Business Details
18 Years
experience
Buffalo Boat Tours on the Spirit of Buffalo
Spirit of Buffalo, established in 2008, is a family-owned and operated sailing adventure company based in Buffalo, New York. Our flagship vessel, the Spirit of Buffalo, is a 73-foot topsail schooner that offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern maritime experiences. With decades of sailing experience, founders Ric and Kathy Hilliman have transformed their lifelong passion for the water into a business that connects guests with Lake Erie's beauty and heritage. The schooner, originally built by Rover Marine Lines, has sailed the East Coast before finding its permanent home in Buffalo Harbor. Our crew specializes in creating memorable journeys through day sails, evening cruises, educational programs, and private events.We prioritize hands-on engagement, whether guests choose to assist with the sails or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. From children's pirate adventures to corporate charters, our services cater to diverse groups seeking authentic nautical experiences. The vessel's distinctive red sails and rich history make it a recognizable symbol of Buffalo's waterfront attractions. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in partnerships with local businesses like Pearl Street Grill & Brewery for dining packages. Through continuous operation since 2009, we've become a trusted provider of maritime tourism in Western New York.
Services
Day Sails
Evening Sails
Private Charters
Wedding Ceremonies
Children's Pirate Adventures
Nautical Science Cruises
Field Trips
Specialty Cocktail Cruises
Craft Brew Sails
Wine Tasting Tours
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 2008 with deep maritime expertise
- Operates Buffalo Harbor's only square-rigged schooner
- Offers educational programs aligned with school curricula
- Provides customizable private charters for all occasions
- Maintains strong partnerships with local businesses
Services
Day Sails
Experience Lake Erie's beauty during daylight hours aboard our historic schooner. Guests can actively participate in sailing operations or relax while enjoying panoramic views of Buffalo's skyline. The two-hour excursions provide opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and learning about local maritime history through crew narration.
Private Charters
Customize your special occasion aboard the Spirit of Buffalo. Available for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations, our charters include professional crew, customizable itineraries, and optional catering packages. The 73-foot vessel accommodates groups for two-hour minimum bookings with extended sailing options available.
Children's Pirate Adventures
Engage children in interactive pirate-themed experiences featuring treasure hunts, storytelling, and nautical games. These educational yet entertaining trips introduce maritime history through hands-on activities while ensuring safety and age-appropriate engagement with the crew.
Nautical Science Cruises
Combine STEM learning with practical sailing experience through curriculum-aligned field trips. Students participate in sail handling, navigation basics, and buoyancy experiments while exploring Buffalo Harbor's ecological and historical significance with onboard educators.
Specialty Cocktail Cruises
Enjoy curated tasting experiences featuring local distillers' premium spirits paired with gourmet charcuterie. These themed evening cruises offer premium beverage sampling while admiring Buffalo's illuminated waterfront, combining sophisticated service with the schooner's historic ambiance.
People
Ric Hilliman
Captain
With decades of sailing experience, Ric Hilliman is the licensed captain of Spirit of Buffalo. He began sailing as a teenager and has operated various vessels including the Miss Buffalo and Lockport Canal Boats. His maritime expertise includes winter sailing aboard schooners in the western Caribbean.
Kathy Hilliman
First Mate
Kathy Hilliman serves as First Mate and co-founder of Spirit of Buffalo. She brings extensive sailing experience from operating schooners in Key West and maintaining a 32-foot sloop in the Small Boat Harbor. Her hands-on approach ensures operational excellence during every voyage.
Questions
What types of cruises are available aboard Spirit of Buffalo?
We offer day sails, evening sails, children's pirate adventures, nautical science cruises, wine tastings, craft brew sails, specialty cocktail cruises, and private charters.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
No outside beverages or large coolers are permitted. We have a liquor license and provide all alcoholic beverages for safety compliance.
What special event options exist for private charters?
We host weddings, corporate events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, retirement celebrations, and family reunions with customizable catering and bar packages.
Are educational programs available for school groups?
Yes, we offer field trips and nautical science cruises with hands-on activities covering navigation, buoyancy, and Buffalo Harbor history.
How do I make dinner reservations with sailing packages?
Call Pearl Street Grill & Brewery at (716) 856-2337 to coordinate dining reservations before or after your scheduled cruise.
What is the cancellation policy for charters?
Deposits are non-refundable. Full payment is required 30 days prior to event date, with final payments made via accepted payment methods.
