13 Ways to Get on the Water in the Finger Lakes Countrysides

If you’re searching for Keuka Lake water activities or the best things to do on the water in the Finger Lakes, you’re in the right place! Yates County sits between two stunning lakes (Keuka and Seneca) and there are more ways to enjoy them than most visitors expect.

Swim from a sandy beach, rent a kayak, board a private pontoon cruise, learn to wakesurf, launch from a brand-new waterfront park, or take a historic tour aboard a century-old vessel.

This guide covers 13 of the best ways to get on the water in the Finger Lakes Countrysides, from free public spots you can visit any day to specialty experiences worth planning your entire trip around. As Yates County’s official Tourism Promotion Agency, we know these lakes quite well and this is the guide we’d give every visitor who asks.

Yates County borders two of the most celebrated lakes in the Finger Lakes region, each with its own character and its own set of things to do.

Keuka Lake –  The only Y-shaped Finger Lake, Keuka Lake stretches 20 miles long with 60 miles of shoreline, a maximum depth of 187 feet, and clear, warm water ideal for swimming, paddling, and boating from late spring through fall. It’s the geographic and cultural heart of Yates County. Rent a kayak, book a private pontoon charter, learn to wakesurf, or simply drop a line from shore. The Keuka Lake Wine Trail winds along its bluffs, so a day on the water pairs naturally with a vineyard stop.

Seneca Lake –

Stretching 38 miles and reaching depths of 618 feet, Seneca Lake is the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes. Its scale makes it a draw for boaters, anglers, and wine lovers alike. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail lines its shores with dozens of tasting rooms. Charter a private excursion, fish for lake trout, or swim in its cool, refreshing waters.

Public access to Keuka Lake is free at several of Yates County’s best parks. For more ideas, see our full guide to free activities in the Finger Lakes Countrysides

Red Jacket Park – Red Jacket Park in Penn Yan is one of the most accessible public entry points to Keuka Lake. It’s a family-friendly spot with open lawns, a playground, and direct waterfront access; ideal for swimming, picnicking, or simply watching the boats go by. No cost, no reservation required.

Indian Pines Park – Indian Pines Park offers a sandy beach and gently sloping entry into Keuka Lake, making it a top choice for families with small children. Lifeguards are on duty during summer hours, and the park has grills, picnic areas, and a playground. It’s one of the most relaxed public swimming spots near Penn Yan.

Local Tip: After your swim, walk to Seneca Farms for an ice cream cone; a warm-weather tradition in Yates County.

Keuka Lake State Park – For a full weekend on the water, Keuka Lake State Park has everything you need in one place: 150 tent and trailer campsites, a designated swimming beach, a boat launch ramp, docking space, a picnic shelter, and hiking trails. It’s pet-friendly and centrally located to some of the best outdoor experiences in the region.

Walkerbilt Park-  Penn Yan’s Newest Waterfront Park Opened in May 2026, Walkerbilt Park is Penn Yan’s newest public waterfront destination. It features a playground, pavilion, dock, waterfront landing, and an ADA-accessible walking path connecting downtown Penn Yan directly to the lake. Free to visit, and walkable from the village center. The park takes its name from the historic Walkerbilt Company that once operated on the site, keeping Penn Yan’s working waterfront heritage alive.

Paddle at your own pace and see the Finger Lakes from a whole new angle! Keuka Lake and its surrounding waterways offer excellent conditions for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding from spring through fall.

Saunders Finger Lakes Museum – The Saunders Finger Lakes Museum in Branchport sits on a 13-acre campus along Sugar Creek- one of the most unique paddle access points in the region. Use the museum’s self-service floating launch to put in a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, then follow the stream path directly into Keuka Lake for a self-guided day on the water.

The museum also runs guided paddle programs throughout the season: the Paddle Keuka 5K, first-timer lessons, the Sunset Kayak & Fireside Meditation, Community Paddle, Strawberry Moon Paddle, and more. Even if you’re not paddling, the museum is worth a visit.

Kayak & Canoe Rentals by Reagan – Kayak and Canoe Rentals by Reagan is the largest paddle outfitter in the Finger Lakes area. Choose from single kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards. Delivery is available anywhere in the Finger Lakes, so you can launch right from your lakeside accommodations without the hassle of transport.

Shoreline Rentals – Located right along the Keuka Outlet Trail in Penn Yan, Shoreline Rentals is a natural fit if you want to pair a day on the water with time on the trail or a stroll through downtown. They offer single and tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and lily pad rentals- with free life jackets included for young guests. A convenient, well-stocked option right in the heart of Penn Yan.

Cruisin’ Keuka – Cruisin’ Keuka offers private pontoon charters on Keuka Lake for groups of up to 13 people. Captain Jim will pick you up directly at your dock, or you can meet at his dock- step-free boarding, plenty of parking. BYOB and snacks are welcome, and a Bluetooth stereo connection means you can bring your own soundtrack.

Popular outings include sunset cruises, family days on the water, historical lake tours, and bachelor/bachelorette getaways. Swimming off the boat is encouraged.

Keuka Boat Cruise – Keuka Boat Cruise is an award-winning, 5‑star‑reviewed pontoon charter and water taxi service departing from the Hammondsport Village docks along Keuka Lake. NYS‑certified, dog‑friendly, and designed for guests of any age or interest level, Keuka Boat Cruise offers both public and private tours for up to 11 passengers, from a classic 2‑hour shoreline cruise loop to a 5–6 hour full‑lake journey.

Keuka Lake Wakesurf Kids Camp – Give young travelers an unforgettable day on Keuka Lake with a dedicated wakesurf kids camp based out of Harbor Lights Marina in Hammondsport. Professional coaches focus on fundamentals, water safety, and building confidence, with small groups and age‑appropriate sessions that turn lake time into a fun, skills‑based adventure.

Finger Lakes Boating Museum – The Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport celebrates the region’s deep boating heritage with a collection of more than 200 boats built by over 40 commercial builders across the Finger Lakes; all from the last century. Three floors of exhibits trace the history of boat building and water culture in the area. It’s an excellent option on a rainy day, or as a meaningful complement to time on the lake.

Local Tip: Book a ride on the Pat II out of Hammondsport, a fully restored historic tour vessel offering guided tours of Keuka Lake from June through mid-October.

There’s no shortage of Finger Lakes summer activities to fill your days, but the water is what anchors a trip to Yates County. For more inspiration, browse our guide to unique overnight stays in the Finger Lakes Countrysides or explore the full lakeside lifestyle experience.

When you’re ready to go all-in, book a property right on the water. Waking up to Keuka or Seneca Lake outside your door (with a private dock, kayaks at the ready, and a pontoon cruise on the calendar) is the kind of trip you’ll be planning again before you even get home. Browse lakeside stays and accommodations in the Finger Lakes Countrysides and find your perfect spot on the water.

Thinking about casting a line while you’re here? Read our guide to fishing in the Finger Lakes for tips on where to go and what you might reel in.