Lake Champlain in upper state New York, just south of the Canadian border, is nestled between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the New York Adirondacks, making for one of the more picturesque lake sailing destinations in the United States.
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Sailing Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain makes for one of the more scenic lake sailing destinations in the United States. The cruising ground is in upper state New York, just south of the Canadian border, and nestled between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the New York Adirondacks. It is the sixth largest freshwater lake in the United States, featuring over 70 islands, and a 122m trench.
This region offers a mostly untouched shoreline for hiking and clear blue water for swimming on a hot summer day. There is so much to see and do on a Lake Champlain sailing vacation, including outdoor pursuits and enjoying the local eateries, wineries and breweries located in the charming towns dotted around the lake. It’s perfect for those who are foodies interested in local cuisine.
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Get to know the region
This deepwater lake is surrounded by towering trees, granite cliffs and rimmed with sandy beaches, which makes for an ideal sailing destination. This hidden gem will entertain the history buffs with local re-enactments of the “War of Plattsburgh”.
Don’t miss the eclectic and vibrant town of Burlington, Vermont, where our base is situated. It’s a prime position to explore Lake Champlain and the perfect starting point for your journey. Once you begin your sail, venture to Point Au Roche State Park, which has plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as a nice sandy beach for sunbathing or swimming.
Don’t miss the local produce
Another stop for wine-lovers should be North Hero Island, for a tasting at one of the boutique wineries. The wines are excellent, so make some time to visit when sailing Lake Champlain.
You will love to explore this city known for its laid-back lifestyle, craft beers and trendy restaurants. Lake Champlain allows you to enjoy the charm and history of small town America, as well as the beauty of this region both by boat and on land.
Our Lake Champlain boat rentals are located at our base in Burlington Harbor Marina.
What our customers say
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Sailing Lake Champlain with Dream Yacht Charter
Lake Champlain charter boats
Sail Lake Champlain and explore one of the most scenic lake cruising grounds in the US. Sail our monohulls and stop off at charming towns. Find out more about our Lake Champlain bareboat fleet.
Skippered Lake Champlain charter boats
Hire a skipper to sail Lake Champlain and enjoy a wonderful sailing vacation where sailing experience isn’t needed. Your skipper will sail you and your guests around the local cruising ground while you relax. Find out more about our Lake Champlain skippered charters.
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Open between May and October, this museum prides itself on preserving and sharing the history and archaeology of Lake Champlain to the public.
For the historians and outdoorsmen alike, this coast serves as the site of the Battle of Plattsburgh, but it is also home to orchards, farms, wineries and bass fishing. One of the top things to do in Lake Champlain is visit the Ausable Chasm, a two-mile gorge carved into the landscape over 10 million years ago, offering cave and waterfall hikes, rafting, mountain biking and much more.
While you’re sailing Lake Champlain, take some time to browse more than 90 stands that overflow with seasonal produce, flowers and artisanal wares in Burlington, Vermont’s exciting South End.
The freshwater lake is home to nine shipwrecks, most of them well preserved thanks to the cold-water environment. Diving is exceptional at this spot.
This 253-acre State Park has camping, restrooms with showers, hiking trails, a store and more activities to enjoy, making it one of the most popular things to do in Lake Champlain.
With more than 50 public beaches on its shores, Lake Champlain is the perfect spot for a summer picnic.
When is the best time to go to Lake Champlain?
The best time to visit for a Lake Champlain sailing vacation is in summer when it is warm with highs of 80ºF and mild precipitation. Winters tend to be cold and dry, with lows of -8ºF. The warmest time of year to enjoy Lake Champlain is between June and September.
What are the sailing conditions in Lake Champlain?
Lake Champlain’s prevailing wind is westerly and winds tend to come from the northwest during winter and from the southwest in the warmer seasons. Between August and December you can expect winds up to 9mph.
Get in touch to book your dream yacht charter.
Our base manager will be pleased to welcome you to Burlington, ready for you to start sailing Lake Champlain.
How do I get to Lake Champlain from the US?
Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV). Larger airports close to Burlington include Montreal (152km), Ottawa (346km) and New York.
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The currency in Lake Champlain is the United States Dollar (USD).
The language spoken in Lake Champlain is English.nking
Visitors to the United States will need a passport valid for the duration of your stay and a visa unless you are a resident of a visa waiver country. Talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel for your Lake Champlain sailing vacation.
The transport system is good and it is easy to get around with trains, taxis, ride-sharing and buses.
Wi-Fi is available at our marina and throughout the region, which you can use during your Lake Champlain boat rentals.
Night sailing is not permitted.
For a seven-day forecast, visit the National Weather Service website.
There are plenty of choices for provisioning ahead of your Lake Champlain yacht charter, please refer to the base guide.
Please only take soft bags and not suitcases as they are too cumbersome on board.
The land electrical current in Lake Champlain is 110V.
The dialing code for Lake Champlain is +01.
Arrive early to the Navtours Lake Champlain base located at the Burlington Harbor Marina (Burlington, Vermont) for your boat briefing and last minute provisioning so you can start your first day on the water. There is no night sailing so you will need to schedule a departure for the afternoon.
Day 1: Depart our base and sail towards Valcour Island, New York. Valcour Island is considered a protected state park and is only around two miles long. The island features many beautiful hiking trails and restaurants to dine at.
Day 2: In the morning, sail from Valcour Island to Willsboro Bay. Anchorages are available at the bottom of the bay south of Willsboro Bay Marina and the southeast corner, near the New York state boat ramps. This is the perfect fishing spot for rainbow trout, walleye and bluegill to name a few catches. Both areas feature restaurants and boat services.
Day 3: Leave Willsboro behind and sail towards Vermont – Shelburne Bay is your next stop. Anchoring is available in the south end of bay. Shelburne Bay Park is made up of 93 acres of land and many recreational activities and trails to explore. This area is known for its sporting events, parades, fireworks, vineyards and local breweries and home to the Vermont Teddy Bear factory.
Day 4: Set sail from Shelburne Bay and head towards Burlington, Vermont with its restaurants, bars, breweries, shops and outdoor fun, all within a short walk of Burlington Harbor. Enjoy great live music venues, including The Light Club Lamp Shop. This functional lamp shop and nightclub offers folk, rock, early house and disco music played by local DJs and musicians. Stock up on provisions for your final stretch back to Plattsburgh.
Day 5: Sail from Burlington to Mallets Bay for a perfect anchorage to enjoy gorgeous mountain views and a picnic on land.
Day 6:On the final stretch of your Lake Champlain adventure stop by Burton Island. Burton Island spans only 253 acres and is home to many campsites, hiking trails, a nature center and some ideal areas for a picnic.
Day 7: In the morning head towards Point au Roche State Park, New York. This area includes forested areas, a small beach and a picnic area to enjoy your lunch. This area is also popular for fishing so get your poles out! Some activities you can enjoy on land are hiking trails, volleyball, softball and a nature center, which is open all year long.
Get in touch to book your dream yacht charter.
Be your own captain sailing in all of the places you have always dreamed of on board our top of the line monohulls and catamarans.
Sail the places you have always dreamed of on board our fleet of monohulls and catamarans – no sailing experienced needed!
Get closer to nature, hear the sound of the ocean and enjoy a wonderful view at sunrise and sunset with our attractive Aqualodge floating villas.
European river cruises are perfect for those who want a vacation on the water but do not have a boat licence or sailing experience.
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