Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise: Oktoberfest on the Water

Four hours of autumn color, two landmark bridges, and Oktoberfest music on the water

A four-hour Hudson River cruise from Manhattan celebrates fall foliage and Oktoberfest with live music, German food specials and beers available for purchase. The boat passes under the George Washington Bridge and Mario Cuomo Bridge, cruises past the Palisades cliffs and Hook Mountain, and offers 360-degree views from expansive outdoor decks or climate-controlled indoor seating.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

• Board cruise in New York City
• Cruise up Hudson River
• Pass under George Washington Bridge
• View Hook Mountain
• Pass Palisades cliffs
• Pass The Met Cloisters museum
• Pass Mario Cuomo Bridge
• Enjoy Oktoberfest music and narration
• Purchase German food and beers onboard
• Disembark at starting point

The experience

Boarding starts at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM departure, and the boat returns around 2 PM depending on tides and weather. The forty-mile route takes you north past some of the Hudson's most recognizable landmarks: the George Washington Bridge, which carries over 103 million vehicles per year, and the Mario Cuomo Bridge, a dual-span structure completed in 2018. Between them rise the Palisades, steep cliffs that climb about 540 feet from the water's edge. Hook Mountain, rising 689 feet, marks another turning point in the journey: Dutch settlers called it Verdrietige Hook, or "Tedious Point."

The Oktoberfest theme runs throughout the cruise with live music on deck and light narration from your guide. Food and drink are available for purchase: the German menu features an Oktoberfest Feast Plate with your choice of bratwurst, vegan sausage or pork schnitzel, served with German potato salad, red cabbage, potato pancakes, apple sauce and sauerkraut. Bavarian pretzels, apple cider donuts and seasonal beers round out the offerings, along with sandwiches, pizza, nachos and salads if you prefer something lighter. The full bar serves hot and cold beverages, beer, wine and cocktails.

You can spend the morning on the huge outdoor decks catching fall sun and 360-degree river views, or retreat to the climate-controlled cabins with large windows built for sightseeing. Restrooms and free Wi-Fi are available throughout the vessel. No outside food or beverage is permitted, but the onboard options cover most tastes and budgets.

What’s included

• Four-hour fall foliage cruise on the Hudson River.
• access to spacious outdoor decks and climate-controlled indoor cabins with large windows.
• live Oktoberfest music and light narration from your guide.
• free Wi-Fi throughout the vessel.
• restrooms available onboard.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs Saturday and Sunday at 10:00, from US$ 69 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesSaturday and SundayDeparts at 10:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 4001 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Manhattan at 10:00 AM, so it works well if you're staying in the city or arriving by public transportation. No car needed to board. The four-hour round trip fits neatly into a morning or early afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free.

Traveler reviews

4.25★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What bridges do you pass under on this Hudson River cruise?

The George Washington Bridge and the Mario Cuomo Bridge. The George Washington Bridge is the world's busiest suspension bridge, and the Mario Cuomo Bridge, completed in 2018, connects Westchester and Rockland counties across the Hudson.

Is food included in the cruise price, or do I pay separately?

Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard. The German menu, pretzels, apple cider donuts, beers and other drinks are sold à la carte, so you choose what you want and pay at the time of purchase.

What are the Palisades you see from the boat?

The Palisades are a line of steep cliffs that rise about 540 feet from the Hudson River's edge. They form one of the most dramatic natural features along this stretch of the river.

How much time do you spend on the water?

The cruise lasts four hours total. Boarding begins at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM departure, and the boat returns around 2 PM, depending on tides and weather conditions.