booking summer 2025 tours now!
Cruise the Seneca River or Onondaga Lake
Take a boat ride on the Seneca River or Onondaga Lake.
Regularly scheduled tours depart from our dock in Baldwinsville. Hop on a themed cruise - sunset cruise, cocktail cruise, wine tasting, bourbon tasting, narrated history cruises, trivia contest, and other themed ride, including a Lock 24 lunch cruise and a narrated Erie Canal historical cruise.
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Our cruises depart from our dock at 7439 Hillside Road, Baldwinsville.
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Charter the entire boat for a private party!
Let's face it, everything is more fun on the water.
Charter the entire boat to turn it into a party venue for an intimate event or party: Corporate events, birthday parties, wedding events, showers, or just celebrating life with friends?
Plan your event with us and you’ll find it’s more fun in the open air. We'll work with you every step of the way on catering, beverages, music, decor.
Let's face it, every event is better on the water.
What floats your boat?
Grab a seat and take a ride - anytime
Open-seating boat tours set sail daily June through October:
- Happy Hour Tours
- Family Hours
- Bourbon, Tequila and Wine-Tasting Tours
- Onondaga Lake Narrated Historical tours
- Erie Canal and Lock 24 historical tours
- Sunset Tours
- Trivia and Riverboat Gambling Rides
- A boat ride to the Beach Boys concert at the Empower FCU at Lakeview on June 29 - park at our dock and ride!
Whether you're here to learn, lounge, or unwind, there's a cruise for you.
🎁 Looking for the perfect gift? Float someone’s day with a
Syracuse Boat Tour gift certificate!
Happy 200th Erie Canal!
This summer is the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal - the waterway that put New York on the map as the Empire State. We've added a historical, narrated cruise that will take you through Lock 24 in Baldwinsville.
We're excited to be part of the Erie Canal Bicentennial. https://eriecanalway.org/bicentennial
Our season begins mid-May and runs to late October.
Create your own event
Planning a special event? Take it up a notch on a boat!
We will work with you to theme the boat and create the perfect setting for your full-boat 40-person charter.
Call or text us to schedule and customize your perfect outing.
(315) 516-4719
FAQs - Everything you need to know to set off
Charter the entire 40-passenger boat or buy individual tickets. Contact us if you want to design a unique party or cruise experience. There's nothing like a Central New York boat ride!
What to bring
Sunscreen, a sweater if it's cool because the boat is open, maybe a playlist. But please no food, drink, coolers, large tote bags. We have a liquor license and due to NYS Liquor Authority guidelines, all beverages must be purchased from Syracuse Boat Tours. We have to enforce this policy and failure to comply will result in a return to the dock. :(
Where do we board and is there parking?
We depart from a sweet spot on the Seneca River named Dutchman’s Landing Dock, just three miles west of Liverpool, 7439 Hillside Road, Baldwinsville, NY. There's plenty of parking!
Can I bring my own food and drink?
No please! We have a cash/credit bar on board to serve soda, water, beer, wine, summer specialty cocktails like Mai Tais, Margaritas (and mock), Pina Coladas, and Fall cider concoctions. We also have snacks and charcuteries from Graze Craze onboard. Our liquor license prohibits us from allowing you to bring beverages aboard.
What if it's raining?
If it's a light rain, we cruise. We will offer you a raincheck or refund if we can’t depart due to severe weather conditions. Tickets non-refundable and we reserve the right to reschedule a tour due to weather issues. (Sorry, no refunds for no-show, or late guest arrivals.)
Should I bring a lifejacket?
We have a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for every passenger and crew, and all the safety equipment (and more) required by the US Coast Guard. Our boat holds a current Coast Guard Inspection (COI) and was recently inspected for this area. If you are bringing more than 10 children contact us, to ensure we have the proper size PFDs for your little ones.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yup! There's a small, marine commode is onboard, and a port-a-john is at the dock.
How long is the boat ride?
It depends on the tour you choose – they can run from 1 to 2.5 hours, or you can charter the boat for a longer cruise. Just call us with what you want and we’ll work it out with you.
What is the tipping policy?
Our captains and deckhands work hard to ensure your safety and and that you have an enjoyable cruise. While tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their exceptional service.
what our customers are saying
From Craig L
From Craig L
From Craig L
We took the sunset cruise on Sept 28 and had a wonderful time. We were visiting for Syracuse U. Parents' Weekend and this was a great activity to do after the football game. A terrific and relaxing way to catch up with our son. Annette and the Captain made for wonderful hosts. Highly recommend.
From Julie M
From Craig L
From Craig L
We had such a great time on our sunset cruise! There were birthdays and anniversaries being celebrated! We were celebrating 14 years together. The crew was great, funny and informative! Great music! The the view was spectacular! I will definitely go again for fall foliage. I just did a quick Google search and found them. I love that they have different cruise themes to choose from!
LC Filter
From Craig L
LC Filter
Great way to see the Seneca River from the water-side! The river is so beautiful, and our hosts were perfect. We have lived here for 30 years and we have Kayaks, but to share the river view with a group on Syracuse Boat Tours was a lot of fun...music, snacks, drinks, and a courteous crew! We'll do it again.