Squam Lake Cruises

New Hampshire is famous for its picturesque lakes and mountains, and Squam Lake is a gem among many. See its amazingly clear water, rocky shores, celebrated islands, historic homes, scenic mountain views, and remarkable wildlife.

If you are looking for a memorable experience, choose from one of these fabulous 90-minute guided tours on beautiful Squam Lake. Cruises run mid-May through mid-October.

Discover Squam

Bald Eagle Adventure

Loon Cruise

Cruise with a Naturalist

Lake Explorers Family Cruise

Dinner and Sunset Cruise

Private Charters

Group Tours

Cruise Rates

Cruise Pass Fees (2019)	Member Rate	Non-Member Rate
Adult	$23.00	$27.00
Senior	$21.00	$25.00
Youth (Ages 0-15)	$19.00	$23.00
Not recommended for children under 3

Combination passes include one trail pass and one lake cruise pass for the same day.

Combo Pass Fee - save $6 (2019)
Adult	$41.00
Senior	$36.00
Youth (Ages 3-15)	$32.00

Become a Member Today

All Squam Lake Cruises are 90 minutes in length and on canopied pontoon boats. Binoculars are available for wildlife viewing at no additional cost. Cruises depart on Route 113 across from the Science Center parking lots. Passengers may park in designated lots and walk to Lake Cruise Headquarters using the pathway.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Each boat has a maximum passenger capacity set by NH Marine Patrol. Space on all cruises is limited. Seats are guaranteed only for those making advance reservations and payment. Other space is available on a first come, first serve basis. Reserve online or call 603-968-7194 x 7 for tickets.

Cancellations: Ours and Yours

Cruises may be cancelled if there are fewer than two passengers reserved. Cruises may be cancelled at any time due to weather, unsafe conditions, or other exigent circumstances to ensure the safety of passengers, tour guides, and boats. If a cruise is cancelled, passengers will be contacted as soon as possible to reschedule or given a full refund. Passengers who need to cancel for any reason should call 603-968-7194 x 7. Those passengers who cancel at least 90 minutes prior to the start of the cruise by contacting the Science Center will be refunded in full. Those passengers who cancel within 90 minutes of the start of the cruise will not receive a refund.

Thank you to our Squam Lake Cruise sponsors
Squam Boat Livery and Keiver-Willard Lumber Company.

Cailin Nelson, 08/03/18
Very nice place, clean and informative. Different from other places - lots for kids to learn hands on. I was a little apprehensive due to the cost and not many animals but felt like it was worth every penny. I would recommend packing a lunch and taking advantage of the trails - make a full day out of it.
Lynne Kraskouskas, 09/18/18
Great educational facility. Fun and educational for all ages. Very much enjoyed the sub-canopy boardwalk peppered with stations featuring different animals and ecosystems of the surrounding area. There are educational presentations with live animals as well as an otter exhibit. A few times a week, the otters are fed a "fishsicle" and it is amusing to watch them try and get their snacks. Didn't visit gift shop or go for a cruise. That's the great thing about this place, one can come back again and again and have a different experience. Locals or regular visitors to the region can purchase a membership and come and go. There is a nice picnic area and food during the summer season. It was not busy the day we visited, but I could see it being a lot busier. Educational, interesting AND shady.
Eben Gannett, 03/26/19
This is by far one the best not so hidden gems of Central New Hampshire! While it functions similarly to a zoo the goal of the facility is to rehabilitate and care for local animals found in the white mountains fo NH. The animals who stay are there for medical or other legitimate reasons to keep them from living in the wild and are given wonderful care. The staff that works there is knowledgable and kind, eager to answer any questions about the animals you may have. The path to see all the animals is fun and equivalent to many easy day hikes with spots to picnic, and a wonderful play/learning area for the young and young at heart. It is a place my family loves to visit time and time again, never getting board of the wonderful animals, new things to learn, and great day that always ensues.
Jason Plant, 12/21/18
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a wonderful place for kids and adults alike. The animals are amazing and they are all rehabilitated from either injuries or abandonment at a young age. The atmosphere of this place is great and I highly recommend going and becoming a member to support all of their community efforts and animals!
Howard Nash, 10/08/18
Very well presented exhibit on the wildlife of New Hampshire. Coming from the UK, we had some concerns about the moral question of keeping wild animals in cages. This was set against the very obvious great condition of the animals on display and the effort taken to educate on the natural world - a video or even holograph would not have the same impact. The reason we give it only 4 stars is that not enough effort is made to explain why the animals, particularly the large animals, are kept in relatively small enclosures. Looking at the negative reviews that focus on the moral question, your responses are very encouraging. Perhaps you should cut out the middleman and make more effort at the Centre to explain why the animals are maintained in captivity from a conservation perspective.