Upstate New York Boating Guide

For boaters in and around New York, the disappearing winters come with an added attraction. And why not? With 7,500 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and more than 70,000 miles of rivers and streams to explore, the state of New York is nothing short of a boater’s paradise. But it is not just the enticing waters that draw in crowds; upstate New York has some of the most breathtaking scenic spots that frame the bodies of water beautifully.

There are lots of great places to visit in Upstate New York, if you're looking to rent a boat, consider these top spots:

Skaneateles Lake Boat Rentals

A romance between history and nature is what brings the Skaneateles Lake to life. It is one of the Finger Lakes located in central New York and means “long lake” in one of the local Iroquoian languages. It is also the cleanest of the Finger Lakes; in fact, the water here is so pure that the city of Syracuse uses it unfiltered! As a boater, this means you have to respect the stringent rules that are in place for obvious reasons.

Skaneateles Lake is a popular destination for recreational sailing. It has hosted regattas since 1847. It also hosts the Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show, where several classic mahogany boats, restored antique wooden boats, and live music transport you to the past days. It is also a popular destination for fishing boat rentals and fishing charters, where anglers from all over to catch great fish on the lake.

Boating at the Erie Canal

Hundreds of miles of history, architecture, and scenic waterways wait for you to explore at the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor. Rent a boat on the Erie Canal to discover a rich heritage that lives on among the canal communities as you cruise along leisurely flowing water. One thing to keep in mind while planning a tour of this corridor is the fact that it features a lock system. This means you should factor in both running time and locking. You will need about 20 minutes to pass through each lock.

Many on-the-water activities that you can enjoy around the Erie Canal here include rowing, canoeing and kayaking, and fishing charters. The interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes are open only from May 1 to November 15. The entry points are spread all across the state; however, it is best to check their website for boating alerts before you make any plans. Rent a pontoon at the Erie Canal for a relaxed day of cruising with friends or family.

Saranac Lake Region Boating

The Adirondacks in the northeast of upstate New York is a beautiful place to be. For boaters, it means miles of serene waters to be traversed. Rent a boat on Saranac Lake for an exciting expedition. You can pass through a series of interconnected water bodies that stretch across 24 picturesque miles. If you're feeling up for the challenge, kayak rentals and kayak tours of Saranac Lake are a fantastic way to get exercise while exploring this area of upstate New York.

The paddle or ride from Lake Flower to Lower Saranac offers a fantastic view of the High Peaks. The half-mile beach along the eastern shoreline of Middle Saranac Lake is a great place to have fun with your family. The middle is also famous for bass fishing. Upper Saranac Lake is the largest of the Saranac Lake chain. I

The Saranac Lake region offers an excellent outing option for the entire family. It's a great travel destination if you're on vacation with kids. Add to the fun by participating in the three-day boat event “90 Miler Adirondack Canoe Classic” on the weekend after Labor Day.

Lake George Boat Rentals

In 1791, Thomas Jefferson wrote that Lake George is “the most beautiful water I ever saw.” Even centuries later, you would agree with him. It is hard to believe that such a serene place exists just three hours away from New York City’s deluge of yellow cabs and busy crowd. The Adirondack Mountains border the lake, adding to the stately grandeur of the atmosphere. It's the perfect destination to go fishing, rent a canoe, or enjoy a boat tour.

The tranquility of the place belies the tumultuous past that it has witnessed. The lake had a significant contribution both in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Traces of the half-forgotten past are still securely preserved at the bottom of the lake - shipwrecks. The shoreline is an eclectic coexistence of wilderness, vacation homes, resorts, restaurants, marinas, and camping spots.

Thousand Islands Boat Rentals

With historic castles, lighthouses, and quaint cottages, the mystic beauty of Thousand Island’s crystal-clear waters is worth exploring by boat. It's a great destination for a weekend trip within New York. You can book a boat tour or rent a boat on your own around the Thousand Islands. The place offers one of the finest canvasses for pleasure boating, kayaking, fishing, and any other adventures out on the water. Experience the waterways that run from the eastern edge of Lake Ontario through the St. Lawrence River. If you love fishing, the place has a lot to offer. There are more than 100 boat launches available in the region.

New York State is a Boater’s Paradise

New York will never disappoint an enthusiastic boater. With so many gems spread across its length and breadth, there is something for everyone. Apart from the beautiful lakes, many communities in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island offer free rowing experience to boaters of all skill levels. Many also provide rowing classes for people who are keen on steering towards an exciting experience. Sail through some of the most breathtaking places in the country that reside in New York and make memories that you will treasure forever.

Need a boat rental during your adventures through Upstate New York? Download the Getmyboat app and search your options to rent a boat, charter a yacht, or try another water experience.