Marinas and Launch Sites

There are eight potential launch points for boats to make the trip to the islands. Larger boats may choose to make the trip from one of the local marinas such as the Plattsburgh City Marina, the Plattsburgh Boat Basin, or Champlain Boatworks at Snug Harbor Marina.

Each site offers different advantages whether you are traveling by canoes, kayaks, boats, personal water craft, or ice boats.

1. Wilcox Dock
2. Plattsburgh NYS Boat Launch
3. Plattsburgh City Marina
4. Plattsburgh Boat Basin
5. Old Base Dock
6. Champlain Boatworks at Snug Harbor Marina
7. Peru NYS Boat Launch
8. Ausable Point State Campground

Paddlers have several options. Experienced local paddler, Kevin Kelley, explains:

“There are many locations that you can launch and recover from for access to either Crab or Valcour islands. The most practical ones are the Peru Boat Launch for Valcour Island and either the Peru Boat Launch or the Old Base dock for Crab Island.

Nothing says you have to launch and return from the same location. If more than one vehicle is available, then you could launch from Ausable Point, paddle to Valcour Island for the day, and then pick up your second vehicle at the Peru Boat Launch to return to Ausable.”