Top New York Cruise Tours
Seeing New York City from the water is a simple way to link famous sights with wide open views. Boat tours along the Hudson River and East River let you take in the skyline, bridges, and harbor without traffic or long walks. From quick loops near the Statue of Liberty to longer cruises that circle Manhattan, you can match a route to your time and interests. Use the guide below to choose a cruise, plan connections, and combine your sailing with easy city sightseeing.
How to choose (quick guide)
Start with your situation
- First time in New York: Pick a harbor loop that passes the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, runs under Brooklyn Bridge, and returns to a central pier. You get classic skyline views in one trip.
- Short on time: Choose a 60 to 90 minute cruise departing from Midtown West or Battery Park so you can step off close to subways and keep the rest of your day flexible.
- Families: Look for covered seating, restrooms, and commentary. Keep water time under 90 minutes and board early for a calm spot on deck.
- Couples: Book sunset or night sailings for lights on the skyline. Cool breezes are common after dark, so bring an extra layer even in summer.
- Photographers: Late afternoon light works well on glass towers. Morning trips can be calmer and clearer for long shots of Lower Manhattan.
- Accessibility needs: Confirm ramp access at the pier and deck layout before you go. Tidal changes can affect slopes to the gangway.
- Luggage day: Store bags first, then board a round trip that ends near your next stop so you are not crossing town after the cruise.
Options explained
- Liberty and Ellis circuit: The essential route for first time visitors. Expect wide angles of the Statue of Liberty with Lower Manhattan and One World Trade in the background.
- Midtown harbor highlights: Depart near the Theater District, sail down the Hudson past the High Line, Hudson Yards, and the Empire State Building views, then loop back to the same pier.
- East River bridges run: Focus on spans and skyline. Pass under Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges with strong views back toward Midtown and the Chrysler Building.
- Circle Manhattan cruise: A longer itinerary around the whole island, linking the Hudson, Harlem River, and East River. Best for repeat visitors or anyone who wants the full shoreline in one go.
- Sunset and night cruises: Aim for golden hour into blue hour for reflections on the water and lights across the Financial District, DUMBO, and Midtown.
- Private charter or small yacht: Ideal for small groups and events. Custom timing and routes allow you to dwell on bridges, landmarks, or special photo angles.
Practical tips
- Where to board: Major piers sit on the West Side near Midtown West and Hudson Yards, and Downtown by Battery Park. East River departures serve South Street and DUMBO. Check your pier name and street number in advance.
- When to go: Mornings are often calmer. Late afternoon offers warm directional light. Evenings are best for reflections and city lights but feel cooler on open decks.
- Tickets and timing: Keep a QR code screenshot in case signal drops at the pier. Leave a buffer before timed museum entries or dinner reservations.
- What to wear: Non slip shoes, a light jacket, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A microfiber cloth helps clear lens glare for photos.
- Motion and weather: Wind can be stronger on deck than on land. If forecast winds rise, choose a shorter loop for comfort and sit lower in the vessel.
- Food and drink: Many boats sell snacks, but carry water on hot days. Check the policy before bringing your own items.
- Transit links: Confirm the nearest subway lines to your pier and plan the next transfer. Midtown West suits Times Square and the Theater District. Battery Park is ideal for the Financial District and the 9 11 Memorial.
- Plan buffers: Add 15 to 30 minutes for boarding and return. Piers can be busy on weekends and holidays.
Who it is best for
- First time visitors: Liberty plus bridges delivers the signature views without complex transfers.
- Couples: Sunset cruises offer quiet time and easy photos before dinner in Lower Manhattan or Midtown.
- Families: Short harbor loops reduce walking and keep children engaged with commentary and open views.
- Budget planners: A daytime group sailing covers many highlights in one ticket. Add one museum or observatory rather than stacking several attractions in a single day.
- Business travellers: A 60 minute loop from Midtown gives fresh air and reset time between meetings.
- Repeat visitors: Circle Manhattan adds the Harlem River and bridges you will not see on shorter routes.
Suggested day plans
- Downtown and harbor: Morning Liberty circuit from Battery Park, coffee near Bowling Green, a walk through Wall Street, then the 9 11 Memorial and an evening stroll on the Hudson River Greenway.
- Midtown and views: Late morning Hudson loop from Midtown West, lunch in Hell Kitchen, a High Line walk, and a museum or observatory hour before dinner.
- Bridges and neighborhoods: East River run from South Street, explore DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park, then subway back for a sunset walk on the East River Esplanade.
- Photo golden hour: Afternoon harbor highlights from the West Side, pause at Hudson Yards overlook, then return for blue hour shots from the pier.
Seasonal pointers
- Spring: Weather can swing from cool to warm in one day. Layers and wind protection help on open decks.
- Summer: High sun and glare. Choose early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer queues at boarding.
- Autumn: Clear air and crisp light. Sunset shifts earlier, making it easier to combine a cruise with dinner plans.
- Winter: Fewer crowds and sharp skyline views after cold fronts. Choose covered seating and shorter loops on very cold days.
Link your cruise with Tripindicator guides
- Pin piers and nearby stops with the New York attractions map so you can keep walking and transfers short.
- Mix land and water sightseeing with ideas from best New York tours before or after your boat time.
- Stitch neighborhoods together on foot using New York walking tours around Battery Park, the Seaport, and DUMBO.
- Cover inland highlights between piers with the New York hop on hop off bus map so you do not rely only on long subway transfers.
Pick a route that matches your time, board near the sights you want next, and keep a small buffer for boarding and weather. With open river views, simple transfers, and options from quick loops to circle Manhattan, New York boat tours add light, space, and an easy pace to any city itinerary.
Best New York Boat Tours Price
| Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour | €51.88 |
| 9/11 Memorial Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - 1st tour 8:30am | €47.16 |
| Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Pre-Ferry tour Starts 8:30am | €103.77 |
| New York Sailboat Cruise with Wine and Cheese | €131.14 |
| New York Skyline Experience | €67.93 |
| Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise | €49.06 |
| Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise | €46.23 |
| New York City Landmarks Circle Line Cruise | €41.51 |
| Circle Line: NYC Liberty Cruise | €30.19 |
| 2-Day Niagara Falls Experience from NYC | €455.7 |
1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
Duration:
3 hours
- An introductory tour of one of the biggest attractions of New York and a chance to learn the history of immigration in New York.
- A visit to places offering great views of the city's skyline.
- The tour takes you to a few museums.
Compare Ticket Prices:
2. 9/11 Memorial Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - 1st tour 8:30am
Duration:
4 hours 30
- This is a 4.5 hours tour of Ellis Island, Liberty Statue, and 9/11 Memorial with the help of a guide
- It is an opportunity to beat hectic crowds to remarkable landmarks via early departure tickets
- Your guide will enlighten you about the landmarks and NY with your all inclusive admission ticket
Compare Ticket Prices:
3. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Pre-Ferry tour Starts 8:30am
Duration:
2 to 4 hou
- This is a tour that takes place at Battery Park in the southern part of Manhattan.
- After the guided tour revealing places of interest in the park, the self-guided tour of Liberty and Ellis Islands takes place.
- Visit the Statue of Liberty and the Immigration Museum.
Compare Ticket Prices:
4. New York Sailboat Cruise with Wine and Cheese
Duration:
1 hour 30
- A waterway sail while enjoying some wine, cheese, and the beautiful scenery of New York
- The cruise goes by Elis Island, Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Heights, an
- Aboard, you get to enjoy some of the top wines, cheese, and charcuterie
Compare Ticket Prices:
5. New York Skyline Experience
Duration:
1 hour 30
- This is a three hours tour of downtown NYC with opportunity to explore and view fascinating sceneries aboard a cruise and hop-off and hop-on buses
- It is an opportunity to selectively participate in activities that thrill you the most instead of having to participate in group tours
- This tour allows the visitor to explore
Compare Ticket Prices:
6. Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise
Duration:
2 hours 30
- A cruise around Manhattan Island in New York.
- A chance to see many of the city's landmarks during a single tour.
- An opportunity to learn a lot about the Big Apple in just a few hours.
Compare Ticket Prices:
7. Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise
Duration:
2 hours
- It is a twilight cruise for two hours on Ney York’s harbor
- Enjoy your cocktail of choice as you watch the sunset views of Manhattan
- An expert’s guide and commentary about the sites of interest
Compare Ticket Prices:
8. New York City Landmarks Circle Line Cruise
Duration:
1 hour 30
- New York as some of the global renown landmarks
- Viewing sites, such as the Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty an on a cruise, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge is a unique experience
- The cruise on New York’s harbors accompanied by narration by narration from a well-trained tour
Compare Ticket Prices:
9. Circle Line: NYC Liberty Cruise
Duration:
1 hour
- This is a sixty minutes tour around NYC famous monuments and entry to the harbor.
- A cruise around Liberty Statue, above Ellis Island, and under Brooklyn Bridge
- A view of NYC and Manhattan skyline from water along Hudson River
Compare Ticket Prices:
10. 2-Day Niagara Falls Experience from NYC
Duration:
2 days
- Discover the stunning beauty and power of the world-famous Niagara Falls from above and below, in daylight and under the cover of night. Explore the pristine beauty of New England and do some bargain shopping along the way.
On Day 1 depart New York, passing beautiful landscapes and visiting Watkins Glen State Park or Montour Falls (during... read more
Compare Ticket Prices:
11. Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise
Duration:
1 hour 15
- Looking for the best view of the Statue of Liberty? Our tours offer the best views of the Statue of Liberty and other New York City landmarks as you cruise the waterways. During your experience, you’ll also get to cruise by Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan’s impressive skyline, and more!
You’ll get endless opportunities to... read more
Compare Ticket Prices:
12. Statue of Liberty Express Guided Tour
Duration:
3 to 6 hou
- Visit New York's most popular attraction the Statue of Liberty and get full guided tour of the grounds at Liberty Island plus admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum. Book in advance - skip the long ticketing lines and pick up your tickets when you meet your guide. Benefit from the experience of live guide to help you navigate the crowds and... read more
Compare Ticket Prices:
13. NYC: Valentine's Day Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner
Duration:
3 hours
- Spend Valentine's Day on a romantic cruise as the sun sets. Admire the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the NYC skyline with a Champagne toast or a glass of wine. Savor a buffet dinner and Valentine-inspired desserts under the moonlight.
Cash bar for top shelf drinks. Decedent dessert service includes a Valentine's Day Heart Cake,... read more
Compare Ticket Prices:
14. NYC: Statue of Liberty & 911 Memorial & Museum-8:30am 1st Tour
Duration:
5 hours
- Experience Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park like no other on this Exclusive VIP Tour: 911 Memorial & Museum Admission Plus Statue of Liberty. Your tour is fully guided throughout from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty to Ellis Island to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial.... read more
