easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required with some climbing of lighthouse stairs.
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.
All Ages | $30.00 Adult | Glass Bottom Boat |Visit Rock Island and Climb the Lighthouse Tower | Eco
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.
2 hours and 45 minutes
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.
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
• 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
Clayton Island Tours - 39611 Chateau Lane, Clayton, NY 13624
Yes
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.
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.
Passports are not required.
We have ample free parking. Motorhomes are welcome.
Only Service Animals are allowed. No pets, Comfort Animals or ESA's are allowed.
Our boats are smoke free.
River conditions can be cooler and breezier than on land; pack light jackets especially in spring and fall.
Ample free parking is available at 39611 Chateau Lane, but arrive 15 minutes early during peak summer weekends.
No alcohol is permitted on the boat to ensure safety and comfort for all guests.
Bring your own snacks and water; there are no concessions on the boat but Kay's Kitchen offers nearby food options.
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.
Guides highlight invasive species like zebra mussels and ongoing efforts to protect native fish, birds, and the river's unique underwater habitats.
To stay comfortable against river breezes and changing temperatures.
spring|fall|summer specific
Reduces glare off the water for better viewing through the glass bottom.
spring|summer|fall specific
Capture river landscapes, wildlife, and lighthouse views.
Necessary for safely climbing the lighthouse stairs and walking on Rock Island State Park.