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Cruises and Boating in Lake Placid, Lake George and Northern New York

Things to do / Travel Guide

With so many stunning bodies of water in northern New York, the region is an ideal spot to enjoy cruising and boating activities, especially during the summer months. The crystal waters are ideal for fishing, swimming, water-skiing, visiting an island, sunbathing, relaxing, taking a cruise, and more. Numerous cruise lines operate on the many lakes of northern New York, with most available to be chartered for groups and special occasions. Ships generally run from May-October. Various kinds of boats can also be rented throughout northern New York- a great way to not only enjoy the scenery but become a part of it as well.

Cruises in Northern New York

Cruises run along the waters of nearly every waterway in northern New York. Several tour cruise lines operate daily (from May-October) on Lake George, including Brunch, Moonlight, Historic, and Fireworks cruises.

The Old Forge Lake Cruises provide unique rides through the first four lakes of the Fulton Chain of Lakes. The sightseeing tour takes two hours, the traditional mailboat ride takes three hours, the fireworks ride lasts an hour and a half, and on the one-hour kid's cruise every child gets a turn to steer the boat. They also offer rail-and-cruise packages, in partnership with the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.Cruises in the waters of Lake Placid pass by the “stately manors situated along the shore.” Brown Tours offers a full-day tour of Lake Placid that includes time on both land and water. The one-hour cruise along Saranac River, operated by the Saranac River Cruise Line, offers prime viewing of deer, ducks, hawks, geese, muskrats and other wildlife. Cruises departing from Westport take passengers around the waters of Lake Champlain, offering wonderful views of the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains.

Take in the beauty of the St. Lawrence River on the Blue Heron Glass Bottom Boat Tour, where you might catch a glimpse of some of the resident fish, including smallmouth bass, yellow perch, walleye, and great northern pike.
Taking off from Alexandria Bay near State Road 12, the company offers one-hour narrated public tours, and is also available for private charter. Numerous other boat tours navigate around the waters and islands of the Thousand Islands, from large cruises to kayak tours, from hour-long to half-day to day-long. Indeed, with so many islands cluttered along the St. Lawrence River, the best way to explore the complex archipelago is by venturing from island to island with someone who knows how to navigate them all.

In the summer months, take a guided paddle-boat tour on one of the famous Adirondack lakes, guided by a licensed guide and regional expert. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, learn about Adirondack history, and get some exercise. Most trips include lunch and required equipment; sunset tours are available as well. The St. Regis Canoe Area encompasses nearly 60 lakes and ponds and is reserved strictly for non-motorized boats, making it a fantastic spot for paddling. The Adirondack Mountain Club runs canoe outings in the St. Regis Canoe Area usually in July or August that range from five- to ten-day trips, but membership in the club ($75 per person) is required to join these trips. Other popular sea kayaking and canoeing tours in northern New York paddle through Long Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, the Fulton Chain of Lakes, and more.

Boat Rentals in Northern New York

Numerous types of boats are available for rent throughout northern New York for a fun vacation adventure, including pontoon boats, ski boats, fishing boats, power boats, deck boats, runaboats, canoes, pedal/paddle boats, waverunners, and kayaks. Rental times can range from one hour to half a day to one week and beyond. Many companies rent these watercraft at reasonable rates and they can be found along the shores of the waterways in the region: Lake George, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Raquette Lake, Lake Champlain, and the Hudson River.