All Aboard! 3 Unique Seneca Lake Boat Tours

With summer rapidly approaching, it’s finally time to turn our attention to summer’s splendor. As the temperatures continue to rise and the Finger Lake wilderness jolts back to life, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers set their sights on Seneca Lake. On the north end of Seneca Lake lies Geneva, NY, a quintessential harbor town filled with ice cream shops, local wineries, and the prettiest castle in the state. On the lake’s southern reach rests Watkins Glen State Park, a spellbinding natural wonder. We like to think that Geneva (and beautiful Belhurst Castle, for that matter) offers an idyllic blend of history, sophistication, and four-season fun! Thus, it’s quite common for guests to inquire about the most popular Seneca Lake boat tours. There’s just something genuinely luxuriating about motoring through a pristine lake in the heart of summer’s haze, surrounded by friends new and old.

The Top 3 Seneca Lake Boat Tours

Truth be told, there are only a handful of noteworthy Seneca Lake boat tours. Most folks are busy chomping on gourmet steak, slurping fine vino, or receiving the best deep-tissue massage this side of the Mississippi. However, Seneca Lake’s fresh fragrance, soft gusts, and azure waves are sure to entice you into (or onto) the blue.

The most popular boating option in the region is Captain Bill’s Seneca Legacy, a sturdy cruise ship with decades of nautical “experience.” The Legacy steams past many of the lake’s most beautiful stretches, including steep bluffs, bustling marinas, and head-turning Belhurst Castle herself. Seneca Lake Reel Tours, meanwhile, is a much more modest affair. Curious travelers can hop aboard this covered pontoon for an intimate, 75-minute voyage. True Love Schooner Excursions, as its name suggests, is for mirthful sailors young and old. Sailing is, after all, a tad bit more sophisticated and intricate than your average tour.

A Self-Guided Voyage

If a trip aboard one of the three best Seneca Lake boat tours isn’t in the cards, feel free to rent a vessel from Stivers Seneca Marine. Whether you plan to hook a monster trout, dive into Seneca’s center, or simply jet through the water without a care in the world, we recommend giving Stivers’ team a call. These state-of-the-art pontoons are perfect for any type of aquatic adventure, even if it’s as simple as throwing an anchor into the lake and drifting to sleep.

From the Dock: Seneca Lake’s Many Sights and Sounds

Guests are often pleasantly surprised to discover Belhurst Castle’s lengthy wooden dock, ideal for an afternoon picnic, a bit of bass fishing, or a quick Instagram session. Families often plop down on the dock to watch the boats cruise (or sail) by, while munching on a light snack. The Hobart and William Smith Sailing team often practices and hosts competitions in these waters. It’s a lot of fun to watch these kids compete!

Historic Seneca Lake Hotels

After enjoying one of the top-reviewed Seneca Lake boat tours with the family, return to Belhurst Castle for the remainder of your stay. Yes, we’re minutes away from craft breweries, local wineries, and breathtaking waterfalls, but you won’t have to leave this historic estate to get a true sense of what makes the Finger Lakes so incredibly alluring. Please give us a call today at 315-781-0201 to book a long-awaited escape to sunny Geneva.