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Boat tours of New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

Last updated: 07 April, 2024

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.

Logistics

Price from: £25

Minimum age: 0

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.

Who to go with: organised tours

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

Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

New York City

Viator

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline. 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. Choose between two ticket types: Cruise with Standard Seating which includes general admission boarding and seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin. Cruise with Premium Seating which includes advanced boarding and exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.

Price $42

Min age 3

Rating 4.43 / 5 [3301 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

New York City

Viator

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline. 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 $55

Min age 3

Rating 4.39 / 5 [2643 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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New York Signature Dinner Cruise

New York City

Viator

Our New York City Signature Dinner Cruise is an unforgettable experience. Dine and dance on the Hudson and East Rivers with views of the city’s magnificent skyline on this casual evening out. Enjoy a delicious, chef-prepared buffet and gorgeous views of New York City’s spectacular architecture. Cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers while you marvel at famed city landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center from our cozy, climate-controlled interior, and open air-roof decks. We keep the spirits flowing with a fully stocked bar, games, and lively music from our DJ. Join us for a memorable, one-of-a-kind dinner cruise experience.

Price $140

Min age 0

Rating 4.17 / 5 [1353 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise

New York City

Viator

A world-class city deserves a world-class harbor cruise that offers unparalleled service, dining, and entertainment. Come aboard for the New York Premier Plus Dinner Cruise and be treated to a delectable prix fixe menu, and jaw-dropping, panoramic views of New York City’s skyline from the glass enclosed yacht. You’ll see iconic landmarks up close, such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center. As you marvel at Manhattan from the Hudson and East Rivers, enjoy tasty cocktails and the sweet sounds of our superb vocalist and acoustic band. This one-of-a-kind dinner cruise experience is as exhilarating as it is memorable.

Price $257

Min age 6

Rating 4.39 / 5 [1303 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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