Water-Activities Guide: Erie Canal Cruises by Sight Seeing Cruise

Rates

Adult: $25 Child (ages 4-10): $15 Infant (ages 3 and under): No Charge

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Duration

1.5 hours

Tour Departure Times

• Please see daily schedule for cruise times or call 315-717-0350 for schedule information
• Cruises depart 7 days a week during our operating season
• 2024 operating season: May 18 - October 16

Arrival Times

• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure
• All passengers must get a boarding pass from our ticket booth inside Gems Along the Mohawk prior to boarding the vessel.

Boarding: 15-30 minutes before departure at Gems Along the Mohawk.

We are located directly across the street from Exit 30 of the NYS Thruway - If using a GPS, do not turn right at the stoplight, but continue straight into the parking lot GPS Address: 800 Mohawk St, Herkimer, NY 13350

Cruise departs: See schedule for cruise departure times or call 315-717-0350

Key points:

• Afternoon Sight Seeing Cruise available 7 days a week
• We accept cash and all credit cards for cruise ticket payment.
• Learn why the Erie Canal was known as Clinton’s ditch.
• Cruise through an Erie Canal lock, lowering and raising vessels over 20 feet!
• Hear how it was constructed, how it opened our western lands and help create the America we know today.
• We’ll take you along the beautiful Mohawk River and in a man-made section known as a “land cut”.
• We cruise rain or shine in our weather-protected vessel.

What is not included?

• Gratuity for the crew is not included but is greatly appreciated.
• We do not enter any buildings during this cruise, but afterward your guide will gladly direct you back to any of the places seen on the tour, should you like to explore further.

More Information

What’s better than a trip through history on the calm waters of the Erie Canal while enjoying the spectacular scenery of New York's beautiful Mohawk Valley? The answer is absolutely nothing. That is why you should join your United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain aboard Lil’ Diamond II and enjoy a few entertaining tales of the canal.

On this incredibly fun, narrated, 90-minute cruise, learn:

• Why the Erie Canal was known as Clinton’s ditch.
• Hear how it was constructed, how it opened our western lands and helped to create the America we know today
• Also learn how and why it was expanded and why it’s still important to upstate New York culture today.

We’ll take you along the beautiful Mohawk River and into a man-made section known as a “land cut”.

The tour passes:

• Through massive guard gates
• The Historic Fort Herkimer Church, which is one of the oldest surviving churches in New York State
• You'll also catch a glimpse of some local birds such as green and blue herons and the occasional bald eagle along the Plantation Island Wildlife Management Area
• The vessel then enters Lock 18 at Jacksonburg, one the last remaining locks operating with all of the original 100+ year old equipment.

As the vessel enters the lock, your Captain will fully describe how the lock operates. Then you’ll watch as the gates close behind you and suddenly (but smoothly) the lock house seems to rise in the air as the lock walls creep up along the vessel while it's being lowered twenty feet. It is certainly an experience not soon forgotten.

This cruise is 90 minutes of history, entertainment, education, humor, calm cruising, and pure family fun!

Accessibility Information Our crew members are trained to help guests navigate our docks and vessel and are prepared to assist. Our vessel does have mobility limitations. We strongly recommend calling ahead to 315-501-2830 for specific concerns.

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FAQS

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance ticket purchase is recommended for all cruises as they may sell out. To be sure you are able to purchase tickets for the cruise date & time you prefer, we suggest you purchase tickets early.

Does the vessel cruise in the rain?

Yes! The decision to go out is always at the discretion of your captain, but we cruise rain or shine in our weather-protected vessel. Guests can cruise in comfort while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Erie Canal.

Are your cruises good for children?

We welcome all ages aboard our boats! Your kids will enjoy the scenery just as mush as you do. Children between 4-10 years old can join us at a discounted rate. If your child is 3 years old or younger, they are free!

Are food or drinks served during the cruises?

Outside food and/or drinks are not permitted on board! We have snacks plus soda and water available to purchase, cash only. There is also a Great restaurant at our location, the Waterfront Grille if you are looking for a full menu.

Is it customary to tip the crew?

Yes, it is customary, but are completely at the guests' discretion. They are greatly appreciated.

Is smoking allowed on board the boats?

Smoking and use of any smoking device is not permitted on the docks or aboard our vessels.

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?

Absolutely, our boat cruises in the smooth waters on the Erie Canal. The ride is smooth, stable, and gentle.

Will I get motion sickness?

Motion sickness is very rare on our cruises since we travel on the river and experience almost no rocking. Our vessel is very stable. Should you be particularly prone to motion sickness, feel free to take your own preventative measures beforehand.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

Can I bring my pet?

All pets, (other than registered service dogs) are not allowed on any cruise. If you need to bring a registered service dog, please let us know in a "Message to the Seller" box upon purchasing your tickets.

Are there life jackets on board?

Our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard certified and we have more than enough life jackets for all passengers.

Do you offer anything for groups?

We sure do! For more information for groups of 25 or more, please call 315-941-7585.