Community Sunset Cruise by Discover Cayuga Lake in Ithaca
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the cruise requires minimal physical activity
Overview
Step aboard Discover Cayuga Lake’s Community Sunset Cruise for an enriching evening on one of New York’s largest Finger Lakes. Learn about lake ecology, culture, and history while the sun dips below the horizon.
Community Sunset Cruise
WEDNESDAYS - Guest Speakers, Engaging Conversations! Free to our Community (donations suggested!)
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join us as we welcome local guest speakers and artists on board who provide engaging discussions about their passions and interests related to lake ecology, history, culture and more. Presentations vary from Trivia Nights to topics such as how the lake supports the local wine industry, the presence of microplastics in the lake, learning to draw lakeside landscapes, the role of women on the water, Haudenossaunee culture, presentations by our College Intern and more.
Our speaker line up is listed on the following webpage: https://www.discovercayugalake.org/community-access
Price = Pay what you can with a requested donation of $30 per person for those who are able. Read about our Educational and Lake Access Mission to learn how we use your donations at www.discovercayugalake.org/what-we-do
Duration = 1.5 hours
** Please read, and be familiar with, the Important Health & Safety Information above, and share it with your party.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure at Allan H. Treman Marina to ensure a smooth check-in.
Dress in Layers for Evening Chills
Even summer sunsets over the lake can bring cool breezes—layered clothing helps you stay comfortable.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is easy onboard; bring your own bottle to reduce plastic waste around the lake.
Support the Mission with a Donation
Though pay-what-you-can, a suggested donation of $30 helps fund lake education and access programs.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Ospreys often seen diving for fish over the lake
- Great Blue Herons wading along the shoreline
History
Cayuga Lake was formed by glacial carving over 10,000 years ago and is central to Haudenossaunee historical lands.
Conservation
Discover Cayuga Lake emphasizes sustainable boating practices and educational outreach to reduce microplastic and ecological impacts on the lake.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ithaca
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered Jacket
Protects against lake breezes and shifting temperatures during the sunset hours.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Binoculars
Enhances viewing of distant wildlife and shoreline details along the lake.
Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the cruise and supports sustainable practices.
Notebook and Pen
Useful for jotting down insights from guest speakers and artists onboard.