Does the boat go out in bad weather?
The “Richard A. Smith” goes out rain or
shine. You will receive a call to reschedule your
trip if there are high winds, white caps cresting at the break
wall or thunderstorms. Please dress accordingly. Better to
overdress than underdress. Please be sure to wear a good pair of
slip resistant shoes.
Can an individual go alone?
You may, but we would prefer a friend,
family member or care provider join you on your excursion. If
you need personal assistance, who is better equipped than
someone who knows you personally?
Is food allowed on board?
Only for medical purposes.
Bottled water is acceptable to stay hydrated. Please do not bring soft drinks, sweets,
desserts or salty snacks (chips, popcorn, candy, pretzels etc.)
onboard. For your convenience, the Small Boat Harbor has areas
for picnics. For those who enjoy a nice restaurant, Dug’s Dive
(716-821-9600) is located at the marina. (Hours of Operation:
Monday -Thursday 11am-12am and Friday-Sunday 11am-2am.)
Is smoking allowed?
No.
Is alcohol
allowed?
No.
Can I bring my pet?
No, but “service animals” are welcome.
Please make sure your animal is tethered and obedient to your
commands. The animal must not be unruly, disruptive or a direct
threat to the health and safety of others onboard. Partners are
responsible for being aware of the animal's need to relieve
itself and act accordingly before boarding, as well as
responsible for cleaning up after the service animal and
appropriately disposing of its waste. Please have your service
animal wear a marker that identifies it as a working animal to
other passengers and staff members.
Service animals are wonderful creatures
trained to assist their partners. Therefore, passengers please
do not distract them from their job. No food, hugs or teasing.
Thank you!
What clothing and footwear is
suggested?
Please dress accordingly. Better to
overdress than underdress. Be sure to wear a good pair of slip
resistant shoes. Also, sun screen, cap or hat and sunglasses
too!
Is fishing
available?
Yes. Please inform the
office when you are scheduling your trip. A twenty-four (24)
hour notification is required if you change your mind.
Do I need my own fishing
equipment?
No. Excalibur provides the fishing and adaptive fishing
equipment for your pleasure.
Do I have to wear a life jacket?
Yes. “The best lifejacket is
the one you will wear.”
It is Excalibur policy that all our
passengers on board the “Richard A. Smith” wear their life
jackets. Should a passenger refuse, they will be returned to
port. There is no excuse not to wear a life jacket on the water.
Do I need my own life jacket?
No. Excalibur provides PDF’s for adults
and children.
How do I make
reservations?
To make reservations, call the Excalibur Office. Please
indicate whether the trip is boating or fishing,
the number of persons attending with staff and if there
will be wheelchairs.
Before you make a reservation, please be
considerate and do not schedule unless you plan to
commit. Our captains and volunteers go out of their way,
rain or shine, to make this program happen. Many of our
volunteer’s travel 30 minutes or more to get dockside, prep the
boat and prepare for your arrival. Please don’t leave them
standing at the dock because someone forgot or changed their
mind.
How do I make
reservations?
Please call our office
any time from 9 to 5, Monday thru Friday.
Why is it important to reserve the
correct number of people?
To program efficiently, we need to know the
“exact” number of guests who will be attending. Please
do not book 20 people and then show up with a group of less than
10, or reserve a spot for 12 and show up with 25. Other agencies
are effected by the numbers you give us.
What is the procedure should the need
be to cancel?
We need a 24-hour notification
for cancellations. Please call our office so that we can inform
our staff of these changes. Do not cancel the day of your
scheduled trip unless it is an emergency. (The last thing our
office wants to hear is how you got tickets for a ball game or
the fair.)
Can infants or small children go?
We have PDF’s for children that accommodate
the weight from 30 to 50 pounds.
Where is the boat located?
The “Richard A. Smith is located at the
NFTA Boat Harbor and is moored at the Wheelchair Access Dock.
Address: 1111 Fuhrmann Blvd. Buffalo, New York, 14203
Where does the boat go?
At the discretion of the Captain, the
Excalibur goes out on the Buffalo Harbor, Buffalo River, Lake
Erie, Niagara River, Black Rock Canal and the Inner Harbor.
What time should I be
there?
Please be dockside ten minutes (10) minutes before your
scheduled trip.
Is there a bathroom
onboard?
Yes, there is a head for emergency purposes. You may
want to use the public facilities in the main building for your
ease and convenience before boarding.
Is this program US Coast Guard
regulated?
Yes, this is an absolute for us.
What type of licenses do Captains
have?
Our captains are highly qualified with USCG
master licenses ranging from 25 ton to unlimited tonnage.
Can I
volunteer?
Yes,
you may! Please see our volunteer page to fill out an
online form or call our office for any question(s) that you
might have.
Can young adults satisfy their
community service hours for school requirements?
Yes. Community Service hours
are a wonderful way for students/young adults to get involved
with our Western New York residents.
What day is
Excalibur Day?
Looking for
another way to celebrate ”la vie est belle”?
May 20, is Excalibur Day in the City
of Buffalo, as proclaimed by the late Mayor James “Jimmy”
Griffin. Why not take advantage of this and schedule a trip for
someone you know, or sign up as a new volunteer?
