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Boating Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua Lake is a boater's paradise.Canandaigua Lake: a boater's paradise
Canandaigua Lake is a boater’s paradise - no joke! This lake sports five marinas where you can rent a boat for up to a week. If you plan to buy a boat...well you have even more options!
At 16-miles long, Canandaigua Lake is a playground for speed boats and pontoons, or party boats as we locals like to call them.
While you’re at it, go tubing, water skiing, or wakeboarding on this large Finger Lake. When I was a kid, I used to go tubing with my uncle, who would do circles or figure-8’s and try to dump us off in the waves. It worked! And was a blast!
What you'll find on this page:
I know you'll want to make sure to spend some time on the water while you visit Canandaigua Lake.
Read on to find out about:
- Things to do on the waters of Canandaigua lake
- New York boater safety courses
- Canandaigua Lake cruises and tours
- Where you can launch a motor boat on Canandaigua Lake
- Where you can rent a motor boat on Canandaigua Lake
Chances are really rather excellent you'll find one or more adventures to add to your itinerary!
What else can I do by boat on Canandaigua Lake?
Like all of the New York Finger Lakes, you’ll find fishing is good on Canandaigua Lake. Maxing out at a depth of 278 feet and having an average depth of about 130 feet deep, means Canandaigua Lake provides great habitat for sport fish.
Here, you can try for lake trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, and bullheads. Brown trout are also stocked by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) each spring for sport fishing on the lake.
Is fishing the only thing to do?
No, definitely not.
You’re on vacation - you should relax!
Take a breather.
Take a meandering trip around the lake.
Enjoy the view, the wind, or the spray from your boat.
Be safe, but have fun!
Boater Safety Classes
Beginning on January 1, 2025, all operators of motorboats in New York State require a boater safety course certification.
You can take the course in-person or online, so no matter were you live, you can get started planning for your upcoming trip to the Finger Lakes.
Once you complete your certification, you'll get a pretty cool icon to show off on your license too!
Can I go on a cruise on Canandaigua Lake?
So, you want to head out around Candaigua Lake, but would rather not rent - nor drive - a boat? No problem.
You can book a cruise around the lake on the Canandaigua Lady. Photo credit: Laura H-B, CC BY-SA 2.0Canandaigua Lady
So, you want to get on the water but would rather not drive a boat? No problem, because the Canandaigua Lady is a Mississippi-style paddle-wheel boat that you can cruise on to see the sights of the lake from the water.
With options to cruise over lunch, dinner, or sometime in-between, you’ll get the story of Canandaigua Lake, steam boats, and the Seneca Indian Nation as you take in the beauty of the Finger Lakes.
You can also charter the Canandaigua Lady for a private event. Imagine having a wedding, family reunion, or birthday party while cruising around Canandaigua Lake on our own private cruise boat! Hmmm, my next birthday party idea? I think so!
Getting there
- 📍205 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424
- 📞 (585) 396-7350
- 🗺 Find on Google Maps
Where can I launch my motor boat on Canandaigua Lake?
Canandaigua Lake has a few excellent launch sites if you bring your own motor boat. Read on for more info!
Canandaigua Lake South End State Boat Launch/Woodville State Boat Launch
The main launch site at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, the Canandaigua Lake South End State Boat Launch features a ramp for trailered boats. You’ll also find a dock for kayak and canoe put-in, and some porta-potties.
Parking is free, and you probably won’t have to fight for a spot because there's space for about 80 vehicles.
Highlights
- Boating
- Paddling
- Fishing
Getting there
- 📍7121-7201 Rt. 21, Naples, NY 14512
- 📞 (585) 396-3630 (Canandaigua Lake Water Trail)
- 🗺 Find on Google Maps
Features
- Hard-surface launch area
- Kayak and canoe launch area
- Facilities
- Max 2 leashed dogs allowed
- Free entry
Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park
Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park is a launch site operated by the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. You can launch your motor boat at this park, as well as smaller craft, like kayaks or canoes.
The park features some picnic areas, bathroom facilities, and parking with extra “overflow” parking. You can even bring your dog. 🙂
As a public launch site, the Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park does at time get very busy and backed up. Come with patience and leave with some excellent Canandaigua boating memories!
Highlights
- Boating
- Paddling
- Fishing
Getting there
- 📍620 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
- 📞 (585) 394-9420
- 🗺 Find on Google Maps
Features
- Hard-surface launch area
- Picnic areas
- Max 2 leashed dogs allowed
- Entry fee
Canandaigua Lake is a great place for all ages to go wakeboarding.Where can I rent a boat on Canandaigua Lake?
Didn't bring your own boat? No problem! We've got you covered...
Canandaigua Boatworks
Located on the eastern shore of Canandaigua Lake in Rushville, Canandaigua Boatworks rents both pontoon boats and bowriders. Additionally, you can view their large inventory of new and used boats for purchase while you're there. You can book online for convenience too.
Getting there
- 📍4801 E Lake Rd, Rushville, NY 14544
- 📞 (585) 554-5400
- 🗺 Find on Google Maps
German Brothers Marina
Located on the western shore of Canandaigua Lake, German Brothers Marina offers rentals, new and used boat sales, and service. You can get daily or overnight rentals as well and they work with you to overnight your rental in a safe, secure spot.
Getting there
- 📍3907 Co Rd 16, Canandaigua, NY 14424
- 📞 (585) 394-4000
- 🗺 Find on Google Maps
Seager Marine Rentals and Charter
In addition to charters for events and wakeboard lessons, at the Seager Marine Rentals and Charter Canandaigua location you get a choice between pontoon and speed boat rentals, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards (SUPs).
It might be super fun to take a SUP out on your pontoon boat, cut the engine, and paddle in the middle of the lake. Just sayin'!
Getting there
- 📍 21 Parrish St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
- 📞 (585) 396-1372
- 🗺 Find on Google Maps
Smith Boys
If you’ll be at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake in Naples and are looking for a boat rental, Smith Boys is your place. You can choose from pontoon or tritoon boats with Smith Boys. Submit your info online and they’ll get back to you. Or you can give them a call, whichever is easier.
Getting there
- 📍7099 Route 21, Naples, NY 14512
- 📞 585-374-2384
- 🗺 Find on Google Maps
Sutter’s Canandaigua Marina
With rentals only available at the Canandaigua location, you can spend a day or a week on the water with Sutter’s Canandaigua Marina. Enjoy the lake with a pontoon or speed boad, and throw on a tube or ski package to go with it!
Getting there
- 📍808 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
- 📞 (585) 394-0918
- 🗺 Find on Google Maps
Create your own Finger Lakes adventure
Canadaigua Lake is too spectacular to miss by boat!
Which boating option will you add to your next Finger Lakes adventure itinerary?
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