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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 01 May, 2023

In case you didn’t know, the city of New York has five boroughs. The smallest, Manhattan, where all the fun stuff is, is actually a small (and very crowded) island, bordered by the Hudson River to the west, and the East River to the east.

So seeing New York by boat is not as daft as it might seem – it’s a great way to appreciate New York’s spectacular skyscraper-infused skyline without the crowds and traffic, and comes with commentary explaining the history of the skyline, the famous bridges and the Statue of Liberty – useful without being too obtrusive.

Options range from a 3-hour round trip to a 30-minute thrill ride.

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Tours depart from Pier 83 in Midtown.

The ‘Semi-Circle’, a 2-hour trip round the bottom of Manhattan and back, is a safe (and cheap) bet, with views of the Empire State, Statue of Liberty, Financial District skyscrapers and Brooklyn Bridge. There’s also a 3-hour option that circumnavigates the whole island, or a cruise to the Statue of Liberty and back in 75 minutes.

For the thrill seeker, there’s an adrenaline-pumping 30-minute jetboat ride down the Hudson to the Statue of Liberty and back.

The City Pass

The mobile-delivered City Pass gives you entry to 6 top New York attractions at a 40% discount: the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

When to do it

Cruises run all year round, seven days a week, rain or shine.

The ‘Harbour Lights Cruise’ runs at sunset, so you can appreciate the New York skyline lit up by a galaxy of office lights.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

New York City Landmarks Circle Line Cruise

New York City

New York City Landmarks Circle Line Cruise
Experience the grandeur of New York's skyline on this 1.5-hour highlights cruise. Sit back and relax while you cruise past New York's major sights, and enjoy a close encounter of the best kind with the Statue of Liberty.

Price: $41

Rating 4.49 / 5 [702 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

New York City

Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise
Take an evening New York City Harbor Lights cruise and, when seasons allow, bask in the glow of the setting sun and glistening harbor lights. While listening to an entertaining and informative tour commentary, sip your favorite drink and watch the City of New York light up for the night.

Price: $49

Rating 4.40 / 5 [1943 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

New York City

Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise
Sit back and unwind on a relaxing two and a half hour cruise around Manhattan Island. You'll see all the sights on the only New York cruise to circumnavigate Manhattan in its entirety.

Price: $49

Rating 4.41 / 5 [2498 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

New York City

Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise
See many major New York sights on a 90-minute boat cruise on a 1920s-style yacht! Enjoy views from the open bow, or relax in the spacious climate controlled glassed-enclosed observation cabin. The boat cruises along the Hudson River offering views of Manhattan's west side and booming skyline. Pass by the Financial District, Ellis Island, and Statue of Liberty as the boat cruises into New York Harbor.

Price: $64

Rating 4.77 / 5 [245 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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New York City Sailboat Day Cruise to the Statue of Liberty

New York City

New York City Sailboat Day Cruise to the Statue of Liberty
Experience New York by water on this 2-hour sail aboard Schooner Adirondack, an 80-foot, 2-masted schooner inspired by the pilot schooners of the 1890s. Sit back and relax as the crew raises sail and the boat effortlessly glides along the Hudson River and by Manhattan's iconic landmarks. Sail past World One and Manhattan's towering financial district, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Great for families who want to sail and see the sights!

Price: $68

Rating 4.76 / 5 [59 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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See It All NYC Walking and Boat Tour

New York City

See It All NYC Walking and Boat Tour
This unique tour is hosted by an experienced tour guide who is a native New Yorker. You will learn about the history and culture of New York City and you'll also learn "secrets" that you would not be able to find out on your own. Your experienced tour guide has dozens of 5 star reviews on AirBnb. Our tour is also unique because we cover a LOT of ground! You will see more of NYC in 6 hours than most people see in 6 days! And you will have your own personal tour guide with you every step of the way. This is NOT like one of those "hop on hop off" bus tours where you're basically left alone. Your guide will be with you to answer your questions and teach you all of his New York Secrets every step of the way! These are also smaller tours than the big bus tours, we generally have only around 12 people on a tour so everyone gets individual attention and your tour guide is there for you every step of the way. PS: If you want a private tour or a date not on the calendar please message us.

Price: $70

Rating 4.82 / 5 [40 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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New York City Lights and Skyline Cruise on Yacht

New York City

New York City Lights and Skyline Cruise on Yacht
Experience the bright New York City skyline with views from the water in New York Harbor on this night time cruise. Step aboard a 1920s inspired motor yacht and enjoy a private table in the main, climate controlled salon. Relax and take in the sights of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island along with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline at night.

Price: $72

Rating 4.77 / 5 [57 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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New York Sunset Schooner Cruise on the Hudson River

New York City

New York Sunset Schooner Cruise on the Hudson River
Experience a New York City sunset from the water on this evening sightseeing sail past many famous waterside landmarks. Step aboard the 80-foot, 2-masted sailboat known as Schooner Adirondack - inspired by the pilot schooners of the 1890s. Sail past One World Trade, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. This is a very popular tour for date night, entertaining out of town guests and locals alike!

Price: $96

Rating 4.88 / 5 [90 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Manhattan Adventure Boat Ride

New York City

Manhattan Adventure Boat Ride
The ultimate custom sightseeing experience in New York Harbor! Enjoy the city from great vantage points and photograph the world-famous skyline on the same boat media agencies charter to cover breaking news! Our Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes you on an unforgettable ride through the harbor. The narrated tour points out more than 40 sights on the local waterways. You’ll experience the city from unique vantage points, carefully chosen with the photographer’s interest in mind. We’ll bring you within feet of major attractions and create plenty of distance to view the panoramic skyline. Our captains stop the boat at many places along the way to give you the opportunity to take iconic photos. It’s the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the geography of New York City during your visit and a lot of fun for tourists and locals alike!

Price: $99

Rating 4.99 / 5 [417 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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New York Sailboat Cruise with Wine and Cheese

New York City

New York Sailboat Cruise with Wine and Cheese
Step aboard New York City’s only floating designated landmark and cruise along New York Harbor while tasting a stunning international selection of wines. During your relaxing sail, learn about the fine wines chosen especially for that day's sail and savor delicious pairings of cheese while enjoying breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, Brooklyn Heights and the other treasures of New York Harbor. This 2-hour wine-centric sailing adventure makes for a informative, relaxing, casual afternoon with friends and family.

Price: $136

Rating 4.41 / 5 [12 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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New York Dinner Cruise

New York City

New York Dinner Cruise
Grab your friends or that special someone and get ready for two-and-a-half hours of real New York fun departing from Chelsea Piers! This New York dinner cruise includes an attended chef-prepared buffet, fun DJ music with dancing and breathtaking views of the New York skyline from the interior dining decks and outside rooftop lounge. Creative cocktails, wine and beer available from the well-stocked cash bar. Enjoy iconic skyline views of Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and more! You will get a great view of Lady Liberty from the boat and get to take amazing photos. Don't wait - add this dinner cruise to your New York itinerary today!

Price: $151

Rating 4.17 / 5 [1020 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise

New York City

Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise
Step aboard our 1920s-style yachts, either Manhattan or Manhattan II, with teak decks, large observation windows and an aesthetically pleasing decor, for a leisurely 2.75-hour weekend brunch cruise. Circumnavigate the Island of Manhattan, seeing all the major sights while enjoying a family-style brunch served at your private table in our main salon. Each table is protected by Plexiglass dividers, cushioned seating and openable windows. Our menu is packed with delicious New York State foods and local goods from NYC purveyors: fresh bagels and bakery, seasonal fruit, craft sausages, fresh seasonal salad, stuffed quiche, a classic smoked salmon display and pastries.

Price: $158

Rating 4.85 / 5 [49 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise

New York City

Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise
Come aboard Bateaux New York for NYC's most elegant dinner on the water! Enjoy a chef-prepared, 3-course plated dinner while you take in unforgettable 360° views of the skyline from the East and Hudson Rivers. Cruise past the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center and more. Take in incredible up-close views of the Statue of Liberty! From the fully glass-enclosed dining deck or exterior open-air deck you will get panoramic breathtaking views of the iconic city sights. Enjoy a live band performance with female vocalist and pianist. Creative cocktails, wine and beer are available for purchase from the well-stocked cash bar. Bateaux New York is your excuse to dress up! Semi-formal attire (dress pants, dress shirts, skirts or dresses and dress shoes) is required for your special night on the water. Casual jeans, t-shirts, and sandals are not permitted onboard. Get ready for a glamorous evening!

Price: $192

Rating 4.42 / 5 [960 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Luxury Daytime Boat Tour in New York City - 1 Hour

New York City

Private Luxury Daytime Boat Tour in New York City - 1 Hour
Explore the waters around Manhattan on a 1-hour private sightseeing cruise. Select a departure time, then climb aboard a luxurious, 28-foot powerboat cruiser and enjoy a relaxing and comfortable journey around lower Manhattan. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Freedom Tower, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and much more without the hassle of waiting on long lines or large crowds! This delightful boat cruise departs New York City's North Cove Marina, located adjacent to the Freedom Tower and 9/11 Memorial, every day. Each private tour is limited to only six passengers, ensuring that riders can sit back and enjoy the iconic landmarks of New York City without waiting in long lines or sitting on overcrowded ferries.

Price: $350

Rating 4.90 / 5 [22 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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New York Private Boat Charter (Up to 6 Passengers)

New York City

New York Private Boat Charter (Up to 6 Passengers)
The ultimate custom sightseeing experience in New York Harbor! Enjoy the city from great vantage points and photograph the world-famous skyline on the same boat media agencies charter to cover breaking news! Our 'PRIVATE CHARTER' Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes your group of up to 6 passengers on an unforgettable ride through the harbor. The narrated tour points out more than 40 sights on the local waterways. You’ll experience the city from unique vantage points, carefully chosen with the photographer’s interest in mind. We’ll bring you within feet of major attractions and create plenty of distance to view the panoramic skyline. Our captains stop the boat at many places along the way to give you the opportunity to take iconic photos. It’s the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the geography of New York City during your visit and a lot of fun for tourists and locals alike!

Price: $699

Rating 5 / 5 [33 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

New York City

The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.