Discover St. Lawrence River 1000 Islands Cruises: Your Ultimate Port Guide
Enjoy cruises on both the American and Canadian side on the St. Lawrence River.
Welcome to your ultimate guide to exploring the 1000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River. Whether you are looking for a historic waterfront sightseeing tour from Kingston, a direct shuttle to the legendary Boldt Castle from Alexandria Bay, or a relaxed cruise from the banks of Brockville, we have mapped out the top cruise operators on both sides of the border. Compare ports, routes, and travel requirements below to find your perfect river journey. Most cruises run May to October, 1.5 to 5 hours. For Lake Ontario Cruises.
Saint Lawrence River Islands Cruises - America Side in NYS
Clayton Island Tours LLC
Address: 39611 Chateau Ln, Clayton, NY 13624
Phone: (315) 686-4820
Website: Clayton Island Tours LLC
Scheduled boat tours to Boldt Castle and the Rock Island Lighthouse, along with 2-Nation tours, sunset cruises, and happy-hour cruises.
1000 Islands Excursions
Address: 15860 Round Island, Clayton, NY 13624
Phone: (607) 592-6226
Website: 1000 Islands Excursions
Services: Group cruises, Group tours, Guided tours, Land tours, Private cruises, tours, Bachelorette Parties, Birding Tours, Boat Tour On The River, Charter Tour, Custom Tours, Day Fishing Charters, Eco-tours, Excursions Tour, Island Nature Tour, Private Boat Ride, Sunset Cruise, Wine Tours, more...
1000 Islands Private Boat Tours
Address: 43946 County Rd 100, Wellesley Island, NY 13640
Phone: (315) 775-8688
Website: 1000 Islands Private Boat Tours
Services: Group cruises, Group tours, Guided tours, Land tours, Private cruises, Private tours, Bachelor / Bachelorette Parties, more...
1000 Islands Water Tours
Address: 46165 NY-12, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Phone: (917) 207-2181
Website: 1000 Islands Water Tours
Services: Private tours, Boat Tours, Custom Tours, Customized and personalized boat tours, Diving Trips, Group Tour, Sunset Cruise, more...
Uncle Sam Boat Tours
Address: 47 James St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Phone: (315) 482-2611
Website: Uncle Sam Boat Tours
Services: Group cruises & tours, Guided tours, Private cruises & tours, 4 Hr Tour, Guided Tours, Helicopter Tour, Islands Boat Tours, Lunch Cruises and Wine Cruise.
1000 Islands Scenic tours
Address: 31 Holland St, Wellesley Island, NY 13640
Phone: (315) 727-1939
Website: 1000 Islands Scenic tours
Services: Guided tours, Private cruises & tours, Bay Boat Tours, Boat Cruises, Ride & Tours, Boat Transportation, Custom Cruises, History Cruise, Islands Boat Tours, Pontoon Boat, River Boat Tours & Cruises, Scenic Boat Tours, more...
Saint Lawrence River Island Cruises - Canada Side
Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises
Address: 248 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 5P7, Canada
Phone: 1 613-549-5544
Website: Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises
Services: Group cruises & tours, Guided tours, Land tours, Private cruises & tours, Airport Transfer Service, Sightseeing Dining Cruises, Groups Travel, Wedding Venue, more...
Gananoque Boat Tours
Address: 6 Water St, Gananoque, ON K7G 2C4, Canada
Phone: +1 613-382-2144
Website: Gananoque Boat Tours
Services: Group tours, Day Cruises, Day Excursions, Dinner Cruise, Sightseeing Cruises, Smooth Sailing, Special Event, and Sunset Cruise, more...
City Cruises Gananoque
Address: 280 Main St, Gananoque, ON K7G 2M2, Canada
Phone: (888) 717-4837
Website: City Cruises Gananoque
Services: Group cruises, Group tours, Corporate Meetings, Day Cruises, Day Excursions, Meal Reservation, Night Cruises, Private Functions, Scuba Diving, Sightseeing Cruises, Special Event, and Sunset Dinner Cruise.
City Cruises Gananoque Ivy Lea
Address: 95 Ivy Lea Rd, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, ON K0E 1L0, Canada
Phone: (888) 717-4837
Website: City Cruises Gananoque Ivy Lea
Services: Dining Cruises, Group Tour, Safecruise, and Sightseeing Cruises
Rockport Boat Line
Address: 20 Front St, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, ON K0E 1V0, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 659-3402
Website: Rockport Boat Line
Discover and experience the Heart of the 1000 Islands, majestic castles and whispers of a thousand legends, as you cruise the breathtaking 1000 Islands with Rockport Cruises.
1000 Islands Cruises FAQ
Do I need a passport for 1000 Islands cruises?
For US-only cruises from Clayton and Alexandria Bay with no castle stop, no passport is needed. For Boldt Castle cruises and 2-Nation tours, US citizens need a passport or enhanced license. Canadian cruises from Kingston, Gananoque, and Rockport that stay in Canadian waters don't require a passport for Canadians, but US visitors should bring a passport for re-entry to the US.
What is the best time of year for St. Lawrence River cruises?
Peak season is June through September with daily departures. May and October have limited schedules and cooler weather but fewer crowds. July and August are warmest with full food service. Fall foliage cruises in late September to mid-October are popular from Clayton and Kingston.
How long are 1000 Islands cruises?
Most scenic tours are 1.5 to 2.5 hours (Clayton, Gananoque, Rockport). Castle shuttle tours to Boldt Castle are 3 to 5 hours including castle time. Private boat tours are customizable 2 to 8 hours. Kingston lunch and dinner cruises are 3 hours.
What is the difference between US and Canadian cruise ports?
US ports (Clayton, Alexandria Bay, Wellesley Island) offer direct shuttles to Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse and are closer to Syracuse (1.5 hours). Canadian ports (Kingston, Gananoque, Rockport, Ivy Lea) offer longer scenic routes through the Admiralty Islands and often larger vessels with dining. Both sides see the same islands - choice depends on passport and where you are staying.
Is there an extra fee for Boldt Castle?
Yes. Boldt Castle admission is separate from cruise ticket - $13 adults, $9 ages 6-12, under 6 free (2026 rates). Most cruise operators sell combo tickets or you pay at castle dock. Castle is open mid-May to mid-October. Rock Island Lighthouse is $5 extra.
Are 1000 Islands cruises good for kids and seniors?
Yes, very family-friendly. All major operators have covered vessels, restrooms, and life jackets. Private tours from Clayton and Wellesley Island allow strollers and have more flexibility. Wheelchair access varies - Clayton Island Tours and Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises have accessible vessels, call ahead to confirm.