On Cayuga Lake

Area’s Best Narrated Tours Since 2002

Special Event Cruise -- LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday August 19 @ 6:30pm

We are excited to welcome Tyler Westcott from Buffalo, New York for a special Live Music Sunset Cruise on Cayuga Lake! Founder of the acclaimed roots band Folkfaces and Folkfaces Fest, Tyler is an award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose energetic performances blend vintage blues, traditional jazz, bluegrass, old-time string band music, and heartfelt storytelling.

 

 

TICKET INFORMATION

BOOKINGS FOR FALL 2026 STUDENT CHARTERS are underway

Text 607-697-0166 for Availability, Pricing & Return Group Discounts

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 thoughtfully curated narrated cruises designed to showcase the region’s natural beauty, fascinating history, and relaxed charm. From dramatic cliffs and hidden architectural landmarks to stories of glacial formation, local industry, and the people who shaped Cayuga Lake, our cruises provide one of the region’s most in-depth and engaging sightseeing experiences. Whether you’re watching the sun dip below the hills, sipping wine with friends, or discovering the Finger Lakes through expert narration, 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 narration is researched, continuously refined, and presented by guides with a passion for the Finger Lakes, creating an experience that is as informative as it is enjoyable.

Our fleet includes the M/V Patrick T. Kennedy, accommodating up to 49 passengers for public cruises and private charters, and the S/V Echo, a luxury sailing yacht ideal for intimate private charters of up to six guests.

TOURS  |  PRIVATE CHARTERS  |  CRUISE EVENTS

The Patrick T. Kennedy tour boat cruising on Cayuga Lake near downtown Ithaca during a narrated sightseeing and sunset cruise.

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. 

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

Calendar By Day

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.

Passengers enjoying a narrated sunset cruise aboard the M/V Patrick T. Kennedy on Cayuga Lake near Ithaca, New York during golden hour.

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 $1090

Each Additional Hour $495

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

Motor Vessel Patrick T Kennedy aft quarter view looking forward.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Special Event Cruise -- LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE SERIES

 

JULY AND AUGUST ON SELECT WEDNESDAY 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.

Series Finale Wednesday August 19th

Interested in playing our Wednesday Live Music Series?
Submit your promo materials to contact@ithacaboattours.com for consideration. 

Wednesday August 19, 2025 @ 6:30pm -- TYLER WESTCOTT

Tyler Westcott is a singer-songwriter, storyteller, and multi-instrumentalist from Western New York, blending old-time string band music, 1920s & ’30s blues and jazz, and folk revival with sharp, heartfelt songwriting. Since founding the eclectic roots band Folkfaces in 2011, he has become a staple in the Northeastern music scene, also performing with Banjo Juice Jazz Band, Paper Roses, and the Tyler Westcott Band. His recordings include Royal Street Blues (2024), Singin’ My Friends’ Songs (2023), and a forthcoming solo album, Wanderlust (2025). Westcott is also the founder of Folkfaces Fest, a grassroots festival celebrating roots music, workshops, art, and community.

Nate Richardson performing live on guitar aboard Ithaca Boat Tours during a sunset music cruise on Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, NY.
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

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 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 for Echo Charters, Allow us to help create the perfect personalized itinerary.

Sailboat Underway
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