Clayton Island Tours is a locally owned fleet of intimate vessels guiding guests through the storied Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River. With knowledgeable captains, engaging narration, and even a glass-bottom boat for pee...
The boat tours here have earned a loyal following, and it's easy to see why. Guides like Liam and Michel bring genuine enthusiasm and deep local knowledge to each trip, sharing little-known stories about the islands, the properties along the river, and the area's history. The smaller boat size creates an intimate atmosphere that larger cruise operations simply can't replicate, and popular routes like the Boldt Castle and Rock Island Lighthouse tour consistently draw praise for their pacing and scenery. A handful of recent reviews do point to some inconsistency worth knowing about. Sound system issues on windier days made it difficult for some guests to hear the narration, and a few specialty cruises like the wine and sunset tours felt less structured than the standard guided options. If a narrated, educational experience is what you're after, the daytime island tours seem to be where this crew really shines. Overall, repeat visitors are common here, with many guests returning year after year and bringing family and friends along. The staff's warmth and the personalized feel of the tours are consistently the highlights. For anyone exploring the Thousand Islands region, this is a solid choice for getting out on the water with people who clearly love what they do.
Michel was a great tour guide. This is a smaller, more personal tour--we had 47 people on board, so everyone got a great view from the boat. Sit up front so you can hear Michel---he has some great stories. Boldt Castle is OK. But the boat tour of the 1000 Islands is 🔥!
Estelle
VerifiedJuly 13, 2026
Michel was a great tour guide. This is a smaller, more personal tour--we had 47 people on board, so everyone got a great view from the boat. Sit up front so you can hear Michel---he has some great stories. Boldt Castle is OK. But the boat tour of the 1000 Islands is 🔥!
Estelle
VerifiedJuly 13, 2026