Experience Squam Lake Boat Excursions

"Boat Adventure on Squam"

Lake Adventure

Squam Lake is the second largest lake in New Hampshire and part of the New Hampshire Lakes Region. Squam is known for its pristine waters, mountain scenery, and the filming of the 1980 classic film On Golden Pond.

It is easy to understand why Squam Lake was chosen as a backdrop for the Academy award winning film. The scenery is beautiful. The lake is unspoiled. People who live or summer on the lake have an undying respect for the natural beauty of the lake. Houses are set back and simple. The shoreline is visible only through the trees.

A pleasant way to see the lake and accompanying shore is to take a boat ride with Cindy O’Leary and Experience Squam Lake boat excursions. She and her boat operators are commercially licensed and insured. They have over 25 years of experience boating on the lake. The lake is known for difficult navigability so it is reassuring to be driven by an experienced captain.

The excursion can be tailored to the desires of the passengers. Cindy will ask what you would like to see and can take you to those places. She has had excursions with wildlife lovers and animal and landscape photographers. She can also create an ‘On Golden Pond’ tour with you if you would like to see those sites. Since we are a group of adventure and nature lovers Cindy took us to some awesome sites. We saw Loons, Bald Eagles and 3 eaglets, Jumping Rock, Church Island and a rock reef.

Cindy picked us up with a 21 foot boat off the docks at the Cottage Place on Squam Lake, a hotel we were staying at for a few days. She can pick our up at your dock on the lake or the dock of Walter’s Basin restaurant in Holderness. She supplied us with a iced cooler, cups, binoculars, swimming noodles, blankets, fluffy towels and life vests, which are required if you are under 12.We brought along our own drinks and snacks. We did not have much time to enjoy them however since there were so many sights to see on the lake.

We had heard that loons were easily spooked however we were able to see quite a few of them during our cruise. We also cruised by an area with a bald eagle’s nest. Although the area was cordoned off, we were still able to catch a glimpse of three large eaglets and one of their parents. Cindy had heard that one of the eaglets had fallen from the nest but the parents continued to bring it food as it was not able to fly yet and had been able to raise it.

Although it was an overcast and somewhat rainy afternoon, we still decided to do some swimming in the clean, calm, warm lake. Cindy brought us to ‘Jumping Rock’. She anchored the boat and we were followed by one other family in a small rowboat. She indicated on beautiful warm days the area is quite jammed with jumpers. We jumped from the boat and swam about 25 feet to the rock. The water was warm and clear. Each of us made the climb up the rock and jumped about 15 feet into the lake. Had it been a sunnier day we may have stayed longer, but we wanted to continue our tour.

Cindy motored by a few islands which were both privately and association owned. Church Island has services each Sunday and has slips for many boats. We were able to see the outdoor sanctuary but did not stop there as we headed for a rock reef for the kids to snorkel. We had brought along our own gear and the kids were excited to try out their gear. They spent a few minutes snorkeling and looking for fish before it started to rain a bit harder and we needed to head back for dinner.

It was great to tour the lake with an experienced Squam Lake resident. She knew much about the history and lore of the lake and its residents. Cindy was friendly and accommodating. She truly seemed to enjoy showing the kids the sites. I wish we had more time to spend to we could see more of the lake and I think she wished we had more time as well.

Rates for private cruises are $95.00 per hour and $215.00 for a 2 ½ hour special. She can accommodate up to 7 adults or 9 people with a mix of children and adults.

This review is based on a complimentary excursion with Experience Squam Lakes. I received no other compensation besides the tour. The operator did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.