BT:Enchanted Full Day Niagara Falls tour from New York City

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Jenn

November 04, 2025•

Visited during the beginning of October (they don't operate year round so be sure to check the schedule). This is a must do experience if visiting the Niagara Falls state park. How else can you get so close to the majestic waterfalls? I mean there's also Cave of the Winds but that's a more intense experience. I decided to visit during late afternoon so there wasn't much of a crowd. They load the ships every 20 minutes or so as each trip takes about 20 minutes. Definitely wear waterproof clothing or clothing that easily dries if you can because from the knees down, it will get soaked and maybe the sleeves too. I put my phone into a waterproof bag to capture the ride and a good thing I did because otherwise it would've gotten drenched. Tickets can be pre-purchased online or day of. Check the hours before visiting as they change depending on the season. An elevator took me down to the bottom where I got my poncho and lined up to board the ship. Apparently these ponchos are thicker than the ones at Cave of the Winds (so the rumors say). I made sure to pull the hood on tight and secured it with the plastic strings and it definitely held up against the waterfall winds! I got a blue one when I visited but noticed the next day, they were handing out red ones (twinsies with the Canadian Hornblower). Top deck is the spot to be to get the best experience. The ship brings us by one of the falls that has a light mist blowing towards us with a gentle wind. Then as we got closer to Horseshoe Falls, boy could I feel the wind and mist blowing my poncho around. My sleeves, pants and shoes were drenched and the water was blowing so fast at me that I could barely see! It was actually so much fun to experience! How else can I get this close to the falls? Wearing sunglasses also helped to keep some of the water out of my eyes. The ship stayed there for quite a while before making a U turn to head back to land. It really felt like I was in the middle of a torrential downpour. Afterwards, take another elevator up to the observation deck to get another great view of the Niagara Falls. Honestly this was so much fun, I definitely want to try the Canadian version too next time! And maybe Cave of the Winds (on Goat Island).

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Born

October 19, 2025•

This is a fairly quick ride to the falls and back (about 20 mins). When you are close to the falls in the boat, you really don’t get great views because there is so much spray and/or it’s like being in a cloud. It’s fun if you want to get wet. Stay at the front on the bottom on the way out to get the most wet. Go to the back at the top to get the best views when heading back. Honestly We enjoyed the views from the Canadian side and above on the America side much better than from the boat but it was fun. It’s efficiently run. These lithium powered electric boats are new. There are only a few seats on the boat, but it’s so quick you don’t really need them unless you can’t stand 20 mins. The boat is remarkably stable even though there is so much water turbulence from the falls. I never felt unsteady. They provide you nice quality disposable ponchos. It cost $30 per person . There are many companies who sell you tours that include this but you can buy a ticket for just the boat .

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George

September 30, 2025•

What an amazing experience riding the Maid of the Mist! I was not sure what to expect but was absolutely loving it! Seeing the falls up close is really stunning. It will get a little crazy between the wind and water so prepare for it! Overall was a really fun and surreal experience! Would do again!

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Ed

September 11, 2025•

Absolutely great experience getting up close to the falls, but you will get wet. A complementary poncho is provided (which is greatly appreciated), but your legs and shoes/feet will get soaked. Great view of the American Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls of Canada. Great staff that is a well run operation, with efficient load and unload procedures.

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Chris

August 17, 2025•

The Maid of the Mist tour was the highlight of our Niagara Falls visit. My wife, our 6-year-old daughter, and I had been looking forward to it, and it lived up to the hype. The boat ride gets you as close as possible to the Falls, and the experience is hard to put into words—powerful, exciting, and unforgettable. Boarding was well organized, and even though the line was long, it moved quickly. Each passenger gets a poncho, which definitely helps, but you should expect to get wet—that’s part of the fun. We rode in the late afternoon, which turned out to be a great time. The light on the Falls was incredible, and the crowds felt manageable. Once the boat approaches Horseshoe Falls, the sound of the rushing water and the mist completely surrounding you make for an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime moment. Our daughter loved it and was laughing the whole time despite being soaked. The ride itself is only about 20 minutes, but it feels just right—not rushed, not too long. For the price, the experience is absolutely worth it. If you’re visiting Niagara Falls, the Maid of the Mist is the one attraction you can’t miss.