Get ready to get wet! The water calls on those hot summer days, and there's so many different ways to take a dip, that we thought we'd lay out some of our very favorites. Albany is a dive or two away from a number of great watering holes! 
 
Here's just a few suggestions:

Looking for a relaxing opportunity to take in some scenic sights? Sounds like it might be time for a cruise!

Along the Hudson, there's Dutch Apple Cruises that sail the river at a leisurely pace, with sitting areas both enclosed and out on their decks to allow them to cruise rain or shine. Sailing south down to Van Weis Point, you'll get to listen to a narration of the history of Albany, enjoy some music as you sail, and maybe spot a bald eagle or too along the river's edge! There's also a full cash bar and snack bar to enjoy too.
 
 

Another great cruise is the Erie Canal Cruise. Take a trip along the Mohawk in the man-made "land cut" section of the historic canal, passing through the massive guard gates, and ride a "liquid elevator" as your boat enters Lock 18 at Jacksonburg - one of the last remaining locks with all original 100 year old equipment! There's also an "open pilot house" policy employed by the Captain that makes for some awesome photo opportunities. It's a great way to spend about an hour and a half sightseeing the historic area and the wildlife.
 
~ 15 Miles On The Erie Canal ~
 
Head up to Lake George too with Lake George Steamboat Cruises on either the Minnie-Ha-Ha, The Mohican, or The Lac du Saint Sacrement. All three ships are amazing and have their own cruise schedule to enjoy. 
  • For those with families and short time schedules, the Minnie-Ha-Ha is perfect with its hour-long ride and steam calliope concert in between each cruise. It also has a Moonlite Cruise every Saturday during the summer! 

  • The Mohican - the oldest continuously operated tour boat in America - has more of a variety of cruises, some that tour the entirety of the 32 mile-long lake, as well as food cruises during weekday evenings.

  • The Lac du Saint Sacrement offers a two-hour luncheon and dinner cruise daily, and a Champagne Sunday Brunch too. It's also a great place to watch the fireworks out on the lake! Check out the Fireworks Cruise that launches every Thursday throughout the summer!
  
For those of you who want to be a little more active, there are plenty of resources to enjoy the water: 
 
 
 
 
In the Lake George region, this amazing water park offers a variety of slippery fun with its large pools, lazy rivers, multi-passenger rafting adventures and speed slides. It's a great way to spend the day with family!
 
 
 
The Mohawk Towpath Byway is a network of local, county, state and federal highways that follow the historic route of the Erie Canal from Waterford and Cohoes to Schenectady, New York. There are so many places to visit along the byway to get a feel of the history of the area in addition to enjoying the water. Kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing are among the many activities one can enjoy, along with some more land-based ones like hiking or cycling along the byway for those still hesitant to get a little water on them.
 

 
 
 
 
 
The Canalway Corridor includes many centers along its route, including the state capital. It has many great amenities for people to enjoy along the way, which includes the stop at the Corning Preserve. It's Albany's most direct outlet to the waterfront, with features like Jennings Landing to launch boats and kayaks out onto the water. There are picnic areas and a playground too! Occasionally there is live music to accompany your boating, fishing, or your ‘just-do-nothing-today' schedule. There are also several delicious spots to eat at conveniently nearby to enjoy lunch or dinner at while not straying too far from the waterfront either!
 
 
 
 
  
Inside this scenic park is a beautiful lake area - the Thompson's Lake Campground. Spread your blanket out on the beach here and relax. It's open for swimming for camper and for day-users. You can also rent a kayak, rowboat, or paddleboat to enjoy the water. The beach is ADA accessible and only a short walk from the parking lot. The park also has picnic areas closer to the campsites and a playground for kids to climb all over before cooling off in the water.
 
 
 
 
 
This picnic area is a great spot for leisurely strolls to enjoy nature and relaxing by the water. At the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, there are some beautiful views of the water, especially the waterfalls and rapids. You can spend some time fishing or using the picnic area -take advantage of the grills located throughout the park too. A nice cookout on a grill and then taking your kayak along the river to see the Cohoes Falls sounds like a great time, don't you think?
 
 
 
 
 
And if you get the chance and are a real water enthusiast, stop at the Albany Rowing Center to see if they're out for a practice or maybe even a competition. Talk with them to learn more about it and see if you'd like to become a part of a fantastic team. It's great exercise and will build wonderful friendships with others as passionate about enjoying the water as you are! 
Rowing with the sun