On Cayuga Lake

Area’s Best Narrated Tours Since 2002

NOW BOOKING 2025 CHARTERS

Reserve your charter time today to secure the perfect date and time for your group.

Bluetooth Ship-Wide Sound System | Coolers & Ice Provided | Up to 49 Passengers

Text Us to Check Current Availability

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

The 2025 Operating Season Begins May 1, 2025

Motor Vessel Patrick T Kennedy 3/4 View

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. 

More Shade, More Comfort: New Canopy Coming Aboard JULY 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that fabrication of our full-length vessel canopy is underway! This exciting upgrade will enhance comfort for our guests, allowing us to offer cooler, more enjoyable mid-day charters and tours throughout the summer. Rest assured, the canopy is designed to preserve our vessel’s stunning 360-degree panoramic views while also providing shelter during light summer sprinkles.

Installation is scheduled to take place June 1st with completion, testing, and certification by the United States Coast Guard expected by June 15th. As this process involves multiple steps and regulatory approvals, we appreciate your patience. We will provide daily updates regarding ticketed tours scheduled near these dates to keep you informed.

Thank you for your support—we can’t wait for you to experience the added comfort on board!

STABLE LARGE FLOOR SPACE  |  UP TO 49 PASSENGERS  |  USCG CAPTAIN PROVIDED

Calendar By Day

You will receive a text notification, email, and phone call along with a full refund if the cruise does not sail due to inclement weather i.e. rain.

Contact us if you have a large group seeking a specific ticketed public cruise time

Have an Idea for a Special Event? Let’s Make It Happen!

Suggest a time for a Friends & Family Graduation Cruise or another event that others may enjoy. Contact us to bring it to life!

Get the party started with your group of 8 or more

SUNSET CRUISE SERIES

 

Departing From 708 West Buffalo St, Ithaca NY

(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)

 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.

TICKET PRICES

PRICES NOW VARY BY DATE AND TIME OF BOOKING

CHECK OUR CALENDAR FOR VARIABLE PRICING – BUY EARLY TO SAVE

Groups of 7 or Greater May Qualify for Additional Discounts, Please Call 607-330-7900

CALENDAR OF SUNSET CRUISES

Ithaca Boat Tours Sunset Cruise

2Hr Eco-Adventure Tour

 

Departing From 708 West Buffalo St, Ithaca NY

(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)

 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.

TICKET PRICES

PRICES VARY BY DATE AND TIME OF BOOKING

Adult Tickets Start at $27.50

CHECK OUR CALENDAR FOR VARIABLE PRICING – BUY EARLY TO SAVE

Groups of 7 or Greater May Qualify for Additional Discounts, Please Call 607-330-7900

CALENDAR OF DAYTIME TOURS

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 us at 607-697-0166, or 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

Two Hour Charter $890

Each Additional Hour $395

 

For additional information, including weekday and small group discounts, as well as variable pricing options, please text 607-697-0166

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

Motor Vessel Patrick T Kennedy aft quarter view looking forward.
SPECIAL EVENTS
4th of July Events

FIREWORKS CRUISES

 

Departing From 708 West Buffalo St, Ithaca NY

(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)

Friday, July 4th – ANNUAL INN AT TAUGHANNOCK FIREWORKS CRUISE

Join us for our annual unforgettable 3-hour voyage to witness the Inn at Taughannock’s spectacular fireworks show from the best seats on the lake! As we journey north, soak in the vibrant holiday atmosphere with hundreds of boats, glowing dock flares, and festive lakefront celebrations. Then, settle in just a few hundred yards from the launch site for an unobstructed, up-close view of the breathtaking fireworks finale lighting up the night sky!

Saturday,  July 5th – HOLIDAY 2.5Hr SUNSET SPECIAL

Experience the magic of a midsummer night on the water with this 2.5-hour narrated sunset cruise, extending into twilight for a rare glimpse of private fireworks displays along the lake. As the sun dips below the horizon, watch holiday parties ignite the shoreline with bursts of color, reflecting over the calm waters of southern Cayuga Lake. A perfect way to savor the holiday weekend with a relaxing, scenic, and festive night on the lake!

Check Calendar for Current Prices, Buy Early and Save.  IBT welcomes passengers to BYOB, use our ice-filled coolers to keep your personal beverages cold !

The Patrick T Kennedy offers a spacious onboard restroom facility.

Special Event Cruise -- LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE SERIES

 

COMING THIS JULY AND AUGUST ON WEDNESDAY AND/OR FRIDAY EVENINGS

Join us for a magical evening on the water as we bring back our Live Music Sunset Cruise Series this July and August. Featuring a rotating roster of talented guest musicians, these 2-hour cruises will take place on select Wednesdays and/or Fridays, offering a unique musical experience each night.

Relax and enjoy a narrated journey through scenic waters, followed by enchanting live performances ranging from Celtic harp and folk melodies to jazz, acoustic, world music, and more. Let the music and the beauty of the lake at sunset create an unforgettable experience.

Check back soon for the full schedule and guest artist announcements.

Sailing Vessel Echo

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

The 2025 Echo Charter Season Begins May 15th

S/V ECHO PRIVATE CHARTER RATES

 

Departing From 708 West Buffalo St, Ithaca NY

(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)

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

2HR BASE CHARTER RATE

Total Price for Groups of 1-3: $195

Additional Passengers (Beyond 3): $45 each

Additional Time: $95/hr

Additional time may be pro-rated

We recommend a 2.5 hr cruise duration for the best sailing experience

Above prices may vary slightly when booking online

Example Pricing:

2 Passengers = $195

3 Passengers = $195

4 Passengers: $195 + $45 = $240

5 Passengers: $195 + $90 = $285

6 Passengers: $195 + $135 = $330

3 Passengers 2.5 Hr Sailing Charter: $195 + $47.50 = $242.50

Pricing Excludes Food Cleaning Fee. Please add $100 if you are plan to bring along any food Items. Beverages always welcome, no additional fee.

VESSEL AMENITIES

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)

 

BOOKING

Please call us at 607-330-7900, text us at 607-697-0166, or Email Your Charter Request for Echo Charters, Allow us to help create the perfect personalized itinerary.

Sailboat Underway

PURCHASE MARINA PARKING PASSES HERE

Calendar Will Default to Correct 1/2 Day Parking Period if Purchased 1 -2 Hrs before Departure Time

Gift Cards

A GIFT TO REMEMBER

Gift cards may be redeemed for any public cruise tickets or private charter aboard either vessel.

Each gift card is beautifully printed and can include a personalized message. We’ll mail your gift card to any address via first-class mail, typically dispatching it within a few business days of ordering. You may also choose to receive a digital version of the gift card immediately, in addition to the printed card.

For assistance in selecting the perfect gift card amount, please email or text us using the link below. Once the amount is chosen and the mailing address is confirmed, we’ll send a secure payment link via email.

GIFT CARDS NEVER EXPIRE
Ithaca Boat Tours Gift Cards