SARANAC LAKE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours, One Table: A Lunch Buffet Cruise Across Saranac Lake
A 2-hour midday cruise operated by Raquette Lake Navigation Company that pairs lakeside scenery with a full buffet—this guide lays out the schedule, menu, and practical details for planning the outing.
Two Hours, One Table: A Lunch Buffet Cruise Across Saranac Lake.
On Saranac Lake, midday light slants across islands and shorelines as a single vessel threads the water, offering a relaxed two-hour cruise paired with a buffet-style luncheon. Operated by Raquette Lake Navigation Company, the Lunch Buffet Cruise bundles a served meal with a scheduled 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. cruise, making it an easy choice for travelers who want scenic lake time without the logistics of provisioning their own picnic.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hearty buffet laid out onboard
The ticket includes a buffet-style lunch—two proteins (always chicken plus beef or pork), a starch, hot vegetables, mixed green salad, fresh fruit, baguettes and butter, dessert, and a selection of beverages including iced tea, lemonade, coffee and decaf.
A compact, two-hour window
This is an inclusive 2-hour cruise: boarding begins at 10:30 a.m., with the boat sailing from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., making it a tidy midday outing that returns you to the dock by early afternoon.
Summer rhythm, fall weekend runs
The cruise runs on a summer schedule (June 25–September 4) with departures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.; the fall schedule (September 5–October 9) operates on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
What the day feels like
What it feels like aboard
Passengers board beginning at 10:30 a.m.; once the vessel pushes off at 11:00, the next two hours are spent cruising the lake while a buffet service is available onboard. The outing is paced for a relaxed meal and uninterrupted views, with the ticket price covering the cruise and the luncheon service.
THE MEAL
Hearty buffet laid out onboard
The ticket includes a buffet-style lunch—two proteins (always chicken plus beef or pork), a starch, hot vegetables, mixed green salad, fresh fruit, baguettes and butter, dessert, and a selection of beverages including iced tea, lemonade, coffee and decaf.
THE TIMING
A compact, two-hour window
This is an inclusive 2-hour cruise: boarding begins at 10:30 a.m., with the boat sailing from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., making it a tidy midday outing that returns you to the dock by early afternoon.
THE SEASON
Summer rhythm, fall weekend runs
The cruise runs on a summer schedule (June 25–September 4) with departures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.; the fall schedule (September 5–October 9) operates on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Summer schedule runs June 25–September 4 with departures Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.; fall schedule runs September 5–October 9 with Saturday departures at 11:00 a.m.
Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m.; the cruise sails from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., a 2-hour outing.
Adult fare starts at $50; children under 12 are $25. The ticket price is inclusive for the 2-hour cruise, buffet meal, and includes tax and gratuity.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise is a 2-hour outing; sailing runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
When do I need to board?
Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m. for the 11:00 a.m. departure.
What is included with the ticket?
The inclusive ticket covers the 2-hour cruise and a buffet-style luncheon; tax and gratuity are included in the price.
What are the rates?
Adult tickets start at $50; children under 12 are $25.
What does the luncheon buffet include?
The buffet consists of two proteins (always chicken plus either beef or pork), one carbohydrate, one hot vegetable, mixed green salad, fresh fruit platter, baguettes and butter, dessert, and beverages including iced tea, lemonade, coffee and decaf.
When does the cruise operate?
Summer schedule (June 25–September 4) operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.; fall schedule (September 5–October 9) operates Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.