Frequently Asked Questions
1000 Island Excursions is a small local business that operates during a short season. We understand that last-minute cancellations can be unavoidable, but it can be challenging for us to fill those spots with replacements. We kindly ask that you review our cancellation policy thoroughly and reach out to us if you have any questions before booking your tour.
If you cancel your 1000 Islands Excursions boat tour 15 days or more before the tour’s departure date, the tour will be fully refunded in the original payment method.
If you cancel your 1000 Islands Excursion boat tour between eight and fourteen days prior to the departure date, a refund of 50% of the total tour cost, as indicated on the original reservation, will be issued. The refund will be made in the form of the original payment.
If you cancel your boat tour within seven days of the tour departure date, you will be charged the full cost of the tour as stated in your original confirmation.
Please note that if there are any cancellations or decreases in the number of passengers within 14 days of your 1000 Islands Excursions tour, there will be no discount or refund given for the reduced number of people. The tour will be charged for the original number of individuals that the tour was reserved for.
1000 Islands Excursions is committed to providing a safe, fun, and comfortable cruise experience. To ensure the safety of our passengers, your captain will evaluate both weather and mechanical conditions before each tour. Based on our professional assessments of weather scenarios, or for unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to cancel tours at any time.
If we are concerned with the potential of storms or inclement weather, we will try to contact you at least 24 hours in advance, however at times this may not be possible. If we cancel your boat tour, a full refund will be provided in the form of your original payment. It is important that you provide a working and monitored cell phone on your reservation so we can text or call you with updates.
At 1000 Islands Excursions, we strive to make each tour a personalized experience for friends and family. As a result, all of our tour options provide exclusive access to the boat. Our boat tours are the perfect way to spend a carefree day on the river for small groups of 2 -6 people.
To make a reservation, simply click on any of the “BOOK NOW” buttons to check the calendar for available dates and fill in the required information. Once your reservation is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. To ensure you have ample time on the water, we kindly request payment in full at the time of booking.
We have arranged to meet you at Dockside Cottages, located at 40281 NY-12 Clayton, NY 13624. The cottages are just a quick 5-minute drive from Clayton, NY, approximately 2.6 miles away. When coming from Clayton, take the left turn just past the sign for Dockside Cottages. If you’re coming from Alexandria Bay, take a right turn before the sign. Head down the dirt road until you reach the dumpster, but please avoid blocking it. Instead, park your car in the available space before it. Parking is free, and we’ll be waiting for you near the parking area to guide you to the boat and dock and help carry your things. There are steps required to get to the dock.
We understand that vacations should be worry-free and relaxing, which is why we offer flexibility in our pick-up locations. Although our standard pick-up point is Dockside Cottages in Clayton, NY, we are willing to accommodate your needs by picking you up from your Airbnb, Island Cottages, or any mainland location accessible by boat. For further information and pricing, please reach out to us at 607-592-6226. Our goal is to make your excursion fun, safe and simple.
Our tour boat is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment required by the US Coast Guard. Before embarking on your cruise, a short safety briefing will be given to ensure everyone’s safety.
For your convenience, we have provided a bottle opener, wine opener, and plastic reusable cups. There will be a few blankets available on board in case you feel cold.
The captain is funny and will make you laugh.
Our boat “Goose”, is a 23- foot Penn Yan. These sturdy, fiberglass boats were built in Penn Yan, NY. Penn Yan’s deep hulls are designed to ride smooth in both rough and calm waters . The boat is configured such that there is seating available with sun and shade options. The maximum number of people allowed on board in addition to the captain, is six.
Boarding and offloading for passengers will require bending and stepping in and out of the boat at the dock. If you have any mobility concerns, please inform us ahead of time.
Although restrooms (known as “heads”) are not available on board, our Wine and Ecotours provide facilities at their island destinations. A portable toilet is also available on board in case of any emergency.
Nope. No smoking or vaping in the boat or on the island stops.
The captain holds the authority to refuse boarding or to return the boat to port if a passenger’s behavior is disruptive, inappropriate, or poses a threat to others or the captain’s ability to navigate safely.
Individuals who are 21 or older may bring their own adult drinks on board and personal sized coolers are welcome. 1000 Island Excursions will have a cooler on board with bottled water for passengers.
1000 Island Excursions will provide lifejackets for all passengers. Only children under the age of 12 are required to wear lifejackets while aboard the boat.
When preparing for our tours, it’s important to consider the weather. Specifically, during sunset cruises and morning ecotours, as it is always cooler on the water. We recommend bringing a light jacket, raincoat, or sweatshirt to ensure your comfort throughout the tour. Don’t forget to pack sunblock and sunhats, as some seats on the boat are exposed to the sun.
If you’re joining the ecotour, it may be wise to include bug repellent in your bag and wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes. In order to embark and disembark the boat, there may be some kneeling or stepping up and down into the boat or out of the boat. Make sure you are comfortably able to perform these tasks, and that you wear comfortable clothes.