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
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Duration
2 hours and 45 minutes
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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.
Booking Notes
**We Look Forward to Welcoming you Aboard for our Rock Island Lighthouse and Nature Tour on a Glass Bottom Boat!**
**Please Note**
**Our Tour stops at Rock Island Lighthouse State Park on Rock Island for approximately 1 Hour.** Your boat, captain, and crew will wait for you to re-board at the time designated by your captain to continue the tour.
**Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time to allow time for:**
---**Parking**
---**All guests must check in with our Ticket Booth, Boarding passes are only issued on the day of departure** This includes all pre-purchased tickets on-line.
---**Pick Up Picnic Lunches from Kay's Kitchen** prior to boarding (If pre-ordered and purchased)
---**Be ready to board 15 minutes prior to departure**
---**We do our best to keep tours on schedule for the convenience of all of our guests and reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone not checked in and on board at the time of departure.**
