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When you want to unwind and soak up some serious lake vibes, there's nothing quite like a sunset cruise on Lake Ontario. Captain Thomas Riley has been running these 5-hour evening trips from Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina in Kent, NY, and let me tell you - this guy knows how to show folks a good time on the water. His boat, the Shenanigans, lives up to its name while keeping things classy and comfortable for up to 4 guests. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, planning a family outing, or just need to decompress after a long week, this private cruise hits all the right notes.
Captain Thomas keeps things relaxed but professional - exactly what you want for an evening cruise. You'll shove off from Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina as the afternoon starts winding down, giving you plenty of time to settle in and get comfortable before the real show begins. The Shenanigans is set up perfectly for cruising, with ample seating and shade when you need it. Bring your own snacks and drinks - Capt. Thomas encourages it and has cooler space ready. The sound system lets you set the mood with your favorite playlist, though many guests find themselves just listening to the water and enjoying conversation as the evening progresses. Lake Ontario stretches out in every direction, and depending on conditions, you might cruise along the shoreline or head out to deeper water where the sunset views really open up.
This isn't a high-speed thrill ride - it's all about smooth cruising and taking in the scenery. The Shenanigans runs at a comfortable pace that lets you actually enjoy the ride without getting bounced around. Captain Thomas knows these waters like the back of his hand and has favorite spots depending on weather, wind direction, and what kind of sunset is shaping up. Some evenings you'll cruise closer to shore where you can check out waterfront homes and marinas, other times he'll take you out toward the horizon for those classic open-water sunset shots. The boat's layout makes it easy to move around, grab a drink, or find the perfect spot for photos. Life jackets are on board and required for kids, but adults can relax and enjoy the ride. The captain handles all the navigation while you focus on unwinding and soaking up the lake atmosphere.
While this cruise focuses on relaxation rather than wildlife watching, Lake Ontario serves up some pretty cool encounters if you keep your eyes open. Gulls and terns are your most reliable companions, especially as the sun gets lower and they start their evening fishing routines. These birds are incredibly skilled at diving for small fish, and you'll often see them working in groups when they find a good feeding area. During late spring through early fall, you might spot cormorants - these dark, sleek birds are excellent divers and often pop up near the boat after staying underwater for surprisingly long stretches. Great blue herons work the shallower areas near shore, standing perfectly still until they strike with lightning speed. If you're lucky, you might catch sight of an osprey carrying a fish back to its nest, or even a bald eagle soaring overhead. The lake also has a healthy population of various fish species, and while you won't be fishing on this trip, you'll sometimes see them jumping or creating ripples on calm evenings.
Lake Ontario sunsets don't disappoint, and Captain Thomas makes sure you're in the right place at the right time to catch the show. This top-rated cruise experience books up during peak season, especially for weekend evenings when everyone wants to be on the water. The combination of a skilled captain, comfortable boat, and one of the Great Lakes' most beautiful settings makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're looking to propose, celebrate a special occasion, or just treat yourself to some quality time on the water, this cruise delivers exactly what you're hoping for. The 5-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenery, watch the sunset paint the sky, and cruise back under the early stars. Don't wait too long to secure your date - the best sunset cruise experiences on Lake Ontario fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on this world-class evening on the water with Sea IV Sportfishing.
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Crusader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350