For an enchanting Lake Champlain experience, don’t wait to book a tour aboard the “Tankful II” Pontoon boat with owner and guide Captain Scotty Boyd. Our family and friends recently went on a tour on beautiful Lake Champlain and we had a wonderful time. We stopped for lunch on our choice of Burton Island and had a 4 hour tour. Captain Scotty Boyd knows and loves the lake and is all about safety first. Scotty shared with us some history of the lake, its bridges, and its shoreline, and so much more. He has a kind and calm manner, delightful sense of humor and sweet Scottish brogue. For a safe, fun, and truly enjoyable tour of Lake Champlain, Captain Scotty is your guy!
Experienced Captain
Diverse Experiences
Special Celebrations
Customize Your Champlain Islands Experience
Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? Champlain Islands Magical Boat Tours is all about creating a boat tour that fits your unique style.
Step aboard for a truly unforgettable experience! Our 6-hour Magical Boat Tours are your ticket to immersing yourself in the beauty and wonder of Lake Champlain-complete with attentive first mate service, engaging onboard activities, and even time to enjoy dockside dining at one of the lake’s fabulous waterside restaurants.
Craving spontaneity? All of our tours are available by the hour, offering a flexible escape tailored to your schedule and sense of adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the Magical Tour, enchanted by the glow of a Sunset Cruise, or lured by tales on our Fishing Tour, we offer 2-hour, 3-hour, and 4-hour options to spark your curiosity and let the lake work its timeless magic.
– **Parties of Any Kind**: From birthdays and reunions to weddings and casual get-togethers, we provide the perfect floating venue for your celebrations.
– **History Buff’s Delight**: Dive into the fascinating stories of the region, uncovering its rich heritage and intriguing past.
– **Geology Enthusiasts**: Marvel at the unique geological formations of our islands and learn their secrets.
– **Wildlife Wonders**: Spot majestic creatures and learn about the diverse ecosystems of the Champlain Islands.
– **Ecology Explorations**: Gain insight into the delicate balance of our local environment and how you can help preserve it.
– **Magnificent Island Home**: Get an exclusive perspective on the Champlain Islands, showcasing their unparalleled beauty.
– **Stargazing Spectacles**: Experience the serenity of the night sky, far from the glow of city lights.
– **Fishing Adventures**: Cast your line and enjoy a day of relaxation and camaraderie.
– **Swimming Escapes**: Dive into the crystal-clear waters, perfect for a refreshing and invigorating swim.
No matter which options you choose, our team is here to ensure your journey is as magical as the Champlain Islands themselves. Start planning your personalized cruise today, and let’s set sail toward unforgettable memories!
There’s no shortage of things to do in Lake Champlain. Choose from a variety of activities and amenities to customize your boat tour. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a day out on the lake, we’ll help you design an experience that’s perfectly suited to your desires. Check out our Custom Boat Tour options and let’s craft your dream adventure together!
Not looking for a custom tour? Check out our Magical Lake Champlain Boat Tour(opens in a new tab) for a serene escape, and let Captain Scotty navigate you through Champlain Island’s scenic waterways abundant with natural beauty and local wildlife, perfect for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Not-to-be-Missed Highlights of Our Custom Boat Tours
Tailor your tour to fit your interests, from fishing and swimming to wildlife watching and photography
Experience the magic of a Champlain Island sunset from the water, perfect for romantic evenings or serene family outings
Customize your tour for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and more
Click the Tabs for More Information
Tour Logistics
Custom Boat Tour Logistics
Price
Dependent on your chosen activities price will vary. Contact us for a quote.
Departure times
From 6am to 6pm
Meeting point
Options of:
- Apple Island Resort and Marina
Availability
Season: May 15 – October 15
Days of the week: 7 days a week
Duration
TBD
Accessibility
Yes, our boat and the docks are wheelchair accessible.
Pet-friendly
Yes
Group size
Maximum 6 people
Boat features
- Luxury safe and stable tri-toon pontoon boat
- Small portable toilet and pop-up changing room
Visit the Our Boat page for more information.
Included
- Large ice coolers
- Ice
- Water
- Fuel
- Experienced captain
Not included
Beverages and snacks
We offer fresh, locally prepared meal-baskets and light snacks as an add-on to the tour. For food, you have the option to bring your own snacks or fuller meals to enjoy during the tour. Additionally, we can stop at charming lakeside restaurants where you can savor a delicious lunch or dinner as part of your experience. Please inquire for more information at the time of booking.
What to bring
Food and drink: Feel free to BYO food and drinks to enjoy throughout the tour. This can include soft drinks as well as alcoholic beverages (to be consumed responsibly). For food, you can bring your own snacks or fuller meals to enjoy lunch or dinner during the tour.
Clothing and other: Sunglasses, sun block, hat, wind breaker, light outer garment, soft soled shoes, camera (if you bring along electronics like phones or cameras please be aware that a boat can be a harsh environment for these items so keep them stored while not in use).
Check the weather and dress layered accordingly. Remember that it is easier to remove items if you wear too much.
About your captain
Your designated captain for your custom boat tour will be Captain James “Scotty” Boyd
Get Inspired!
Check Out the Options and Customize Your Dream Boating Escape on Lake Champlain
Activities you can undertake on your custom boat tour:
Fishing
Swimming
Lunches or dinners
Photography
Wildlife watching
Bird watching
Sunset cruise
Learn basic boating skills
Kid-friendly activities
You can tailor a boat tour for:
Birthday celebrations
Bachelor or bachelorette parties
Anniversaries or engagements
Private corporate gathering
Romantic dinners or lunches
Family outings
Book Now: Select Your Tour Date & Duration Below
Let us know how we can make your very own boat tour extra special!
Introducing Our Exclusive First Mate Service!
Exclusive First Mate Service Included
Enjoy the only tour on the island with a dedicated First Mate on board. From personalized attention to smooth logistics and expert local insights, our First Mates ensure your experience is effortless and unforgettable.
Perfect for Families with Small Children
While the little ones are captivated by the search for our legendary lake monster, Champ, our highly trained First Mates will keep them entertained with engaging, fun, and educational lake-focused activities and games. This allows moms and dads to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Champlain. Ideal for our Lunch and Dinner tours!
Enhancing Adult Experiences
Our First Mates, trained in seamanship and customer service, are also a wonderful addition to our fishing charters and adult tours. They provide an extra level of personal service, ensuring comfort and enjoyment from the moment you board to the olive in your martini. Ask Captain Scotty about this about extra provided service.
Frequently Asked Questions
A credit card deposit is required for all reservations. Deposits are $300 for tours.
Fishing licenses are required by the state of VT. For a small daily fee, we can help to obtain them for you.
We actually encourage our potential charter customers to call beforehand so that we can discuss the specific details for your charter. We want to custom design every charter to each customer individually. It is our goal that our customers realize that this trip is all about them.
All you need is your own food, drinks, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, camera, soft soled shoes, etc. Please keep the number of carry aboard coolers down to one. We provide a large built in cooler and a bow Yeti Cooler. We encourage you to bring your camera to preserve the memories.
However, if you bring along electronics like phones or cameras please be aware that a boat can be a harsh environment for these items so keep them stored while not in use.
We are not responsible for loss or damage to personal items. Check the weather and dress layered accordingly. Remember that it is easier to remove items if you wear too much than borrow from someone else if you get wet or cold.
Please note that the captain has sole authority to cancel a trip, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew above all else. Weather and wind are critical safety indicators, and the captain will assess these conditions to make informed decisions regarding the tour. For your safety, the captain may determine that a cancellation is necessary. It is required that you show up for your scheduled charter unless you have previously been informed otherwise by the captain. Keep in mind that offshore weather can often differ significantly from the on-land forecast. If the captain decides to cancel the trip, you will be given the choice of either receiving a refund of your deposit or rescheduling your reservation. Please note that by not showing up for a reservation, you forfeit your deposit entirely.
Yes! If you choose to drink please be responsible. Drunkenness will cause termination of the trip at the captain’s discretion.
You’re embarking on a scenic tour of Lake Champlain, gliding across its calm inner sea aboard a stable and reliable pontoon boat. Even on the steadiest waters, though, it’s wise to prepare for the possibility of mild motion. Please feel free to call Capt. Scotty for some common-sense advice and recommendations, gained from many years of sea experience. The Captain’s personal recommendation for over-the-counter medication is Bonine. Additionally, anything with good ginger works wonders too, as it’s a natural anti-nausea remedy.”
If you have any more questions, please reach out!
Boston Whaler Add-On
Invite Up to 4 Additional Friends!
Hear from Our Happy Passengers
We only had a short visit in Vermont and Captain Scotty was super accommodating to get us out on the lake on short notice! He wasn’t even planning to book customers but he rearranged his schedule and made it work to take us out. Captain Scotty truly loves to boat and meet people. He was so patient and sweet to our kids- calling them by name and letting them help with everything. We had a wonderful tour that included everything that people wanted to do -swimming, cruising and fishing and a gorgeous sunset! Highly recommend captain Scotty!!
Absolutely enchanting! Champlain Island Magical Boat Tours is a must-visit gem for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience on the water. From the moment you step aboard, you’re greeted by Captain James “Scotty” Boyd’s warm smile and exceptional hospitality. The captain’s knowledge of the area is remarkable, offering fascinating insights into the history and natural beauty of the Champlain Islands.
Thank you, Captain Scottie, for a wonderful afternoon getting to know the Islands from the water. Even though I have lived here for several years I learned new things about the Islands and Lake Champlain. I am not a boater but your boat was so comfortable and we enjoyed being able to move around, from sunlight to shade, and enjoy the view from different angles. My friends and I had such a good time – they have not stopped talking about our cruise.
Have you already enjoyed one of our boat tours? Share your experience with others and send in your review – your feedback is appreciated!
