Blakeslee sits within driving distance of some of northeastern Pennsylvania’s most restorative waters: Lake Wallenpaupack, the Delaware River and a string of quiet tributaries. For travelers who want nature without compromise—spacious pontoons, guided fishing floats, multi-day paddles with comfortable camping, and an old-fashioned dinner train—this pocket of the Poconos delivers refined ways to be on the water.
This guide gathers operator listings and curated itineraries that lean into comfort, privacy and well-run logistics. Whether your ideal day includes a private pontoon with a cooler of provisions and a captain at the helm, a guided smallmouth bass float, or a two-day river passage that ends at a scenic beach, the experiences below are organized so you can match tempo, skill level and luxury expectations.
Links go directly to each provider’s booking page for current availability and details. We highlight which trips are best for families, anglers, multi-day paddlers and those seeking a memorable culinary night on the rails — all within reach of Blakeslee.
The six experiences at a glance
| Experience | Format | Duration | Strongest fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Smallmouth FloatLower Lehigh River • Fishing focus | Guided fishing float | 8 Hours | Anglers seeking an all-day guided smallmouth bass experience with personalized attention (max 2 per guide) |
| Pontoon RentalLake Wallenpaupack • Family cruising | Self-driven pontoon rental | 2, 4 or 8 hours | Groups or families who want a private, comfortable day on the lake and the flexibility to swim or fish |
| Dingmans–SmithfieldDelaware River • 21 miles | Multi-day guided paddle | 2 days (approx. 7 hours paddle time) | Paddlers who want a scenic overnight river itinerary with camping and wildlife viewing |
| Eshback–Water GapDelaware Water Gap • 20 miles | Multi-day guided paddle | 2 days (approx. 7 hours paddle time) | Those aiming to reach the Delaware Water Gap by water with manageable daily distances |
| Dinner TrainLackawaxen River • Scenic dining | River-side train dinner cruise | Evening service (dinner seating) | Couples or small groups seeking a relaxed, scenic dinner experience tied to local cuisine |
| Glow FloatLackawanna Lake • Twilight paddle | Guided evening paddle + bonfire | 2 hours | Families and groups looking for a short, atmospheric sunset paddle with campfire socializing |
01 · For anglers who want focus
Lower Lehigh River: Guided Smallmouth & Musky Float
This all-day guided float on the Lower Lehigh is built around fishing: expect concentrated water time targeting spirited smallmouth bass, with the chance of larger gamefish depending on season and river conditions. The operation limits client-to-guide ratios (up to two anglers per guide), which makes it an ideal choice for anglers who want one-on-one instruction, tailored drift lines and timely relocation when the fish show. The experience emphasizes efficient use of the day—launch, productive float, and focused fishing that maximizes bites and minimizes downtime.
Beyond fish counts, the appeal here is quiet river scenery and the tactical satisfaction of fights from hard-fighting bass. The listing flags this trip as suitable for all ages, but the boat rhythm and fishing intensity are best enjoyed by anglers prepared for a full eight hours on the water. For booking details and to confirm meeting logistics, see the operator’s FareHarbor listing.
View the full experience details02 · Best for groups and families
Private Pontoon on Lake Wallenpaupack
For travelers seeking privacy, space and a relaxed pace, the 14-passenger Harris pontoon on Lake Wallenpaupack provides an immediately comfortable platform. The boats come stocked with lifejackets and safety equipment, and rental windows include two-, four- and eight-hour segments so you can tailor the day. The operator notes that motorized boating experience is required of the renter; the rental is best for groups who want to cruise, swim and fish from a stable, roomy deck without the need for guided interpretation.
The listing includes operational details you should read before arriving: minimum renter age rules, safety certificate requirements for those born after 1982, and policies around returns, cleanliness and prohibited activities. These conditions keep the rental straightforward, and the best luxury here is the space to spread out, cooler-friendly picnicking and the ability to set your own itinerary across a broad, scenic lake.
View the full experience details03 · For immersive river travel
Two-Day Paddle: Dingman’s Ferry to Smithfield Beach
This two-day, 21-mile paddle traces the Delaware River from Dingman’s Ferry to Smithfield Beach, combining long daylight miles with an overnight camp. The operator highlights abundant wildlife—deer, bald eagles and more—and a passage past islands and parks that reveal the river’s quieter, less visited side. Average paddle time for moving days is listed at about seven hours, which affords steady progress while leaving room for shoreline breaks and short explorations.
What makes this trip appealing to travelers seeking a higher-comfort outdoor experience is its balance between activity and logistics: the provider supplies the gear and a clear river itinerary, so paddlers can focus on the sensory rewards—river rhythm, evening campfire and the rare calm that comes from multi-day travel on water—rather than transport and equipment concerns.
View the full experience details04 · Reward at the Water Gap
Two-Day Paddle: Eshback to Delaware Water Gap
Launching from Eshback, this twenty-mile route brings paddlers to one of the region’s signature landscapes—the Delaware Water Gap—after two days on the river. Daily paddle estimates are similar to the Dingman’s Ferry trip (around seven hours of moving time), and the route passes islands, river bars and accessible beaches that make good rest stops. The trip is advertised for a wide range of ages and ability levels, and the operator provides the necessary equipment.
For guests who prize a purposeful destination—arriving at a renowned geological feature by water—this itinerary combines the satisfaction of sustained paddling with regular wildlife and shoreline variety. Seasonality affects pace and distance somewhat, but the experience provides a considered, low-traffic way to experience a well-known regional landmark.
View the full experience details05 · For a refined evening
Dinner Train Along the Lackawaxen
Step off the water and into a different kind of traveling table: the Dinner Train pairs a scenic run along the Lackawaxen River with a plated, three-course meal prepared by a local caterer. The experience is intimate by design, with assigned seating and a menu that includes gluten-free and vegetarian options on request. For travelers who want an evening of local flavors and river views without paddling or driving, the train is a memorable, low-effort indulgence.
The operator’s listing includes pricing, seating notes and a clear meeting point at Honesdale Station. For visitors looking to cap a day on the water with a special dinner—especially couples or small groups—the Dinner Train provides a polished, time-constrained option with strong scenic value.
View the full experience details06 · Short and atmospheric
Glow Float: Twilight Paddle and Bonfire
The Glow Float pairs a short guided paddle across Lackawanna Lake with a lakeside bonfire, hotdogs and s’mores—an event-style offering scheduled on select nights. The operator’s detailed listing shows pricing for single and tandem craft and notes age minimums and meeting location at Lackawanna State Park. The program is deliberately social and low-effort, designed for families and small groups who want a mood-rich evening without a long commitment.
Because this offering is date-specific and limited in capacity, it’s an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize atmosphere—sunset, twilight and a simple communal end to a day outdoors—over distance or technical challenge. The listing also cautions that moon sightings are not guaranteed; the glow comes from the event itself.
View the full experience detailsHow to choose
Match the trip to the story you want from the destination
Select the experience that fits your group's pace, comfort needs and appetite for activity. Below are quick prompts to pair intention with the right operator offering.
Before you go
Four practical planning checks
Pontoon rentals and some charter operations set minimum ages and may require boating safety certificates. Review the operator’s conditions before booking.
Bring layered clothing, sunscreen, a dry bag for essentials and any medication. Even summer evenings can be cool on lakes and rivers.
Operators publish specific cancellation and late-return fees; read those policies so you understand charges related to weather and timing changes.
Date-specific programs—like glow floats and dinner trains—have limited seating and fill quickly during peak season.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a luxury experience
How far is Blakeslee from these departure points?+
Distances vary by operator; each experience’s listing includes the meeting point. Factor in local drive times when planning transfers and start times.
Do I need prior paddling experience for the two-day river trips?+
The multi-day paddle listings are marketed as suitable for a range of ages and abilities, with roughly seven hours of paddle time per travel day.
Are lifejackets provided on rentals and guided trips?+
Yes. Operators indicate that lifejackets and standard safety equipment are provided for pontoon rentals and guided paddles.
Can I bring my own food on the pontoon rental?+
Pontoon listings encourage bringing provisions—sunscreen, snacks and beverages—while noting restrictions on grills and certain equipment.
How this guide was prepared
Listings and structured descriptions were drawn directly from operator-provided FareHarbor entries and the operators’ supplied images. We prioritized offerings within easy reach of Blakeslee that emphasize privacy, comfort and well-run logistics. Availability, pricing and specific policies were taken from each operator’s published listing at the time of writing; always confirm current details on the provider’s booking page.
Blakeslee is a practical home base for elevated water experiences that suit couples, families and small groups. From a roomy pontoon where you set the pace to guided fishing floats and multi-day paddles that reward steady effort, the region provides several ways to experience water with comfort and style.
Use the links in this guide to confirm dates and particulars with each operator. If your trip calls for additional luxury touches—private catering on a pontoon, custom guiding preferences, or upgraded camping gear—contact the provider directly to discuss options before booking.