Departs Daily!

GROUP SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

CRUISE THE HISTORIC ERIE CANAL WITH YOUR GROUP!

A group is considered, at minimum, 25 paid adult passengers for our daily cruises. One complimentary ticket will be given when the minimum is met. Group pricing is $25.00 per passenger.

A NON-REFUNDABLE $250.00 deposit is required when booking a daily sight seeing cruise
15 calendar days before your event, an e-mail invoice will be sent stating the amount that is owed in 5 days. You will owe for whatever passenger count you have booked for.
10 calendar days before your event, full payment must be made. It is imperative that you call (315) 941-7585 to update any change in your headcount immediately, to guarantee availability on board.

If you would like to add more passengers to your reservation, please call immediately, (315) 941-7585 to update your passenger total, which is subject to availability.

If the number of passengers in your group goes below 25 for the daily cruise, you will not qualify for group pricing. Please call us immediately at (315) 941-7585 to give us an updated count so we can accommodate other passengers. The new price will be $29.00 per person and no complimentary ticket will be given. Full payment must be made at that time.

TOUR DEPARTURE TIMES

Please see daily calendar for cruise times or call (315) 941-7585 for schedule information.
• Cruises depart 7 days a week during our operating season
• 2026 operating season is from May 22 – October 12
• Cruises depart at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (10:30am departures may be available, call 315-941-7585)

Arrival Times
* Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure at:
Gems Along the Mohawk, 800 Mohawk Street, Herkimer, NY 13350

Group leaders will be greeted by Erie Canal Cruises staff for cruise details prior to boarding.

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

We are located directly across the street from I-90 - Exit 30 of the NYS Thruway.
GPS Address: 800 Mohawk St, Herkimer, NY 13350

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.
How it was constructed, how it opened our western lands and helped to create the America we know today.
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 of 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 enjoyment for your group!

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) 941-7585 for specific concerns.

Erie Canal Cruises, Inc. reserves the right to cancel any cruise, change schedules or routes and substitute vessels at any time without prior notice. All lock cruises are subject to lock availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Group Sales must be completed in advance of your arrival.
To be sure you are able to purchase tickets for the cruise date & time you prefer, we suggest you purchase tickets early.

Does Lil’ Diamond II 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 food or drinks served during the cruises?

Outside food and/or drinks are not permitted onboard!
On Lil’ Diamond ll (LD2), we have soda, water, and bagged snacks available for cash purchase.
If you are looking for a full menu options for your group, we have a great restaurant on-site called the Waterfront Grille. Arrangements can be made directly by calling 315-717-0700 and speaking with Rocky. He’s best reached weekdays, 2:30 -4:30pm.

Is it customary to tip the crew?

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

Smoking Policy?

Smoking is not permitted on the docks or aboard our vessel.
We are a Smoke-Free, Tobacco Free, Vapor and E-Cig Free Zone!

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?

Absolutely, our vessel 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.