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.

What are you waiting for?

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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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©2017–2024 1000 Islands Water Tours Website by Lisa Goodlin Design

1000 Islands Private Boat Tours logo

THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE THOUSAND ISLANDS 

Experience the Top-Rated Private Boat Tours in the 1000 Islands Region

The #1   Private Tour Experiences in the 1000 Islands

Take a look below at some of the spots our customers love the most

Boat Tour in 1000 Islands in International Rift

Our Signature  Tour Packages

Book online, via email, or over the phone, with next day booking available!

Boat tour on St. Lawrence with Freighter

The Ultimate Boat Day

A SPLASH OF EVERYTHING

6 Guests Max

Available at: 

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

The Island Explorer

WATER & ISLAND ADVENTURES

Choose one of four destinations that are only accessible by boat, then cruise over and explore it yourselves! Destinations include: the famous Boldt Castle, beautiful Grindstone Island Winery, historic Rock Island Lighthouse, or the relaxing Picnic Point! Plus, see our favorite river spots along the way!

Boat tour around Round Island in 1000 Islands

The Sunset Cruise

GOLDEN HOUR CRUISE

A relaxing cruise through serene waters to finish off your day! Great for groups or couple's date night. Watch the sun disappear over the horizon while putting through Eel Bay, one the best sunset spots on the river.

1000 Islands Boat tours Captain Jordan

Meet Your Captain

Hi, I'm Jordan! I'm a U.S. Coast Guard certified Captain.

I've grown up year-round in the 1000 Islands since I was a kid, and I've developed a deep love for the area.

One of my favorite things is sharing it with others, and I love having the opportunity to do that with these tours.

How We Got Started

Growing up in the 1000 Islands, I've discovered so many special parts of the river that visitor's rarely get to see.

From untamed islands to little-known coves and passageways that larger tour boats can't reach. And of course the beloved local landmarks like castles, lighthouses, and historic private estates.

My goal is to help people experience the most special parts of this region through the eyes of a lifelong local.

Boat tour with freighter in 1000 Islands

Customer's Reviews

Boat Tour Group in front of Boldt Castle Pumphouse

Joan Canastraro

5 star review

1000 ISLANDS PRIVATE BOAT TOURS WAS PHENOMENAL!

"Jordan truly wants his guests to enjoy every minute of the tour. He is super cool and very accommodating!

You will not be disappointed! I HIGHLY recommend you give him a call and book a tour."

The Narrows aerial view

Hourly Rates for Custom 1000 Island Cruises

We offer tours by-the-hour! 

Experience the best of the 1000 Islands in one fun boat day! We offer unique tour packages and custom hourly tours upon request. Perfect for those looking to explore the Thousand Islands in whatever way suits them. Contact us to book your personalized private boat tour!

Clayton Island Tours

Clayton Island Tours

Thousand islands cruises on the st. lawrence river.

Clayton Island Tours offers the 1000 Islands’ most unique boat tour experience on our 43-65 passenger boats. Enjoy an uncrowded, intimate tour with our highly professional and friendly staff as they share the legends and lore of the beautiful St. Lawrence River.

Our Best-Selling Thousand Islands Boat Tours

  • Our Best Selling Tour!
  • Hour Glass 5.0 hours
  • Clock 11:30am
  • Calendar 2025 Season May 10 - September 14

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.

  • #1 Attraction on the River
  • Hour Glass 3.5 hours
  • Calendar 2025 Season May 10 - October 13

Boldt Castle and Two Nation Tour

Experience the most unique and complete Boldt Castle Tour in the 1000 Islands.   Narrated & intimate boat tour travels over 27 unique miles among the islands through US and Canadian waters on the St. Lawrence River .  Stop at Boldt Castle on Heart Island to explore the grounds and castle.

  • Only Public Tour to Rock Island Lighthouse
  • Hour Glass 2.75

Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Glide through the clean waters of the 1000 Islands on our Glass Bottomed Boat, “The Night Heron,” for an unparalleled view of this mighty river we call The St. Lawrence. Bring your camera because this tour offers many unique opportunities to photograph natural settings, many bird species (perhaps even a Great Blue Heron), ships traveling from around the world, and so much more!

Welcome to Clayton Island Tours!

Experience the grandeur and beauty of the 1000 Islands Region the Clayton Island Tours way.  Our family-oriented tours get you closer to the islands and offer magnificent views of premier sights such as giant Great Lakes freighters, lighthouses, magnificent island homes and the American Span of 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 tours.

Boldt Castle on Heart Island, 1000 Islands Region NY Photo by Gregg Ordon GTOPHOTO

Clayton Island Tour Events

Dreaming of a wedding out at sea? Or ready to take your next corporate party to the next level? Our private charters, weddings and events offer guests a chance to enjoy the lovely 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River area.

Clayton Island Tours can provide a full bar and dining options depending on the occasion. From your bachelor or bachelorette party to your “I dos,” we can provide a serene or festive setting to celebrate. Check out our “private charters” page to find out more information, and feel free to reach out to our team at Clayton Island Tours with your questions.

Book Boat Tour

Buy gift card, learn about private events, chateau country inn.

Free Boat Tour Tickets with Your Minimum Two Night Stay

With Over 1500 Reviews, We're The #1 Tour In Clayton!

thousand island private boat tour

Went on the Boldt Castle two nation tour. Very friendly captain and narrator. The price is very reasonable compared to going from Canadian side. We would definitely recommend this trip to all!!

My husband and I had a great time on this trip. We were able to get an up close view of the Thousand Islands. Capt. Jack and Mike were great. They shared a lot of knowledge with us and even more laughs.

The tour was great! The Captain and tour guide were very informative, friendly and funny. I only wish we had more time to explore Boldt Castle. Would definitely recommend the trip and wold come back!

This trip was well worth it. Our Captain Ron and Tour Guide Ken were both very friendly, knowledgeable, and interesting. The views that we had from this boat were breathtaking.

IMAGES

  1. Boat tours in Thousand Islands offer rich history along with

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  2. THOUSAND ISLANDS PRIVATE BOAT TOURS

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  3. A Guide to Having the Best Vacation in the Thousand Islands

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  4. THOUSAND ISLANDS PRIVATE BOAT TOURS

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  5. Thousand Islands Cruise From Kingston (Our Boat Tour Experience)

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  6. Castles & Cruises

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VIDEO

  1. Thousand Islands Boat Tour

  2. Explore the Thousand Islands

  3. 1000 Islands Boat Tour in Gananoque, Kingston Ontario Canada

  4. Visit 1000 ISLANDS BOAT TOUR

  5. A day trip through the Ten Thousand Islands... by boat

  6. Amazing Things To Do In The Thousand Islands Canada

COMMENTS

  1. 1000 Island Private Boat Tours

    The Top-Rated Private Boat Tours in the 1000 Islands! Our signature tour packages: The Ultimate Boat Day, The Island Explorer, and The Sunset Cruise.

  2. 1000 Islands Water Tours

    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, …

  3. 1000 Islands Private Boat Tours

    With your own private boat and captain you can explore the 1000 Islands, enjoy water excursions and even visit some of the local islands, all at your own pace. Check out our website and see why we offer the unique boat …

  4. 1000 Islands Private Boat Tours

    Ready for a boatload of fun? Experience the most memorable water excursions the 1000 Islands has to offer. With your own private boat and captain you can explore local islands, have the …

  5. Clayton Island Tours

    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 …

  6. 1000 Islands Private Boat Tours

    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 …

  7. Thousand Islands Private Boat Tours

    Experience the Ultimate Boat Day exploring the 1000 Islands! With your own boat and captain enjoy the region's most fun water excursion at 1000 Islands Private Boat Tours! …

  8. 1000 Islands Private Boat Tours

    Our Signature Boat Tour Packages are designed for you to have ultimate boat day in the Thousand Islands! With your own private boat and captain you can explore the 1000 Islands, enjoy water excursions and even …