The marina is primarily for residential usage,[2]: 353  containing a large array of boat docks, gardens, and a public observatory overlooking the city and waterfront.

Erie Basin Marina sits immediately south of the Black Rock Canal and the north of Buffalo's Inner Harbor and Naval Park area, where it is joined by a promenade walkway.

[2]: xiv  It is protected by a long breakwall constructed and maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

[9] When viewed from above, Erie Basin Marina has the shape of a buffalo, an intentional design feature paying homage to the city's metonym.

[10] $1 million was spent in 2010 on the reconstruction of the marina seawall, an extension of the boardwalk, and a concrete pier besides the observation tower.