Reviews of Maid of the Mist Boat Tour (Tourist Attraction)

Paul Rox

Words cannot possibly do justice to the experience of being that close to Niagara Falls and seeing it live for the first time. It is worth every penny of the $25/person. One can only imagine what their annual poncho budget is.

Marcial Maneiro

After living all my life in upstate New York, finally got a chance to witness Niagara Falls on the maid of the midst. The wait time was a bit lengthy but that was to be expected. We were all given ponchos for the ride. It was beautiful and I would go again. The surrounding shops were nice as well where I went to an ice cream parlour.

Amith Kumar Raul

Absolutely breathtaking location!! You have to visit at least once in your lifetime. You are so close to the heights of the waterfall and we had a special day to see the rainbow. Boat tour: Be prepared Large crowd gathering for the tickets queue on weekends Waiting time will be few hours. Good part every 15 -20 minute we have boat service. So would recommended to start early, if your traveling with toddler and want to carry the stroller that will be fine. They have elevators for everything. And if you want to be on top floor of the boat then you can keep the stroller on the lower floor. Enjoy the beautiful creation and you get a glimpse in evening with beautiful lights.

Lucy Laughlin

Great Tour. Boat Ride only about 15 minutes long. Beautiful up close view of the Falls. You get wet. Also a few stairs you can climb, after the boat ride is over

Arun Sabale

Do not miss this if u are visiting niagara fall, the view of the fall is awesome from the boat and they will take you till bottom of the fall. After boat tour you can go to near to fall by staircase in case you interested or else go to top view deck by elevator and the top view is also awesome. Parking is bit a problem but you can check below my experience that may help you. Timing - 9 to 7:30 ????- 25 for adults and 15 for kids, below 5 years are free. Parking- main visitor parking lot 1 near Niagara, 10$ for parking . Most of the time parking will be full so you can check nearby paid parking options. We went on Monday at 11 am but still parking was full so we went to the welcome center parking (which is smaller then parking lot1) but that was also full so we started going between welcome center parking and parking lot 1 and luckily in second round we saw they remover parking full sign so we went in parking lot 1. So if you dont get parking then dont get panicked, just wait and you will get it in some time.

Tito Owen

My wife and I came to Niagara Falls for our 3rd anniversary. We looked up things to do and Maid of the Mist was at the top of many lists. The experience was SO worth it. You take a short trip down an elevator from the observation tower to the ferries down below. The ferries are now all electric which is super cool. The ride itself lasts around 20 minutes and puts you right underneath the Horseshoe Falls before turning back around. Such a thrilling experience! Right after exiting the boat you can take a walk up the stairs to the crows nest which puts you almost as close to the falls as the Cave of the Winds experience. Definitely a must see for all who visit here!

EMARS77

Very cool experience into the throat of the falls! Definitely plan on getting wet, the poncho isn't gonna do much for you. I would recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time to avoid the ticket line. Plenty of room on board with boats going out on a frequent rotation so the line moves quickly. Lots of fun!

Forrealjeff

I just want to say, this was WILD. You can see, hear, and feel the power of the falls. The boat just keeps getting closer.. the wind gets chaotic. I got drenched. As long as you put everything under your poncho (which are huge), you should stay fairly dry though. But my face, hair, and shoes were soaked. The wind was powerful. Insanely fun and exhilarating.

Lauryn Conti

For some reason I imagined this was a tame ride into the Mist. It is way more exciting than that! If you can, get a spot on the front of the boat. When we pulled into the horseshoe and stopped, we got to watch the water churn and feel the boat rock. It was great!

Jenny Schultz

This is something everyone visiting Niagra Falls should do! Very well organized attraction. The views are amazing and it is almost surreal to find yourself at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. After the boat ride, be sure to take the stairs and walk beside the American Falls. And spend some time on the observation deck taking in the beautiful view.

sugandha agarwal

Travelled in July 2021. Boarded the boat and we were on the lower deck. Asked them multiple times to go upstairs to the upper deck but our request was turned down:-( we paid the same price as the folks on the upper deck so they could have a type of system wherein everyone gets a turn on the upper deck. The beauty of seeing the falls up close was great and thrilling though! Ponchos were given (blue) ones, better to wear water shoes or flip flops to avoid shoes getting soaked.

Ice Dragon8

Hands down one of the 2 best things you can do at Niagara falls. The waterfall mist is refreshing, and the boat ride takes you super close to the main part of the waterfall for a truly breathtaking experience. They give you disposable ponchos, and you can experience the waterfalls on either top or bottom deck of the eco friendly natural gas powered boats. So be prepared to get wet, and have fun over and over again!

Sugar Laing

Wow is all I can say. Absolutely worth the $25 to do the boat tour. They take you right into the middle of the horseshoe falls. You find yourself surrounded by the waterfall. The observation deck is included and so is the rain bags. You can keep the bags too. They have kids sized ones available. And little kids are free. Especially since the border is closed it is the best way to see the falls in the US. I highly recommend and will for everyone that comes to visit the Niagara Falls.

Sunny

It is worth of going if you are near but walking near fall is extremely limited during winter hours. Definitely better to go to Canadian side if you can cross the bridge and explore views of Canadian horseshoe fall.

Avinash Prithvi Raj Kakinada

Awesome experience, no words to describe! You shouldn’t miss this one at any cost! They have new Electric Boats that charge in 7 mins to 80% at 400A electric ⚡️ seems outrageously interesting to see it working that good.

Cheryl M.

This is the only way for you to really see the falls, head on! This was the best $50 I've ever spent. It was my husband and I plus our 14 month old daughter. Adults are $25.50 and children (6-17) are $14.75, and kids 5 and under are free with accompanying an adult. You get a poncho but I suggest you wait until your on the boat before you put it on. I was amazed at how many people had them on and were waiting for the boat, it must have been hot! It was a FUN boat ride, it only lasts about 15 minutes but is so much fun! It is a MUST if you're coming to Niagara Falls!!

Altinay Cortes

So much fun!!! You will get wet on this boat ride because you get very close to the Falls. Hold on to the rails because it can get a bit bumpy. Fantastic photo opportunities and overall good time. Well worth the wait in line. I want to go back to see the Falls at night

Brittney Gibson

Have been to Niagara Falls several times and have not went on The Maid of the Mist until now. It was always a bucket list item. Definitely worth every penny. 3 adults and 3 kids over 6 and 1 kid under 6. It cost $120. All the kids enjoyed and we got really really soaked which was great lol.

Nikeeta FoxFive

Awesome experience ???? you ride an elevator down to boarding. the trip is roughly 20 minutes. The line can get long and hot I recommend going early. Ticket for adult 25. You can also walk up some side steps that you could tour after or the observation deck.. Them walk down old falls road for snacks.

Jennifer Shaffor

Can't say enough good about this trip. First, you WILL get wet. Don't bother fixing your hair. The wait can be very long but it's worth it. The views are just beautiful no matter what side of the boat you are on.

Sandy Sandmeyer

An awe inspiring trip. Highly recommended. This is a DO NOT MISS for any visit to the nearby area. The staff is friendly and professional. You will get slightly damp but your given a raincoat to protect yourself. I would do this activity again in a heartbeat.

Tiff LovesButterflies

You can't visit the Niagara Falls and NOT take this boat ride!! It was SO fun!! Be prepared to get wet, righteously. Not soaked...but wet for sure! I'd even take it a step further to say, use open sandals! Our sneakers were almost soaked. Also, if you have no kids with you and can tolerate the openness of a boat, get to the top! You won't regret it. Kids, not stable, suffer from dizziness, handicap, or scary...stay on the lower level. Still enjoyable but you'll feel safer and have a better grip. It was amazing!! We paid for our tickets, there. Included the observation tower (that's also a must see for great photo ops), good quality ponchos with their name on it, and the boat ride. It's unforgettable. A must do!!

Steve Lucas (Colorado Steve)

This was the most exhilarating event I have ever done! Being right in the falls horseshoe with the water drenching me was amazing!!! Do NOT miss doing this trip if you come to Niagara Falls.

Stuart Krantz

This was a 15 minute boat ride that seemed much longer as we passed through Canada to surf into the middle of their Horseshoe Falls. We boated by the American Falls. We loved it but be careful as the spray flew EVERY WHERE. My things stayed dry as I wore my pack high but Wendy’s Passport got wet when her purse hung down from her arm. Worth the trip to feel the POWER of the FALLS!!

Beccy K

This was a fantastic experience! Be prepared to get very wet! Although rain ponchos are provided, the water from the Falls sprays into the boat from all angles. We were free to walk around within the boat as we traveled the Falls areas.The views are gorgeous and only fully appreciated from the level of the boat. There is also a very nice observation area to see the Falls from above. You simply must do this when at Niagara Falls! TIP: Keep your poncho when you get off the boat! There is a place as you exit where you can climb on the Falls. Don’t miss it!

Olena Haviuk-Sheremet

Amazing adventure. Be ready to get wet even though you will be given a raincoat. The trip on the boat is short but extremely adventurous. I suggest wearing flip flops because your feet will be all wet. Overall, strongly recommend this tour, you are not going to regret it.

Marie Lourdes Buitrago

What an amazing experience. It felt like been in a movie. Beautiful view of the falls. Even though I had to wait for at least two hours, but it was all worth it. I have to mention how workers and manager were sonhelpful when I requested help for a couple that the husband was not feeling good because of cancer. They were son helpful and kind.

Ryan Haworth (Ryan Does Everything)

Best part of the Niagara Falls experience! You feel the spray of the waterfalls and get to see all three falls at once. The best spot on the boat to get soaked is front right on the lower deck. If you still have dry clothes, go up the stairs along Bridal Veil Falls. Don't forget your selfie at the top of the observation deck.

Toni Garner

Very nice. Kinda short it's 25 dollars and the total boat ride is like 20 mins. But the view is fantastic. The boat has a speaker that I guess tells you facts but you honestly can't hear them. The water is loud over the falls.

Jaime Sahadeo

Perfect Niagara Falls experience. Super easy to purchase tickets online for use anytime during the season. Organized, efficient and quick-moving lines.

Meg D'Agostino

I know it's popular and kitschy but man it does not disappoint. Don't rush to the top deck. Bottom deck right in front of the captain. Perfection.. truly a site and even though super tangible, feels like a once in a lifetime experience. Just do it.. deal with the lines and crowds. When we were on the boat and heading toward them, it felt like just me and the falls. Plus the lines go quick. Order tickets ahead of time and try to go during the week

Tim Benson

So as anyone should be well aware, you will get wet. It is possible to stay dry to some degree on the bottom deck but the spray is pretty powerful. You really want to be up on the top deck for the view. You cannot explain what it is like and do it justice but you will not be disappointed. These views cannot be seen from any other way. The new all electric boat makes very little sound, really only some vibration, so you can hear more naturally what the falls sound like. They recharge the boat in 7 minutes while unloading/reloading passengers. Once we were right up under Horseshoe Falls I was unable to get much in the way of pictures because the deluge was just too much, it was awesome

M. D. Wadia

A great experience for sure with friends and families alike. The thrill and adventure of going close to the falls is a awesome. Doesn't matter if it's your first or multiple times being on it, each time is a unique experience in itself. Highly recommended if your on either side of the falls (US or Canadian).

Brian Adler

Simply amazing, We got there early to avoid the lines. I can not stress this enough. But still worth any wait. The ride into horseshoe falls in beyond amazing. While you will get wet and it a bit intimating. It is completely safe. Also take the time to hike the steps... It's another way to get up and close to American Falls.

MUHAMMAD Suleman

Amazing adventure with cruise. Although timing is too short and they only go halfway in the lake but still nice experience. With little more speed they can go farther to make more views for cruise riders.

Dalene Hammond

Get there a little before they open to avoid a 2 hour wait in line. I bought my tickets online. If you buy your tickets online, you still have to wait in the ticket line to get a paper copy of the ticket. My advise, is to buy the tickets at the gate. Incase you can't make it that day and cannot use your tickets another time. The boat ride was fantastic. Definitely and experience of a lifetime. I will do this again????

Imran Hanif

A must do when you in town to see Niagara Fall. Very safe and organized. Views of falls are unbeatable. Poncho saved us from getting wet

Kelly Barto

Absolutely fantastic! You definitely will get wet! Well worth the money and very beautiful! And you get the cool rain poncho to keep lol Would go numerous times! Not all gift shops or stores were open when we went. And couldn't cross over to Canadian side during our trip.

M Harrington

It was wild and a must do kind of thing. The tickets were reasonable and the boat leaves every half hour. They give you the poncho while waiting in line. It was busy on the day we went but worth it. We did he boat ride and then took in the view from the observation deck. As for the boat ride, the top level will be a drenching experience. The lower level is better for photography as your equipment is somewhat protected. Enjoy it is just awesome!

monsteradi4

This place would’ve gotten 5 stars had they not been extremely unprofessional during the 2021 Memorial Day weekend. I had booked tickets in advance prior to getting to the park; however the staff people started to turn almost everyone down. Their reasoning was because of park guidelines pertaining to COVID and the crowd, but I think it would’ve been more prudent for the company to have at least send the ticket holders an email or closed down bookings for the day. The people in charge lacked empathy and kept saying to come back either “a few hours later” or “come back tomorrow and hopefully it’ll be better”. It’s common sense that a majority of the ticket holders are tourists who don’t have all day to wait around or pay another visit to the park. I went 3 years ago during Labor Day and the experience on the boat was phenomenal. It’s a shame how their services have deteriorated.

Josh Schulmire

One of the coolest experiences of a unique nature I've been on. Being able to get that close to raw natural power was amazing. As I yet out a holler, another visitor did the same, next thing you know, we had most of the top deck letting our pure shouts of joy and fun! Worth every penny, definite memory builder!

Lynnette Hooks

This was an awesome experience and you will have a Tour-iffic time of you book with Viator tours. This coupled with the Cave of the winds made an excellent tour allot for a 4-5 hour day. They provide complimentary ponchos on both and sandals. An added bonus was having Brian as our tour guide!!!

Deb O

If you visit Niagra Falls this is a must. If there are long lines, it's worth the wait. Most people head to the top of the boat, but the views at the bottom are just as good. The bottom is also less packed. This enables you to move from side to side as the boat turns to get the best views. I always head for the back and get great shots. You also get wet with the ponchos! Great for the whole family!

Leslie Bueno

This tour is definitely worth the trip. I recommend getting there as soon as they open at 9am. We were there at 8:30am and there were already quite a few people there waiting to buy tickets. They give you a poncho that says Maid of the mist on it so it's a cute souvenir to keep. The boat ride is smooth and quiet with the new Tesla boats. My dad was on crutches and was still able to go to the top deck for the better views. Be prepared to get very wet but in awe of the beauty.

Lad Bell

Well worth the price of admission. Don’t be discouraged of the long wait. It’s worth it. Complimentary rain ponchos are provided in various sizes. I would recommend either sandals, slides or flip flops. Great wet view of the falls. Very nice and friendly crew. This tour has been operating since 1846. It’s the oldest boat tour in the world. Brand new all electric boat that holds quite a bit of passengers. Great experience!

Marilyn Yeo

So much fun! Even though we had ponchos on, we didn't expect to be drenched by the power of Niagara falls! It was such a joy to watch everyone's reaction. If you buy your tickets in advance, the process from start to end was seamless. We didn't have to wait that long until we got into a boat.

Jay

???????? 100% BUCKET LIST! The top deck in the back is the best for the perfect selfies and photos. For summer visits, I’d suggest you wait to put on the free poncho provided until immediately prior to boarding ( its hot under there!) and after the visit there’s a place to dump your poncho in a recycling bin, HANG ON TO IT! …. and walk up about 100 feet to the Crows Nest for amazing closeness to the falls for great photos, you can dump your poncho after you leave the crows nest…it’s really WET & totally WORTH IT!!

kaylee

Such an exciting time.. Definitely worth the 25 bucks. You can even keep the ponchos as a souvenir!! As you get closer and closer to the falls, you get wetter and wetter, and it gets suuuper windy. The close up view is amazing, my favorite was horseshoe falls because you get the wettest there!! Don’t miss this on your Niagara trip!!

Oceanie De Silva

Anyone whose visiting Niagara Falls must take this Boat ride!! This is the best part of it all!! Everyone says the Canada side is better but honestly if you take this boat ride your tour has been made the best as the experience you get by going near the falls is unbelievable and extraordinary!! It was my Birthday visit and I had the best time ever!!! A definite must try!

William Denslow

Soo cool! This is the best way to see the falls up close and to actually experience their power! You WILL get wet....but that's part of the experience The! The boat ride last for approximately 20 minutes and parks right at the base of the falls for about 5 minutes of the time. It also takes you past the American falls both directions. You also get a complementary poncho to keep you from being completely drenched..bonus!

Sue Saxton

We had a spectacular time seeing the falls up close and personal. Be prepared to get wet, and it's well worth it!! I put my camera/phone in a sealed plastic see-through bag, so I could take some photos and videos.

Mark Leverone

Very cool thrill. Super glad that we chose to do it early afternoon on a weekday (only a 15 min line for tickets and zero line for getting on boat). Found out very quickly why they give everyone a free poncho - you get drenched! Sandals or water shoes recommended.

MK

Take a boat ride on the Maid of Mist to experience Niagara Falls at its best. The view of the falls from the boat is incredible.

Julie Ramirez

This is the perfect way to experience the falls. The trip lasts 20 minutes. You will get wet but the provided poncho helps. We wore Crocs and socks and then went to our hotel to change quick before continuing on with our day. The power, sound, mist, and majesty of the falls is incredible from the perspective.

mahnoor t

It is once in a lifetime kinda experience. We waited in line for about 1.5hrs - 2hrs even with online tickets but it was worth it at the end. Seeing rainbow with Niagara Falls behind, right in front of your face is mesmerizing. The most beautiful little journey. It gets so close to the falls that you feel little scared for a minute but it’s so breathtakingly stunning. The boat have a few seats but mostly you’ve to stand. They also provide covering for you and for your baby stroller if you have one. Other than the wait part everything else is just perfect.

Wendy Ray

Sooooo totally worth it! It was exciting, beautiful, and you are so close to the raging water it vibrates your chest! Highly recommend! Wear sandals, also put your phone in a sandwich bag for pics! Mine got soaked! Lol!

Katja Jalonen

This was an exhilarating experience that both my husband and I will remember forever. What fun! Prepare to get wet even with the wondeful disposable rain covers they give you but it just adds to the experience. To not only see these beautiful falls but to feel their power as well was incredible.

Sam Park

Had an amazing time. Got quickly through the line at the end of the day. Waited about 15 minutes until the boat returned so we could board. Seeing the falls from below was incredible. When you go in close to the horseshoe falls it feels like being in a massive storm. Water coming at you sideways and the boat rocking. It seems really rough, but not so much you can't easily stay standing by holding on to the railing. Our kids thought it was great, even the four year old. Can't recommend it enough.

Muhammad Khalifa

Worth doing once to experience the full might of the falls up close! Virtually impossible to get pictures once you're in the "horseshoe" unless you have waterproof equipment so plan ahead if that's of interest.

Marsha Lance

An experience to do at least once. Yes, you will get wet. If you stand on the lower deck at the front you get a good view and can come out almost dry.