Business Details
24 Years
experience
Erie Canal Sightseeing Cruises in Herkimer
Erie Canal Cruises was founded in 2002 by Kim and Jerry Gertz, who transitioned from operating a Florida tour boat business to creating a unique historical experience in Herkimer, New York. Our mission is to educate passengers about the Erie Canal's profound impact on American history while offering scenic waterway tours through Lock 18. With over two decades of operation, we combine expertise in maritime tourism with a deep commitment to preserving regional heritage. Our United States Coast Guard Certified vessel, Lil Diamond II, provides safe, comfortable journeys for guests of all ages. We emphasize interactive learning through live narration and costumed reenactors during special events.Located at Gems Along the Mohawk, we serve as both a tourism destination and educational resource for school field trips. Our team maintains strong partnerships with preservation organizations like the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Every cruise includes access to historical lock operations and breathtaking Mohawk Valley landscapes. We prioritize customer satisfaction through consistent service quality and transparent operational policies. Our seasonal schedule accommodates both spontaneous visitors and groups requiring advance reservations.
Services
Sightseeing Cruises
Group Tours
School Field Trips
Bicentennial Cruises
Gift Cards
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of maritime tourism experience with specialized historical knowledge
- Our Coast Guard-certified vessel ensures maximum safety standards
- Live narration combines entertainment with educational value
- Family-friendly pricing includes free admission for children under 4
- Official Mohawk Valley Visitor Center location provides convenient access
Associations and certifications
- United States Coast Guard Certified
What people say
Wonderful personality
Very informative
Exciting locks
Great service
Peaceful scenery
Services
Sightseeing Cruises
Daily Erie Canal excursions from May through October explore Lock 18's engineering marvels. Our 1.5-hour tours combine historical narration with scenic river views, accommodating up to 100 passengers. The smooth waterway journey suits all ages, featuring onboard restrooms and snack service.
Group Tours
Customized experiences for groups of 25+ include special event cruises and themed celebrations. We accommodate corporate outings, family reunions, and historical reenactments with advance reservations. Group rates and exclusive vessel charters available upon request.
School Field Trips
Curriculum-aligned canal history programs serve K-12 students with interactive learning experiences. Our tours meet New York State social studies standards through hands-on lock demonstrations and historical context. Special pricing and scheduling options available for school groups.
Bicentennial Cruises
Limited-time bicentennial celebrations feature costumed reenactors and historical reenactments. These special cruises commemorate the Erie Canal's 200th anniversary with enhanced narration and commemorative programming during October events.
Gift Cards
Flexible gift options start at $25 with online redemption for any cruise ticket. Digital certificates provide instant delivery for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. Gift card balances apply toward current season's ticket prices.
People
Kim Gertz
Co-Founder
With prior experience operating Florida tour boats, Kim Gertz co-founded Erie Canal Cruises in 2002. She oversees daily operations and educational programming, sharing her passion for canal history with thousands of annual visitors.
Jerry Gertz
Co-Founder
Jerry Gertz transitioned from maritime tourism to establish Erie Canal Cruises with his wife Kim. He manages vessel operations and maintenance, ensuring safety compliance while preserving the historical integrity of canal navigation.
Questions
What does the cruise include?
Our 1.5-hour tours feature Lock 18 passage, historical narration, and Mohawk Valley scenery. Onboard amenities include restrooms, snacks, and live commentary about canal history.
Are tickets refundable?
Cruise tickets are non-refundable but may be rescheduled based on availability. We reserve the right to cancel due to safety concerns with advance notice when possible.
Can I bring food onboard?
Outside food and drinks aren't permitted. We offer snacks and beverages for cash purchase. Nearby Waterfront Grille provides full meal options before or after cruises.
Is the boat accessible?
Our vessel accommodates mobility devices with advance notice. The smooth waterway journey suits most accessibility needs, including pregnancy and motion sensitivity.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in. Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior at Gems Along the Mohawk visitor center location across from I-90 Exit 30.
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