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Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Experience the 1000 islands aboard uncle sam boat tours.

Two Nation Tour

The Uncle Sam Two Nation Tour has long been a favorite of visitors to the Thousand Islands Region. On this scenic tour you will pass by many island mansions owned or visited by some of the most famous names in American history, learning many interesting facts and legends along the way.

For over a hundred years the Thousand Islands area has been a popular vacation retreat for some of the wealthiest and most influential people in North America. You’ll recognize many names, like Kellogg (of breakfast cereal fame), Abraham & Strauss (who married twin sisters and built twin mansions here, and who died together in the sinking of the Titanic), John Jacob Astor, George Pullman (the inventor of the Pullman railroad car), and Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States, Thomas E. Dewey, Governor of New York, to name just a few.

I have nothing but fond memories of the many times I toured the Thousand Islands on Uncle Sam, dating from childhood to becoming ancient. Don’t leave the 1000 Islands without riding Uncle Sam. Their dinner cruise is especially wonderful.

We come from Lordstown, Ohio almost every year and go the two nation tour. The trip on Uncle Sam Boat Tour is wonderful and we are going to do it again in Oct 2014.

My wife and I visited Alex Bay and really enjoyed the 2 Nation Tour. With the stop at Boldt Castle, we spent 3-4 hours on the river and it was a remarkable day. A really unique experience. Thanks,

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Explore the Thousand Islands

Custom tours made just for you.

Boldt Castle, Rock Island Lighthouse, Singer Castle, historic private houses from the gilded age, ocean-bound freighters, and more. We can take you to view the superb and must-see sights in the Thousand Islands including Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, Rock Island Lighthouse, luxurious private homes, the Thousand Islands Bridge, and the tiny island with the tiny house known as “Just Room Enough” Island. You may even pass by one of the huge freighters that makes trips between the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean.

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.

Become a Boater

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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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.

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Castles & Cruises

An archipelago of more than 1,800 islands creates an unparalleled water recreation land. Scenic narrated boat tours meander through channels, between islands and under bridges from spring through fall, sharing the history of the region.

Tour companies take visitors past fairytale castles, historic lighthouses and stately mansions that take you back to the area’s heyday as a playground for the rich and famous. Stories of pirates and bootleggers, industry titans and secret societies await. Sightseeing cruises can include stops at Boldt and/or Singer Castle , and Rock Island Lighthouse. For a different option, take a lunch cruise or pair an evening sunset cruise with dinner on board.

Tours depart from several communities along each side of the border. Cruising companies regularly host thematic cruises centered to fun, education and experiencing the culinary assets of the region.

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Brockville, ON

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Rockport, ON

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1000 Islands Excursions

Clayton, NY

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Alexandria Bay, NY

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Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House

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Gananoque, ON

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Horne’s Ferry to Canada & USA

Wolfe Island, ON

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Houseboat Holidays

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Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

Kingston, ON

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Lake Effect Charters

Sackets Harbor, NY

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R.J. Marine

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Rideau Heritage Cruise Line

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Simcoe Island Ferry

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Chippewa Bay, NY

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Uncle Sam Boat Tours

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Voyageur Canoe Tours

Smiths Falls, ON

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Your Wave Tours

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

• PRIVATE SCENIC TOURS

1000 Islands Scenic Boat Tours

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

Most likely your captain will be Ed Peters who holds multiple Merchant Mariner Credentials authorized by the United States Coast Guard including Master Captain of Motor Vessels upon Coastal and Inland Waters.  Captain Ed is American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certified.  In addition to his maritime credentials, Captain Ed is also a FAA certified aviation pilot and your safety is his foremost priority.  While the magnificent St. Lawrence River is one of the most scenic waterways in the world, it is also part of the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping lane that extends over 2000 miles from Duluth, Minnesota to the Atlantic Ocean north of Nova Scotia.  While on your cruise, it is very possible we will encounter enormous freighters from all parts of the world.  It is an experience like no other!  Expect a safe and carefree ride while abiding by maritime rules and regulations as Captain Ed (or another experienced and certified U.S.C.G. river captain) will safely guide you up close to these impressive ships, navigate among the many islands and casually meander among the beautiful sights of the 1000 Islands.  Your captain at all times will be available to address your questions and comments. 

Alexandria Bay boat tours. 1000 Islands boat tours. Thousand Island boat tours.

1000 Islands water tours.  St. Lawrence River boat tours.  Abay boat tours

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BOAT CRUISES AVAILABLE FROM MAY THRU SEPTEMBER

THE 10 BEST Thousand Islands New York Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in thousand islands new york.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Boat Rentals
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Water Sports
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 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
• Thousand Islands Bridge
• Clayton Island Tours
• Rock Island Lighthouse State Park
• Saint Lawrence River
• Wellesley Island State Park
• 1000 Islands Tower
• Wellesley Island
• Singer Castle
• 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
• City Cruises Gananoque
• Thousand Islands
• 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. The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour

2. Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour

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

4. 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

5. 1000 Islands Sunset Cruise from Clayton, NY

6. Islands, Lighthouses, and Castle Tour on the St. Lawrence River

7. St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

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

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

10. Half Day Breakfast Tour in 1000 Islands

What travelers are saying.

• 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle
• 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque
• 1 hour 'Singer Castle Express' Wildcat 1000 Islands Cruise
• Sail Ontario
• Uncle Sam Boat Tours
• Your Wave Tours
• 1000 Islands Water Tours
• Adirondack River Outfitters
• Whitewater Challengers - Black River
• BOB Rafting

Tours Resume May 11th for the 2024 Season. Calendars are open, book your tour now!

Boat Tours on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands from Clayton, NY

Experience the grandeur and beauty of the 1000 Islands Region the Clayton Island Tours way!

Clayton Island Tour’s professional tour guides share the legends and lore behind the Thousand Islands region on a two- or three-hour scenic boat tour.

From mid-May through late October, Clayton Island Tours offers scheduled narrated tours for the general public . You will enjoy magnificent views of premier sights with opportunities to view giant Great Lakes freighters, lighthouses, magnificent island homes and the Thousand Islands International Bridge up close. Daily stops to Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse are available. All tours have many photo opportunities and cruise areas of the 1000 Islands not seen on other public boat tours.

If you’re looking for a fun group outing or private party we will create a custom private charter to suit your needs and make sure it’s a success! From accommodating your wedding plans, shuttling passengers to an island for a party, building a custom charter, or taking students of any age on an ecology voyage, Clayton Island Tours can help! Our boats are available for special events May through November.

Our group department provides receptive/tour planning services for tour operators, corporate events, weddings, family reunions , or any other groups planning a visit to the 1000 Islands Region. One-day and Multi-day itineraries are available year round.

Free boat tour tickets with your minimum two night stay at The Chateau Country Inn or spend a week in our newly renovated Captain’s Cottage and receive a Free 2 Hour Private Charter for up to 30 guests aboard Clayton Island Tours.   Enjoy the view of the river with your complimentary continental breakfast. We offer five river themed rooms with private bath, common kitchen, living room, and screened porch share only with other guests.

Kay’s Kitchen at Clayton Island Tours offers Picnic lunches  available for any tour and may be ordered online with your tour tickets or call us at least one hour before departure and we will prepare your lunch fresh from our brand-new onsite kitchen.  Come early or plan to stop by after your tour to enjoy our picnic area and made-to-order menu.  All items are available to go and may be taken on-board our boats.  Breakfast also available daily.

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Opening in April 6, 7 & 8 for the 2024 Eclipse!

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

Will I need a passport or visa to take a tour?

NO PASSPORTS or visas are required for any of our tours. Despite “crossing” the border passengers will not touch foreign soil and will not be checked by any border or customs departments.

Does my boat tour include admission into Boldt Castle?

No. Boldt Castle is a separate admission that you pay for at Boldt Castle.

Where can we purchase tickets?

Tickets are available for purchase online or at our ticket booth in Alexandria Bay!

What are our payment options?

We accept cash or credit.

Will the boat go out if it is raining?

Absolutely! Our boats have an enclosed deck in case of inclement weather. If the day starts out bad, it may be completely different by noon or evening.

Click the following link and type 13607 to check our updated local weather http://www.weatherchannel.com

Can we smoke on the boat?

Smoking is not allowed on any vessel.

Where do we park?

We offer FREE PARKING. If you use our GPS address, 45 James St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, this will bring you to our parking area. There will be parking attendants to direct you into the available lots. Please arrive early to ensure you find parking before your boat departs. (This is a tourism destination, therefore, can get very busy at any given time.)

Are reservations required on public cruises?

Reservations for sightseeing cruises are highly recommended. Specialty cruises, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises do require advance reservations.

What time does boarding begin?

Boarding is 15 minutes prior to the cruise departure time. Please arrive early to ensure you find parking before your boat departs. (This is a tourism destination, therefore, can get very busy at any given time.)

Are outside alcoholic beverages allowed?

No. Due to New York State Law, we do not allow any outside alcoholic beverages. There is a fully licensed New York State bar aboard our vessels.

Can we bring our own food?

We do have a wonderful concession stand onboard but you are also more than welcome to bring your own snacks.

Are pets allowed on the boats?

Pets are allowed on our vessels as long as they are leashed and fully under your control. Pets are not allowed on any cruises where food is served. Pets are NOT allowed at Boldt Castle or Singer Castle.

Do you offer group rates?

Group rates are available for groups of 20 people or more. To be eligible for the group discount, we require one payment for the whole group. Please email [email protected] or call (315) 482-2611 for more information or to book your tour now.

Do you offer private tours?

Yes, we do. For more information about our private cruises, please email [email protected] or call (315) 482-2611.

Can I cancel, refund or rescheduling my tour/cruise?

Our full policy can be found here: Refunds, cancellations and rescheduling .

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Thing to Do

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Everglades National Park Adventures

• Ticket office has a ramp leading from the parking lot to the interior.
• The 49-passenger pontoon is accessible via a ramp from the dock. The boat's deck has space for wheelchairs next to its bench seats.
• For a complete description of accessible features, please contact the tour office before booking.

Everglades National Park

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Last updated: January 29, 2024

The River Less Traveled

One OF A KIND BOAT TOURS on the st. lawrence river

3 Hours Land and Sea Tour with Stops on Both Grindstone and Wellesley Island

Fishing Charters

1/2 Day Fishing Charters For Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye And Perch

Sunset Cruise

1.5 Hour Sunset Cruise

Custom Tours and Special Events

Tailor a Boat Tour to Your Interests

Pair a boat tour with a stop at the Grindstone Island Winery, accessible only by boat

Meet Your Captain

Why 1000 Islands Excursions?

We are a family-owned small boat tour business that is fully insured. Our Captain, Captain Matt, is a 50-ton United States Coast Guard Master. Matt has been navigating the river for over 30 years, bringing this expertise to every tour.

Our tours will offer a unique river experience, as Captain Matt is not only a licensed NYS Hiking Guide and Fishing guide but is also PADI Advanced Scuba Certified. Matt has spent countless hours exploring life on and in the St. Lawrence River, giving him a unique perspective to draw from.

 With over 25 years of experience teaching Environmental Science and Biology, he brings a wealth of knowledge to our boat tours ensuring they are both engaging and fun.

When not in the classroom or on the river, Matt spends his free time fishing , hiking in the Adirondacks, playing guitar, refinishing wooden boats, and making people laugh.

Welcome Aboard