boat cruises buffalo

Buffalo Boat Tours

History tours • sailing adventures • tiki cruises, take a cruise on buffalo's best boat tours, step back in time....

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Sail with us!

Buffalo Boat Tours, a vibrant family-owned venture, stands at the forefront of Canalside following Buffalo’s spectacular waterfront metamorphosis.

We started our company in 2009 running tours and charters on the Spirit of Buffalo and have continually grown and expanded offerings ever since. We are passionate about delivering impeccable customer service and exceptional experiences on the water. We love sharing our rich, local history and waterways with our guests and welcome you aboard to experience Buffalo and Western New York in a whole new way.

We have three beautiful and unique vessels: Harbor Queen, Spirit of Buffalo, and Big Kahuna. Each is equipped with restrooms for your comfort. Our vessels all have full bars on board to enhance your experience. We offer refreshing water, sodas, beer, wine and enticing mixed drinks. Bagged snacks are also available for purchase. We accept cash and all major credit cards. Please note that outside beverages and food (including coolers) are not permitted onboard.

Locate convenient parking options on Lloyd Street, Hanover Street, and Prime Street in Canalside. Find lots under the Skyway along Pearl Street, Commercial Street, and Marine Drive, or utilize the LECOM Harborcenter parking ramp (parking fees may apply).

TOP-RATED BOAT TOURS IN BUFFALO, NY

"From beginning to the end of the tour Rich and his crew were awesome. The crew was courteous, friendly and willing to do anything to create a great experience for our family. The next time we are back in Buffalo we will most definitely return to Buffalo River History Tours for another experience."

"Eye-opening and informational insight to a piece of Buffalo History. Very relaxing as well as surprising "hidden" areas you normally would not see. Must do if visiting as well as people who have never experienced this part of history."

"What a wonderful sailboat ride my husband and I had! The captain and the crew were fabulous! I will recommend this sail ride to my family and friends! Great experience!"

"We had such a great time! Can't wait to do it again! It was perfect weather, the staff was friendly and was able to answer all our questions!"

"We didn't know what to expect...and were so pleasantly surprised to experience a wonderful Buffalo river cruise. Great guide and local insights! Boat was perfect for the 1.5 hour cruise. Friendly staff!"

New this season, Sounds & Sails live music performances.

The Flagship of Buffalo

“belfast girls” was partially filmed on the spirit of buffalo.

We are proud to have been a part of the filming of the “Belfest Girls”.  Our City’s Flag ship was used to create the trailer for the play.  Please check out this amazing video and we hope to see you at the Irish Classical !

Our Featured Sails

Sounds & sails.

Embark on a musical journey like no other aboard the majestic Spirit of Buffalo every Saturday!

• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours
• Most Popular!

Evening Sail

The sunsets and night skies of Lake Erie are nothing short of spectacular and there is no better way to enjoy them than aboard the majestic Spirit of Buffalo.

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Wine in the Wind

Enjoy a sail while sampling wines from the Niagara region as well as from around the world. This relaxing wine tasting sail includes a cheese and cracker buffet.

Craft Brew Sail

Sample some of Buffalo’s best craft brews while taking in a scenic cruise aboard the Spirit of Buffalo.

Aboard the majestic Spirit of Buffalo tall ship enjoy a summer afternoon with sunshine and warm breezes.  Just sit back, relax and take in the experience.  Our crew will make your sailing experience enjoyable.

• New in 2023!

Nightcap Sail

Wind down on a nightcap sail.

• We Do Birthdays!

Children’s Pirate Adventure

You and your child/children will be entertained by our pirates with pirate stories, a treasure hunt, music, and loads of swashbuckling family fun!  All reservations must include at least one child.

View all Public Sails

The Spirit of Buffalo is proclaimed the Flagship of Buffalo by Mayor Byron Brown.

Sit Back & Relax on Lake Erie

Sail back in time on Lake Erie aboard the Spirit of Buffalo and discover traditional sailing on a classic 73 foot topsail schooner. This beautiful schooner with its magnificent red sails is available for day and evening sails, craft brew cruises, wine in the wind sails, children’s pirate adventures, and educational excursions. Join the crew and sit back, relax and see the city in a new (old?) way.’

PARKING INFORMATION

• There may be street parking available in Canalside on Llyod Street, Hanover Street or Prime Street.  There are two lots under the Skyway along Pearl Street, Commercial Street and Marine Drive.  There are also parking spots on these same streets.  Parking is also available in the LECOM Harborcenter parking ramp.  There may be a charge for parking.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DO NOT BRING COOLERS, LARGE DUFFLE BAGS OR TOTE BAGS.  DO NOT BRING YOU OWN BEVERAGES. We have a liquor license.  Due to strict guidelines from the New York State Liquor Authority all beverages must be purchased from Spirit of Buffalo. If you are booking for a group please inform your guests of this policy. Failure to comply will result in an immediate return to the dock and termination of the cruise/charter.  No refunds will be given.

Spirit of Buffalo is equipped with a restroom.

Top-Rated Sails in Buffalo, NY

"We had such a great time! Can't wait to do it again! It was perfect weather, the staff was friendly and was able to answer all our questions!"

"A sunny hot day with little wind didn’t stop the Spirit of Buffalo crew from making us all at home on our voyage. Wonderful makeup sail with local friends when we were rained out with out-of-town guests."

"What a wonderful sailboat ride my husband and I had! The captain and the crew were fabulous! I will recommend this sail ride to my family and friends! Great experience!"

Even though it was freezing (classic Buffalo), my entire family had an absolute blast!! Definitely recommend this to visitors or any home-towners!

New this season, Soundwaves Concert Series live music events.

SUNSET HARBOR CRUISE

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours

Have the most wonderfully relaxing evening aboard our double-decker Harbor Queen. Grab a drink from our friendly bartender, listen to music, and enjoy a spectacular sunset over Lake Erie and the Buffalo River. You’ll be glad you joined us!

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Buffalo Harbor Cruises - Miss Buffalo

• 79 Marine Drive Erie Basin Marina
• Buffalo, NY 14202
• (716) 856-6696 | (800) 244-8684

Take a narrated sightseeing cruise and travel through four bodies of water, passing through the historic Black Rock Lock and Canal. Party cruises and private charters also available. Public cruises are available July 1st through Labor Day; call or book online. Private charters are available May through September; call for more information.

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Buffalo Tiki Tours is Buffalo’s Newest & Coolest Water Experience!

Take a relaxing tour around Buffalo’s Inner Harbor on a Hawaiian style Tiki Hut with you and 20 of your friends!

Why fly to the islands when we’ve brought the island experience to the Buffalo Waterfront?

• Sunset Cruises
• Whole day event rates
• Bachelorette and bachelor cruises
• Office events and meetings

Whether it’s  JUST HANGING WITH FRIENDS FOR A FUN TIME or taking a romantic cruise Buffalo Tiki Tours is one of the coolest ways to get out on the water! Just head to Buffalo Riverworks , grab a few drinks and climb aboard. Call 1-716-800-7568 or view availability and book now !

Our Big Tiki with restroom holds up to 21 people

• Private tours $459.99 for up to 10 ppl
• Each additional person is $12.99 pp up to 21 ppl
• 90 min tours
• Private Sunset tours are $479.99 for up to 10 ppl
• Each additional person is $15.99 pp up to 21 ppl
• 100 minute tours

Weddings, Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties, Team Building, Corporate Events… We can customize anything you need.

Call to book and we will wave the 6% booking fee 716-800-7568 .

CANCELLATION/INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

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Boat Cruises

Join us on a boat cruise to explore the unique history of Buffalo’s waterfront! These themed cruises aboard the Miss Buffalo II are available on a limited basis during the summer season.

Disasters of Buffalo Harbor Cruise: Sails on June 16

Prohibition cruise: sails june 29, july 20, & august 31.

Space is limited on the Miss Buffalo II and advance reservations are required for both cruises. All food and beverages must be obtained through Buffalo Harbor Cruises.

Please click here to read the Miss Buffalo II carry-on bag policy that limits the size and type of carry-on items that may be brought aboard Miss Buffalo II. This policy is similar in nature to the “Stadium clear bag” rules at NFL, NHL and Collegiate venues across the United States.

• Most Popular!

Bubbly Brunch Cruise

Cruise Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours

Clock Sailing Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to sailing time.

Available Sundays Memorial Day through September.

Bubbly Brunch Cruise in Buffalo, NY

What’s better than brunch? How about brunch on a BOAT!?!

Enjoy a 2 hour harbor cruise around Buffalo’s waterfront with brunch, drinks, music, and make the mi-MOST-a summer!

Climb aboard the Grand Lady for an enjoyable Brunch Cruise!  Our Bubbly Brunch Cruises feature champagne at boarding and open seating on our aft deck, bow deck, or interior air-conditioned dining rooms.  Once underway, step up to the buffet for a delicious brunch buffet.

Be sure to check out our fully stocked bar featuring $5 mimosas!  Must be 21+ to attend.

A Bubbly Brunch Cruise aboard the Grand Lady is the perfect way to kick start your weekends this summer.  Popular for small bachelorette parties, birthdays, or “just because”!

Our Brunch Buffet includes a weekly rotation of items such as fresh fruit, pastries, breakfast potatoes, seasonal vegetarian frittata, ham, and French Toast Casserole.

When booking, please note any allergies/dietary restrictions.  While our caterer is not able to prepare individual portions, attempts are made to accommodate the majority of guests when menu planning.  For last minute bookings (within 48 hours of cruise) menu adjustments can not be made, but our crew will be able to inform you of any items on the buffet to stay away from.  Please note that food is prepared in a shared kitchen space and we can not guarantee items are free of cross contamination.  In cases of severe and complex food allergies, please give us a call at 716-873-4630 prior to booking.

For groups of 15-20 people, please inquire about our Captain’s Club Dining Package.  For an additional $150, we will reserve our upstairs Captain’s Club Dining Room for your group, giving you some privacy for your celebration while still sharing the vessel with others.  Call 716-873-4630 to check for availability of this package.

Related Cruises

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Sunset Cruise

Nothing beats a relaxing evening on the Buffalo River sipping on a cocktail!

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Afternoon River Cruise

Join us for an afternoon lazy river cruise on the Buffalo River and Lake Erie.

Harbor Tiki Cruise

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All ages

Take a Cruise on the Historic Buffalo River!

Cruise with us on the historic Buffalo River and Inner Harbor on the coolest tiki boat in town. Sip on a Tiki cocktail, cold beer, glass of wine or refreshing soda while jiving to our Caribbean playlist. Big Kahuna offers a full cash or credit card bar.  A clean washroom is on board.

If you would like to inquire about booking a private Tiki Tour, please call us at  716-235-8782

What to Bring

Just yourself and friends! If you are 21+ and will utilize our tiki bar, please bring your ID.

What Not to Bring

DO NOT BRING COOLERS OR YOUR OWN BEVERAGES. Due to strict guidelines from the New York State Liquor Authority all beverages must be purchased from Big Kahuna. If you are booking for a group please inform your guests of this policy. Failure to comply will result in an immediate return to the dock and termination of the cruise/charter.  No refunds will be given.

Related Cruises

• Users All ages
• Hour Glass 1 hour

Children’s Tiki Cruise

Take a cruise on the historic Buffalo River and inner harbor on the coolest tiki boat in town. Create family memories on board while enjoying our tiki tour complete with a Caribbean-style playlist.

NEW *** CARRY-ON BAG POLICY *** NEW

SUNSET CRUISE

FLOAT UNTIL THE SUN GOES DOWN

Quick Details

• Cruise Ship Cruise Type: Sunset Cruise
• Users Ages: 21+ with proper ID
• Calendar Day of the Week: Saturdays
• Anchor Entertainment: Casual mix of rock and pop music.
• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Dollar Cash Bar: We accept all forms of payment.
• Wine Alcoholic Beverages: A valid ID is required
• Food Snack Bar: Variety of sweet, salty and frozen snacks.
• Clock Ticket Office: Opens 1 hour prior to departure.
• Clock Boarding: Begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
• Checkered Flag Departure: The boat will depart on time, plan accordingly. No refunds will be issued.
• Sun Weather: We cruise rain or shine. No refunds will be issued.

Cruise into the Sunset with cool summer vibes in the Buffalo Harbor.

Cruise into the Sunset …

Enjoy the beautiful, warm Buffalo summer evenings on our Saturday evening Sunset Cruise. The only way to see Buffalo is “al fresco” style, outside in the fresh air!  You will enjoy the cool breezes and the warm sunshine even more with a signature cocktail. It doesn’t get better than this!

Sunset is not guaranteed. 

Sunset Cruise is 21 years of age and over. ID required.

*NEW* CARRY-ON POLICY   IS IN EFFECT.  ONLY CLEAR STADIUM STYLE BAGS AND SMALL CLUTCHES (4.5×6″) WILL BE PERMITTED ON BOARD.  WE URGE YOU TO LEAVE OVERSIZED PURSES, TOTES, BACKPACKS, ETC AT HOME TO AVOID BOARDING DELAYS! 

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Prices, schedules and routes are subject to change without notice. 

We cruise under strict guidelines of the USCG and routes are subject to change based on commercial vessel traffic or for any reason deemed necessary by the Captain.

Due to Erie County Health Inspections and NYS Permits all food and beverage must be obtained from Buffalo Harbor Cruises and All Occasions Catering.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for all pertinent information regarding your cruise including our cancellation policy.

RELATED CRUISES

T.g.i.f. happy hour cruise.

FRIDAY! You’ve waited all week… Decompress aboard the Miss Buffalo II… Fresh summer breezes… Cooling drinks… What better way to start the weekend – Just add water!