Skaneateles Lake is a 16-mile Finger Lake southwest of Syracuse, one of the cleanest lakes in the United States and up to 315 feet deep.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Skaneateles Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Its water is so pure that Syracuse drinks it unfiltered, and at 863 feet it sits higher than the other Finger Lakes, earning the name Roof Garden of the Lakes.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Skaneateles Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Skaneateles Lake, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Skaneateles Lake.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Skaneateles Lake.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Skaneateles Lake at a glance
| Location | Southwest of Syracuse |
|---|---|
| Length | About 16 miles |
| Max depth | About 315 feet |
| Elevation | About 863 feet |
| Known for | Very clear water |
| Nickname | Roof Garden of the Lakes |
Best things to do on Skaneateles Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Clear-water stops – swimming in clear, clean water.
Where to launch at Skaneateles Lake
- Public launches – ramps on the lake.
Watch the local speed limits, usually 45 mph by day and 25 mph at night, and slow to 5 mph near shore. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Skaneateles Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- New York requires an observer at least 10 years old besides the driver when towing.
- Jet skis and towing are daylight-only in New York.
New York boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 12 must wear one while the boat is underway unless they're in an enclosed cabin, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one. Inflatable life jackets don't count for jet skis or towing.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer at least 10 years old besides the driver, and towing is only allowed between sunrise and sunset.
- Jet skis can only run between sunrise and sunset, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver, and some lakes and towns add their own jet ski limits near shore.
- Keep to 5 mph near shore, docks, rafts and anchored boats, and follow each lake's posted speed limits, often 45 mph by day and 25 mph at night.
Map of Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Skaneateles Lake?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Skaneateles Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Skaneateles Lake?
In central New York southwest of Syracuse, with the village of Skaneateles at the north end.
Can you jet ski on Skaneateles Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Skaneateles Lake.
How clean is Skaneateles Lake?
It's one of the cleanest lakes in the country, clean enough that Syracuse uses it unfiltered.
How deep is Skaneateles Lake?
Up to about 315 feet.