is the other main American town of the Thousand Islands.

Book a cruise for your special occasion: birthday, anniversary, proposal, graduation.

Rates for a private tour are $175 per hour.

As an officer in the Royal Marines Commandos for 8 years, Andrew served on various appointments at sea and on land including tours for which he received extensive training in parachuting, Arctic survival, and combat swimming with oxygen rebreathers. He was a member of the British National Parachute team and commanded the world-record-holding Royal Marines Free Fall Team.

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Find us at the marina at Keewaydin State Park in Alexandria Bay. Park admission is $6.00.

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Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Email: [email protected]

Uncle Sam Boat Tours offers a variety of tours through the scenic 1000 Islands. Featuring 1-hour and 2 1/4-hour sightseeing cruises, luncheon, dinner, charter and craft beer and wine cruises plus Singer Castle tours. All our daytime tours offer an unlimited stop at Boldt Castle. Passports or other identification is never required. In-season: Daily 10am-7pm; Off-season (early season and late season): Daily 10am-5pm.

Operating Season is May 1st to October 31st every year!

Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Experience the 1000 islands aboard uncle sam boat tours.

Two Nation Tour

The Uncle Sam Two Nation Tour has long been a favorite of visitors to the Thousand Islands Region. On this scenic tour you will pass by many island mansions owned or visited by some of the most famous names in American history, learning many interesting facts and legends along the way.

For over a hundred years the Thousand Islands area has been a popular vacation retreat for some of the wealthiest and most influential people in North America. You’ll recognize many names, like Kellogg (of breakfast cereal fame), Abraham & Strauss (who married twin sisters and built twin mansions here, and who died together in the sinking of the Titanic), John Jacob Astor, George Pullman (the inventor of the Pullman railroad car), and Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, Thomas E. Dewey, Governor of New York, to name just a few.

I have nothing but fond memories of the many times I toured the Thousand Islands on Uncle Sam, dating from childhood to becoming ancient. Don’t leave the 1000 Islands without riding Uncle Sam. Their dinner cruise is especially wonderful.

We come from Lordstown, Ohio almost every year and go the two nation tour. The trip on Uncle Sam Boat Tour is wonderful and we are going to do it again in Oct 2014.

My wife and I visited Alex Bay and really enjoyed the 2 Nation Tour. With the stop at Boldt Castle, we spent 3-4 hours on the river and it was a remarkable day. A really unique experience. Thanks,

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Uncle Sam Boat Tours

• 45 James St
• Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
• (315) 482-2611
• Visit Site | E-Mail

Uncle Sam Boat Tours offers a variety of tours through the scenic 1000 Islands. Featuring one-hour and 2 1/4-hour sightseeing cruises, luncheon, dinner, charter and craft beer and wine cruises, Singer Castle tours, round-trip shuttles to Boldt Castle on Heart Island and charter cruises for all occasions. All daytime tours offer an unlimited stop at Boldt Castle. Passports or other identification is never required. Daily 10 am to 7 pm; Early season and late season: Daily 10 am to 5 pm. Seasonal: May 1 to October 31st every year.

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Tours & excursions, accessible amenities, deaf and/or hearing loss.

• ASL Interpreter: Yes
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• Service Animal Relief: Yes

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• Accessible Bathroom: Yes
• Accessible Entrance: Yes
• Accessible Route: Yes
• Accessible Room near Lobby or Elevator: Yes

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Cruising the St. Lawrence River with Uncle Sam Boat Tours

New York is home to many beautiful waterways, but few, if any, can rival the beauty of the St. Lawrence River. And, for those wanting to see this scenic river, sailing with Uncle Sam Boat Tours is a great option.

The St. Lawrence River connects Lake Ontario to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. Along a little over 100 miles of the river’s length, it forms the border between New York and Ontario, Canada.

This stretch of the river is known for its immense beauty and forms the Thousand Islands region of New York . However, this region is actually home to over 1,800 islands.

Alexandria Bay, New York is a common jumping-off point for exploring this region, and it’s where you can hop aboard Uncle Sam Boat Tours.

Uncle Sam Boat Tours runs a variety of tours from their dock in this quaint village and has been operating since 1926. During the season, which runs roughly from April to October, they offer five different tours, as well as a few dining cruises.

I already had planned to tour Boldt Castle , a once-abandoned island in the middle of the river, and, since I needed a way to get across the water, I decided to book a tour with Uncle Sam.

While I could have simply taken their quick shuttle to and from the island, I opted to take their Two Nation Tour, a roughly two-hour tour that takes you on a guided trip through both American and Canadian waters. No passport required!

One nice thing about Uncle Sam Boat Tours is that all of their tours make a stop at Boldt Castle during operating hours, so you can choose whichever tour option you want and still get transportation to the island. (Note that Boldt Castle charges a separate admission fee should you decide to disembark and explore the island.)

Then, when you are done visiting the castle, you can hop any of their boats back to the mainland.

The Two Nation Tour starts by heading south on the St. Lawrence River towards Millionaires Row.

In addition to the sheer beauty of the river, it’s amazing to see the incredible homes situated on private islands. These are some of the most luxurious spots that you’ll ever see, and it’s truly fascinating to see these islands from up close.

While cruising the river, guides offer narration that goes into the history of the region and what you are seeing from the boat, including a lot of interesting facts about the islands and their inhabitants.

Of course, these homes wouldn’t be here if the St. Lawrence River wasn’t one of the most beautiful waterways in the United States. This is truly a breathtaking spot and the water of the river is nearly crystal clear.

In fact, it’s amazing to look down from the top of the boat while in the middle of the river and to be able to peer all the way to the bottom of the water. In fact, on clear days, you can even see shipwrecks on the riverbed!

After a tour around Millionaires Row, the Two Nation Tour with Uncle Sam heads back north along the St. Lawrence’s shipping lanes. If you’re lucky, you might see some of the massive cargo ships that ply the river, though I was unlucky on the day of my tour.

The boat also passes by Hub Island, also known as Just Enough Room Island . This tiny island, about the size of a tennis court, features a home and a tree. It is considered to be the smallest inhabited island in the world.

From here, the boat passes Heart Island, home of Boldt Castle (it stops at the island on the way back) and heads towards Canadian waters. While there is really nothing denoting that you’ve crossed the border, the boat’s guide does tell you when you’ve entered Canada.

For the next hour, the boat travels through Canadian waters, nearing the shore of Rockport, Ontario. You might even see other boat tours from Canada doing a route similar to the one that you are on.

The tour continues through the many small islands and narrow channels of the St. Lawrence River, even passing under the very large Thousand Islands Bridge that connects to Interstate 81 in the United States.

As you cruise the water, the narration continues throughout most of the tour. Visitors can also spend their time on board enjoying the beauty of the ship, getting a snack or drink from the fully stocked bar, or even driving the boat (if you have kids).

All too soon, the boat turns around and heads back for Alexandria Bay, making its stop at Boldt Castle along the way, before returning to the dock.

I’ve done a lot of boat tours on rivers and lakes throughout the country, including one with Clayton Island Tours just south of here, and I can say without question that the Two Nation Tour with Uncle Sam Boat Tours was the most beautiful one that I have ever done.

The sheer beauty of this region is absolutely worth seeing, and there is no better way to see it than from the water.

So, the next time you find yourself exploring the Thousand Islands region of New York , make sure to take a ride on the St. Lawrence River with Uncle Sam Boat Tours.

For more information on their tours, visit the website for Uncle Sam Boat Tours .

Looking for more things to do nearby? Check out the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton , Zoo New York in Watertown , and the Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg .

More nearby places worth exploring

How to Get to Bog River Falls on Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks

Uncovering Incredible Art at the Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg

Visiting the Delicious Wood Boat Brewery in Clayton, NY

How to Visit Rock Island Lighthouse State Park in the St. Lawrence River

Find more things to do in the thousand islands.

Jim Cheney is the creator of Uncovering New York. After spending 5.5 years exploring Pennsylvania, Jim discovered a love for New York and is excited to spend time exploring this great state and uncovering the best things to do here.

1 thought on “Cruising the St. Lawrence River with Uncle Sam Boat Tours”

I took the tour years ago and it left a memory that i cherish to this day. I tell people that they should visit the islands if they want to go back in time. I enjoyed the Guides and their Description of each island. I would give anything to go back and see Boldts Castle since its been restored. I was the right after it was purchased and the restoration was going to start. The pictures I have from it still gives me chills that i had the opportunity to walk on this island

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The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour

• Local naturalist guide
• Sightseeing boat cruise
• Picnic Lunch is included in this tour. Lunches are prepared for each reservation. Contact Clayton Island Tours to confirm lunch choices
• Admission to Boldt Castle
• Admission to Rock Island Lighthouse
• Opportunity to walk along TWO of the 1000 Islands
• Restroom on board
• Entry/Admission - Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House
• Entry/Admission - Rock Island Lighthouse State Park
• 39611 Chateau Ln, Clayton, NY 13624, USA
• Service animals allowed
• Stroller accessible
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• No passport required
• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to allow for parking and ticket redemption. Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure.
• This Tour Departs from and returns to Clayton, New York, United States
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 39611 Chateau Ln 39611 Chateau Ln, Clayton, NY 13624, USA See address & details
• Pass by Clayton Thousand Islands New York Wellesley Island Alexandria Bay Thousand Islands Bridge
• 1 Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House Stop: 75 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Rock Island Lighthouse State Park Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Kitty52_10 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Pleasant stop on a boat tour. Beautiful building with excellent views. Interesting history in that no one ever lived in the mansion. The castle was included as Pat of our boat tour through the Thousand Islands. Made a fun day. Read more Written March 16, 2024
• SteveD2204 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Thousand Island and Bildt Castle Tour We were so happy that we chose this event and this company! The crew was courteous and so willing to share their knowledge and love of their "home". They were fun, too! Thousand Islands is an amazingly beautiful gift. we thoroughly enjoyed the tour and Boldt Castle. Read more Written October 30, 2023
• 84zawm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles AMAZING EXPERIENCE VERY ENJOYABLE TOUR. i NEVER HEARD OF BOLDT UNTIL THIS TOUR TRAVEL GUIDE IS VERY EFFICIENT, KNOWWLEDGABLE, I WILL RECOMMEND MY FRIENDS Read more Written October 13, 2023
• J6319RNdavidw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Recommended Nicely narrated boat tour to and from the castle. This was a smaller tour boat than others that we observed - we were not packed in like sardines. The castle was very impressive and we could have used a little more time there. This trip is recommended. Read more Written October 8, 2023
• F1192DVmarians 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Glass Bottom boat was Fantastic Tour! What a fantastic tour! The captain and tour guide were both very friendly and very informative. They answered all of our questions and were very comical too! A bag lunch was offered and was a great idea to have on the trip and inexpensive. Tour of the lighthouse was wonderful! Overall I would rate this tour a 10/10 and would do it again! Highly recommend it. Read more Written October 6, 2023
• Deette B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth the visit! Great tour - castle looks beautiful, grounds look beautiful, fun visit! Haven't been you at least 15 years and the restoration progress was astounding! Read more Written October 5, 2023
• Kitty52_10 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth the cost of the ticket Great way to see the islands. The captain was very knowledgeable about the islands and clearly loved the area. The pilot was skilled. Dress in layers. Even at only 20 mph the lake breeze was cold. You have plenty of room to bring a bag or backpack to old your layers. Read more Written October 5, 2023
• 948anchitak 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour The boat tour guide was entertaining and took time to answer all guest questions along the ride. Very kind and accommodating staff! Read more Written October 2, 2023
• deborahkA5767TG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Boat Tour My wife and I enjoyed sharing part of our 23rd Wedding Anniversary with Captain Joe and the narrator. Boat very comfortable and history of the river and homes on the islands was very informative. Could have used another half hour at Boldt Castle and the boat engine noise at times made it difficult to hear the narrator, but overall a truly memorable experience. Read more Written October 1, 2023
• MemPortland_OR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour! This tour was wonderful. The boat was clean and well taken care of. Captain Matt and 1st Mate Michele were helpful, entertaining, and extremely professional. The information they provided as we went up and down the river was very interesting and informative. All in all, it was a great day. Read more Written September 29, 2023
• I1131YRdavev 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best tour! Clayton Island Tours is by far the best tour company on the St. Lawrence River. The boats are the perfect size. Not a big crowd of people. You can easily see in every direction. The captains and the narriators are locals and are stellar at their jobs. I have gone on their tours more than once and would never think of going with any other tour company. The couple that went with us had never been to the Clayton area. They loved the river and so much enjoyed the tour. They learned many interesting things about the area and took in all the beauty the river has to offer. Thank you Clayton Island Tours for giving us such a wonderful experience on the beautiful St. Lawrence River! Read more Written September 25, 2023
• E D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour boat experience! Fun and friendly crew. The guide was informative and charismatic with a lot of great stories to share. We all really enjoyed the more intimate setting of this tour, rather than being on one of the big boat tours with tons of people. Read more Written September 24, 2023
• mare682020 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cruising on the River The cruise around the Islands and Boldt Castle was amazing. We had a beautiful day for it. Our guide Michelle was very informative and both he and the Captain were very friendly. Will be going back next year !! Great cruise for the money and Boldt Castle was so beautiful !! Read more Written September 23, 2023
• שרון א 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very enjoyable Very friendly crew. Guide very knowleged. Very smooth ride. A bit cold so need to dress well, also the boat had blankets for the visitors. The castle was really nice, do as the guide suggests ans start with the video. When we finished we crossed the bridge to the canadian side where the is a tower with observation deck - a nice adition to see all from above Read more Written September 21, 2023
• O5725QCmicheler 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved it Beautiful views. Great tour guide…Liam! Really enjoyed our time on the river! Castle is gorgeous and so interesting Read more Written September 21, 2023

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour provided by Clayton Island Tours

1000 Islands Water Taxi & Scenic Tour

Business Details:

“More than just a boat ride….”

Welcome to 1000 Islands Scenic Tours. We provide boat tours of the 1000 Islands boarding from Alexandria Bay, New York. Leisure activities are important while visiting the beautiful 1000 Islands…. and experiencing the river while ON THE RIVER is our specialty. Make the most of your free time.  For those who are visiting the 1000 Islands without boat transportation…or are just unfamiliar with navigating the expansive St. Lawrence River, we provide your best option. Whether you desire a lengthy scenic tour or a shorter ride around Boldt Castle and the surrounding islands, you’ll feel like you’re on your own private vessel.  We have no signage or advertisements on our boats.  You will board either our 26′ authentic wooden Lyman “APACHE” or a comfortable, easy on/easy off pontoon boat at a convenient Alexandria Bay location.  We will customize your cruise to your personal preferences and carry up to  six passengers of your own party. You’re invited to bring your own refreshments and of course your camera and relax while you serenely drift down the river, get close to nature and wildlife, view the island mansions or cruise to your specific destination.  The options are limitless with your own private boat and captain.  Avoid the cruise boat crowds and structured tours.  This is YOUR TIME on the river and it should be SPECIAL. Contact us to request how we can make your stay at the 1000 Islands most memorable.

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Daily tours starting April 27th!

Uncle Sam Boat Tours: 1000 Islands Boat Tours in Alexandria Bay NY

The Twilight Tour

Quick deta il s:.

Duration: 1.5 Hour

NO BOLDT CASTLE STOP!!!

Light narration and an enjoyable mixture of music

A Quiet and Serene Cruise in Alexandria Bay!

On this magical evening cruise, we navigate along the Thousand Islands during a time when the river starts to take on a whole different personality. It becomes quiet and serene as it’s bathed in a soft light. You don’t want to miss this moment! This is the perfect date night cruise, and you’re back in time for a romantic dinner for two at any of the many restaurants within walking distance of the boat line docks.

This trip does not stop at Boldt Castle on Heart Island.

Available On Select Dates From May – September

Ticket information.

You must present your printed ticket to board. If you are unable to print your tickets, please stop by our Boat Line Office prior to boarding to have your tickets printed.

Tours Resume May 11th for the 2024 Season. Calendars are open, book your tour now!

• Only Public Tour to Rock Island Lighthouse

Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

This tour meandering among the islands showcases the region's spectacular scenery and the only public tour to Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2.75
• User Age: All Ages Welcome

Rock Island Lighthouse and Nature Tour in Clayton, NY

Board the Night Heron, our unique glass-bottomed boat and learn about the fish and wildlife that share the river with us.  Peer through the glass at the topography of the river bottom, one of the region’s largest underwater shoals and dock cribs left over from the Gilded Age.  Spend an hour exploring Rock Island State Park and climb to the top of its historic 1847 lighthouse for an unparalleled view of the St. Lawrence River.  Your experienced guide will explain current threats to the river, its fish, birds and landscapes, and what’s being done to protect and preserve them.  Learn how the Thousand Islands were created, the difference between an island and a shoal, and the fugitive from justice credited with saving the river from winter navigation.

This two hour and 45 minute tour meandering among the islands showcases the region’s spectacular scenery, what makes the ecology of the river unique and how to sustain it for future generations.

Rock Island Lighthouse is located in the Thousand Islands about 4.5 miles northeast of Clayton, Jefferson County, New York, off of Fisher’s Landing. Originally commissioned in 1847, it is one of six lights put up along the St. Lawrence River to guide traffic to and from Lake Ontario through the waterway.  The Rock Island station is the best preserved, as all of its structures still survive. It was refitted in 1855, rebuilt in 1882, and moved in 1903. The light was closed in 1955 after more than a century of service. Today, the lighthouse and island are maintained by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.

2024 Schedule 

• Double-Crested Cormorant Nesting Colony
• Picton Island, a jewel of preservation
• The water birds that remarry every year
• Counting Loons
• Where Native Americans Fished for Eels
• What Americans fish for today
• Frontenac Arch, Some of the world’s oldest exposed rock
• Topography of the River Bottom
• Wellesley Island Nature Center
• The fugitive who saved the river
• What an underwater shoal really looks like
• The invasive Zebra Mussel
• 19th Century shipwreck of General Hancock
• Stopover at Rock Island State Park & Lighthouse
• Common Tern Nesting Colony
• Site of the “Slick of ’76″oil spill
• Prohibition Bootlegging
• Underwater Dock Cribs from the Gilded Age
• St. Lawrence River’s Only Dolphin

Meeting Location

• Boarding takes place 15 minutes prior to departure.
• Meeting Address: 39611 Chateau Lane, Clayton, NY 13624
• FREE parking, buses, and RVs welcome

Frequently Asked Questions

• Chevron down Are there concessions on-board?

We do not have concessions on our boats. We do offer food and beverages from  Kay’s Kitchen  , our onsite concessions.

Picnic Lunches available to pre-order for each tour Breakfast in-season Lunch in-season Catering for group/private charters aboard our boats

You may bring your own food and beverages on-board. No Alcohol.

• Chevron down Do you travel if it is raining?

Yes, our boats are covered and have windows that roll up or down in inclement weather. We do not travel in severe storms or high winds. If the weather prevents us from departing we will let you know as soon as the decision is made.

• Chevron down Are Passports Required?

Passports are not required.

• Chevron down Where do I park?

We have ample free parking. Motorhomes are welcome.

• Chevron down Are pets allowed?

Only Service Animals are allowed. No pets, Comfort Animals or ESA’s are allowed.

• Chevron down Can I smoke on the boat?

Our boats are smoke free.

Related Boat Tours

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Sunset Cruise on The St. Lawrence River

Don’t miss this opportunity for a wonderful evening on the St. Lawrence River you’ll remember for years to come. See the beautiful sunset over the water as well as wildlife and more!

• 2 Hour Boat Tour on the St. Lawrence Seaway

Islands, Lighthouses, and Castle Tour

Join us for 2 hour narrated tour among many of the islands on the St. Lawrence River, including Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island, Sunken Rock Lighthouse on Bush Island, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island

• Our Best Selling Tour!
• Clock 11:30am
• Hour Glass 5.0 hours

The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour in the 1000 Islands

Designed for those who wish to see the most attractions in an afternoon from the river!  Tour the 1000 islands on the St. Lawrence River through US and Canadian Waters, visit Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island.  Picnic Lunch and all admissions included.

A celebration a century in the making –The historic Pat II Tour Boat turns 100

Finger Lakes Boating Museum is hosting a special event on Saturday, May 18, to celebrate 100 years of the Pat II Tour Boat. Friends and neighbors from across the region are invited to a day of fun from noon to 4 p.m. at Depot Park in Hammondsport, NY. In the case of severe weather, the event will be rescheduled for Sunday, May 19.

There is much to enjoy for enthusiasts of all sorts. On display will be beautifully restored boats representing nearly 100 years of Finger Lakes boat building history, including a recently acquired 1951 Penn Yan Boats-built President that has not yet been on display. Those who love a great outdoor picnic can enjoy food from Timber Stone Grill and Lake Life Catering along with lawn games and music by Paul Strowe along the shore of Keuka Lake. Family-friendly fun includes free make-and-take kids crafts, a Pat II tribute community art project, and an appearance by the Hammondsport Volunteer Fire Department fire boat. Adults 21 and over can indulge in tastings of local wines and craft beers with a donation to the Museum of $10, plus a variety of non-alcoholic refreshments will be available to ensure everyone can join in the toast and rechristening to the venerable Pat II’s 100th year.

For one day only, guests can reserve a spot on a 30-minute cruise aboard The Pat II hosted by special guest presenters including Sarah Wiles, formerly of Midlakes Navigation in Skaneateles where The Pat II ferried guests on lunch tours and the daily mail boat run from the 1960s to the 1990s. Historian Don Quant will regale tour passengers with stories of steamboats on Keuka and the Finger Lakes. And museum founder and volunteer Chief Boatwright Ed Wightman will give a unique talk about the thousands of volunteer hours and attention to detail that brought the boat back to life this century. Tickets for The Pat II special birthday cruises are $30.

The Pat II is a one-of-a-kind 16 passenger tour vessel that was built in Alexandria Bay in 1924 and started life on the St. Lawrence River as a tour boat to Boldt Castle. Then, for many years, she was a tour and mail boat on Skaneateles Lake. After years off the water and sitting in storage, dedicated FLBM volunteers renovated The Pat II starting in 2014. The Museum launched her again in 2021 and offers daily cruises starting Memorial Day weekend through October from Depot Park in Hammondsport. The Pat II is available to charter and the museum will host specialty tours throughout her 100th Birthday season.

The Finger Lakes Boating Museum was founded in 1997 to preserve, promote, and celebrate Finger Lakes boating heritage. Since 2014, the Museum has been located on Pleasant Valley Road in Hammondsport, NY, on the former Taylor Wine Company campus and has the largest collection of Finger Lakes area produced boats on display in the world and one of the largest off-water, year-round exhibitions of historical boats in the nation.

For information, visit http://www.flbm.org or call 607-569-2222.

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