OUR 2025 SEASON HAS CONCLUDED
Thank You for a Wonderful Year! Tours and Charters will Resume May 1, 2026
ITHACA BOAT TOURS
Discover the Finger Lakes from a new perspective with Ithaca Boat Tours. Departing from the heart of Ithaca, New York, we offer a curated selection of narrated boat tours and leisurely cruises designed to showcase the region’s natural beauty, rich history, and relaxed charm. Whether you’re watching the sun dip below the hills, sipping wine with friends, or learning about the region’s storied past, every cruise offers something memorable.
Since 2002, Ithaca Boat Tours has been the region’s premier provider of historically accurate, locally informed narrated cruises.
Our fleet includes the Motor Vessel Patrick T. Kennedy, accommodating up to 49 passengers for public and private events, and the Sailing Vessel Echo, a luxury charter yacht ideal for small, intimate gatherings of up to six guests.
TOURS | PRIVATE CHARTERS | CRUISE EVENTS
October 29, 2025 — Just leaving the Hudson River and entering the Waterford Flight, the first series of locks on the Erie Canal. This remarkable engineering feat lifts vessels nearly 170 feet in less than two miles through five interconnected locks (E2–E6)—the highest lift over the shortest distance of any canal system in the world.
Motor Vessel Patrick T. Kennedy
This 52-foot vessel, originally built in 1989 and fresh off the deck of the USS Carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, was acquired by Ithaca Boat Tours as a true nautical masterpiece—an ideal foundation to transform into a Finger Lakes classic launch. Over the years, we’ve thoughtfully customized and modernized every aspect of the vessel, blending timeless maritime character with enhanced comfort and functionality for today’s guests.
Now featuring a spacious onboard restroom, and full-length canopy providing shade and protection from sun and rain.
Originally commissioned as the Carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower Utility Boat, it was designed to carry 146 passengers. Working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and naval architects, we’ve refined the vessel’s layout to an optimal capacity of 49 passengers, ensuring every guest enjoys ample space—whether seated or standing—to take in the panoramic views of the Finger Lakes.
More Shade, More Comfort: New Canopy Coming Aboard 2026
We’re thrilled to announce that fabrication of our full-length vessel canopy is complete! 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.
Working with Scarano Boat Building in Albany, NY, we completed the design and installation of our custom full-length canopy—a major milestone for our flagship vessel. Our crew journeyed more than 150 miles each way along the historic Erie Canal, navigating nearly 30 locks between Cayuga Lake and the Hudson River to reach the shipyard. Because of the vessel’s size, a specialized large-scale facility was essential to bring this project to life, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The new canopy not only provides exceptional protection from sun and rain but also features roll-down window panels that allow the vessel to be fully enclosed, offering comfort and shelter during brisk early-spring and late-fall cruises
STABLE LARGE FLOOR SPACE | UP TO 49 PASSENGERS | USCG CAPTAIN PROVIDED
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
Patrick T. Kennedy WILL RESUME May 1, 2026
Spring 2026 Calendar launches February 15 — check back soon for new tour dates!
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.
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
Up to 49 Passengers
For more details, including weekday and small-group discounts, as well as variable pricing options based on passenger count, please text 607-697-0166.
VESSEL AMENITIES
TOUGH AND RUGGED VESSEL
FULL SHADE, ROOF, & ROLL DOWN WINDOWS (AVAILABLE MAY 2026)
LARGE OPEN FLOOR PLAN — FORWARD AND AFT DECK
SHIPWIDE PASSENGER ACCESSIBLE BT DJ 1000 WATT SPEAKER SYSTEM
SPACIOUS RESTROOM FACILITIES
2Hr Eco-Adventure Tour
Departing From 708 West Buffalo St, Ithaca NY
(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)
Enjoy the unobstructed 360° view only available on the M/V Patrick T. Kennedy as we explore architectural wonders tucked beneath lush forests, dramatic rock outcroppings, and historic landmarks. Our narrator enchants with local lore—from glacial sculpting to the Erie Canal’s impact on life before, during, and after the Industrial Revolution.
Leave your car in our parking area and wander down the Cayuga Waterfront Trail—a six-minute stroll—to the Ithaca Farmers Market. Enjoy lunch from a bounty of unique vendors offering eclectic fare: authentic Laotian, Cuban, Indian, Cambodian, and Thai dishes; Amish jams and macrobiotic meals; artisan sourdough; Ethiopian specialties like injera and strong coffee; plus breakfast burritos and stellar locally roasted coffee
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
LIVE MUSIC CRUISE SERIES
JULY AND AUGUST ON SELECT WEEKDAY 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 Weekday Evenings, 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.
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
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 – OCTOBER 2025
Total Price for Groups of 1-3: $240
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 2Hr Pricing:
2 Passengers = $240
3 Passengers = $240
4 Passengers: $240 + $45 = $285
5 Passengers: $240 + $90 = $330
6 Passengers: $240 + $135 = $375
3 Passengers 2.5 Hr Sailing Charter: $250 + $47.50 = $287.50
Pricing Excludes Food Cleaning Fee. Please add $100 if you 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
BOOKING
Please text us at 607-697-0166, or Email Your Charter Request for Echo Charters, Allow us to help create the perfect personalized itinerary.
