Manhattan sightseeing boat tour from Chelsea Piers: 40+ landmarks

Stop at a dozen landmarks and frame the skyline from the water

A narrated sightseeing boat tour departing from Chelsea Piers that circles New York Harbor and stops at 12 vantage points, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Governors Island, with a Coast Guard licensed captain positioning the boat so every passenger can photograph the landmarks. The tour runs 60 minutes and includes landing fees. Gratuities for the captain are not included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each8 stops

1. Little Island1m
2. Brooklyn Bridge5m
3. Governors Island2m
4. Statue of Libertypassing by
5. Ellis Islandpassing by
6. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall2m
7. Hudson Yards3m
8. Manhattan Bridge2m

Sightseeing boat tour in New York Harbor

• Stop by Little Island park
• Cross from Hoboken to Financial District
• Round Battery Park and enter East River
• Cruise past South Street Seaport
• Go under Brooklyn Bridge
• Stop north of Brooklyn Bridge for photos
• View old buildings on Governors Island
• Cross Upper Bay to Statue of Liberty
• Stop outside Statue of Liberty security zone
• Pass Ellis Island and view NYC skyline
• Cross to New Jersey shoreline for skyline views
• Stop in front of Hudson Yards Complex
• Stop between Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges

The experience

The boat leaves Chelsea Piers and heads into the harbor on a fixed route that covers more than 40 sights across the waterways. Your captain stops at 12 spots along the way (Little Island, the Financial District, Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Hudson Yards, and the Manhattan Bridge among them), and positions the vessel so you can get the shot without craning or jostling for space. The narration points out what you're seeing as you pass, and the captain helps with photo requests at each stop.

The route crosses between Manhattan and the New Jersey shoreline for panoramic views of the downtown skyline, then runs the East River past South Street Seaport and under the Brooklyn Bridge. You'll see the helicopters taking off and landing near the Financial District, watch commercial vessels like tug boats and oil barges in the Upper Bay, and pass the Red Hook Container Terminal along the Brooklyn waterfront. The boat approaches the Statue of Liberty close enough for an unobstructed view without entering the security zone, and on the return you pass Ellis Island with the full skyline behind it.

The tour runs 60 minutes total and requires a minimum of 4 passengers to depart. Wear flat shoes, no high heels, and bring sunglasses and a camera. Children as young as 4 can ride, and infants can travel in a stroller or pram. Service animals are allowed. The captain is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed operator, and all landing and facility fees are included in the price.

What’s included

• Narrated tour with a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain.
• 12 boat stops positioned for photography.
• landing and facility fees.
• local taxes.

Information

Lasts 1h, runs every day at 11:30 and 13:00, from US$ 99 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday: 11:30Wednesday: 11:30 and 13:00Last departure this season: 16 NovAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 122 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 (5 to 80 years) · Under 5: 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by New York Media Boat / Adventure Sightseeing Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want English narration and framing tips while photographing from the water. You'll get closer to landmarks than shore-based spots allow, and the captain's live commentary keeps pace with your camera work.

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Top questions

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 landmarks does the boat actually stop at on this tour?

The captain stops the boat at 12 spots: Little Island, the Financial District and Freedom Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Hudson Yards, the Manhattan Bridge, and several vantage points along the Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts. At each stop, the boat is positioned so every passenger can photograph the landmark without obstruction.

How long is the Manhattan sightseeing boat tour?

The tour runs 60 minutes from start to finish, departing and returning to Chelsea Piers.

What's included in the price of this boat tour?

The tour includes the narrated sightseeing experience with a Coast Guard licensed captain, all landing and facility fees, and local taxes. Gratuities for the captain are not included and are left to your discretion.

Can I bring children or infants on this tour?

Children as young as 4 years old can ride, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed aboard.

What should I wear and bring for the boat tour?

Wear flat shoes only: no high heels are permitted on the boat. Bring sunglasses and your camera. The captain will help position the boat and assist with photo requests at each of the 12 stops.

Does the tour operate if fewer than 4 passengers book?

The tour requires a minimum of 4 passengers to depart, so if your group is smaller, you may be combined with other bookings or offered an alternative date.