Adventure Collective Logo
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour with Clayton Island Tours in Clayton, NY - Watertown

Glass-Bottom Boat Tour with Clayton Island Tours in Clayton, NY

Claytoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required with some climbing of lighthouse stairs.

Overview

Step aboard Clayton Island Tours’ glass-bottom boat for a unique 2 hour and 45 minute voyage on the St. Lawrence River. Peer beneath the waterline at hidden geology and wildlife before visiting the historic Rock Island Lighthouse.

Clayton, New York

Rock Island Lighthouse (Glass-Bottom Boat) Tour

All Ages | $30.00 Adult | Glass Bottom Boat |Visit Rock Island and Climb the Lighthouse Tower | Eco

Boat Tour
Museum

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Rock Island Lighthouse (Glass-Bottom Boat) Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 2 hour and 45 minute adventure aboard the unique glass-bottomed boat, Night Heron. Explore the stunning underwater topography and wildlife of the St. Lawrence River, visit the historic Rock Island Lighthouse, and learn about the region's ecology and fascinating history from an experienced guide.

Rates

  • Adults (13 and up) - $30
  • Children (6 to 12) - $18
  • Youngsters (5 and under) - Free
  • Seniors (65 and up,) Active Military and Family - $28

Duration

2 hours and 45 minutes


ROCK ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE AND NATURE TOUR ON A GLASS BOTTOM BOAT!

Board the Night Heron, our unique glass-bottomed boat and learn about the fish and wildlife that share the river with us. Peer through the glass at the topography of the river bottom, one of the region's largest underwater shoals and dock cribs left over from the Gilded Age

Spend an hour exploring Rock Island Lighthouse State Park (Admission Included.) Climb to the top of its historic 1847 lighthouse for a 360 view of the surrounding St. Lawrence River, visit the "Keepers Cottage" museum and gift shop, and relax as you watch the boaters and ships go by this quaint little island.

Your experienced guide will explain current threats to the river, its fish, birds, landscapes, and what’s being done to protect and preserve them.

Learn how the Thousand Islands were created, the difference between an island and a shoal, the "Pirate who became Lighthouse Keeper and the fugitive from justice credited with saving the river from winter navigation.

This two hour and 45 minute tour meandering among the islands showcases the region’s spectacular scenery, what makes the ecology of the river unique and how to sustain it for future generations.

2025 Season

Spring May 10- May 16 (Thursday - Monday) 1:30pm May 17 - June 18 (Thursday, Friday, Monday) 1:30pm May 17 - June 18 (Saturday and Sunday) 10:30am and 1:30pm Memorial Day Weekend May 24 and 25 – (Daily) 10:30am and 1:30pm Summer June 19 – September 2 (Daily) 10:30am and 1:30pm Fall September 3 – 14 (Thurs - Monday) 10:30am and 1:30pm

Highlights of this Tour Include:

• Admission to Rock Island Included • Double-Crested Cormorant Nesting Colony • Picton Island, a jewel of preservation • The water birds that remarry every year • Counting Loons • Where Native Americans Fished for Eels. • What Americans fish for today • Frontenac Arch, Some of the world’s oldest exposed rock • Topography of the River Bottom • Wellesley Island Nature Center • The fugitive who saved the river • What an underwater shoal really looks like • The Invasive Zebra Mussel • 19th Century shipwreck of General Hancock • Stopover at Rock Island State Park & Lighthouse • Common Tern Nesting Colony • Site of the “Slick of ’76”oil spill • Prohibition Bootlegging • Underwater Dock Cribs from the Gilded Age

Meeting Location

Clayton Island Tours - 39611 Chateau Lane, Clayton, NY 13624

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Rock Island Lighthouse Admission Included?

Yes

2. Are there concessions on-board?

We do not have concessions on our boats. We do offer food and beverages from Kay's Kitchen , our onsite concessions.

Picnic Lunches available to pre-order for each tour Breakfast in-season Lunch in-season Catering for group/private charters aboard our boats

You may bring your own food and beverages on-board. No Alcohol.

3.Do you travel if it is raining?

Yes, our boats are covered and have windows that roll up or down in inclement weather. We do not travel in severe storms or high winds. If the weather prevents us from departing we will let you know as soon as the decision is made.

4. Are Passports Required?

Passports are not required.

5. Where do I park?

We have ample free parking. Motorhomes are welcome.

6. Are pets allowed?

Only Service Animals are allowed. No pets, Comfort Animals or ESA's are allowed.

7. Can I smoke on the boat?

Our boats are smoke free.

Adventure Tips

Bring Weather-Appropriate Layers

River conditions can be cooler and breezier than on land; pack light jackets especially in spring and fall.

Arrive Early for Parking

Ample free parking is available at 39611 Chateau Lane, but arrive 15 minutes early during peak summer weekends.

Avoid Alcohol Onboard

No alcohol is permitted on the boat to ensure safety and comfort for all guests.

Prepare for Limited Onboard Amenities

Bring your own snacks and water; there are no concessions on the boat but Kay's Kitchen offers nearby food options.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Double-crested cormorant
  • Common loon

History

Rock Island Lighthouse dates to 1847, with stories of a pirate keeper and a fugitive who helped maintain safe passage on the St. Lawrence during harsh winters.

Conservation

Guides highlight invasive species like zebra mussels and ongoing efforts to protect native fish, birds, and the river's unique underwater habitats.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Watertown

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Light Jacket or Windbreaker

Essential

To stay comfortable against river breezes and changing temperatures.

spring|fall|summer specific

Sunglasses

Essential

Reduces glare off the water for better viewing through the glass bottom.

spring|summer|fall specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture river landscapes, wildlife, and lighthouse views.

Closed-Toe Walking Shoes

Essential

Necessary for safely climbing the lighthouse stairs and walking on Rock Island State Park.