Themed Cruises & Special Events at Raquette Lake Navigation
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity involved.
Overview
Step aboard the Raquette Lake Navigation Company’s themed cruises for more than just a boat ride—enjoy live music, wine pairings, festive buffets, and scenic Adirondack vistas. Dive into unique events like the Jimmy Buffett Party and guided historic tours on the water.
Special Event
Starting at $5 • 2-3 Hours
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience unforgettable themed cruises, from music and wine pairings to festive luncheons and prime rib dinners. Join special events like the Annual Mitch Frasier Music Cruise and the lively Jimmy Buffett Party, complete with contests and delicious buffets. Each cruise offers a unique blend of entertainment, dining, and scenic views.
Special Events
Rates
Adult - $23.50 Labor Day Excursion, Columbus Day Excursion, Under 4 years old - $5 Scenic Excursion Cruise - $17 Pine Knot/ Luncheon Package - $72 Wine Pairing Luncheon, Caribbean Island Cruise, - $45 Wine Pairing Luncheon (Bet the Farm), Saranac Beer Tasting Cruise, Sip N Paint N Snail - $50 Noe Socha Music Cruise - $12 Adult - Jimmy Buffett Party - $60 Full Moon Cruise - $8 Father's Day Prime Rib Dinner Cruise for Adult - $57 Father's Day Prime Rib Cruise Dinner for Father - $47 Father's Day Prime Rib Dinner Cruise for Child - $28 Mitch Fraiser Music Cruise, Adult - Snowflake Excursion, - $25 Wine Pairing Dinner Cruise, Annual Dr. Frank Wine Pairing Dinner - $100 Person Murder Mystery/Comedy Cruise - $83 Relative Risk Beer Pairing Dinner - $90 Person - Annual Durant Event - $75
About
June 5th - Annual Mitch Frasier Music Cruise
Mitch has helped us launch each new season for the past 29 years. It is our pleasure to have him launch our 30th season! He starts playing at 5:30. Fully licensed cash bar. Limited to the first 75. Reservations are required.
Boarding 5:30-6:00. Sailing 6:00-9:00 pm.
June 10th - Americade Bikers Luncheon
Reservations required. 24 hr cancellation policy. Inclusive means cruise, meal, tax and gratuity. Cash bar. Please advise in advance any dietary restrictions. You don't have to come by motorcycle. You don't have to be an Americader!
Boarding 12:00-12:30. Sailing 12:30-2:30 pm.
June 12th - Luncheon Buffet Cruise
Reservations required. 24 hr cancellation policy. Inclusive means cruise, meal, tax and gratuity. Cash bar. Please advise in advance any dietary restrictions.
Boarding 10:30-11:00. Sailing 11:00-1:00 pm.
June 16th and 18th - 2-4-1 Lunch Buffet Cruises
June 23rd and 25th - 2-4-1 Lunch Buffet Cruises
Reservations required. 24 hr cancellation policy. Inclusive means cruise, meal, tax and gratuity. Cash bar. Please advise in advance any dietary restrictions.
Boarding 10:30-11:00 Sailing 11:00-1:00 pm.
June 20th - Father's Day Prime Rib Cruises
Happy Father’s Day! We’ve scheduled two Father’s Day Certified Angus Prime Rib cruises on the 20th. Reservations required. 24 hour cancellation policy. Inclusive means cruise, meal, tax and gratuity. Please advise any dietary restrictions in advance. Besides the certified Angus prime rib of beef at the carving station, on the buffet line are one other protein (either chicken or pork), 1 carb, 2 veggies, fresh fruit, salad, baguettes and butter, dessert. Coffee, decaf and tea come with the meal. Fully licensed cash bar.
- #1 Prime Rib Buffet Lunch 11:30 - 2:00 (Board 11:00)
- #2 Prime Rib Buffet Dinner 5:00 - 7:30 (Board 4:00)
June 23, August 18, Sept 28 - Guided tour Camp Pine Knot paired with lunch buffet cruise
Almost 5 hours for water taxi ride to Pine Knot (boat access only), guided tour of the first Great Camp by Durant, luncheon cruise with historic commentary. Reservations Required. 24 hour cancellation policy. Inclusive means cruise, meal, tax and gratuity. Cash bar. Please advise in advance any dietary restrictions.
July 3 - Annual Jimmy Buffett Party Cruise
**Boarding 11:00-12:00. Sailing 12:00-2:30 pm ** Reservations required. 24 hour cancellation policy. Inclusive means cruise, meal, tax and gratuity. Cash bar. For your money you get:
- DJ Glen LeBlanc returning to play Jimmy Buffett and island tunes
- Costume contest
- Trivia contest
- Delicious buffet
- Cash bar + drink specials
Menu:
- Peel and eat shrimp
- Spicy Queso & bean dip
- Passed cheeseburger sliders
- Chips, salsa & guac
- Key lime pie
July 16 - Beer Pairing Dinner Cruise featuring Copper City Brewery and Chef Jim's Culinary Prowess
boarding 5:00-6:00 and sailing 6:00-9:00.
Reservations required. 24 hour cancellation policy. Inclusive means cruise, meal, tax and gratuity. Please advise any dietary restrictions in advance. Menu and beers to be announced at a later date.
August 6 - Dr. Frank Wine Pairing Dinner Cruise
Board 5:00-6:00. Sail 6:00-9:00.
Reservations required. 24 hour cancellation policy. Inclusive means cruise, meal, tax and gratuity. Please advise any dietary restrictions in advance. Menu and wines to be announced at a later date.
Adventure Tips
Reserve Early
Special event cruises often reach capacity quickly; book in advance to secure your spot.
Dress for the Weather
Even summer evenings on the lake can get cool; bring a light jacket or layers.
Arrive on Time
Boarding windows are strict; arriving late might mean missing your cruise departure.
Notify Dietary Restrictions
Special meals and pairings often require advance notice—contact the company before booking.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common loons, often heard and seen on the lake
- White-tailed deer roaming near the shoreline in early morning
History
Raquette Lake was a favored retreat in the late 19th century, with Great Camps built by wealthy industrialists, including Camp Pine Knot, part of this legacy.
Conservation
The Adirondack Park is a protected area balancing recreation with conservation; Raquette Lake Navigation Company supports low-impact boating to preserve water quality.
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Adventure Hotspots in Saranac Lake, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered Clothing
Adjustable layers keep you comfortable through changing lake temperatures and breezes.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen and a hat help shield you during daytime cruises on exposed water.
summer specific
Camera or Smartphone
Capture stunning Adirondack scenery and vibrant event moments.
Bug Spray
Useful on warmer evenings near forested shorelines to deter mosquitoes.
summer specific