On Cayuga Lake
Area’s Best Narrated Tours Since 2002
Now Booking Spring Charters -- Season Begins May 1
ITHACA BOAT TOURS
Ithaca Boat Tours offers a wide variety of narrated boat tours and relaxing cruises that depart from Ithaca, New York. Enjoy the sunset, learn about the history of the area, or enjoy a glass wine with friends or family during any number of special event cruises we offer.
Ithaca Boat Tours has been offering the most informative and historically accurate premiere narrated tours since 2002.
Our fleet features the Sailing Vessel Echo and the Motor Vessel Patrick T. Kennedy. The M/V Patrick T. Kennedy can host groups of up to 49 passengers, while the S/V Echo offers luxury sailing charters for intimate groups of up to 6.
TOURS | PRIVATE CHARTERS | CRUISE EVENTS
Motor Vessel Patrick T. Kennedy
This 52′ vessel was built in 1989, fresh off the deck of USS Carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ithaca Boat Tours has successfully acquired this nautical masterpiece. Nothing short of a perfect “base-vessel-palette” to begin customizing into our very own– a classic Finger Lakes passenger Launch.
The vessel now offers a spacious onboard restroom facility.
Originally commissioned in 1989 as the Carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower Utility Boat, it boasts a passenger capacity of 146 originally. We have worked with the USCG and naval architects to dial in an optimal capacity of 49 passengers, thusly providing ample immediate seating or standing room for all passengers on board.
STABLE LARGE FLOOR SPACE | UP TO 49 PASSENGERS | USCG CAPTAIN PROVIDED
Cornell university and ithaca college student charters welcomed .
Graduation Event’s Charter Schedule is Filling Up!
M/V PATRICK T KENNEDY PRIVATE CHARTERS
Departing from 708 west buffalo st, ithaca ny.
(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)
Now accepting bookings for groups of up to 49 passengers, your charter will be tailored to your charter party’s needs. For inquiries and availability, call 607-330-7900, text 607-697-0166,
Email Your Charter Request : Please Include the Charter Date, Number of Passengers, Desired Time, and Duration of Charter.
M/V PATRICK T KENNEDY CHARTER RATES (Spring 2024)
First hour $495, each additional hour $395.
Please call 607-330-7900 for additional information, pro rata rates available (i.e. 1.5hr)
VESSEL AMENITIES
Tough and rugged vessel, large open floor plan — forward and aft deck, shipwide passenger accessible bt dj 1000 watt speaker system, spacious restroom facilities.
SUNSET CRUISE SERIES
This relaxing cruise is lightly narrated as we steam north through the historic Cayuga Lake Inlet. Once on the lake, enjoy breathtaking vistas from our fully open boat as the sun slips behind our glacially formed Finger Lake’s landscape. Experience the evening, Cayuga Lake Style. Cruise departs approximately 1 hour before sunset. Passengers are welcome to bring beverages for personal consumption.
The Patrick T Kennedy now offers passengers a spacious onboard restroom facility.
LIMITED FALL AVAILABILITY
TICKET PRICES
Prices now vary by date and time of booking.
CHECK OUR CALENDAR FOR VARIABLE PRICING
Groups of 7 or Greater May Qualify for Additional Discounts, Please Call 607-330-7900
CALENDAR OF SUNSET CRUISES
2Hr Eco-Adventure Tour
Enjoy the unobstructed 360 degree view only available on the M/V Patrick T Kennedy as we discover architectural wonders nestled under lush forest, dramatic rock outcroppings and historic landmarks. Our narrator regales passengers with local history and lore of the area, as we describe how glaciers sculpted the landscape, and later how the Erie Canal would influence local life before, during, and after the Industrial Revolution.
The Patrick T Kennedy offers a spacious onboard restroom facility.
Adult Tickets Starting at $25
Calendar of daytime tours.
Sailing Vessel Echo
The S/V Echo is a well appointed Morgan 38 that has the soul of a traditional sailing yacht yet offers the finest contemporary amenities. Stable with ample deck space ensures easy mobility around the vessel while underway. Each outing is personalized to the wishes of the charter party. Let us help design a memorable experience.
LUXURY CHARTERS | UP TO SIX PASSENGERS | USCG CAPTAIN PROVIDED
S/v echo private charter rates.
Each charter includes both a Captain and Mate for the finest customer experience, your private charter will include table and wine service for any items that you bring along. The full galley enables us to send you home with everything washed and cleaned.
S/V ECHO CHARTER RATES
1/4 day rates (3hr):, (groups of 1 – 3) starting @ $375, (groups of 4 – 6) starting @ $475, passengers welcome to bring along food and beverages, 2hr scenic cruise:, (groups of 1 – 4) $195, each additional passenger + $45, this special pricing excludes food cleaning fee. please add 125.00 if your are planning to bring along any food items., refrigerator (up to 6 cubic feet), galley w/hot water and cleaning supplies + deep double stainless sinks, full private restroom, interior cabin space w/6 pax seating, exterior cockpit table w/immediate seating for 4-5 pax comfortably, galley oven and 2 burner stove available w/add-on of mate, full nautical cutlery sets available w/add-on of mate, wine service w/add-on of mate, full chef service add-on available (please call).
Please call us at 607-330-7900 for Echo Charters, Allow us to help create the perfect personalized itinerary. You may also text message 607-697-0166 your inquiry for a faster response.
PURCHASE MARINA PARKING PASSES HERE
Calendar Will Default to Correct 1/2 Day Parking Period if Purchased 1 -2 Hrs before Departure Time
- Virtual Boat Tour
DISCOVER CAYUGA LAKE
Boat tours & charters, year-round watershed-based educational programs, a variety of public cruises for all ages based in ithaca, ny, donate to support our programs, great experiences on cayuga lake, boat tours & charters: may through october.
Come experience the beauty of Cayuga Lake on board our vessel, the M/V Teal! We offer a variety of interpretive lake cruises, private charters and special events highlighting the ecology, culture, and natural history of the Finger Lakes.
Our home dock is at the Allan H. Treman Marine State Park at 1000 Allan H. Treman Park Rd . in Ithaca, NY 14850 (map) .
Your purchase of a cruise or charter supports our non-profit lake access and youth education programs. Come cruise with us to learn about and share the lake love!
My husband and I had a great time on our boat ride. The crew was very knowledgeable and polite. We will definitely book another tour!
Kristy Wales
Great Experiences with Discover Cayuga Lake
Learn more about us.
weekly PUBLIC CRUISEs
Our cruises typically run 1.5 hours. Most are family-friendly or even kid-oriented, though we save a few for our adult friends.
- Capture breathtaking sunsets on the open water with our Public Sunset Cruises.
- Visiting the Ithaca Farmer’s Market? Grab a bite to eat and join us for a fascinating, one-hour narrated cruise.
- Join us on an educational Osprey or Fall Foliage Eco-Cruise to learn all about our lake’s ecology with interactive activities on board.
Boat charters for Private Groups May-Oct.
Host your private event on board the MV Teal while sponsoring our non-profit mission of environmental awareness and community access to our lake!
Our boat is perfect for:
- Catered Events
- Rehearsal Dinners
- Family Reunions
- Retreats & Board Meetings
- Team-Building
- Employee Celebrations
OUR boat, the m/V teal
- Is a comfortable 63-foot cruiser with standing and seating room for up to 80 people.
- Has a bluetooth connected sound system, microphones and monitor
- Has a buffet counter for catered events
- Is handicapped accessible with a ramp that can accommodate wheelchairs.
- Has two heads, aka bathrooms (not wheelchair accessible.)
- Has a full fleet of life jackets for adults, children and infants..
- Is a great vessel for private gatherings and charters.
- Is well structured to allow us to accommodate our educational and citizen science programs, like our Floating Classroom and Lake Monitoring Cruises.
- Helps us generate tourism revenue to sustain our educational mission!
- Will accommodate on-board wind and solar power and hopefully become electric some day soon!
Our Mission
At Discover Cayuga Lake, our mission is to cultivate informed and equitable relationships between people and the watersheds upon which they depend and we do all this while providing memorable, breathtaking family, friend, and community experiences on the beautiful Cayuga Lake.
We’d Love to hear from you!
Connect with us.
(607) 327-5253
For Cruises & Charters: [email protected]
For Educational Programs: [email protected]
1000 Allan H. Treman Marina Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850
OUR OFFICE:
110 N. Tioga St., Suite 303 Center for History & Culture Ithaca, NY 14850
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Discover Cayuga Lake 2023
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Finger Lakes Cruises
The best way to experience the Finger Lakes is to get out on them. Views from the shore and scenic byways are iconic, but to get the full sensory effect of the Finger Lakes you have to get on the water.
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 a Finger Lakes cruise? Set off on one of the best boat cruise tours in the Finger Lakes, and you’ll enjoy the water from a whole new perspective. CHECK OUT THE FINGER LAKES BOAT TOUR GUIDE , featuring opportunities on all 11 lakes.
A Fun, Family-Friendly Way to See the Finger Lakes
Boat cruises in the Finger Lakes can be found on Canandaigua Lake , Skaneateles Lake , Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake as well as the Erie Canal . These cruises are an inexpensive way to get on the water and see the region from a different angle, with historical cruises, lunch and dinner cruises, themed cruises, sustainability and ecology-focused tours, sight-seeing, fall foliage cruises and more.
Finger Lakes Dinner Cruises & Other Specialized Boat Tours
Many boat cruise lines offer a dinner cruise with a great selection of quality food to enjoy while you experience the sights and sounds of the water. Some boat cruise companies allow you to reserve a private boat for your Finger Lakes wedding party or other group event. Incorporate a sightseeing tour on the water for your next special event!
Check out all of the boat cruise options below and find the perfect stop for your next trip to the Finger Lakes.
Boat Rentals & Marinas
Take your vacation into your own hands and captain your own vessel by discovering rental opportunities and marinas open to public boat launches. From high-end motor boats that will make you the envy of the lake to canoes and kayaks for exploration closer to shore, our many partners can find the best solution for your family vacation, friends weekend or escape during a business trip to the region,
Baldwinsville
Canandaigua
Hammondsport
Finger Lakes Wine Tours & Cayuga Lake Boat Cruises
Finger lakes boat tours departing aurora ny & romulus ny daily.
BIANCONI TOURS TO OPEN BOATING SEASON ON APRIL 27, 2024: Now is the time to think Summer and plan your 2024 Finger Lakes Boat Cruise with Bianconi Tours! Our tour boats provide full enclosures, keeping guests warm and dry on those cool Spring & Fall days.
Experience finger lakes wine tasting by boat, a cayuga lake sunset cruise, and the historic beauty of aurora, new york by water in the comfort of one of our three spacious pontoon boats or aboard our 23' chris craft touring classic. private charters provide your group with exclusive access to our boats. please see our tours page for the latest updates, information and options., from history tours and sunset cruises to first class wine tasting by boat, bianconi tours is your guide to experience life on the water in the finger lakes. providing ample space in an open air environment, bianconi tours is the safe, relaxing way to discover the beauty of cayuga lake. we are pleased to offer four tour boats for the 2024 season, and pick up/drop off locations on cayuga lake from both the east shore in aurora, ny and the west shore in romulus, ny., our ongoing commitment to guest experience and continued focus on customer safety brought us over two thousand passengers in 2023 and has once again earned us trip advisors coveted 'travelers choice' award, for the fourth year in a row reserve your seats today, or purchase a gift card for one of bianconi tours' award-winning 'wineries by water' cayuga lake boat cruises. we look forward to seeing you on the boat.
- HISTORY ON THE LAKE
Our history cruise departs the Aurora Inn dock at 11:00am and returns at 12:00pm weekdays only. Join us for a 1-hour guided tour featuring the spectacular history of Aurora, Cayuga Lake, and the Erie Canal… read more
- WINERIES BY WATER
Our winery tour departs the Aurora Inn dock at 1:00pm and returns at 5:15pm daily. Join us for a 4 1/4-hour wine cruise to the western shores of Cayuga Lake where we will visit up to 3 wineries by water… read more
- SUNSET CELEBRATION
Our sunset cruise departs the Aurora Inn dock daily. Departure times will vary. This 1.5-hour tour is the perfect way to end your day on the water with the most beautiful sunsets in the Finger Lakes… read more
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BROWSE ATTRACTIONS
Discover Cayuga Lake On Board the MV Teal
Enjoy family-friendly eco-cruises, tranquil sunsets and special events aboard cayuga lake's largest tour boat, the mv teal..
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Discover Upstate NY
Book a Winetastic Cayuga Lake Boat Tour
Welcome to New York's spectacular Finger Lakes Region and the fine wines they produce. Cayuga Lake is the only place in the world where you can board a boat and visit fine wineries. Water to Wine Tours has been offering boat tours of Cayuga Lake since 1999 with over 12,000 happy customers. The ISLE OF SKYE is the only winery tour boat that can carry more than 6 passengers.. In fact, we are annually inspected by the United States Coast Guard and Certified to carry up to 15 passengers; we specialize in Bachelorette Parties. Our circular seating puts everyone in the Party.
Our Tours are sold by the "boat" only with Private Charters beginning at $500. If your group is 6 or fewer, you want to book the "PANGA"; if your group is 7-15, you want the "ISLE OF SKYE". All you need to know now is the date you desire and the maximum size of your group. Our regular tour lasts about 5 to 51/2 hours and includes 3 winery tastings and a lakeview winery Bistro lunch. Your tour guide will be a USCG licensed Captain and the boat will be stocked with a large cooler with ice & water. Lunch and tasting fees are not included. Your tour can be whatever you wish and can include pickup at your vacation dock. Our boats are enclosable and only cancel for lightning or heavy wind. Our diesel powered boats are designed for ocean duty. We do not operate pontoon boats.
Spend the day with us as your tour will include lunch (either winery Bistro or BYO) winery tastings at your pace and even an opportunity to extend until 5:30. Visit the gift shop, enjoy the view; it's all up to you as this is your Private Charter . You may bring whatever you wish to eat & drink. We have cups and openers onboard. Our tours depart from both the East or West side of Cayuga Lake. Our home port, Sheldrake offers private parking with a restroom, private dock with only 4 steps.
Please go to "CALL NOW" to secure your date. All other decisions can be made later. All weekends sell out, so don't delay. Questions? See our FAQ, email me or call 607-229-6368 (no texts). Thanks
Still have questions?
*Children 12 & under not allowed
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is available for either private or group tours and can accommodate up to 15 passengers plus the Captain. She is a 26 foot long harbor launch built in Newport, Rhode Island and evokes the look of a Maine lobster boat. She offers easy ingress and egress and excellent weather protection. Her classic lines and festive adornment make her a special event from the minute you board. She departs from either Interlaken or Long Point State Park.
Private cruises are available on the six passenger II Special. She is a custom built "Gentleman's Runabout" offering classic elegance in a modern performance package. She is 27 feet long with highly varnished mahogany decks and sumptuous accommodations for six plus the captain. She departs from either Interlaken or the Aurora Inn.
The 26' Panga is a 6 passenger center console boat featuring spacious seating, walk around comfort and generous wine storage and cooler space. She offers the performance and safety of dependable Cummins diesel power. She has been fitted with excellent protection from sun, wind & rain.
Maps & Directions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wineries do you visit.
Most typically, we visit Long Point Winery & Thirsty Owl Winery. Weather and logistics can have us visit Lakeshore, Goose Watch, or Varick Winery.
What happens during inclement weather?
Both of our boats will keep you safe, dry and warm. We will cancel for high wind, (docking issues) lightning and heavy rain (transportation from the dock to the winery)
What is the best day to tour?
Weekdays are best as weekends can be crowded at the wineries & docks.
How do I select my departure point?
Interlaken is the best for Ithaca, Watkins Glen, Geneva, Seneca Falls & all points west. Aurora is best for Auburn, Syracuse and all points east. Feel free to call for advice.
Why do I need to call the Captain on the morning of the tour?
Weather and logistics can alter the schedule by a small amount.
Where is lunch and is it included in the price?
The daily tour stops for lunch (not included in price) at Cayuga Lakes’ most popular winery, Thirsty Owl Bistro. You order off their scrumptious menu while sampling their wines and enjoying the view.
Can we tip our Captain?
If you feel he has done a good job. On a narrated tour a suggested tip for the Captain is $10 per person if he has provided you with information and service.
Are there bathroom facilities on the boat?
No, both departure points have facilities available and you are never on the boat for more than 25 minutes between wineries.
Can I bring a cooler?
No, however alcohol consumption IS permitted on the tour. As a courtesy to our winery partners, we recommend you purchase products for consumption during the tour. The first stop is 11:15 AM. Also, a large cooler with ice & bottled water is included on all tours.