Hot weather got you desperate for a day out on the water? Here are your options for enjoying the lakes and rivers we can’t get enough of of this time of year, from kayaking and water bikes to boat cruises and rentals.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
1. Rent a Pontoon Boat from Collins Marine
Owning your own boat is not the only way to hit the Niagara River this summer. Rent a pontoon from Collins Marine, available for a variety of durations including 5 hours or an entire week. All of their pontoon boats come equipped with Bimini shade tops, front and rear benches, AM/FM Radio, and more. Plus all necessary US Coast Guard Safety gear is included, including life jackets for adults and children of all ages and sizes.
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2. Go Kayaking – Launch, Rent, Tour
Whether you have your own or need to rent, there are several places to do it in the Western New York area. Check out our complete guide to renting, launching, and touring kayaks here.
3. Take a Niagara River Cruise
Water transportation cruises on the Upper Niagara River. Special events, private charter, corporate events, school groups or custom cruises to fit your needs.
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4. Set Out on a Buffalo River History Cruise
In addition to narrated Buffalo River History Tours this company offers a variety of other options including a Caribbean Cruise, Cocktail Cruise, and Silo City Tour where the boat transports you to Silo City via the Buffalo River. you’ll walk through Silo City and see and hear what made Buffalo the largest grain port in the world for 100 years.
5. Hit the Miss Buffalo for a Buffalo Harbor Cruise
Whether you’re looking to cruise publicly or privately, check out the Miss Buffalo launching from the Erie Basin Marina.
6. Enjoy a Grand Lady Cruise
Grand Lady Cruises are offered in addition to private tours include Dinner Cruises, Bubbly Brunch Cruises, a Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise, and more.
7. Go Sailing with Make Sail Time
If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy Buffalo’s killer sunsets, Make Sail Time is currently offering their evening and weekend sails.
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8. Water Bikes of Buffalo at Canalside
At the site of the “old Aud” sits Buffalos newest jewel, The Water @ Canalside, where shallow canals have been restored back to how they were in 1825. 8 Adult pedal boats and 12 children’s paddle boats are available to explore this historical landmark.
9. Hit the Water On a Pedal Boat Tour
It all started with group pedal tours on land, but now you can group pedal on water too. Check out Buffalo Pedal Tours or Buffalo Cycle Boats for two great options to party with a private group on Buffalo’s gorgeous waterways. Bring your own food and drinks, they do the rest.
10. Enjoy a Fishing Charter with Brookdog Fishing Company
Are you interested in getting into fishing? Or maybe you already are and are looking for a chance to get out on the water, fishing pole in hand? Check out Brookdog Fishing Company. You’ll get to fish while “exchanging ideas, trading stories, and making plans for charters & trips to come”.
11. Boat Rentals at Chautauqua Marina
Chautauqua Marina offers power and pontoon boat rentals. They are now accepting reservations for half day, full day and multiple day boat rentals. Contact Chautauqua Marina at 716-753-3913 to book your boat rental.
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12. Rent a Sail Boat or Set Sail with Seven Seas Sailing Center of Buffalo
If you know how to sail, you might consider this exciting option to rent a sail boat. Or if you don’t, plan a charter or take an intro to sailing lesson. Seven Seas Sailing Center of Buffalo offers an Unlimited Season Sailing Pass for $650.
13. Rent SUP Boards
There are a couple options to rent SUP boards in WNY including SUP Erie Adventures at Sunset Beach (FYI they also offer kiteboarding) and Longboards Paddle Co. out of Hamburg Beach.
14. Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises
Cruises officially resumed on June 8th, which means you are now able to cruise the Erie Canal and Lockport Locks once again. Remember, tickets must be purchased online in advance and cash will not be accepted for safety reasons.
15. Up Close at The Falls with Maid of the Mist
Get a close view of the Niagara Falls with Maid of the Mist boat tours.
16. Rent a “Floatmingo” Paddle Boat or a Row Boat at Hoyt Lake
What could be more fun than spending the day out on Hoyt Lake in a giant flamingo shaped paddle boat? The Boats are available for rent at $15 per half hour and can be rented in front of The Terrace in Delaware Park. The rentals are run by the Buffalo Maritime Center and run from 12 – 8 pm every day.
17. Go Sailing With Spirit of Buffalo
Spirit of Buffalo has cruises for all ages and are now open for bookings. Some of their options include an Evening Sail, Wine in the Wind, and Dinner & a Sail.
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18. Hit the Beach
Beaches all around WNY are open with Covid measures in place. This is a great and super affordable and accessible way to enjoy the water in our area. For a list of beaches to head to, check out our full guide here.
19. Go High Speed on Niagara Jet Adventures
Enjoy an action-packed one-hour boat ride on the Niagara river with 360 degree spins and the thrill of the Class 5 whirlpool rapids of the Devil’s Hole.
20. Get Tropical on a New Big Kahuna Tiki Boat Tour
Take a cruise on the historic Buffalo River and inner harbor on the coolest tiki boat in town. Sip on a Hawaiian cocktail or a cold beer with up to 40 of your friends and family while listening to your music on our system, or we can play our Caribbean playlist for you.
The Big Kahuna is perfect for bachelorette and bachelor parties, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, or a teachers’ night out!
21. Carefree Boat Club Of Buffalo
Looking to feel like you own a boat without actually owning one? Carefree Boat Club of Buffalo offers memberships as an alternative to buying or renting a boat. With a membership to their exclusive club you don’t have to worry about maintenance, trailering, moorage, usage fees, insurance, storage or cleaning. For a fraction of the cost of owning a bot, members enjoy unlimited access to not just one boat, but their entire fleet of first-class boats, plus access to 100+ clubs around the world.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
This post was originally published in June 2020 and has been updated.
