
The New York Harbor is a 25-mile stretch of water that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Hudson River, making it a perfect spot for a waterway tour.
You can choose from a variety of tour options, including daytime and sunset cruises, to experience the city from a unique perspective.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are two of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, and taking a waterway tour is a great way to see them up close.
These tours typically last around 1-2 hours, giving you just enough time to take in the sights and sounds of the city without feeling rushed.
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Tour Options
You can take a guided tour of New York Harbor on a boat that's been around since the 1990s. The fleet of boats used for tours has been upgraded over the years to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
The most popular tour option is the 1-hour Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour, which takes you to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. These iconic landmarks are a must-see, and the tour gives you a chance to take in their grandeur up close.

You can also take a 2-hour tour of the harbor, which includes a visit to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge. This tour gives you a good overview of the city's waterfront and its history.
If you're short on time, you can take a 30-minute tour of the harbor, which focuses on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This tour is a great option if you want to see the sights without committing to a full day.
The tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. This is great news for international visitors who may not speak English fluently.
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Tour Types
New York Waterway Tours offer a variety of tour types to suit different interests and preferences.
The most popular tour type is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour, which takes you to these iconic landmarks by ferry.
You can also choose from a range of harbor cruises, including a sunset cruise that offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Some tours focus on specific aspects of New York City's history, such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum tour, which provides a poignant and educational experience.
Others offer a more leisurely pace, like the Hudson River Greenway tour, which allows you to take in the sights and sounds of the city's waterfront.
NYC Sightseeing Cruises
NYC Sightseeing Cruises offer a unique perspective on the city's iconic landmarks. You can take a tour with Classic Harbor Line, which features classically designed yachts and a 5-star rating.
A fully narrated tour around Manhattan is available with the AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture tour. This tour makes you feel at home with comfortable seating and exceptional NYC hospitality.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are must-see sights on a NYC sightseeing cruise. You can even climb the 162 stairs to Lady Liberty's peak for an extra-special experience.
NYC sightseeing cruises offer a range of package options, including access to the Statue of Liberty's Pedestal or Crown. Be prepared to book ahead of time if you want to visit the Crown, as reservations are required.
Taking a boat tour of NYC can be a memorable experience, especially with a glass of champagne in hand. You'll learn the hidden secrets and wonders of New York City on a 5-star rated NYC boat tour.
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Aiany New York Manhattan Architecture Tour
The AIA New York Around Manhattan Architecture Boat Tour is a fantastic way to explore the city's iconic architecture and engineering marvels. This tour is in collaboration with the AIANY (American Institute of Architects New York).
You'll embark on a fully narrated boat tour that covers the story of NYC's development, providing a broad overview for visitors and deeper insights for locals. The tour takes place on elegant motor yachts with teak decks, offering a comfortable and scenic way to see the sights.
During the tour, you'll catch a glimpse of new and alluring sites, including Little Island at Pier 55 and the Hudson Yards "mega-project". You'll also see the continuing ascent of "supertall" luxury residential towers.
The tour includes a discussion of how cities might adapt in the post-Covid era, making it a thought-provoking experience. The AIANY Architecture Boat Tour makes a great gift, and you can purchase a CHL gift card to give to a friend or loved one.
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Tour Information
NYC sightseeing cruises are a top thing to do in the city, and a Classic Harbor Line cruise is one of the best options. You'll get a glass of champagne and a 5-star rated tour of iconic sites.
A Manhattan boat tour with Classic Harbor Line is a fully narrated tour around Manhattan that feels like being at home with comfortable seating and exceptional NYC hospitality. You'll get an up-close view of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island.
The tour takes you to Governors Island, past One World Trade Center, and shows you other NYC skyline landmarks like the Empire State Building and Hudson Yards from the water.
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Statue Cruises
Statue Cruises is the official operator for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours, working in conjunction with the National Park Service.
Trips depart from Battery Park behind Castle Clinton.
The official operator offers package options that include access to the Statue of Liberty’s Pedestal or Crown, requiring a climb of 162 stairs to reach the peak.
The Crown option is so popular that advance reservations are required, so be prepared to book ahead of time.
Expectations for Ferry Tour

If you're looking for a ferry tour that's suitable for families, the NY Waterway Ferry Tour is a great option. A tour guide onboard shares stories and landmarks that make the Hudson River more than just a body of water.
The tour offers a nice mix of scenic beauty and historical context. This makes it an enjoyable experience for both kids and adults.
You can expect to learn about the Hudson River's significance and see its scenic beauty firsthand.
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Tour Highlights Explained
The NY Waterway Ferry Tour is a 4-hour journey that departs at 10 a.m. from Manhattan or Port Imperial.
You can expect to see Manhattan and the Bronx pass by as the ferry heads north up the river to the palisades and into New York state.
The tour guide shares stories and landmarks that make the Hudson River more than just a body of water, providing historical context to the scenic beauty.
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You'll pass by iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline on an NYC sightseeing cruise with Classic Harbor Line.
The ferry passes by the George Washington Bridge and into New York state, where you can see the palisades and the forests along the top and in front of the rock face.
A glass of champagne in hand, you'll enjoy the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge from the decks of the classic yachts.
The tour guide points out landmarks and narrates events like Hamilton's duel, Benedict Arnold’s betrayal, and Washington crossing the Hudson.
You'll get an up-close view of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, and see the Empire State Building and Hudson Yards from the water on an NYC sightseeing cruise.
The tour is a great way to learn the hidden secrets and wonders of New York City, and is sure to give you a memory that will last forever.
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Tour Details

New York Waterway Tours offers a variety of cruise options to suit different interests and time constraints.
Our most popular cruise is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Cruise, which lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
You can choose from morning, afternoon, or evening departures to fit your schedule.
The cruise takes you to Liberty Island to see the iconic Statue of Liberty up close, as well as to Ellis Island, where you can learn about the history of immigration in the United States.
A 90-minute cruise is also available, focusing on the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
This shorter cruise still offers stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks.
The cruise departs from two convenient locations: Weehawken, New Jersey, and Battery Park in Manhattan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most scenic ferry ride in New York City?
The East River Ferry offers breathtaking views of iconic NYC landmarks, including the Manhattan Skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty. Take this scenic ride for a unique perspective on the city's famous sights.
How long are NY Waterway tickets good for?
NY Waterway tickets are valid for 30 days (paper tickets) or 60 days (Ten-Trip tickets) from the date of purchase, with expiration dates printed on the ticket
How to pay for NY Waterway ferry?
To pay for NY Waterway ferry tickets, download the NY Waterway Ferry App and select or add your desired payment method during the checkout process. Simply follow the app's prompts to complete your purchase securely and easily.
Sources
- https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2015-05-18/why-ferries-are-the-best-way-to-see-nyc-and-where-to-find-them
- https://sail-nyc.com/new-york-city-boat-tours/
- https://sail-nyc.com/browse-by-boat-yacht-manhattan/
- https://www.njfarmgirl.com/blog/ny-waterway-ferry-fall-foliage-tour-family-review
- https://www.visithudson.org/abouthc/transportationmap/ny-waterway/
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