Lake Chelan — Washington State
Boat Tours on
Lake Chelan
Ferries, dinner cruises, wine tours, and fishing charters — guided and crewed experiences on the water.
All Things to Do →beExploring / Lake Chelan
Overview
Lake Chelan's 50 miles of deep water support a range of guided and crewed boat experiences — from the iconic Stehekin ferry run to winery-hopping by charter to half-day fishing trips. None of these require owning or renting a boat. This guide covers what is available and which option fits which kind of trip.
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Ferry to Stehekin
The ferry to Stehekin is the most distinctive boat experience on Lake Chelan — a remote village at the northern end of a 50-mile lake, accessible only by water or small plane. No roads connect it to the outside world. The ferry is how most people get there, and the ride itself, past high desert cliffs, deep coves, and eventually into the North Cascades, is half the appeal.
Two vessels run the route, both operated by the same company. Lady of the Lake is the slower, scenic option, making stops at Field's Point and 25 Mile Creek along the way. Lady Express is faster and more direct, getting you to Stehekin sooner with more time to explore on the other end. Both support day trips and overnight stays. The choice comes down to whether you want the journey or the destination.
What to Know
- Day trips are possible on both vessels. Lady Express gives more time in Stehekin.
- Summer departures book out fast. Reserve tickets online well in advance.
- Lady of the Lake makes stops at Field's Point and 25 Mile Creek — worth it if you want to experience the full length of the lake.
- Overnight options are available. Stehekin has lodging, a bakery, and bike rentals for exploring.
- Both vessels are operated by Lake Chelan Boat Company. Check their site for current schedules and pricing.
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Dinner Cruises & Events
Lady of the Lake also runs evening dinner cruises and seasonal ticketed events throughout the summer. These are shorter, more social experiences that do not require committing to a full Stehekin day trip, making them a good option for visitors who want to get out on the water for an evening without a full day of planning around it.
Seasonal events include fundraiser cruises tied to local festivals, including a popular Apple Blossom cruise in the spring. Availability and scheduling varies by year, so checking their events calendar ahead of time is the best way to catch what is running during your visit.
What to Know
- Dinner cruises run seasonally and are not available year-round.
- Special event cruises like the Apple Blossom fundraiser are ticketed and sell out early.
- Check the Lake Chelan Boat Company events page for the current schedule.
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Wine Tours by Boat
None of the Lake Chelan wineries sit on the water. The boat moors at the dock and guests walk or get shuttled up to each winery. What you are paying for is the transit and the experience of arriving by water rather than by car. Two distinct formats are available.
Chelan Water to Wine
A 5-hour private boat charter visiting up to 10 wineries, running 11am to 4pm with a 15-minute safety briefing before departure. The captain handles all navigation and routing. Guests bring their own wine, champagne, or drinks on board — no alcohol is served on the vessel. The itinerary is customizable and can be adjusted during the tour. Best suited for group celebrations: bachelorette parties, birthdays, and similar occasions. Not the right fit for solo travelers or couples looking for a private outing.
- 5-hour tours, 11am–4pm
- BYO alcohol and snacks — nothing served on board
- Visits up to 10 wineries; itinerary is flexible
- Designed for group celebrations
Winery-Hosted Boat Tours
Some wineries organize their own boat-based tours, using Lady of the Lake as the transport and centering the experience around their own wines. Amos Rome Vineyards is one example — a smaller family winery in the Manson hills that runs occasional wine-focused ferry tours. These tend to be more curated and wine-centric than the group charter model. Check directly with individual wineries for current tour offerings, as availability varies by season.
Lake Chelan Wineries Guide →beExploring / Lake Chelan
Fishing Charters
Lake Chelan supports year-round fishing for mackinaw (lake trout), kokanee salmon, landlocked Chinook, rainbow trout, and cutthroat. A handful of guide services operate on the lake, each covering similar species but with different group sizes, pricing, and approaches. All provide gear. Bring your own Washington fishing license.
Lake Chelan Adventures
Website →Year-round guided trips targeting mackinaw, kokanee, chinook salmon, rainbow, and cutthroat. Half- and full-day options with a focus on personalized instruction — a good fit for anglers of any skill level, including deep-water winter Chinook fishing.
Key Details
- Half- and full-day trips available
- Year-round, including winter
- Gear and bait included
Chelan Sunrise Charters
Website →Based in Manson, Sunrise runs full-day fishing trips year-round with straightforward pricing and no surprises. A practical choice for anglers who want a long day on the water without complicated logistics.
Key Details
- Full-day trips (~8 hours)
- $450 for 2 adults; 1 child free
- Year-round out of Manson
Fish Wenatchee
Website →Runs a 26-foot Willie Nemesis that fits up to 6 anglers, targeting kokanee salmon, mackinaw, and landlocked Chinook. All rods, reels, and tackle provided. Bring your own Washington fishing license.
Key Details
- Up to 6 anglers per trip
- $250/person or $1,400 for a group
- All tackle provided; bring WA fishing license
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Tips for Boat Tours on Lake Chelan
Lady of the Lake and Lady Express book out weeks in advance in summer. Reserve early, especially for weekend departures.
Wine tours by boat moor at the dock and walk or shuttle to each winery. Comfortable footwear helps more than you might expect.
A Washington fishing license is required for all charters. Guides provide the gear, but the license is your responsibility. Buy one at the WDFW website before your trip.
Most fishing charters depart early morning when the lake is calmest and fish are most active. Plan your arrival the night before if you are driving in.
Wine tours by boat work best for groups. Chelan Water to Wine is designed for group celebrations, not solo or couple travel.
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Related Guides
Stehekin
Remote village at the far end of the lake
Boating
Launches, fuel, and moorage
Wineries
40+ tasting rooms in the Lake Chelan AVA
Water Activities
Rentals, paddleboarding, and more
Boat-In Camping
Remote campsites reachable only by water
Things to Do
All Lake Chelan activities
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