Lake Cruises have always held an air of romance. Witnessing these majestic vessels cruising the waters of the many lakes around New York State. Lake cruises are just about the most relaxing way to enjoy a day on the lake and appreciate the shoreline scenery. Many of these tours offer lunch and dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and sightseeing cruises. This is a perfect excursion for a romantic night or a family outing.
Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn a small commission if you purchase products from our site at no additional cost to you.
Canandaigua Lady – Canandaigua Lake
There is a rich history of steamboat travel on Canandaigua Lake. From 1820-1930, there were as many as 19 steamboats that provided transportation to the residents of Canandaigua Lake, as there were no roads around the Lake. The Canandaigua Lake is a tribute to the boats that once sailed these waters.
Cruises
Enjoy a 2-hour lunch cruise or dinner cruise from May through October. If you are interested in history, book a narrated excursion, and get a tour covering the history of Canandaigua Lake, steamboats, and the Seneca Indians.
Contact for reservations: (585)369-7350 or book online
Address: 205 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
More to Explore in the Area:
Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises – Seneca Lake
The Seneca Legacy is one of the most luxurious ferry rides in New York. They have a long list of cruises such as lunch cruises, beer and cheese Cruises, dinner cruises, as well as dinner and dancing cruises, and entertainment cruises.
Contact for reservation: (607)535-4541 or book online
Address: 1 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Website: https://www.senecaharborstation.com/captain-bill-s
More to Explore in the Area:
Mid-Lakes Navigation – Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake is called the Jewel of the Finger Lake, and what better way to tour this gorgeous and pristine lake than to take a ferry ride on the Judge Ben Wiles. Mid-Lakes Navigation has several tours available, including a lunch cruise, dinner cruise, and sightseeing cruise.
Contact for reservations: (315)685-8500 or book online
Address: 11 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152
More to Explore in the Area:
Harbor Town Belle – Lake Ontario
This cruise offers a unique tour of Lake Ontario, Irondequoit Bay, and the Genesee River. Visitors can book a lunch, dinner, or two-hour sightseeing cruise from May – October.
contact for reservations: (585)342-1810 or book online
Address: Cruises depart from Voyager Boat Sales- Stutson Street, Rochester, NY
Uncle Sam Boat Tours – St. Lawrence River
Board the Uncle Sam and embark on one of the many scenic tours available. These include boat tours of Millionaire Row, the American Narrows, or Boldt Castle. Wine cruises are also available, as well as lunch and dinner cruises.
Contact for Reservations: (315)482-2611 or book online.
Ithaca Boat Tours – Cayuga Lake
Depart from Ithaca and enjoy the beauty of Cayuga Lake. Ithaca Boat Tours has affordable cruises that leave from several locations and have varying themes. Enjoy a sunset cruise, moonlight cruise, wine on the water cruises, and picnic lunch cruises. Sit back and relax and enjoy the beauty of Cayuga Lake.
Contact for reservations: (607)697-0166 or book online
Discover Cayuga Lake Eco-Boat Tours
If you are interested in lake ecology and learning about how science can help the environment, you will love this tour. These tours are very child-friendly, with lots of hands-on science fun. They also offer sunset tours with wines provided by local wineries. The tour leaves from Allan H. Treman State Marine Park
SUNSET CRUISES
Enjoy stunning sunsets on Cayuga Lake and see all the sights of the Lake.
OSPREY CRUISE
Bring your binoculars and watch for osprey. Explore the natural wonders of Cayuga Lake.
FAMILY ECO-CRUISE
1.5-hour kid-friendly tour that educates families on the wildlife in Cayuga Lake. Hands-on science activities for kids.
LAKE MONITORING CRUISE
Become a scientist and help collect water samples. Discuss the state of the lake and the issues facing it.
NIGHT SKY CRUISE
Enjoy the night sky of Cayuga Lake and see if you can recognize any constellations. Not sure that you can? No problem, this cruise is narrated by knowledgeable staff who can point them out for you.
Contact for reservations: (607)327-5253
Lake George Steamboat Company – Lake George
The Lake George Steamboat Company has 3 vessels in its fleet – The Minne-Ha-Ha, The Mohican, and The Lac Du Saint Sacrement. When I was a child, taking a ride aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha was one of my favorite memories of Lake George. The Lake is gorgeous, and there is so much to see. Each of these boats offers fun and unique excursions on the lake; Everything from a champagne brunch cruise to a fireworks cruise. The variety of cruises is nearly endless.
Contact for Reservations: (518)668-5777 ext. 4