We've wanted to take a tour down the Erie Canal for a long time but every time I come back for a visit from southern California, it was later in October and the tours are over. Not this year. We got on the last evening tour on Saturday, Oct 14th, 2017. What a great tour, between the audio tour and the live tour comments with the Captain, it was truly educational and interesting. For the price, ($20) it was a great bargain. So much information given especially in such a historic place (Herkimer). Going through the lock was so cool and again, much information given on the history of the lock and the workings of the lock (including the human crew on the boat and the lock operator). Besides, the weather being a beautiful fall day, it was a great afternoon. Well worth it and so glad we finally did it. And on a side note, many, many friends and family members who we told we did this, said, oh, i never did that or we didn't even know about that ...and they were born and raised in Central NY (like me)....ugh, talk about not knowing about the history in your own backyard.... so glad we finally went. read more

we drove about an hour and brought 2 elderly ladies that don't do well with stairs. I guess I should have checked before hand but come time to head to the boat from the gift shop there were 2 things of stairs to go down. because they couldn't do the stairs we were shown a few ways to walk around them. because of this by the time we got to the boat every seat was taken up. there were either seats in the beating hot sun or seats back by the engines. we had to choose back by the engines. it was so loud back there we couldn't even here the guy that taught about the canal. it was a nice ride but just be aware that if you are with handicap people or folks who need more assistance leave yourself extra time to get down to the boat. it fills up quick! read more

We all had a great time. We had a variety of generations, Grandparents, Parents and Emma. we recently moved to New York from north of Boston, MA and it was nice being out on the water again. The Erie Canal is amazing. The truly awesome fact I keep talking about is how you can start at the Erie Canal and go all the way to Key West. With only 35 miles on the ocean. Amazing! And beyond, Cuba and Mexico too! Emma is 9 years old and has always had a huge interest in rocks, gems and she was in her glory at the gift shop. She got a package and one gem looked murky and duller than the others. She went outside with a hammer and there was a beautiful geode - Bottom line - you will love the experience. Ruth-Ann and Ron Rubman Utica, New York read more

Great for all ages! Dealing with the company was a pleasure. Courteous, accommodating, friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. No problems for my refund with an online booking for a guest that could not attend. Thankfully, myself and my handicapped friend did attend and were accompanied by handicap adjustments that were already in place. The company is very well run and has excellent staffing from the ticket office to the cruise itself. Our Captain/Tour Guide aced it! I could go on with several more examples of outstanding elements but we both intend to return in the fall before the cruise closes to book another adventure. . . this time with our guest who couldn't make the first cruise. read more

I was part of a party of 5 people 3 who have disabilities. The staff right from the front door of the souvenir shop were courteous and helpful. The Captain and crewman were helpful and put the group at ease. During the trip 2 of the men in our group were asked if they wanted to "drive the boat" they were so excited. Both men cannot stop talking about the experience to them this was the trip of a lifetime, due to the staff and foresight to include them. I recommend this event and whole heartily thank Erie Canal Cruise. read more

The staff were very nice and helpful. The cruise was great but while the information about the canal itself was very interesting, the information about how to get to Mexico by the canal system and how to get here and there was very boring. It was 90 solid minutes of narrative, it would have been nice to have at least 10 minutes of nothing so we could just enjoy the sound of nature. I could not bear to take it again and hear the history. Now maybe would do a dinner cruise or comedy/party cruise. Boat was very clean. read more

We did the Living History Cruise which included an informative boat tour through Lock 18. The Captain explained all about the history of the Erie Canal. We had a wonderfully delicious BBQ at the General Herkimer Home. A chocolate making demonstration and a very informative tour through the General Herkimer Home. It was amazing to see where General Nicholas Herkimer lived and died. The best part was experiencing all this with our friends and family. Thank You to all the staff involved in this tour. read more

We had such a wonderful time on this cruise. So very relaxing and informative. The folks were so very nice as well. It was a cold and rainy day of and on, but they had prepared for this, and the boat was warm and comfortable. I had to drag my husband to go with me. Once there, he was pleasantly surprised, and did not want to get off the boat after the cruise was completed. Well worth the money for a something nice to do on a off day. I highly recommend this cruise. read more

we really enjoyed the boat ride on the canal! the staff at the shop and on the boat were very welcoming. They play a recording of history and details for some of the ride so if you pay attention you can learn a lot. the captain was very nice and answered all the questions people had. it was a fun experience going in the lock and then the ride back was very peaceful as they played music and you could just enjoy the ride. Great experience at a great price! read more

so worth the money Capt Dave and Rich were very professional and friendly. Even Capt Dave's jokes weren't that bad and he was very informative about the canal and the travels. it was an amazing experience going through the lock I enjoyed it more than when I went to Panama Canal on the cruise ship. Being in a smaller boat I could really see the change. I can't wait to share the experience with my family and friends and send them your way! Thank you read more

This is the second time on the cruise. First time about 2014, rode on Lill' Diamond 2. Cpt and crew were all Collage people. EXCELLENT ride , and the crew had much knowledge of the history. This Time 7/2018 rode on The BIG BOAT, they had many passengers. Cpt Owner Jerry, has a Great sense of humor, and also mega historical facts of the Erie Canal. Cpt Jerry is So in Love with his tours, and his Crew enjoys working for him. I know because it shows. read more

Passing through upstate New York I thought I would stop for the night in Herkimer and take the Erie Canal cruise. It is a 90 min pontoon boat ride on the Erie Canal. During the ride you listen to a recording of the history of the canal and the captain adds more information with some jokes. The boat goes through Lock # 18. Going through the Lock was amazing. It was a very enjoyable afternoon. If you are in the area I would definitely recommend it. read more

This was a special birthday present for my Beloved, and it didn't disappoint. After a week-long heatwave, we arrived in perfect weather-- mid to high 70s and sunny. Cap'n Dave was friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining! His crew for the day (another Cap'n whose name escapes me) performed her duties with ease, and we didn't feel unsafe for a second. We are inspired to learn more and do more on the Erie and other New York State canals. Thanks! read more

This was the third time we've done this cruise. The crew is very accommodating and the captain gave his own interesting commentary in-between the tape dialogue. It's always amazing to see the locks close and open and watch the water empty or fill. We would highly recommend this when looking for something to do with out of town guests or just to learn about the signifance of the Erie Canal in NY's history. Vickie and Bob Oneonta, NY read more

What a great 1.5 hour cruise! The narration was great, and our captain knew so much about the history and how the lock worked. Plus going through the lock was a bit like magic. Our party ranged in age from 6 to 93, and it was appropriate for everyone. The seats (both bottoms and backs) were padded, and even on a hot day, the breeze created by the movement of the boat made the ride comfortable. The kids loved the $1 snacks! read more

This is a true gem! Well worth planning a drive on I-90 to take a detour on the canal. Its a great 1.5 hour trip that is very well narrated and it leaves you with great knowledge of the canal. I went on it for the first time some 7 years ago and it made enough of an impression on me to buy a boat big enough to travel on it. This last weekend we went back to get a better idea on how to go through the locks. read more

What an absolutely beautiful, informative and fun family activity. We rode down the beautiful canal on a lovely day and listened to the canal's history. Had no idea you could do this all the way to Key West! Riding the locks up and down the 35' was very memorable and amazing that this was a Leonardo di Vinci design that has never been bettered. I highly recommend Capt. Jerry and his crew. read more

Great afternoon!!! third trip. previous two were with grand kids. This was adults, and I learned something more. The weather was beautiful and we all had a tremendous time. Captain Jerry is very knowledgeable and funny with his jokes. The crew were very polite and helpful. Everyone who has gone this with us has had wonderful time. Highly recommended as info and fun time. read more

We've gone on two cruises in two weeks; first the Comedy Cruise, which was very entertaining and yesterday, the historic cruise where we learned something about the area history and the canal, plus went through one lock. Captain Jerry is very knowledgeable and amusing. I only wish the people that take the cruise wouldn't talk when Captain Jerry is, so we're able to hear him. read more