Do I need any experience to join the Lake Monitoring Cruise?

No prior experience is necessary; the crew guides participants through all sampling activities.

Is there a cost to participate?

The cruises are free to community members, though donations are encouraged to support ongoing lake research.

How long is the cruise?

Each cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Are children permitted on the cruise?

Yes, families are welcome; children should be supervised and prepared for a boat ride.

What type of data will we collect on the cruise?

Participants help measure water quality indicators like temperature, clarity, and biology including phytoplankton samples.

Where does the cruise depart from?

All cruises leave from 545 3rd St, Ithaca, NY, adjacent to the Ithaca Farmers Market dock.

Lake Monitoring Cruise with Discover Cayuga Lake in Ithaca | Boat Tour

Set in the heart of Ithaca, New York, Discover Cayuga Lake offers a distinctive opportunity to engage directly with one of the Finger Lakes’ most vital natural treasures. The Lake Monitoring Cruise invites visitors aboard a comfortable vessel departing from 545 3rd St, providing a unique blend of outdoor experience and citizen science that stands apart from typical lake tours.

Cayuga Lake stretches 38 miles, known for its deep waters and ecological significance within the Finger Lakes region. This cruise focuses on immersing participants in the ongoing efforts to understand and protect the lake’s health. Throughout the 1.5-hour journey, you join a dedicated crew who guide you in collecting data on water quality and local aquatic life — from water clarity and pH levels to biological sampling of organisms inhabiting the lake. This hands-on approach creates an informed connection with the lake and raises awareness of environmental challenges facing the watershed.

The surrounding landscape features rugged gorges and shale-covered shorelines that tell the story of the region’s glacial origins. Wildlife such as native fish species and waterfowl are frequent sights. Attending a Lake Monitoring Cruise not only gives insight into these natural elements but also supports community science initiatives run in partnership with the Community Science Institute of Ithaca and the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network.

Free to participate (donations encouraged), this cruise underscores the importance of grassroots scientific engagement and invites both locals and visitors to contribute meaningfully to lake conservation. Whether you’re a nature lover, a science enthusiast, or looking for an educational outing, Discover Cayuga Lake offers a rare chance to see the Finger Lakes from the vantage point of stewardship rather than simple sightseeing.