The summer season in New York State offers numerous opportunities for boat tours and cruises, allowing visitors to explore the state’s waterways. The Erie Canal celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, making it an ideal time to experience a Lock Cruise at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. “Narrated by a Coast Guard Licensed Captain,” participants can view original locks from the 1800s and experience the unique sensation of rising 50 feet as water fills Locks 34 and 35.
In Montauk, Viking Fleet’s Whale Watching Cruise offers a chance to see marine life such as whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. A marine biologist from CRESLI narrates the journey while highlighting iconic sights along Long Island’s East End.
For those interested in underwater exploration, Clayton Island Tours’ Rock Island Lighthouse Glass Bottom Boat Tour on the St. Lawrence River provides views of shipwrecks and river wildlife through a glass-bottomed vessel. The tour includes a stop at Rock Island Lighthouse.
Lake George Steamboat Company hosts Summer Fireworks Cruises on Thursdays throughout the season, offering one of the best vantage points for watching fireworks over Lake George.
Spirit of Buffalo offers a Children’s Pirate Adventure aboard their red topsail schooner on Lake Erie. This interactive adventure includes pirate tales and treasure hunts.
Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour takes visitors to explore castle ruins on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River. The tour departs from Beacon and includes a walking tour of Bannerman Castle ruins.
Erie Canal Cruises in Herkimer offer Sightseeing Cruises that allow passengers to experience canal history with narration by a US Coast Guard-licensed captain while traveling through Lock 18.
Uncle Sam Boat Tours provides several cruise options along the St. Lawrence River, including Millionaire’s Row Tour which showcases lavish mansions like Boldt Castle.
Colonial Belle’s Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises on the Erie Canal combine entertainment with dining as participants solve mysteries during their evening cruise.
Dutch Apple Cruises’ Sunset Live Music Cruise in Albany blends relaxation with live music as guests enjoy scenic views along the Hudson River at sunset.
Chautauqua Belle’s Historical Tour explores Chautauqua’s past with narration about its history when industrialists like Henry Ford vacationed there during summers.
Circle Line’s Sip ‘N Groove DJ Cruise in NYC features music from live DJs while cruising past landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty against Manhattan’s skyline backdrop.
Visitors are encouraged to share their New York State adventures using #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY hashtags on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
