dinner boat cruise rochester ny

Erie Canal Tour Boat

See our Daily Cruise schedule See our Themed Cruises schedule NEW! Photo Gallery The Colonial Belle has been providing Erie Canal tour boat cruises from mid-May through October since 1989. Come aboard in Fairport, NY, just 20 minutes from Rochester, NY.

What's New?

Our 2024 season will begin in mid-May and will continue until October 27th. We are currently booking private charters, school field trip cruises, themed/event cruises & groups of 25+.

To purchase a Gift Certificate: please call us at (585) 223-9470 or buy online with paypal here.

NOTE: Purchasing a Gift Certificate IS NOT a reservation... Your gift certificate will be mailed via US mail. Please have the recipient of the Gift Certificate contact us at  (585) 223-9470  to make a reservation for one of our cruises. We look forward to serving you!

From a happy cruiser...

Great cruise! We did the 3-hour lock tour starting at 2:30 and ending punctually at 5:30pm. We sat on the upper deck near the front of the boat. The captain was a young woman who was informative on the history of the Erie Canal, the towns that we passed through and the fascinating history of the Colonial Belle herself! She was also quite entertaining and funny! The bathroom facilities were clean and accessible. The lower deck had a full bar and the staff was very accommodating with a frozen Pina Colada for me and an Oreo ice cream shake for my son. Snacks there too. Overall, it was a very comfortable, pleasant and informative cruise. We had a gorgeous day of it. I would definitely do again and I highly recommend! I'm thinking of trying the murder/mystery or dinner cruise next time :)

5-star Yelp review by Ginny M. Pittsford, NY

Office Hours May - October 10:00am–2:00pm daily (excluding holidays) November - April Phone calls are answered as frequently as possible. Please leave us a voicemail message if we cannot answer. We have limited staff during our non-operating season. Our business email is checked multiple times a day year round as well.

Why choose the Colonial Belle? • 2 to 3 hour Erie Canal cruises (14–16 mile tour) • Historic Narration by our Captain • Great food & fun entertainment • Many Themed Cruises • Coast Guard certified Captain and Crew

Cruises with availability can be booked online. Online booking may be unavailable less than 24 hours prior to cruise departure. Cruises can also be booked by calling our office at (585) 223-9470 for the best up to date information.

Finger Lakes Cruises

The best way to experience the Finger Lakes is to get out on them. Views from the shore and scenic byways are iconic, but  to get the full sensory effect of the Finger Lakes you have to get on the water.

Nothing beats a summer vacation in the Finger Lakes region! There’s plenty to see and do while you’re here, but what could be better than a Finger Lakes cruise? Set off on one of the best boat cruise  tours in the Finger Lakes, and you’ll enjoy the water from a whole new perspective. CHECK OUT THE FINGER LAKES BOAT TOUR GUIDE , featuring opportunities on all 11 lakes.

A Fun, Family-Friendly Way to See the Finger Lakes

Boat cruises in the Finger Lakes can be found on Canandaigua Lake , Skaneateles Lake , Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake as well as the Erie Canal . These cruises are an inexpensive way to get on the water and see the region from a different angle, with historical cruises, lunch and dinner cruises, themed cruises, sustainability and ecology-focused tours, sight-seeing, fall foliage cruises and more.

Finger Lakes Dinner Cruises & Other Specialized Boat Tours

Many boat cruise lines offer a dinner cruise with a great selection of quality food to enjoy while you experience the sights and sounds of the water. Some boat cruise companies allow you to reserve a private boat for your Finger Lakes wedding party or other group event. Incorporate a sightseeing tour on the water for your next special event!

Check out all of the boat cruise options below and find the perfect stop for your next trip to the Finger Lakes.

Boat Rentals & Marinas 

Take your vacation into your own hands and captain your own vessel by discovering rental opportunities and marinas open to public boat launches. From high-end motor boats that will make you the envy of the lake to canoes and kayaks for exploration closer to shore, our many partners can find the best solution for your family vacation, friends weekend or escape during a business trip to the region,  

Baldwinsville

Canandaigua

Hammondsport

Rochester-Area Boat Tours

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Genesee River, the Erie Canal, and the Finger Lakes region on a boat tour. Enjoy stunning scenery, unique geology, and impressive waterfront homes. From the comfort of a boat, you’ll be able to spot local wildlife and learn about the rich history and culture of the area. Indulge in the serene atmosphere and breathe fresh air while enjoying a unique and unforgettable experience.

Contact cruise companies directly to learn about their unique amenities and accommodations. Some cruises may offer basic onboard comforts, such as restrooms and bottled water, while others may provide additional services like dinner, cash bars, and live music.

Day Trips Around Rochester, New York

Best of Rochester Award-Winning Book for Best Published Literary Work of 2023 .

City of Rochester

The latest addition to Corn Hill Navigation’s fleet, the Riverie, launches from the waterfront center at Corn Hill Landing. Passengers can select from various themes, including a 90-minute trip along the river, a 2.5-hour journey to Lock E-33 in Henrietta, and specialty voyages like one-hour live music and sunset cruises. Tour fee. 280 Exchange Blvd., Rochester

Monroe County

Colonial Belle

The Colonial Bell is the largest tour boat operating on the Erie Canal, with a capacity for 149 passengers. On the three-hour lock tour, you’ll experience firsthand the meaning of “Low bridge, everybody down!” The round trip covers nine miles, going west on the canal through Fairport, Bushnell’s Basin, Pittsford, and Lock 32 Canal Park before returning to Fairport. Tour fee. 400 Packett’s Landing, Fairport

Corn Hill Navigation’s 1800s packet boat replica, Sam Patch, offers leisurely 90-minute cruises along the canal through Lock E-32. Expert guides share stories about the canal’s commercial history, engineering innovations, and impact on current recreational use, highlighting interesting sights. Tour fee. 12 Schoen Place, Pittsford

Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours

Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours are a great way to experience the canal and learn about its history along your narrated cruise.

Greater Rochester

Canandaigua Lady

You can take this steamboat replica on a 90-minute narrated cruise along the north shore of Canandaigua Lake while relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Tour fee. 205 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, Ontario County

Seager Marine

Enjoy a leisurely two-hour sunset cruise on Canandaigua Lake. Tour fee. 811 S. Main Street, Canandaigua, Ontario County

Surrounding Counties

Bianconi tours.

Enjoy a one-hour guided history cruise along Cayuga Lake. They also offer winery and sunset tours. Tour fee. 403 Main Street, Aurora, Cayuga County

Buffalo Harbor Cruises

The company offers narrated sightseeing tours along Lake Erie and the Buffalo River with varying departure times and durations depending on the theme. Tour fee. 329 Erie Street, Buffalo, Erie County

Buffalo River History Tours

Enjoy a narrated 90-minute tour of the Buffalo River. Tour fee. 44 Prime Street, Buffalo, Erie County

Captain Bill’s Cruises

Consider embarking on a 50-minute narrated Seneca Spirit sightseeing cruise for the best view of Hector Falls (165 feet tall), or relax on a 2.5-hour dinner cruise on the Seneca Legacy. Tour fee. 1 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, Schuyler County

Discover Cayuga Lake

There are various themes to choose from for cruise experiences, including public, sunset, night sky, eco-cruises, and specialized trips to the farmers’ market and Taughannock Falls. Tour fee. 805 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca, Tompkins County

Ithaca Boat Tours

Take a narrated tour of Cayuga Lake on the 49-passenger Patrick T. Kennedy. Tour fee. 708 W. Buffalo Street, Ithaca, Tompkins County

Maid of the Mist

Get ready for a wet and wild adventure on the Niagara River cruise! Start your journey by taking the elevator from the observation tower and boarding the ship. You’ll cruise to the base of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls to witness the power and beauty of these iconic waterfalls up close. Tour fee. 1 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, Niagara County

Mid-Lakes Navigation

Take a 45-minute scenic cruise on Skaneateles Lake aboard the Judge Ben Wiles. For a truly unique experience, board the Barbara S. Wiles for a three-hour mail delivery trip to summer cottages and camps unreachable by road. Tour fee. 3 W. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, Onondaga County

Spirit of Buffalo

Experience the thrill of sailing on Lake Erie on this beautiful, red-sailed tall ship, a 73-foot topsail schooner. Themed sails typically last for two hours. Tour fee. 44 Prime Street, Buffalo, Erie County

Experience a scenic two-hour Seneca Lake tour with multiple daily departures, including a sunset cruise option. Tour fee. Harbor Park Pier, 1 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, Schuyler County

Whirlpool Jet Boat

Take a thrilling 45-minute wet or dry jet-boat ride and experience the power of the Niagara River and Devil’s Hole whirlpool. Tour fee. 115 S. Water Street, Lewiston, Niagara County

Google Map of Locations

view map separately here

You may also enjoy:

Day-Trip Destinations

These day trips are filled with carefully chosen options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as memorable experiences and events.

Explore the Finger Lakes Region

The Finger Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, featuring 11 lakes, charming cities and villages, and scenic farmland.

Explore The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail

The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail runs along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.

Exploring The Genesee River

At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.

Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

Nearly 80% of the upstate population lives within 25 miles of the Erie Canal. Explore the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and Niagara River.

Do you have a favorite Rochester-area boat tour?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York .

People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have . I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.

3 thoughts on “Rochester-Area Boat Tours”

Chautauqua Belle https://269belle.com/ Mayville or Jamestown, NY I went on this a couple of years ago on a bus tour. I really enjoyed it. Out of Jamestown, we spent a bunch of time on a river before going out on the lake but it was very enjoyable. Narrated. One of the few paddle-wheelers in service in the US.

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruise https://lockportlocks.com/ This is NOT the same as the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride. Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruise is all above ground, and on the Erie Canal. Narrated, relaxing. Goes through the locks & on the Erie Canal. Nice gift shop with lots of Erie Canal souvenirs & memorabilia.

Captain Sam’s Boat Tours, Thousand Islands https://www.usboattours.com/ Alexandria Bay, NY My favorite boat tour in the whole wide world. I’ve been on Uncle Sam’s more times than I can count. Very enjoyable.

Which of these cruises are handicap accessible for someone in a power wheelchair?

Hello Mike! I recommend contacting each boat operator directly because they are intimately knowledgable about their vessel, the dock, and the parking area. They’ll be able to provide you with specifics, as each boat presents unique challenges. In Monroe County, the new Riverie boat at Corn Hill Landing in Rochester is accessible. And the Colonial Belle in Fairport is accessible, though the restroom onboard is not. Next year, I plan to expand on the information I present here in this guide to include more details. If you’d like to share with me what you discover, I’d be thrilled to include your experiences.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Harbor Town Belle

Experience the beautiful genesee river and lake ontario, the harbor town belle harkens back to simpler times when her sister riverboats plied the greatest american waterway, the mississippi over a century ago., full cash bar.

Offering a full cash bar for your cruising pleasure!

Safety Rules

We take pride in making sure our passengers are safe and having fun!

Voyager Marina

Our boat is located at Voyager Marina, on the East Bank of the Genesee River

The Belle offers Heated and Air Conditioned decks. She can accommodate up to 128 people  for most any Event including:

Corporate events ~ private cruises ~ weddings ~ birthdays, charity functions ~ high school reunions ~ school excursions, meet the crew, we can't wait for you to come on board, captain roger englert.

Info goes here

Captian Kathryn Tingley

Crew - mark bohner jr., crew - richard snyder, get in touch with us, 100 joy lane, rochester, ny 14617, call us at 585-342-1810.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

April 8, 2024 - Total Solar Eclipse in Rochester

The Greater Rochester region is in the path of totality for the Total Solar Eclipse. Learn more and plan your eclipse visit today!

THE 10 BEST Rochester Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in rochester.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Boat Rentals
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rochester Sport Fishing

2. Bay Creek Paddling Center

3. Charter fishing Lake Ontario

4. Mary Jemison River Boat

5. Harbor Town Belle

6. Hooked Up Charters

7. Rochester Yacht Charters

8. Chinook charters

9. Bullseye Charter

10. NY Fish Find Charters

11. Gone Coastal Fishing Charters

12. Reel Serious Sportfishing

13. South Bay Marina

14. Net Back Foil - Fly Fishing Guide

15. reel em in sportfishing charters.

What travelers are saying

• Rochester Sport Fishing
• Charter fishing Lake Ontario
• Hooked Up Charters
• Chinook charters
• Bullseye Charter