Phoenix SCUBA of Buffalo's new shop on South Park Ave is awesome. Their larger retail space, a…read morededicated training area, and an expanded service department is next level from the old Ridge Road location, where they have been doing business for the last 22 years. They can now display a wide range of quality diving equipment and have factory-trained service technicians on staff for all the brands they carry. I also like the easy in-and-out service for air fills. Owners Carole and Tony Anderson have been prominent figures in the Western New York underwater community for decades. Tony Anderson has taught SCUBA in WNY for over 50 years and has participated in discovery teams for several wrecks in Lake Erie and Tobermory, Canada. He is an instructor trainer for Scuba Schools International and Divers Alert Network. Carole Anderson has been diving for 26 years and a Scuba Schools International instructor for 23 years. She is also a Divers Alert Network instructor and is currently in her 8th year as the dive safety officer for the Aquarium of Niagara. Her knowledge combined with a little tough love keeps all of her students alive.

I rarely write reviews, but I felt compelled to share my experience with Phoenix Scuba to hopefully…read morehelp others make an informed decision. We enrolled in a scuba course with the intention of learning in a safe, professional, and supportive environment. Unfortunately, what I encountered was the opposite. Communication was poor from the start -- schedules were unclear, and I often had to follow up multiple times just to get basic information. During training, I witnessed a level of disorganization and lack of professionalism that raised real concerns about safety and adherence to industry standards. Instructors seemed overwhelmed or disinterested, and basic expectations for structure and clarity simply weren't met. I've submitted a formal complaint to SSI (Scuba Schools International), and they are currently investigating the matter under their Quality Management System. While SSI has limited authority over how individual training centers operate beyond official standards, I appreciated their willingness to take the concerns seriously. I believe scuba training is something that should be handled with the utmost professionalism and care -- and unfortunately, Phoenix Scuba did not deliver on that. There are many great dive shops out there -- I would recommend looking elsewhere.

While in Buffalo, I knew a quick trip to Niagara Falls was a must…read more We chose Maid of the Mist and it was first time bringing my child to see Niagara Falls. To see the magic of the Falls from the eyes of a child is amazing. I think this is my fifth time to Niagara Falls and it didn't get old. There is something new I see each time. The employees were kind and did a great job providing directions and keeping the line moving. We had no wait to board the ship. We were told 600 people could fit at one time. It was cool to find out the ship was fully electric and didn't have harmful emissions. The ride was very informative and we learned fun facts about the Falls. We definitely got wet but it felt good in the otherwise 85 degree weather. The ride is only about 20 minutes and totally worth it. Afterwards there were plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby within walking distance so we didn't have to move our vehicle. Definitely recommend this family friendly experience. It was cool seeing many generations represented.

First time on the Maid of The Mist was a blast. We ordered tickets for our group online and were…read moreable to walk up to a ticket agent to have them printed and get our complementary post card. The process was very fast. The views on the observation deck were great and led us to the elevator which takes you down to the boat. The elevators are packed full and have pre recorded messages with information about the descent (it would be a long walk down) We made our way down and were given ponchos. We had a quick wait to get onto the next boat. Due to this we were the first to board and got a great spot for the ride. The boats are all electric and as the ride goes on they have pre recorded information about the ship. Very informative and interesting. You really do get so close to the falls! As we got closer, the wind and water picked up making for a very exhilarating experience. Ponchos did help to keep us dry. It was a very fun experience. A little bit bumpy so be sure to hold on. It was very hot during our visit so this was a great way to cool off. I would say this is a must see if you visit Niagara Falls. I also liked that they had recycling bins to deposit your poncho in afterwards. I was concerned with the amount of waste with the ponchos but the bins are clearly marked right after you exit the boat. Really appreciated this and made sure to recycle our ponchos.

July 2026. We're back again!!!…read more7 rides this year. The whole staff is great! Friendliest people ever!

What a thrilling and fun adventure! I have taken a ride on these boats twice and both times were a…read morefantastic adventure. I have only done the open air boat, so this review pertains to that experience. It was like a natural thrill ride/roller coaster. ( Fast speeds and spins, but also some amazing views. One thing to note is make sure you keep your group close together so you can actually be seated together. If you live local, check for discounts online. At one point it was almost a $20 savings for having a local address! If you are looking for a unique, fun adventure, definitely check this out!

This is a CAN'T MISS experience! I guarantee the first question that your friends will ask you…read moreafter your Niagara Falls vacation will be - "did you ride the boat?" Boarding experience was efficient. They have attendants to usher you into one of several elevators. Then a short walk down to the platform while you wait for one of two boats so the wait is not long. Red ponchos given to you which are complimentary. PRO TIP: you'll get the best pictures if you're lucky enough to be able to get a spot on the upper deck near the railing. We were so lucky to be "cut off" from the line ahead of us for one boat and had to wait for the next boat, which turned out to be excellent for us. I wonder if you can request to wait if it looks like you're going to be the last ones on a boat. Surely the last in line will be towards the back of the boat or on the lower deck. But even if that's you, don't be worried - the boat sails in, and then turns around to go out. So even if you are in the back, there will be an opportunity for a picture. No announcements from the captain. No demonstration of putting on life jackets or at least told where they are located. Any boat tour I've done in the US would typically have something like this. Guess it's different in Canada. Everyone loaded, the boat just goes. And what a spectacular view. Take your family pictures as you are getting close, because after a certain point, you will feel the power of the falls. Eventually all you'll be able to see is mist. And it will feel like you're caught in a rain storm. The crowd all yells, laughs, and screams in excited unison! At some point, you could even say you're just trying to survive. You'll be lucky if the poncho hood stays on your head and that it covers both of your arms. Our hats were soaked and shoes were drenched, but we had so much fun! Definitely an experience that my kids will remember for their lifetime! Highly recommend!

I'm going to get the bad news out of the way: do not, I must repeat, do not order a hot dog on…read moresite. It was one of the saddest, most repulsive things I've been served. Kid you not. Tasted like it had been boiled for hours then sprayed with grill marks. Simply awful. The one and only bite I took was already half way down my throat when I realized I wanted to get as far away from it as possible. That out of the way... Everything else was a charm! I boarded Niagara City Cruises with the confidence of someone who had never seen Niagara Falls and assumed the complimentary red poncho would keep me dry. Wrong. We got absolutely blasted by the falls! It was spectacular fun! The experience began innocently enough. The falls looked beautiful from a distance. People were smiling. Birds were flying. Families were taking photos. Then the boat moved closer and nature abruptly decided that everyone on board needed a shower. Literally thousands of gallons of water a second are crashing from the sky. The poncho performed admirably if its job was protecting approximately 60 percent of my body. My hair and face were soaked. My pant legs and shoes were drenched. My poncho kept bellowing in the wind. I looked around at one point and I saw that this was everyone's story. The closer we got to the falls, the less we could see. The magnificent view slowly transformed into a white wall of mist, wind and life choices. Conversations became impossible. Communication was reduced to pointing, yelling and laughing. The power is overwhelming. The noise is deafening. The mist is relentless. The memory is unforgettable. Yes, it was incredible and I wish to have this experience -- without the hot dog -- all over again!

Instructors are kind and caring, constantly checking in to make sure you are alright. I did a dive…read moreat my schools pool with my Jr. Firefighting team. Interesting and cool experience 10/10 would recommend!

Competent and professional; great location with tinge of Buffalo History. Boats are clean and…read morecomfortable; chartered one and signed for a lesson. Greeted by Captain Bill who looks right out of Central Casting as a formidable seafaring man. The crew on hand were also knowledgeable and full of energy for sailing. Lake Erie! Right at our finger tips, is a gift and a privilege to explore in a safe and friendly environment.

We spend time in Buffalo occasionally for our business, and this summer will be more than usual,…read more so I wanted to surprise my husband with a yearly membership. What an amazing experience! I can't wait to join this group more often. Thank you, Captian Zimmerman for making this an easy YES!