Boating

Bring Your Boat or Rent One Upon Arrival

Chautauqua County is a very popular destination for boating, paddle sports, and fishing. Enjoy cruising around the lakes, kayaking, canoeing, SUP, sailing, water skiing, and fishing. Each of the five area lakes--Chautauqua, Erie, Findley, Cassadaga, and Bear--has at least one NYS DEC boat launch. There are also full-service marinas on Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake. Visitors who possess a valid state driver's license may rent power and pontoon boats, as well as certain non-motorized boats, at half-day, full-day, or multi-day rates. Most marinas also rent additional equipment including, kayaks, tubes, lily pads, wakeboards, and more!

View a List of Chautauqua County Boat Launch Sites

MANDATORY - Safe Boating Certificate Requirment

NYS Boating Regulations and Information Booklet-PDF

List of Boat Safety Courses 

Ashville Bay Marina, LLC
ABM is a full service marina with boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals, boat launch and ethanol free gasoline pumps. Our modern facilities include restrooms.  Enjoy boating next to the nature preserve surrounding our…
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Chadakoin Paddle Company
Chadakoin Paddle & Co offers safe, exceptional kayak rentals that inspire adventure and connect you with the Chadakoin River. We promote a love for nature, environmental stewardship, and a healthy, active lifestyle. The…
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Chadwick Bay Marina
A full-service marina located in Dunkirk NY.  • Lowest Price 91 Octane non-ethanol Gas, and Diesel• Ship Store, Ice, Live Bait and Tackle, Pump Out• Parking, Restroom and Showers for Customers• 350…
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Chautauqua Belle-U.S. Steam Lines Ltd
Prepare to embark on a steamship adventure on the Chautauqua Belle. Taking you back more than 100 years ago when steam powered a rising country! Crossings daily - come and enjoy yourself on the largest vessel on Chautauqua Lake!
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Chautauqua Institution Boat Rentals
Enhance your stay at Chautauqua Institution by enjoying some time on Chautauqua Lake. Rent a pontoon boat by email to sportsclub@chq.org pre-season or by calling the Sports Club at 716-357-6281 during the summer. …
City Pier Park - Dunkirk Harbor
Enjoy Lake Erie fishing, a boat launch, and picnic facilities at City Pier Park - Dunkirk Harbor. Located on the lakefront of Lake Erie, this city park is open all year and features Music on the Pier and more great events all…
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Dan Reed Pier Park
Enjoy Lake Erie fishing, boating, sightseeing and more at Dan Reed Pier Park in Barcelona Harbor. The Harbor Master’s office sells season passes, daily launch tickets and overnight passes and opens at daybreak from…
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Evergreen Outfitters & Tours
The area's only outfitters, our experienced staff will lead you to adventure on the beautiful woods and waters of Chautauqua County.  With 6,000 square feet of adventure, with the biggest and best names in kayaks,…
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Extreme Marine
Extreme Marine offers full service and repair for all of your summer recreation needs: boats and jet skis. With knowledge and expertise, we will tackle any job from a simple tune-up to major engine repair. No job is too big…
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Findley Lake DEC Launch Ramp
Public access for launching of boats and canoes is provided at two sites at the north tip of the lake on Route 426/430, in the Village of Findley Lake. One launch is operated by the DEC and is for hand launching only with…
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Goose Creek Kayak Launch
One of Chautauqua County's five new ADA accessible kayak launches is located in the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy's Loomis Goose Creek Preserve along the shoreline of Chautauqua Lake. You'll find the preserve off Route 394…
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Hanover Town Boat and Kayak Launch
Located on Cattaraugus Creek in Sunset Bay off Ann Street, the boat launch opens for weekends in May and everyday during the summer months of June, July, and August. The season continues on weekends throughout the fall as…
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Harley Davidson of Jamestown, Inc.
Harley-Davidson of Jamestown is a 36,000-square-foot, full-service dealership located off Interstate 86 Exit 13.   Founded by David C. Reid in 1975, Harley-Davidson of Jamestown has built its reputation on customer…
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Lakeside Park
Located on Chautauqua Lake with a lifeguarded beach, pavilion, playground, lighted tennis courts, bathhouse, gazebo, picnic tables, grills, shuffleboard, ball field. Home of the annual Winter Festival in February. Public boat…
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Lawson Boat and Motor LLC
Lawson Boat and Motor is an authorized SunChaser, and Barletta Boats dealership serving the Jamestown area. We are proud to carry a large selection of new and pre-owned inventory. When you are ready to invest in a new boat,…
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Long Point State Park Marina
Located on Chautauqua Lake - a 320 acre day-use park, (no camping) with swimming beach & bathhouse, hiking, biking, reserve-able picnic pavilions, playgrounds, public boat launch and marina with restaurant, marine…
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Lucille Ball Memorial Park
A village park located in Lucy's hometown, featuring a lighthouse, public boat launches and docks, playground, picnic tables & shelter, ball field, basketball courts, accessible boardwalk perfect for sightseeing or…
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McCrea Point Park
Southernmost public boat launch in the outlet on Chautauqua Lake. Accessible kayak launch. Picnic pavilion and tables and playground. Restrooms. Great location for fishing from shore. Located on the Greater Jamestown…
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NYS Boat Ramp, Bear Lake
Public access for the hand launching of small boats and canoes is provided at a NYSDEC operated site, located on Bear Lake Road north of the Village of Stockton. The parking lot has a 10 car capacity. ADA Accessible Kayak…
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One Fine Day Boat Charter
Take a trip back in time on Lake Chautauqua aboard One Fine Day Boat Charter: your private antique charter vessel! Experience the lake your way with flexible scheduling and a custom itinerary based on your interests.…
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Ready About Sailing, Inc.
A full-service marina. Improving Sailing Life for Chautauqua Lake Sailors! Dedicated to sailors and sailing on Chautauqua Lake. Sales, parts and accessories. Sailboat rentals and sailboat charters. Ready About Sailing bridges…
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Rock Shoreline Services
Rock Shoreline Services provides excavation services such as shoreline restoration, streambank stabilization, driveway, new septic and pond construction, dock and boat lift sales and installation, boat winterization and snow…
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Silver Creek Boat and Kayak Launch
Located on Jackson Street on the south shores of Lake Erie at Walnut Creek in the Town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, New York. It is near where Route 5 (Central Ave) and Route 20 (Main Street) intersect. The Walnut Creek…
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Smith Boys of Chautauqua
Providing quality boats, experienced service, storage and sales. Satisfied customers and dedicated employees have helped us grow into a modern 30 acre marina. Today Smith Boys is one of the largest, best-equipped service…
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Sunset Bay State Marine Park
Sunset Bay State Marine Park is located on Cattaraugus Creek near the river's mouth with easy access onto Lake Erie. The park has modest accommodations for boaters, picnickers and anglers. The site has been designed to be…
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SUP Erie Adventures
“Our mission is getting people outside and connecting to the natural environment through paddling, hiking, kiteboarding, and more” Whether you’re looking to try kiteboarding for the first time or eager to…
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