
St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 110 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour worth booking?
St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour is a 2.8-hour experience in Clayton, United States, from $34 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 110 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (110)
- Duration
- 2.8 hours
- From
- $34 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #3 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Clayton, with an Outty Ranking of 71. At $34 it is priced in line with similar options (typically $29). Best for families and couples.
Prices and availability checked
THIS TOUR DEPARTS FROM THE US. This amazing tour will show you the 1000 Islands like no one else can! Board the Night Heron, our incredible glass-bottomed boat for an unparalleled view of underwater life in the clean waters of the St. Lawrence River. Experience nature as our naturalist narrators spot ospreys, eagles, blue heron, deer, muskrats, minks, and loons that inhabit the 1000 Islands. Hear the history, legends and lore of the islands we pass by and shipwrecks we pass over. Docking at Rock Island for one hour guests may climb to the top of the Lighthouse for a birds eye view of the surrounding St. Lawrence Seaway. Visit the Lighthouse keeper’s cottage which is now a museum and gift shop to learn the history of the lighthouse and keepers who kept the lights burning. Walk the island and see the building once used to store whale oil for burning in the lighthouse.
What you get
About this experience
THIS TOUR DEPARTS FROM THE US. This amazing tour will show you the 1000 Islands like no one else can! Board the Night Heron, our incredible glass-bottomed boat for an unparalleled view of underwater life in the clean waters of the St. Lawrence River. Experience nature as our naturalist narrators spot ospreys, eagles, blue heron, deer, muskrats, minks, and loons that inhabit the 1000 Islands. Hear the history, legends and lore of the islands we pass by and shipwrecks we pass over. Docking at Rock Island for one hour guests may climb to the top of the Lighthouse for a birds eye view of the surrounding St. Lawrence Seaway. Visit the Lighthouse keeper’s cottage which is now a museum and gift shop to learn the history of the lighthouse and keepers who kept the lights burning. Walk the island and see the building once used to store whale oil for burning in the lighthouse.
What's included
Included
- Sightseeing cruise by glass-bottom boat
- On-board restrooms
- Admission to Rock Island
- Local naturalist guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Picnic Lunch - $12.00 Adult/$8.00 Children - Please call ahead to pre-order
What you'll see and do
Clayton Island Tours
Experience the grandeur and beauty of the 1000 Islands Region the Clayton Island Tours way. Clayton Island Tour’s professional tour guides will share the legends and lore behind the Thousand Islands region on a 2 or 3 hour scenic boat tour.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Rock Island Lighthouse State Park
historic Rock Island Lighthouse on the beautiful St. Lawrence Seaway. When you visit, climb the stairs of the lighthouse and enjoy a bird's eye view from the lantern room. Tour the museum in the keeper’s quarters and learn about the history of the island, its keepers, and the magnificent St. Lawrence River. Walk the island and take home a souvenir from the gift shop.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Wellesley Island State Park
We will travel among many of the 1000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Clayton
• From Interstate 81 we are approximately 5 miles south of I-81 (Exit 56 south, Route 12) and the Thousand Islands Bridge. • From Watertown take Route 12 exit (Bradley Street) to Clayton, turn right at the Light, 39621 Chateau Lane is less than a mile on your left!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
• From Interstate 81 we are approximately 5 miles south of I-81 (Exit 56 south, Route 12) and the Thousand Islands Bridge. • From Watertown take Route 12 exit (Bradley Street) to Clayton, turn right at the Light, 39621 Chateau Lane is less than a mile on your left!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Clayton Island Tours, LLC
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Picnic Lunches are available for all tours - $12.00 Adult/$8.00 Children - Please call ahead to pre-order
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Receive boarding pass from our blue ticket booth
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 110 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
110 verified traveler reviews for St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Nice Visit to Rock Island Lighthouse - Glass Bottom Boat tour not so much
We booked this tour primarily for "glass bottom boat" part of the tour, and for what we would see down in the beautiful St. Lawrence River (SLR). The tour was definitely on a glass bottom boat, but as for what we got to see in the SLR, hardly nothing. IMO, the tour is 75% about visiting the Rock Island Lighthouse (which had little interest to us), 20% boat ride around the SLR, and 5% viewing thru the Glass Bottom. The captain and tour guide were great, so don't hesitate to book this tour if you enjoy things like visiting a lighthouse, the only lighthouse open to the public on the SLR, and on a beautiful island.
via Tripadvisor
Full of Information
Great Guide very knowledgeable of local History
via Tripadvisor
Pretty Good
I came here with my family for the boat tour. The lighthouse was pretty good and the few dozen minor stories as we were sightseeing on the river were enjoyable.
via Viator
No trip waiting on refund
Trip cancelled without a reason and I’m waiting on my refund . Not going to attempt this trip again.
Response from the operator: We apologize that your trip was cancelled and rest assured the refund has been processed.
via Viator
Climb the lighthouse!
Ranger Peter gave us a great overview of the lighthouse history and its keepers. He's clearly very passionate about Rock Island and it made our group enthusiastic to learn more.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 39
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Clayton Island Tours, LLC, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.7.
See everything Clayton Island Tours, LLC runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Clayton.
How does St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour compare to similar tours in Clayton?
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It ranks #3 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Clayton, with an Outty Ranking of 71. At $34 it is priced in line with similar options (typically $29). Best for families and couples.
Who is St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour best for?
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It suits families and couples best, based on its 2.8-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Is St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour good value?
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It is fairly priced. It starts at $34, close to the $29 typical for similar experiences in Clayton.
How much does St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour cost?
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Prices start at $34 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Clayton usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Clayton is not rushed.
Is St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 110 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Clayton, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour?
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Around 39 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Clayton can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Clayton and add a light layer if any part of the 2.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Clayton within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Clayton?
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On Outty we rank every Clayton experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour, Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour, Islands, Lighthouses, and Castle Tour on the St. Lawrence River. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Clayton?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Clayton?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour?
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Included: Sightseeing cruise by glass-bottom boat; On-board restrooms; Admission to Rock Island; and Local naturalist guide. Not included: Gratuities; and Picnic Lunch - $12.00 Adult/$8.00 Children - Please call ahead to pre-order. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour?
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• From Interstate 81 we are approximately 5 miles south of I-81 (Exit 56 south, Route 12) and the Thousand Islands Bridge. • From Watertown take Route 12 exit (Bradley Street) to Clayton, turn right at the Light. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about St Lawrence River - Rock Island Lighthouse on a Glass Bottom Boat Tour?
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Across 110 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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