Falling Waters Boat Tours

About

Falling Waters Boat Tours is one of the most extraordinary and truly unique experiences in the entire Finger Lakes — a private boat tour on Seneca Lake that takes you up close to the majestic Hector Falls, with views and access that are simply impossible to get any other way. Just 5 minutes from Watkins Glen, this is not a tourist boat with 100 strangers. This is an intimate, private tour for up to 6 passengers aboard a comfortable 21-foot Four Winns bow rider.

Your USCG-licensed captain and guide has navigated Seneca Lake for over 10 years. The boat cruises the lake's east, west, and south shores — past multi-million-dollar estates, 100–300 ft. shale cliffs, rolling hillside vineyards, bald eagles, and the Watkins Glen lakefront — delivering narrated history and local lore the whole way. The tour culminates at Hector Falls, where a short walk from the private dock takes you to an exclusive natural shale patio right at the waterfall's edge.

There, complimentary Finger Lakes beverages and artisan cheeses await. You can walk the flat shale at the base of the falls, feel the mist, stand where rainbows form in the spray — it's the kind of experience that genuinely earns the words "unforgettable."

In Our Words

Our Story

Falling Waters is the kind of experience that people come back to the Finger Lakes specifically to do again. It checks every box — an intimate boat on a spectacular lake, a captain who genuinely loves sharing the history and beauty of Seneca, and a private waterfall patio with local wine and cheese that feels like something out of a dream. The falls themselves are breathtaking up close in a way photos simply can't capture.

If you're visiting the region and can only book one extra experience beyond the wine trail, this is it. Captain Fred has built something truly special here, and every detail of the tour shows the care and pride behind it. Nominated for Best New Business of the Year by the Schuyler Tributes — and completely deserving of it.

— South East Seneca

Why Book

What to Expect

Hector Falls Up Close

250ft top-to-bottom — walk the shale at the base of the falls and stand where rainbows form in the spray.

Private Lake Cruise

Your own 21ft bow rider — shale cliffs, estates, vineyards, bald eagles, and Watkins Glen lakefront.

Complimentary Beverage & Cheese

Local Finger Lakes beverages and artisan cheeses served from the exclusive private waterfall patio.

Sunset Tour Option

The 1.5-hr Sunset Boat & Waterfall Tour — cruise into a Seneca Lake sunset with wine on the patio.

Private Groups up to 6

Perfect for couples, families, birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorette parties, and corporate outings.

USCG Licensed Captain

10+ years navigating Seneca Lake — safety and local knowledge at every step of the tour.

Tour Options

Choose Your Tour

All tours depart from a private dock at Hector Point and include all USCG safety equipment. Parties of 2–6. May–October, weather permitting.

Boat & Waterfall Tour ★

The signature experience — cruise the lake's scenic shores, dock at Hector Falls, walk the shale patio, explore the waterfall up close. Complimentary FLX beverage and cheeses included.

1.5 hr or 2 hr · Book at fallingwatersboattours.com

Sunset Boat & Waterfall Tour

Taste a complimentary FLX beverage on the private patio where rainbows form at the falls, then cruise back on Seneca Lake as the sky turns gold. No better way to end a Finger Lakes day.

1.5 hr · Book at fallingwatersboattours.com

Private Group Tour

The entire boat is yours — perfect for birthday parties, anniversaries, bachelorette outings, corporate events, and family celebrations. Available in 1.5 or 2-hour formats.

Parties of 2–6 · Private booking

Gift Certificates

Give the experience as a gift — Falling Waters gift certificates are available online and make an unforgettable present for any occasion.

Available at fallingwatersboattours.com

Reservations required — book online or call (607) 444-2428. Weather dependent May–October.

What People Say

Customer Reviews

"Spectacular, amazing, extraordinary, beautiful, magnificent, breathtaking — these are just a few words that describe this one-of-a-kind experience. Captain Fred was so welcoming, informative and knowledgeable. Being at the base of the Falls was truly awesome."

— Dody Ballard

"Forget the big tourist boats with 100 other people. Captain Fred's boat is perfect for up to 6 guests. Following the boat ride we were invited to the patio of his home which sits right next to the waterfall. A perfect way to spend a couple of hours — highly recommended."

— Heidi Asbury

"We had our own private waterfall in their backyard. We enjoyed a nice glass of wine and charcuterie on the terrace as we relaxed listening to the soothing sounds of the waterfall. We will definitely be booking again."

— Roxanne Rothenberg

Gallery

Photos

Photos · Falling Waters Boat Tours, Burdett NY · Follow on Facebook for more

Before You Go

Tips for Visitors

Book in advance — tours are private and fill up fast, especially on summer weekends.
Bring water shoes if you want to walk in the base of the falls — it's optional but spectacular.
Tours are weather dependent — if conditions aren't safe, Captain Fred will reschedule you.
The Sunset Tour is the most magical — time it for late afternoon in July or August.
Perfect for groups of 2–6 — the whole boat is yours, no strangers on board.
Gift certificates available online — a memorable gift for any Finger Lakes lover.

Operating Season	May – October
Conditions	Weather Dependent

Falling Waters Boat Tours