HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Five Decades of Buffalo Stories
In 1971, the Hayhurst family bought a small passenger boat and named her the Miss Buffalo. That simple beginning launched what would become Buffalo’s most cherished waterfront tradition.
As Buffalo’s relationship with its waterfront evolved, so did we. Miss Buffalo II joined the fleet in 1981 as demand grew. The Niagara Clipper arrived in 1988 as Buffalo’s first dinner cruise vessel. But it was Miss Buffalo II—with her iconic blue and white canopy—that captured the city’s heart and became the symbol of summer on the harbor.
For over 50 years, we’ve had a front-row seat to Buffalo’s remarkable transformation. We’ve watched grain elevators stand as monuments to industrial might. We’ve witnessed new developments breathe fresh life into the waterfront. We’ve shared countless sunsets, told thousands of stories, and helped create memories that span generations.
Through every season and every change, we’ve remained Buffalo’s waterfront experts—family-owned, locally loved, and committed to showing you the best of this incredible city from its most beautiful angle.
Welcome aboard. We’ve been waiting for you since 1971.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Yes. The gangway can accommodate most manual and electric wheelchairs. Please call for more information.
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Our dock and Ticket Office is located at 329 Erie Street at the entrance of the Erie Basin Marina in downtown Buffalo. For directions, visit our Contact Us page.
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There is no reserved or assigned seating available. It is strictly first come, first served unless previously arranged for handicapped passengers.
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Yes! Reservations is always a good idea for all cruises, especially the special events and adult cruises.
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Due to strict guideline from the Erie County Health Department and NYS Liquor authority all food and/or beverages must be purchased from Buffalo Harbor Cruises and partner All Occasions Catering. We have a fully licensed bar and a variety of light snacks available for purchase. There is a limited lunch and party menu available for public cruises with advance ordering required. Please contact us for more information.
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We take a variety of routes, depending on weather and type of cruise. All of our routes are in calm waters. Most of our cruises include the Buffalo River, the Outer Harbor, Lake Erie, the Niagara River Black Rock Canal.
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Yes! All cruises sail rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, the Captain will make a decision before cruise time. No decision is based on a weather report. We have alternate routes that we use to stay in calm waters.
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As soon as you have a date in mind, it is to your advantage to make a reservation. Our cruises are very popular and fill up quickly.
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You will receive an email confirmation with your booking ID. Boarding passes are not mailed and printing the confirmation is not necessary. Tickets can be picked up one hour before your scheduled cruise at our dockside ticket office.
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Yes! Miss Buffalo II is licensed and inspected by the Coast Guard and carries all required life-saving equipment.