Saranac Lake

The Saranac Lakes are a chain of Adirondack lakes just west of the village of Saranac Lake, New York, about 15 minutes from Lake Placid. Lower, Middle and Upper Saranac Lake, along with Lake Flower and Oseetah Lake right by the village, add up to thousands of acres of clear water, wooded islands and mountain views, connected by the Saranac River and a pair of hand-operated locks. It's one of the best places in the Adirondacks to spend a summer day on the water. We offer the best boats, jet skis and water toys at Saranac Lake, ready and waiting for you right at the lake.

Saranac Lake Boat Rentals

The open water on Lower and Upper Saranac Lake is great for water skiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing, and calm mornings bring glassy water with the mountains reflected all around. Our Saranac Lake boat rentals include:

• MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats for family and friends
• Ski boat rentals for water skiing, slalom and tubing
• Tubes, wakeboards and wakesurf boards for every age
• Paddle boards and water trampolines for a swim off a sandy beach and a lazy afternoon in the sun

Rather have someone else drive? Book a private boat charter and our captain will handle the boat. Damage waiver coverage is available on every rental.

Saranac Lake Jet Ski Rentals

Jet skis are a fun way to explore the Saranac chain, from the islands on Lower Saranac Lake through the locks to the big sandy beach on Middle Saranac Lake. Most of our jet ski rentals can pull a tube, depending on the model, and guided rides are available. See our jet ski models to pick your ride.

Pontoons, Marinas and Boat Service

The Saranac Lakes have marinas on Lower Saranac Lake, Lake Flower and Upper Saranac Lake, plus state boat launches, including Second Pond for Lower Saranac and the Saranac Inn launch on Upper Saranac. We don't rent pontoons or service boats, but we offer surf boats, jet skis and water toys to go with your pontoon day or lake house stay.

Islands, Beaches and the Locks

Lower and Middle Saranac Lake are dotted with islands, and the state's boat-access-only island campground has campsites right on the water. Boats travel between the lakes through the Upper Locks and Lower Locks, which are hand-operated and staffed in summer, so you can cruise from Lake Flower in the village all the way to Middle Saranac Lake.

The Village of Saranac Lake

The village sits on Lake Flower, with restaurants, shops and lodging right near the water, and it hosts the famous Saranac Lake Winter Carnival every February. Lake Placid is just 15 minutes away.

Fishing on the Saranac Lakes

Anglers fish the Saranac Lakes for smallmouth bass, northern pike and lake trout, and the islands, points and weed beds hold fish all summer.

Getting to Saranac Lake

The Saranac Lakes are just west of the village of Saranac Lake along State Route 3 in the Adirondacks. The village is about 15 minutes from Lake Placid, about an hour from Plattsburgh, about two and a half hours from Albany and about two hours from Montreal. See all of our New York lakes.

Good to Know Before You Go

• New York boating rules: since January 1, 2025, New York requires a boating safety certificate for every boat and jet ski driver, whatever their age. Jet ski drivers must be at least 14, jet skis can only be ridden between sunrise and sunset, and our rental drivers must be 18 or older.
• Life jackets: everyone on a jet ski and anyone being towed must wear a life jacket, and so must children under 12 while the boat is underway.
• Slow down near shore: New York limits boats to 5 mph within 100 feet of the shore, docks, rafts and anchored boats, so take it slow near the islands, campsites and beaches.
• Going through the locks: go slow, wait your turn and follow the lock tender's directions. When no one is on duty, operating instructions are posted at the locks.
• Book early: summer weekends and holidays fill up fast.

Lakes Near Saranac Lake

Looking for more Adirondack lakes? Try Long Lake, Raquette Lake and Cranberry Lake to the west, or head east to Lake Champlain. Farther south, Lake George is about two hours away. See all our New York lakes.

Saranac Lake Map