thousand island private boat tour

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Small, Private Tours of the Thousand Islands

Custom tours made just for you.

See the many back waters and other lesser-known areas where only shallow-draft boats like ours can visit. Our tours are customized for you .

Wonderful Variety of Wildlife and Bird Species

Mammal species commonly seen include white-tailed deer, woodchucks, raccoons, red squirrels, beavers, otters, and mink.

Go for a snorkel and see if you can spot a bass, northern pike, or the famous muskie. Bird species commonly found in the Thousand Islands:

• Great Blue Heron
• American Black Duck (winters and breeds)
• Common Loon (breeds)
• Least Bittern (possible breeder)
• Osprey (breeds)
• Bald Eagle (winters)
• Northern Harrier (breeds)
• Red-shouldered Hawk (possible breeder)
• American Woodcock (probable breeder)
• Black Tern (historic breeder)
• Whip-poor-will (probable breeder)
• Red-headed Woodpecker (possible breeder)
• Willow Flycatcher (possible breeder)
• Wood Thrush (probable breeder)
• Cerulean Warbler (confirmed breeder, two nests observed on Thousand Islands Land Trust property)
• Vesper Sparrow (possible breeder)

Make Yourselves Comfortable

Based in Alexandria Bay, New York, a bustling tourist town with many nicknames (Alex Bay, A Bay, or just The Bay), 1000 Islands Water Tours has two 6-passenger boats, a 34-foot Parker and a 25-foot center console Olympia, which can can travel distances quickly if needed or just putter slowly to take in the scenery.

The charming village of Clayton, New York, is only 10 miles upstream from Alexandria Bay and is the other main American town of the Thousand Islands.

Book a cruise for your special occasion: birthday, anniversary, proposal, graduation.

Rates for a private tour are $175 per hour.

As an officer in the Royal Marines Commandos for 8 years, Andrew served on various appointments at sea and on land including tours for which he received extensive training in parachuting, Arctic survival, and combat swimming with oxygen rebreathers. He was a member of the British National Parachute team and commanded the world-record-holding Royal Marines Free Fall Team.

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Find us at the marina at Keewaydin State Park in Alexandria Bay. Park admission is $6.00.

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1000 Islands Private Boat Tours

Email: [email protected]

The Ultimate 1000 Islands experience, with all the best the river has to offer! Your group will see Boldt Castle, Millionaire’s Row, the Lost Channel, Rock Island Lighthouse, and much more! Including extra time to swim or relax, with snorkel gear and water toys provided on the boat

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Daily tours starting April 27th!

Uncle Sam Boat Tours: 1000 Islands Boat Tours in Alexandria Bay NY

Uncle Sam Boat Tours Thousand Islands, New York

Any of our daytime tours offer an optional stop at Boldt Castle at the end of the tour. If you choose to disembark at the castle you can purchase the castle admission at the ticket booth on the island.

Come explore one of America’s greatest vacation getaways, the Thousand Islands, in Alexandria Bay, NY. Here you can find magnificent homes, including historic American Castles and modern mansions, all carefully placed throughout one of nature’s most picturesque settings. Uncle Sam Boat Tours is family-operated and has been navigating these waters since 1926!!!

Contact our office with any questions at 315-482-2611 ext. 131 or [email protected] . 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tis’ the Season for Gift Certificates!

Give them something more, give them an experience! Explore the St. Lawrence River & 1000 Islands aboard one of our famous cruises. And don’t forget the Castle’s!

About Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Uncle Sam Boat Tours invites you to cruise the St. Lawrence River and explore the famous Thousand Islands. Uncle Sam Boat Tours has been providing guided tours of the Thousand Islands for nearly 100 years from our downtown Alexandria Bay location, directly across from Boldt Castle.

Uncle Sam Boat Tours provides a variety of regularly scheduled 1000 Islands sightseeing cruises as well as luncheon  and  dinner  cruises. We are also the ONLY tour company that allows guests an unlimited visit to Boldt Castle and Heart Island. It’s not just a tour; it’s an unforgettable experience!

The most popular option is the 2 Nation Tour. Departing from the heart of the Thousand Islands, Alexandria Bay, NY. This narrated tour offers you historic and scenic wonders of American and Canadian waters; no passport required! At the end of each trip, there is an optional stop at the world-famous Boldt Castle on Heart Island for an unlimited self-guided tour. Click here for more information about Boldt Castle .

Join us for a wonderful time on the water!

Check out our Instagram feed below!

Unclesamboattours.

Uncle Sam has been providing scenic cruises of the Thousand Islands for over 85 years from its downtown Alexandria Bay, NY, location.

"More than just a boat ride...."

• PRIVATE SCENIC TOURS

315-727-1939

1000 Islands Scenic Boat Tours

Alexandria bay, n.y. private boat tours of the beautiful thousand islands.

Private Scenic Boat Tours

Welcome to 1000 Islands Scenic Tours. We provide boat tours of the 1000 Islands boarding from Alexandria Bay, New York. Leisure activities are important while visiting the beautiful 1000 Islands.... and experiencing the river  "ON THE RIVER" is our specialty. Make the most of your free time.  For those who are visiting the 1000 Islands without boat transportation...or are just unfamiliar with navigating the expansive St. Lawrence River, we provide your best option.  

Whether you desire a lengthy scenic tour or a shorter ride around Boldt Castle and the surrounding islands, you'll feel like you're on your own private vessel.  We have no signage or advertisements on our boats.  You will board either our 26' authentic wooden Lyman "APACHE" or a comfortable, easy on/easy off pontoon boat at a convenient Alexandria Bay location.  We will customize your cruise to your personal preferences and carry up to  six passengers of your own party. You're invited to bring your own refreshments and of course your camera and relax while you serenely drift down the river, get close to nature and wildlife, view the island mansions or cruise to your specific destination.  The options are limitless with your own private boat and captain.  Avoid the cruise boat crowds and structured tours.  This is YOUR TIME on the river and it should be SPECIAL.

Contact us to request how we can make your stay at the 1000 Islands most memorable. 

• to read about tours....click on Private Scenic Tours at top of page
• to read about your captain....click on About Us  at top of page
• to contact us....click on Contact US at top of page

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BOAT CRUISES AVAILABLE FROM MAY THRU SEPTEMBER

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517 Riverside Dr, Clayton NY 13624 315.686.3771 | E-Mail Us

Thousand Islands - Visit Clayton NY in the 1000 Islands Region of NY

Thousand Islands Vacation Planner - Your Online Guide to the 1000 Islands

If you don’t have your own boat, you can enjoy the guided pleasures of a boat tour aboard  Clayton Island Tours or Uncle Sam Boat Tours .

The scenic vessels leave Clayton throughout the day, and travel beneath the 1000 Islands Bridge to near-by Alexandria Bay and its romantic Bo ldt Castle , and around the islands into Canada.  You’ll view the extraordinary island homes built by the privileged of yesteryear especially along millionaire’s row, and learn about Clayton’s colorful past filled with bootleggers, pirates and local “river rats”.

Would you like to thunder down the River in a gleaming mahogany triple-cockpit runabout? The Antique Boat Museum offers a thrilling 45-minute run through the islands.

Perhaps you would prefer a private, personalized tour where you can try a day of “rivering” with a local guide on his private boat. With just your own friends and family aboard, your tour can be as personalized as you like.

Interested in bringing a group, club or organization to Clayton?  Spend the day exploring Clayton with a tour especially designed for you.  Special group rates are available.

• #1 Attraction on the River

Boldt Castle and Two Nation Tour

This intimate tour travels over 27 unique miles among many of the 1000 Islands through US and Canadian waters of the St. Lawrence River. We spend 75 minutes at Heart Island for a self guided tour of Boldt Castle and grounds.

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 3.5 hours
• Users Age: All Ages Welcome

This intimate tour travels over 27 unique miles among many of the 1000 Islands through US and Canadian waters of the St. Lawrence River.  We spend 7 5 minutes at Heart Island for a self guided tour of Boldt Castle and grounds. Many photo opportunities as we pass Freighters and Ocean Going Vessels traveling to and from the Great Lakes and ports around the world, millionaires row, private islands, and premier sights as your tour guide shares the history, mystery, legends and lore of the area.  Your boat, captain, and guide will be with you every nautical mile of this most popular tour in the 1000 Islands.

Explore the beauty of the 1000 Islands on our Boldt Castle Tour

Enjoy an intimate boat tour as we travel over 27 unique miles through US and Canadian waters among many of the 1000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River. Our professional local guides share rich history, legends and lore as we get closer to the islands than any other tour. View magnificent million-dollar homes, travel under American and Canadian spans of the 1000 Island Bridge System, and pass Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island.

At Heart Island guests have the option to take a self guided tour of millionaire George Boldt’s Castle, built as a testament of love for his wife Louise, before tragedy struck in 1904. Marvel at life in the “Gilded Age” for the wealthy who built magnificent castles and summer homes on islands as we travel through “Millionaire’s Row” and the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping channel with the possibility of viewing oceangoing vessels that travel from around the world to the Great Lakes of North America. Our small boats provide for a personal experience with our Captain and Crew. Each of our crew members have a unique, never recorded presentation, and a love of sharing the River with guests.

 Exclusions – Admission to Boldt Castle on Heart Island is not included in the price of boat tour tickets.  Adult’s $12.50 and Children (5-12) $9.00 / Tickets may be purchased through our website at the time of purchasing your boat tour tickets, upon check in the day of your tour, upon arrival at Boldt Castle on Heart Island, or at www.boldtcastle.com

2024 Schedule – 

Highlights of this tour include:.

• This tour circumnavigates Wellesley Island, the largest US Island through Canadian Waters in the north and us waters in the south
• Canadian Steamboat Channel
• The Lost Channel
• Tom Thumb Island
• Parks Canada
• Rockport, Ontario
• Canadian Palisades
• Whirlpool Channel
• Tom thumb Island
• Million Dollar Canadian homes
• The Statue of St. Lawrence
• St. Lawrence Seaway shipping channel
• Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island
• Travel under 2 spans of the 1000 Island Bridge System
• Twin Pine Treehouse on Cherry Island
• Millionaire’s Row
• Devil’s Oven
• Hopewell Hall
• Boldt Castle on Heart Island
• and so much more!

Meeting Location

Clayton Island Tours – 39611 Chateau Lane, Clayton, NY 13624

Frequently Asked Questions

• Chevron down Is Boldt Castle Admission Included?

No, Boldt Castle Admission is a separate fee. Adults $12.50 / Children (5-12) $9.00 / Children 4 and under Free –  Admission tickets may be purchased online with your boat tour, are available at our ticket booth upon check in, Upon arrival at Boldt Castle, or online at www.boldtcastle.com

• Chevron down Are there concessions on-board?

We do not have concessions on our boats. We do offer food and beverages from  Kay’s Kitchen  , our onsite concessions.

Picnic Lunches available to pre-order for each tour Breakfast in-season Lunch in-season Catering for group/private charters aboard our boats

You may bring your own food and beverages on-board. No Alcohol.

• Chevron down Do you travel if it is raining?

Yes, our boats are covered and have windows that roll up or down in inclement weather. We do not travel in severe storms or high winds. If the weather prevents us from departing we will let you know as soon as the decision is made.

• Chevron down Are Passports Required?

Passports are not required.

• Chevron down Where do I park?

We have ample free parking. Motorhomes are welcome.

• Chevron down Are pets allowed?

Only Service Animals are allowed. No pets, Comfort Animals or ESA’s are allowed.

• Chevron down Can I smoke on the boat?

Our boats are smoke free.

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The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour in the 1000 Islands

Designed for those who wish to see the most attractions in an afternoon from the river!  Tour the 1000 islands on the St. Lawrence River through US and Canadian Waters, visit Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island.  Picnic Lunch and all admissions included.

• 2 Hour Boat Tour on the St. Lawrence Seaway
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Islands, Lighthouses, and Castle Tour

Join us for 2 hour narrated tour among many of the islands on the St. Lawrence River, including Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island, Sunken Rock Lighthouse on Bush Island, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island

Private Sightseeing Tour for just your family, friends, or social group!

Take a private sightseeing tour among the 1000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River in comfort, safety, and privacy with your immediate family or social group. We provide the boat, captain, and guide for a “live” narrated sightseeing tour among the islands.

THE 5 BEST Ontario's Thousand Islands Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in ontario's thousand islands.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Speed Boats Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House
• City Cruises Gananoque
• 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
• Thousand Islands Bridge
• Singer Castle
• 1000 Islands Tower
• Saint Lawrence River
• Brockville Railway Tunnel
• Wellesley Island State Park
• Clayton Island Tours
• Rock Island Lighthouse State Park
• Wellesley Island
• Thousand Islands
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour

2. 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle

3. 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

4. 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea with views of Boldt Castle

5. 1000 Islands 90-minute Sightseeing Cruise

6. 1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque

7. Private 1.5 hour 1000 Islands Cruise for up to 10 people

8. 1 hour 'Singer Castle Express' Wildcat 1000 Islands Cruise

9. 2 hour 1000 Islands 'Castle Prowler' WildCat Cruise

What travellers are saying.

Enjoy a Private Boat Tour to a Winery in the 1000 Islands only Accessible by Water

Your private boat tour will start with a relaxing cruise through the 1000 islands that lends itself to photo opportunities and ease of conversation with friends. As we head to Grindstone Island we will make our way past quintessential 1000 island river cottages, stately pines, and rocky cliffs. Before you disembark the boat for your trip to the winery, you may want to pause and capture some photos of the stunning views of the 1000 Island National Park .

When you arrive at Grindstone Island, transportation will be provided to the winery . Once there, you can purchase a variety of options including wine tastings, glasses and bottles of wine, local craft beer, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. These options all can be complemented with delicious local cheese boards and seasonal snacks. You might consider pairing your wine tour with a sunset cruise and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends while watching the sunset over the 1000 islands. More information about Grindstone Island Winery, as well as details about their summer music lineup, and other special events, can be found by visiting their website at:  www.grindstoneislandwinery.com .

Relax and Enjoy a Tasting

The “Goose” will have plastic reusable cups, a wine opener, bottled water, and a bottle opener onboard for your convenience.