Top Ways to Enjoy the Water in
Cayuga County This Summer

Noah Howard , Cayuga County Office of Tourism’s Public Relations and Communications Manager

Here in Cayuga County, the options ripple out in every direction. From family-friendly swimming spots to more adventurous guided outings, there’s something out there for every pace, every age, and every comfort level. You could slip into a kayak and explore a quiet marsh, take a paddleboard lesson just steps from a shaded lakeside park, or head out on an evening fishing charter that ends beneath a sky full of stars.

And while spontaneity is always part of the charm of summer, some of the most memorable experiences start with a little planning. Many local outfitters offer the kind of easy-to-arrange adventures that are perfect for a full day (or even a whole weekend) on the water. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or rediscovering the region from a new angle, this is the season to get your feet wet.

From the quiet curves of the Erie Canal to the wide blue shimmer of Owasco and Cayuga lakes, there’s a lot to discover and even more to enjoy. So grab a towel, check the weather and consider your next launch point.

If your ideal day on the water starts with a reserved paddle and a clear plan, you’ll find plenty of well-outfitted options here. At Fair Haven Kayaks, visitors can choose from hourly or full-day rentals and even arrange drop-off service for paddling Sterling Creek, a calm and scenic route that winds toward the wetlands of the Sterling Nature Center. On the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Finger Lakes Adventure Gear offers flexible rentals with gear delivered right to your launch site, making it a favorite among families staying in lakefront rentals or campgrounds. Meanwhile, Owasco Paddles at Emerson Park provides a full menu of watercraft options, from single kayaks to stand-up paddleboards, plus bonus points for being dog-friendly.

For visitors who like to keep their summer gear to a minimum and their schedules relaxed, these kinds of reserve-and-relax experiences provide a reliable way to spend a half-day or more on the water without guesswork. Many include safety equipment and basic instructions, making them especially great for beginners or family outings. And if you haven’t tried paddleboarding yet, this just might be the year.

Of course, not everything requires an itinerary. Cayuga County is also home to some of the region’s most beautiful swimming and beach destinations. Fair Haven Beach State Park on the shore of Lake Ontario features one of the largest stretches of public sand in upstate New York, with lifeguard-patrolled swimming zones and bluff-top hiking trails to round out the day. Closer to Auburn, the designated swimming area at Emerson Park on Owasco Lake is a longstanding summer staple, offering calm, clear water and shady picnic spots just steps away.

For those drawn to deeper waters or more adrenaline-fueled outings, a few options stand out. Finger Lakes Scuba, based in Auburn, offers certification courses and guided dives in Cayuga Lake and beyond. From submerged shipwrecks to freshwater ecology, the underwater experience adds a whole new dimension to the region’s recreation scene. On the surface (but just as thrilling), Frontenac Fowlers in Union Springs runs nighttime bowfishing charters on Cayuga Lake. Outings start after dark, lit by high-powered LEDs, and give guests a shot at landing invasive carp while enjoying a uniquely social, high-energy experience.

Meanwhile, on the canal side of things, there are still more ways to get on the water. The Erie Canal is celebrating its bicentennial this year, and there’s no better way to take part than from the deck of a kayak or canoe. Launch sites like Mud Lock Canal Park, also known as Lock No. 1, near the northern tip of Cayuga Lake offer quiet entry points for exploring the Seneca River corridor. For a more immersive paddle, the Montezuma Anchorage Paddle Camp welcomes weekend visitors with camping options, boat rentals and access to the marshes of the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. It’s an ideal combination of history, nature and on-the-water adventure.

And for those who prefer their water recreation at a slightly faster clip, recreational boating is alive and well throughout the county. Marinas along the Erie Canal offer access for canal cruising, with plenty of nearby amenities to fuel up and dock for lunch. Up on Lake Ontario, Little Sodus Bay in Fair Haven is a popular launch point for open-lake boating. And both Owasco and Cayuga lakes provide easy access for motorboats, pontoons and fishing craft — a reminder that in Cayuga County, there’s more than one way to chart your course.

Whether you’re planning ahead for a multi-day excursion or just carving out a Saturday to cool off and connect with nature, Cayuga County’s waterways are wide open and waiting. So pack the cooler, call a friend, and make a little room on your calendar.

The lake, the bay and the canal are calling!

⭐️Please visit our dedicated “On the Water” page for more ideas at tourcayuga.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/on-the-water.

Article first appeared in the Auburn Citizen on July 11, 2025