BOOKINGS FOR FALL 2026 STUDENT CHARTERS are underway
Text 607-697-0166 for Availability, Pricing & Return Group Discounts
SEE AVAILABLE STUDENT CHARTER DEPARTURE TIMES
Please note: To keep this list concise and focused on peak charter days and times, we are now listing weekend charter availability only. Many weekend times are already booked and are not shown below. Weekday afternoon and evening charters and other dates are still available upon request.
- Fri 9/25 @ 3:30p, 8:30p*
- Sat 9/26 @ 3p, 8:15p*
- Sun 9/27 @ 1p, 3:30p, 6p
- Fri 10/2 @ 3:15p
- Sat 10/3 @ 8p*
- Sun 10/4 @ 12:30p
- Fri 10/9 @ 5:30p
- Sat 10/10 @ 5:30p
- Sun 10/11 @ 12:30p, 3p, 5:30p
- Fri 10/16 @ 5:15p
- Sat 10/17 @ 12p, 5:15p
- Sun 10/18 @ 12p, 2:30p, 5p
*Departure times marked with an asterisk are not eligible for the student charter discount.
Don’t see your preferred date or time? Text us with your preferred date and approximate group size for current availability.
The Patrick T. Kennedy is available through October 31.
Coolers and Ice Provided
Access to ship-wide sound system via Bluetooth/Aux
Max Passenger Count: 49
Deposit Required: A deposit is required to finalize your reservation.
Questions or checking availability? Text 607-697-0166. Ready to book? Text BOOK for instructions.
Last Updated 9/22
ITHACA BOAT TOURS
Experience Cayuga Lake with Ithaca Boat Tours, featuring in-depth live narration covering local history, geology, wildlife, Erie Canal history, historic landmarks, and the stories that have shaped Ithaca and the Finger Lakes.
Since 2002, Ithaca Boat Tours has offered narrated sightseeing cruises from Ithaca, along with sunset cruises, special events, and private charters. Our narration is researched, continuously refined, and presented by guides with a genuine interest in the history and character of the Finger Lakes.
Our fleet includes the M/V Patrick T. Kennedy, accommodating up to 49 passengers for public cruises and private group charters, and S/V Echo, offering intimate private sailing charters for couples, families, and small groups of up to six guests.
TOURS | PRIVATE CHARTERS | CRUISE EVENTS
Motor Vessel Patrick T. Kennedy
Built in 1989 by Willard Marine as a U.S. Navy UB-88 utility/passenger boat, the 50-foot M/V Patrick T. Kennedy later served aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as a ship-to-shore utility vessel. Ithaca Boat Tours selected the Kennedy for her stable, seaworthy hull, high sides, classic lines, and unusually spacious open deck—an ideal foundation for creating a distinctive Finger Lakes classic launch.
Since joining the Ithaca Boat Tours fleet, the vessel has been extensively adapted for sightseeing cruises, special events, and private charters while preserving her original maritime character. Today, the Kennedy features a large onboard restroom, flexible passenger seating, and a custom full-length aluminum canopy with clear roll-down sides. The enclosure provides protection from sun, rain, wind, and cooler temperatures while maintaining broad panoramic views of Cayuga Lake.
In U.S. Navy service, the vessel carried up to 146 sailors. Today, the M/V Patrick T. Kennedy is a U.S. Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel certified for up to 49 passengers. Her large, open passenger deck provides room to move around, socialize, and enjoy the scenery from different vantage points, making the vessel equally well suited for narrated public cruises and private group events.
SPACIOUS OPEN DECK | UP TO 49 PASSENGERS | U.S. COAST GUARD-INSPECTED
Looking for More September Cruise Dates?
Our M/V Patrick T. Kennedy is heavily booked with private university and group charters throughout September, so public ticketed cruises are offered on a more limited schedule this time of year. Private Event Cruises are available through October 31
M/V PATRICK T KENNEDY PRIVATE CHARTERS
DEPARTING FROM AGORA OF ITHACA MARINA • 708 W BUFFALO ST, ITHACA, NY
(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)
Private charters aboard the M/V Patrick T. Kennedy are available for groups of up to 49 passengers. The spacious open deck and flexible layout work well for university groups, celebrations, corporate outings, family gatherings, live music, and other private events.
For current availability and pricing, text 607-697-0166 with your preferred date, approximate passenger count, desired departure time, and charter duration. Fall charters are available through October 31.
M/V PATRICK T KENNEDY CHARTER RATES
TWO-HOUR CHARTER: $1,090
EACH ADDITIONAL HOUR: $495
Up to 49 passengers
Weekday, student, and small-group discounts may be available depending on date, time, passenger count, and charter setup. For current pricing and availability, text 607-697-0166.
VESSEL AMENITIES
50-FOOT U.S. COAST GUARD-INSPECTED PASSENGER VESSEL
FULL-LENGTH CANOPY WITH CLEAR ROLL-DOWN SIDES
SPACIOUS OPEN DECK WITH FLEXIBLE SEATING
SHIP-WIDE SOUND SYSTEM WITH BLUETOOTH / AUX ACCESS
SPACIOUS ONBOARD RESTROOM
AUTUMN AFTERNOONS
DEPARTING FROM AGORA OF ITHACA MARINA • 708 W BUFFALO ST, ITHACA, NY
(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)
Experience Cayuga Lake in autumn aboard our narrated 2-hour afternoon cruise. Departing from Ithaca, the tour combines seasonal scenery with stories about the lake’s history, geology, landmarks, and surrounding communities. Our covered vessel provides panoramic views while offering protection from sun, wind, and light rain, making this an ideal way to enjoy the Finger Lakes during fall foliage season.
Depart from Ithaca’s historic downtown waterfront district and make your way north through the Cayuga Inlet to Cayuga Lake. Once on the lake, cruise along approximately seven miles of shoreline featuring modern homes, historic cottages, wooded hillsides, and dramatic shale cliffs, with autumn views unfolding throughout the route.
Enjoy a relaxed 2-hour cruise during the warmest part of the afternoon, with panoramic views of Ithaca and the surrounding hills in their autumn colors.
VIEW AUTUMN AFTERNOON CRUISE DATES
SUNSET CRUISE SERIES
DEPARTING FROM AGORA OF ITHACA MARINA • 708 W BUFFALO ST, ITHACA, NY
(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)
Experience one of the Finger Lakes’ most beautiful evenings aboard a lightly narrated sunset cruise on Cayuga Lake. We cruise north through the historic Cayuga Lake Inlet before opening onto the lake, where broad views of the western hills provide the setting as the sun begins to set.
Sunset cruises generally depart approximately one hour before sunset, allowing time to enjoy the changing evening light and scenery. Live interpretation may include local history, geology, wildlife, and landmarks along the route.
The M/V Patrick T. Kennedy’s full-length canopy and clear roll-down sides provide protection from changing evening weather while preserving panoramic views. Guests are welcome to bring permitted beverages for personal consumption.
Sailing Vessel Echo
S/V Echo offers an intimate private sailing experience on Cayuga Lake for couples, families, and small groups of up to six guests. Each outing is private and can be shaped around your group—whether you prefer relaxed sightseeing, time under sail, a sunset outing, or a special occasion on the water.
With comfortable cockpit and cabin space, an onboard galley, and a marine restroom, Echo provides a more personal alternative to a larger group cruise while allowing guests to experience Cayuga Lake at the pace of a private sailing charter.
LUXURY CHARTERS | UP TO SIX PASSENGERS | USCG CAPTAIN PROVIDED
S/V ECHO PRIVATE CHARTER RATES
DEPARTING FROM AGORA OF ITHACA MARINA • 708 W BUFFALO ST, ITHACA, NY
(CLICK ADDRESS FOR DIRECTIONS)
Each Echo charter is private and personalized around your group. Guests are welcome to bring food and beverages, and table, wine, and expanded galley service may be available depending on the charter setup. Let us know what kind of outing you have in mind and we’ll help shape the experience around your group.
S/V ECHO CHARTER RATES
2HR BASE CHARTER RATE – OCTOBER 2025
Total 2hr Price for Groups of 2-3: $330
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 = $330
3 Passengers = $330
4 Passengers: $330 + $45 = $375
5 Passengers: $330 + $90 = $420
6 Passengers: $330 + $135 = $465
3 Passengers 2.5 Hr Sailing Charter: $330 + $47.50 = $377.50
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 with your preferred date, approximate passenger count, and desired duration. We’ll confirm current availability and help plan your private sailing charter.
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 links 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
