Sailboat Cruise Statue of Liberty NYC: 2-hour harbor sail

Two hours under sail in New York Harbor, past the landmarks that define the city.

You board at Chelsea Piers and sail past Manhattan's Financial District, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty aboard a historic two-masted schooner. The crew raises the sails by hand, and you get one complimentary drink while the boat glides through the harbor for roughly two hours. Small groups, no queues, and you're back on the pier in time for dinner.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail New York Harbor and see landmarks

• Depart from Chelsea Piers
• Sail past Manhattan's Financial District
• View Ellis Island from deck
• Sail around New York Harbor
• See Statue of Liberty up close

The experience

You're standing on the deck of an 80-foot schooner, and the crew is about to raise the sails, not with a motor, but by hand, the way they did it a hundred years ago. The Schooner Adirondack is built on that old design, a two-masted sailing ship that leaves Chelsea Piers and heads straight into New York Harbor. It's the kind of thing that sounds touristy until you're actually there and the sails fill with wind and the boat tips slightly and Manhattan just starts sliding past you in a way that makes you forget you're in the middle of a city of eight million people.

The route takes you past the Financial District first (those glass towers stacked up against the water), and then out toward Ellis Island, where you get a clear view of the buildings from the deck. The Statue of Liberty comes next, and yeah, it's the thing everyone comes to see, but there's something different about approaching it by water instead of by ferry. You're not herded into a boat full of tourists. You're sailing around it, and the angle keeps changing. One complimentary beverage comes with your ticket, so you can stand there with a drink in hand and just watch it get closer. The whole thing takes between an hour and forty-five minutes and two hours, depending on wind and tides, which is long enough to actually feel like you've left the city, but short enough that you're back on the pier before the afternoon gets away from you.

Families book this a lot, and it's easy to see why: kids get to watch the crew work the sails, and there's no sitting in a museum or standing in a line. The boat takes small groups, which means it doesn't feel like a cattle call. Service animals are welcome, and the crew will help you board if you need it, but you do have to be able to get on and off a boat, so that's worth knowing. No outside alcohol allowed, and large group bookings aren't an option here, which keeps the whole thing from turning into a party boat. You're there for the sailing and the view, and that's what you get.

What’s included

• Your experience includes the two-hour sailing cruise departing from Chelsea Piers, views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the boat sails through New York Harbor, and one complimentary beverage.
• The crew handles the sails, and you watch the city's skyline and landmarks from the deck.
• Service animals are welcome, and the crew can assist with boarding if you let them know in advance.

Options for this experience

2 options

Off PeakGuide in English · 9 departure times: the first at 11:30, the last at 15:00Lasts 1 hour 45 minutes; the experience runs between 1.75 and 2 hours. Off-peak weekday pricing.

PeakGuide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 14:45Lasts 1 hour 45 minutes; the experience runs between 1.75 and 2 hours. Weekend and peak weekday pricing.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 49 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Classic Harbor Line NYC

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island without a crowded ferry or a museum visit. You're on the water, moving under sail, for roughly two hours. Small groups and a single drink included keep it relaxed, though you do need to be able to board a boat and stand on deck.

Traveler reviews

4.87★★★★★★★★★★

183 verified traveler reviews

5 ★172

4 ★5

3 ★2

2 ★1

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3).

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.

How long is the New York Harbor sailboat cruise?

The cruise lasts between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on wind and tidal conditions.

Where does the boat depart from?

The Schooner Adirondack departs from Chelsea Piers in Manhattan.

What is included in the ticket price?

One complimentary beverage is included with your ticket. The experience focuses on the sailing and views of the harbor landmarks.

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

No, guests are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages onboard.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted. Emotional support animals and pets are not allowed.

Do I need to be in good physical condition?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though you do need to be able to board and move around the deck.

What if I need help boarding the boat?

Let the operator know in advance if you require assistance for boarding, and the crew will help you.

Can large groups book this cruise?

Large group bookings are not permitted. Multiple bookings may be subject to added fees or cancellation by the operator.

Is public transportation available to Chelsea Piers?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby to reach the departure point.